Stussy knew the Gorosei were weighing their options. She pressed her advantage: "My terms are already quite generous. If Lord Rhett himself were negotiating..." She deliberately paused, "the demands would likely be far greater."
These words finally shook the Gorosei.
After a moment, the Den Den Mushi conveyed Nasujuro's gloomy voice: "...We can temporarily halt our suppression of Crimson Dawn."
"Not enough!" Rhett's lazy retort reached Stussy's ears.
Cold sweat instantly drenched Stussy's back, but her eyes turned ice-cold: "Not 'temporarily'—'permanently.' You'll also compensate Crimson Dawn for three times the losses suffered by the Pleasure District due to your failure to protect it during this attack. Approximately..."
Stussy glanced at Rhett, who ignored her.
She had no idea about the Pleasure District's opaque revenue streams—professional matters were best left to professionals. Right now, Stussy would push to the absolute limit.
"30 billion in compensation."
Whoa!!! Rhett shot Stussy a look.
To put this in perspective, the Gorosei had only allocated 20 billion as "pacification funds" when they'd sicced the Marines on Rhett.
The unspoken rules were simple:sabotage secretly while smiling on the surface. The moment Rhett showed any weakness, these verbal agreements would instantly vanish. This had just been a test—but Rhett had come knocking the instant they tried.
Rhett's attitude: Who agreed to your unspoken rules? I've had enough of this banana-flavored bullshit.
"Have you lost your mind? Don't push your luck!"
"This isn't a negotiation." Stussy's voice turned razor-sharp. "This is a notice. I know exactly how much the Pleasure District has earned these years."
Heavy breathing came through the Den Den Mushi—clearly, the Gorosei had reached their limit.
Finally, Saturn spoke coldly: "...Very well. But Crimson Dawn must guarantee no further indiscriminate attacks on World Government facilities."
Stussy looked to Rhett, who lazily shrugged in silent agreement.
"Deal." Stussy said crisply. "But if the World Government breaks its word..."
"Next time, the blood mist won't descend on the Pleasure District." Rhett suddenly interjected, his voice laced with mocking amusement. "It'll be Mary Geoise. Oh, and given your track record of broken promises..."
"Hand over a plot in Sabaody—the entire auction house. Send a Vice Admiral to guard it. Actual Marines, not your dogs. And if Stussy dies, I'm blaming you. Understood?"
The Den Den Mushi's expression froze before the connection was abruptly severed.
Stussy exhaled deeply, her legs nearly giving way before she steadied herself. She looked up at Rhett, her tone probe: "Lord Rhett... How did I do?"
Rhett studied her for several seconds before suddenly smiling: "Not bad. Smarter than I expected."
Stussy's tense nerves relaxed slightly, but she knew her real trial had just begun.
From tonight onward, she was no longer the World Government's pawn—but Crimson Dawn's.
Somehow more dangerous, yet somehow safer.
How long she'd live depended entirely on how long her value lasted.
Marineford, Navy Headquarters.
All Admirals assembled.
The atmosphere in Fleet Admiral Sengoku's office was so tense it could drip water.
SLAM!
Sengoku slammed a newly delivered secret report onto his desk.
"Crimson Dawn seized the Pleasure District. Stussy defected. The Gorosei compromised..." Sengoku's voice was low, each word seemingly squeezed through gritted teeth. "And they want us to station a Vice Admiral at Sabaody's auction house?!"
"What in the world is the World Government doing?!" Akainu looked ready to explode, magma-like fury practically gush from his sharp eyes. "First they let Rhett destroy Punk Hazard and leak Kizaru's seriously injured, now they're letting him encroach on Sabaody?!"
Sabaody was practically next door to Marineford—this was blatant surveillance! Even more laughable—they were supposed to send a Vice Admiral to protect the place spying on them!
Aokiji yawned: "Seems the Gorosei have hit their limit. No more petty tricks."
"Limit?!" Akainu sneered. "Ridiculous! They're just scared! Of stupid pirates!"
"Enough!" Sengoku's growl cut short the impending argument. He took a deep breath, barely suppressing his rising anger, then turned to the silent Vice Admiral Garp: "Garp, your thoughts?"
Garp adjusted his glasses, his tone calm analytical: "Actually, it's not complicated—just basic political compromise."
"The Gorosei know Rhett's personal strength and crew power already surpass Dragon's. If they keep clashing with Crimson Dawn, the only beneficiaries will be the Revolutionary Army and other opportunists."
Sengoku threw a senbei at Garp's snot-bubble-covered face.
"Wake up, Garp."
"So they're using the Marines as shields?!" Akainu's voice dripped with undisguised scorn. "Making us play bodyguard for pirates?!"
Sengoku remained silent before finally speaking slowly: "The orders have come down. We must comply."
"Fleet Admiral!" Akainu stood abruptly, his boots slamming the floor. "What kind of justice is this?!"
"Justice?" Sengoku gave a bitter laugh. "Akainu, where do you think our current military funding comes from? The Navy maintains its size solely through World Government allocations! Refuse these orders, and we'll be the ones facing budget cuts next!"
Akainu's fists clenched audibly, but he had no rebuttal.
"Then who do we send?" Aokiji suddenly broke the brief silence.
Sengoku pondered, scanning those present.
"I won't go." Akainu coldly interrupt. "I don't bodyguard pirates. And I'm an Admiral."
Sengoku sighed: "Then send Vice Admiral Rumba."
"Rumba?" Garp frown slightly. "Suitable indeed. He takes Crimson Dawn's Laboon seriously—never underestimates enemies, plus his mature, steady personality makes him a good choice. But..."
"But his strength is somewhat lacking." Sengoku wry smile. "At least he won't flip the auction house like certain others would."
Akainu snort but didn't argue further.
Three days later, at Sabaody Archipelago's Grove 1...
Dozens of Marine soldiers stood at attention outside the World Government's former largest auction house, expressions solemn.
Vice Admiral Rumba stood at the forefront, calmly observing the luxurious building.
"Sir... Are we really... protecting this place?" A major couldn't help whispering, though a hint of anticipation glimmered in his eyes. "Sir, does this mean we can monitor the Blood-Straws' movements—I mean, keep tabs on Crimson Dawn?"
Rumba didn't answer, merely giving him a light look that instantly silenced him.
Just then, the auction house doors slowly opened.
Mr. Tanaka emerged with several subordinates, his golden suit gleaming in sunlight: "Yo, Marines work fast! Reporting for duty already?"
Rumba remained expressionless: "Following orders. That's all."
"No need to be so stiff~" Tanaka spread his hands. "We're legitimate businessmen now. This is a proper business establishment."
Rumba's lip twitched almost imperceptibly.
Legitimate businessmen? Crimson Dawn?
Absurd!
But he didn't argue, simply stating coldly: "Marines handle external security only. Internal affairs are none of our concern."
"Of course, of course~" Tanaka smiling nodded before abruptly shifting tone. "Though if any trouble arises here, we'll be counting on your assistance..."
"Marines will handle matters according to law." Rumba cut him off firmly.
Tanaka raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by his attitude, but quickly smiled again: "Good. Then I'm reassured."
With that, he turned back inside, leaving the Marines standing stiffly in an suppress awkward silence.
But who cared if the Marines were happy???
Rhett was delighted. The World Government was moderately pleased. A win-win.