Explosions echoed across the construction site.
The three future pinnacles of naval combat power had now transformed into the most efficient unpaid laborers, vigorously channeling their energy into reshaping three mountainous structures.
The development of Punk Hazard had entered an unprecedented period of rapid progress.
The foundation had been laid, with hundred-meter-tall alloy walls beginning to take shape. Vast underground spaces had been excavated, transforming the entire island into an awakening steel behemoth that showed visible changes with each passing day.
But Kane knew this wasn't enough.
The Red Count was an exceptional debt collector who could solve urgent financial needs, but he couldn't become a stable source of cash flow.
The New World was too vast, with too many powerful figures. Working alone, his efficiency would always be limited.
More importantly, making too much noise would easily attract the attention of Naval Headquarters. If a legendary pirate suddenly started "visiting" influential figures across both sides of the law, specifically targeting the wealthy, even a fool could guess something was amiss behind the scenes.
He had already pushed the Fleet Admiral to his limits - the old man was nearly drained dry. Any more pressure would likely alert the Five Elders.
He needed to find a stable, efficient, and sufficiently discreet long-term source of wealth.
A heart that could continuously supply blood to his War Fortress.
Rob the Celestial Tribute?
Kane immediately dismissed the thought.
It wasn't that he feared the Celestial Dragons, but such actions were meaningless. If he stole it, the World Government would simply transfer the deficit to the Affiliated Countries, and those kings would intensify their exploitation of common citizens.
Though greedy, he wasn't greedy enough to smash ordinary people's rice bowls.
His gaze traveled across the nautical chart, finally settling on that vast network spanning the entire world, breeding in shadows, controlling endless wealth and intelligence.
The underworld of the New World.
Kane pulled out an exquisitely crafted token from his chest. At its center was engraved the emblem of the World Government, bordered by patterns representing the highest authority.
The "CP0 Mobilization Order" specially bestowed by the Five Elders when they made him their direct intelligence agent.
This thing was far more valuable than ten billion Berries.
...
New World, The City That Never Sleeps, Pleasure Quarter.
As night fell, this city built upon desire was just awakening.
Neon lights flashed amidst decadent splendor.
As the most prosperous den of vice in the underworld, it gathered all manner of people from across the seas. Pirates, mafia, even disguised royalty and nobility all came here to expend their excess hormones and money.
At the city's center, the top floor of the tallest tower served as the heart of this city.
This was the private domain of the Queen of Pleasure Quarter, Stussy.
Inside the office, soft light from luxurious crystal chandeliers illuminated the space, while the air carried the rich aroma of premium red wine mingled with a woman's scent.
Stussy lounged lazily on a burgundy velvet sofa, swirling the liquid in her glass.
Golden curls cascaded over pale collarbones, her long legs crossed where the slit of her robe hinted at glimpses of what lay beneath.
She appeared to be savoring wine, but in reality, she was reviewing intelligence on the recent movements in the New World.
"G-5 Branch reconstruction... the mysterious Navy Rear Admiral Kane..."
Stussy looked at the intelligence in her hand, a playful curve forming on her red lips.
"That young man who defeated Golden Lion? Even Red Count was repelled... what an interesting man."
As soon as the words fell.
"Since you find him interesting, why not get to know him personally?"
A slightly teasing male voice sounded abruptly in the room without warning.
Stussy's fingers holding the wine glass paused slightly, but she didn't scream or panic like an ordinary woman. As a top agent of Cipher Pol Aigis Zero, her mental fortitude far surpassed that of ordinary people.
She slowly raised her head and looked toward the floor-to-ceiling window of the office, which had been pushed open at some unknown time.
The night wind poured in, rustling the curtains.
A tall figure draped in a Justice Coat stood there, silhouetted against the moonlight.
It was Kane.
Without the slightest awareness of being an uninvited guest, he strode confidently into the room, his leather boots leaving several conspicuous muddy prints on the expensive handmade carpet.
"Kane... Rear Admiral?"
Stussy set down her wine glass, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before being replaced by her signature, charming, business-like fake smile.
She stood up, her silk nightgown slipping slightly with the movement, outlining her stunning curves.
"My, what a rare guest."
Stussy glided forward with light steps, carrying a fragrant breeze as she actively approached him.
"What brings the famous Marine Hero to my humble abode?"
"What? Not welcome?"
Kane swaggered in, his gaze direct and unabashedly appreciating the sight before him.
"Not at all."
Stussy walked up to Kane, her breath as fragrant as orchids.
"The arrival of the Marine Hero brings honor to this place. Does a man of your stature have any special requests? Big sister here has many lovely girls. No matter what type you prefer, I can satisfy you~"
As she spoke, her slender fingers traced teasingly across Kane's neck.
This was her weapon.
On these seas, few men could resist the charm of the Queen of the Pleasure Quarter.
However.
Kane merely glanced down at her, his eyes as clear as a saint's—if one ignored the way they were shamelessly appraising her figure.
He pulled out a cigar and lit it on his own.
Thick smoke filled his lungs before he turned and blew it all onto that exquisitely beautiful face.
"Cough..." Caught off guard, Stussy took half a step back, her smile stiffening for a moment.
"Stop calling yourself 'big sister' and 'girls,' it's too distant."
Kane looked through the smoke at the slightly flustered, lovely face and grinned, revealing a set of gleaming white teeth.
"You look just fine to me. Well-maintained, too. Can't even tell your real age."
His gaze shamelessly swept over her figure before finally settling on her captivating eyes.
"How about... you satisfy me yourself?"
The smile on Stussy's face froze completely.
She took a step back, creating a safe distance, her eyes carrying a hint of cold warning.
"Rear Admiral Kane, you really know how to joke."
"If you're here for pleasure, the Pleasure Quarter is always open. But if you're here to cause trouble... even though you're the Marine Hero, the waters behind this place run much deeper than you think."
"Let's just get straight to the point."
"Now that's more like it."
He flicked the ash from his cigarette, pulled out an unremarkable black token from his coat, and casually tossed it onto the table.
Tap.
A soft sound, yet it made Stussy's pupils contract sharply.
She stared fixedly at the token, the icy expression on her face instantly replaced by a mix of shock and gravity.
Cipher Pol Aigis Zero?!
"You..."
Stussy stared at the token, then looked up at the seemingly carefree Marine before her, her mind in chaos.
"You're with the Five Elders?!"
She had considered every possibility, but never expected that this Navy Rear Admiral, who preached Justice in the papers all day while acting erratically in reality, was actually a "special envoy" sent by her own superiors' superiors?
"Let me reintroduce myself. Kane, commander of G-5 Base."
Kane's smile remained, but now carried a condescending edge.
"Of course, in this room, you can think of me as... your direct superior."
Stussy took a deep breath, the dramatic rise and fall of her chest betraying her inner turmoil.
Years of training as an agent forced her to calm down.
She sat back down, this time with less of a queen's arrogance and more of a subordinate's caution.
"My apologies for the disrespect."
Stussy said softly, her voice now devoid of any seductiveness.
"May I ask what information the special envoy requires this time? Whether it's Roger's movements or the whereabouts of other major pirates, as long as the information circulates in the underworld, the Pleasure Quarter can provide you with an answer within three days."
"Information?"
Kane shook his head, wagging a finger in front of him.
"No, no, we'll talk about that later."
He leaned forward slightly, his pitch-black eyes fixed on Stussy like a predator eyeing its prey.
"This time, I'm only concerned with one question."
His voice was soft, yet carried an undeniable tone of command.
"How many Berries does the Pleasure Quarter actually make in a year?"
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