(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited
smoothly. sp.atreon/INeedRest)
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Before arriving at Water 7, Senju Tobirama had ticulously reviewed all the available information about Rob Lucci.
After studying it, even he couldn't help but admire the man's talent.
Powerful, ruthless to his enemies, and absolutely loyal to completing the tasks assigned by his superiors.
Rob Lucci embodied qualities that reminded Tobirama of the Will of Fire-the genuine version, not the "Third Hokage's special edition."
Since their ultimate goal was to dominate this world, Tobirama knew they couldn't limit their vision to the existing strong individuals from the ninja world.
He had to adopt Colt's style: recruiting and molding powerful individuals from this world to serve under their banner.
However, Lucci's response was imdiate and resolute.
"Don't dream of it-I will never betray the World Governnt!" Lucci's tone was unyielding, and his glare held firm defiance.
Tobirama, unbothered, responded with a calm smile.
"No, I'm not asking you to betray the World Governnt. After all, We work for the World Governnt too..."
Before Lucci could react, Third Raikage and Third Kazekage burst into mocking laughter. "That's right," Third Raikage said. "We're also working for the World Governnt!" "Who else but us could serve as the CPO, the legendary shield of the Celestial Dragons?" Kazekage added sarcastically.
Lucci's composure faltered as he cursed the World Governnt inwardly.
What kind of fool had entrusted such dangerous individuals with critical roles in the CPO? Tobirama placed a hand on Lucci's shoulder, maintaining his disarming smile.
"The World Governnt will continue to exist, ruling over this sea. All we're doing is changing its leadership."
He leaned in slightly.
"Rob Lucci, do you truly believe you have a promising future under Spandam? Even without us, where do you think you'll end up?"
The ntion of Spandam caused Lucci to falter.
He knew all too well the incompetence and malice of his superior-a man who shalessly stole credit for his subordinates' achievents but wouldn't hesitate to bla them for any failures.
The lives of many CP9 agents had been ruined under Spandam's leadership, and Lucci had no illusions about his eventual fate.
Seeing his internal struggle, Tobirama applied more pressure.
"Lucci, do you want your companions to die here because of your stubbornness?"
At this, Lucci's gaze shifted to his team: Kaku, Jabra, Kalifa, and Blueno.
Though fear and uncertainty were written on their faces, their loyalty to him was evident in their determined expressions.
After a long silence, Lucci exhaled and spoke.
"I'll join you."
"Good choice," Tobirama replied with a satisfied grin.
Though Lucci and his team had agreed to join, Tobirama remained cautious.
"Be that as it may, I can't trust you that easily now, can I?"
He promptly placed a Seal of the Cursed Tongue Eradication on each of them.
After explaining its effects, everyone's faces turned pale.
Even their dreams would no longer be safe-one wrong word uttered in sleep could cost them their lives.
Their mission remained unchanged: to stay undercover in the Seven Waters and acquire the Pluton blueprints.
anwhile, Tobirama would handle Spandam and his father, ensuring Lucci's eventual rise to control CP9 entirely.
As Tobirama prepared to leave, he left Lucci with a parting ssage.
"Flourish in the shadows. Be the roots of the World Governnt. Though you may never see
the sunlight, you will nourish the world in silence."
Lucci stood frozen, repeating the words to himself.
"Beco... the nourishing roots?"
****
Eight Thousand ters Below the Sea.
Completely unaware of the turmoil unfolding above, Colt and his companions enjoyed a peaceful journey beneath the ocean.
They lay on the deck, marveling at the aquatic creatures swimming around the ship like an endless aquarium exhibit.
The world around them was painted in hues of blue.
Schools of oddly shaped fish darted past the Flying Feather, leaving Nami wide-eyed in
amazent.
Robin, anwhile, ticulously recorded her observations in her travel journal.
Perona and Colt, however, huddled together, their heads practically stacked on top of each
other as they debated which fish might taste the best.
Robin and Nami, overhearing snippets of their conversation, could only groan in
exasperation.
"How cruel to think about eating such adorable fish!" Robin muttered; her face lined with
disbelief.
Colt and Perona exchanged a glance, perplexed.
"Adorable? These random, ugly fish?" Colt asked incredulously.
"Robin, what's wrong with your aesthetics?" Perona chid in, shaking her head.
Colt silently resolved to correct Robin's peculiar sense of beauty soday.
****
After half a day, the Flying Feather traversed a seabed plain and entered a deep trench.
Despite the expected darkness, they found themselves bathed in sunlight—a phenonon reminiscent of the surface world.
Guided by the permanent pointer, their ship finally reached an enormous bubble that housed
their destination: Fish-Man Island.
Perona's jaw dropped as she took in the sight of the colossal bubble.
"It's... enormous!" she stamred.
"Almost as big as the Sabaody Archipelago!"
Nami, however, remained unusually quiet. Colt, noticing her unease, gently took her hand.
After spending so much ti together, he understood the reason for her discomfort.
The trauma caused by Arlong and the events in Cocoyasi Village weighed heavily on her mind.
"Fishn aren't all like Arlong," Colt said softly. "Though there are scum like him, most Fish-n are good."
Nami looked up at him, her heart ward by his concern.
She managed a small smile.
"I'm fine," she said. "Let's go in."
As they passed through the reserved entrance, the Flying Feather docked at the Fish-Man
Island port.
Waiting for them was Kisa, accompanied by a group of subordinates he had recruited from
the island, as well as King Neptune and his retinue.
Kisa greeted Colt with his trademark grin.
"Colt-sama, long ti no see. You're as radiant as ever."
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