Iceburg's expression instantly tensed.
How did Oguro know that the Pluton blueprints were in Franky's hands?
Oguro sneered. "Don't treat the World Government like fools. If I can figure it out, they could too, given time."
"So, what's it going to be? Let these rats keep investigating under your nose… or make a deal with me and eliminate all these hidden threats at once?"
Iceburg's face flickered with uncertainty, clearly torn.
Oguro didn't rush him, giving him ample time to consider.
After a long pause, Iceburg sighed. "I suppose I have no other choice."
Regardless of whether Oguro's claim about World Government agents was true, the mention of Franky left him no option but to comply.
"Make sure you honor your promise," Iceburg said sternly.
Oguro glanced at him, then casually grabbed a sheet of paper from Iceburg's desk and quickly scribbled several names.
"I'm not sure about the peripheral members, but these are all CP9 officers."
Iceburg's eyes nearly popped out of his head. Even his most trusted secretary, Kalifa, was a World Government agent!
It was as if the World Government had placed a blade at his throat, and he had no idea how much confidential information Kalifa had already siphoned off.
And with Lucci and Kaku still undercover at Dock One… his Carrara Company was leaking like a sieve.
But Iceburg had long been a seasoned figure in Water 7. He quickly regained his composure.
He carefully pocketed the paper and said to Oguro, "Go to Shift Station and find Grandma Kokoro. She'll take you aboard the Rocketman."
"She has fishman blood. If the train crashes, she'll jump into the sea to escape. You'll be on your own."
"No problem," Oguro replied.
The deal done, Oguro wasted no time and headed straight to Shift Station.
Iceburg, meanwhile, contacted Grandma Kokoro via Den Den Mushi, then sank into deep thought.
He wanted to drive Lucci and the others out of Water 7 entirely. But if he expelled one batch, the World Government would simply send another.
Better to keep them close, but exclude them from the core operations.
After some contemplation, he called Carrara Company's HR.
"Transfer Rob Lucci from Dock One to the new dock as manager. Kalifa will head the foreign trade department."
By splitting the three completely and placing them in important yet non-confidential roles, Iceburg could reduce the risk of leaks while keeping them under observation.
"Finally, there's Franky," Iceburg muttered, eyes blazing. "How many times have I told him he can't stay in Water 7, yet he never listens! This time, he leaves, one way or another!"
Franky had always claimed he couldn't bear to leave, but this wasn't the time for sentiment. If the Pluton blueprints were found, the entire world would be at risk.
Without informing anyone, Iceburg donned a coat and quietly headed to Franky's workshop.
...
Shift Station.
Grandma Kokoro, well over fifty, emerged, her tall round stationmaster hat perched firmly.
"So, you're the ones taking the Rocketman to Enies Lobby?"
Oguro nodded. "Yes. Grandma Kokoro, our friend has been captured. We need to rescue her."
Kokoro clicked her tongue. "Tsk! Going to Enies Lobby to rescue someone… I don't know whether to call you brave or foolish."
This was one of the World Government's most important direct institutions, said to have remained impregnable for 800 years.
No normal person could hope to storm it.
Oguro's confidence brooked no doubt. "There's no place in this world we can't reach. Just drive, Grandma Kokoro."
Kokoro shrugged. "Since you've made up your minds, follow me. One warning: this train is a one-way trip. Once it starts, there's no turning back."
"There will be those who regret it," Oguro said, eyes glinting with icy resolve. "But it won't be us."
Honk!
The Rocketman's whistle sounded, and the train slowly departed, gradually picking up speed.
Two days later…
Since the Rocketman had no brakes, it raced nonstop toward Enies Lobby.
Soon, the massive complex of Enies Lobby came into view.
The island was divided into four sections: the Front Island, the Main Island, the Judicial Tower, and the Gate of Hesitation.
The Front Island served as the first barrier, a heavily fortified fortress with a large garrison.
A narrow passage connected it to the Main Island, which hovered above a gigantic waterfall—a marvel of engineering.
The Judicial Tower at the back was the most critical part of Enies Lobby and Oguro's primary target.
Spandam's office was located there.
At this moment, Robin had just been escorted into Spandam's office by Bruno.
To prevent her from using her abilities to escape, Bruno had immediately secured her wrists with Sea-Prism Stone handcuffs.
"Ah, the Devil Child, Nico Robin!"
Spandam approached with a smug grin, his voice dripping with malice.
"I only intended to find the Pluton blueprints, but heaven has granted me a bonus!"
"As the world's last archaeologist capable of reading ancient texts, you surely know how to revive Pluton, don't you?"
Robin froze. "You… you want to control Pluton?"
She hadn't expected him to harbor such vast ambitions.
"That's right!"
Spandam clenched his fists, exhilarated that his long-cherished dream was within reach.
"I already have a rough idea where the Pluton blueprints are! With you added, the two essential elements to resurrect Pluton are complete!"
"Then the ultimate power, capable of shaking any nation, will be in my hands. At that point, I'll be the center of the world!"
"Ha ha ha…"
Spandam's shrill laughter echoed, as if he were already king of the world.
He hadn't sent Lucci and the others with Robin because he wanted them to continue searching for the Pluton blueprints.
Robin and Pluton—he wanted them both.
Robin fell silent for a moment before asking slowly, "Why would Admiral Aokiji give a weapon like the Buster Call to someone like you?"
Could a Navy Admiral really be blind?
Spandam's laughter abruptly stopped.
Bang!
A fist crashed into Robin's face, knocking her to the ground.
"You bitch… are you mocking me?"
Spandam raised his foot and stomped harshly on her stomach and face.
"A mere fugitive! If I hadn't discovered your last shred of value, you'd already be executed! You should thank your savior!"
"You worthless piece of ocean trash!"
Coughing, Robin spat a mouthful of blood.
Finally, Spandam released some of his pent-up anger and gestured to Bruno.
"Take her down and keep her under strict guard! The Sea-Prism Stone handcuffs must not come off!"
"Yes!"
Bruno reached for Robin to escort her to the cell.
Boom!
A sudden, massive explosion shook the office!