The eight departments from CP1 to CP8 are special agencies of the World Government, but their weight can't compare to CP9 and CP0. Currently, Spandam is the head of CP5, and Spandine's aim is for him to become the head of CP9.
However, Spandam's combat power is beyond saving; anyone with normal training has greater fighting ability than him.
According to the traditions of the Pirate World, the leader of a violent agency like CP9 must be someone with exceptional force, but Spandine's influence gives him room to maneuver.
The leader can't fight, but if his subordinates can, that's good enough. Yet, Spandam is currently not very happy because his own people are looking down on him.
Rob Lucci, only nineteen this year, had already joined CP9 at the age of thirteen by meeting exceptional task standards, and has since firmly established himself as the strongest.
The World Government's brainwashing on him was very successful, and Spandine transferred him over under the pretext of learning how to protect the Heavenly Celestial Dragons. He respects the Celestial Dragons greatly, as it's a World Government order.
But Spandam is merely a CP5 officer. Even if he were Lucci's direct superior, Lucci would still choose to ignore him.
Tesoro was at the front of the procession, leading two Celestial Dragons to their special quarters.
"Saint Leman, Pamira Palace, this way, your custom rooms are right here."
To maintain the purity of the bloodline, the Celestial Dragons have always intermarried within the nineteen families. The spouses of non-Celestial Dragons are only nominal; in essence, they are just playthings and receive no attention from the Celestial Dragons.
One male and one female Celestial Dragon were from two families interested in this matter. Tesoro then guided them to the entrance of a glass passageway.
"This way is the corridor to the special VIP room. It's filled with air freshly transported from Mary Geoise, so you can remove your masks here."
Pamira from the Fland Family made no move, but Leman removed his helmet upon entering, subtly suggesting that Tesoro should not be swayed by other families.
"Not bad, you're much smarter than those commoners. Spending money this way makes sense. Pamira, won't you try? This is indeed air from the Holy Land."
The same air circulates worldwide; under unaffected conditions, there is essentially no difference. Yet, the arrogance of the Celestial Dragons makes them refuse to breathe the same air as ordinary people.
In the Celestial Dragon community, some even consider it an honor for outsiders to be their slaves, thus earning the privilege to breathe Mary Geoise air.
Tesoro's psychological suggestion caused a misunderstanding. Persuaded by the Celestial Dragon companion's words, the other companion entered the passage and removed the mask.
Building this passage cost considerable funds, but it resolves numerous issues. It leads directly to the Celestial Dragon's area, preventing them from interacting with ordinary people.
This is done not to protect the Celestial Dragons, but to protect ordinary people. Arrogant and self-important, Celestial Dragons snatch whatever they desire, leaving no good outcomes for targeted humans.
Tesoro couldn't bear to watch people become slaves to the Celestial Dragons. Unable to change it now, reducing them to ashes would harm the company's growth, thus he came up with this method.
Once through this connection, the Celestial Dragons are isolated, but things often don't go smoothly. Celestial Dragons habitually use slaves as mounts, and now Leman's slave, fatigued, failed to maintain balance, suddenly swaying.
The slight shake was insignificant, yet the Celestial Dragon's expression darkened, instantly drawing and firing at the slave until the pistol's clip was empty before stopping.
Grand Tesoro prohibited violence, but this rule is clearly ineffective toward the Celestial Dragons. Those around were accustomed, no one stopped or dared intervene with the Celestial Dragon.
Tesoro looked complexly at the slave on the ground, noting by the marks on him that he was probably a pirate, perhaps a heinous criminal, but that's not why Tesoro was conflicted.
He felt conflicted because there was no fear on the corpse's face, but rather a look of relief.
Additionally, he discovered an issue; amid the gunfire, an exclamation echoed conspicuously, instantly drawing Leman's attention to a strikingly beautiful girl.
Of course, the one who couldn't hold back was Kozuki Hiyori. She had limited experience and seldom witnessed death; even executed criminals in Wano Kuni were sentenced for grave crimes.
Yet, she couldn't comprehend the reason for the recent murder.
She was capable of becoming the Courtesan; beauty is a prerequisite, and although only fifteen, she still attracted the Celestial Dragon's attention.
At this moment, Tesoro noticed the person beside her and gestured, and in the next moment, Kozuki Hiyori vanished like she had evaporated into thin air.
"Hmm? Wasn't there a woman there just now? I was considering making her my 32nd wife."
"Saint Leman, I think you were blinded by anger from that slave. Let's head to the VIP room. Lots of rare specialties await."
The surrounding guards remained silent, hoping the Celestial Dragon would forget, avoiding trouble; any word before them might provoke consequences, so fewer words best serve.
Under Tesoro's persuasion, the two Celestial Dragons left, taking only a few guards while instructing most to remain.
Rob Lucci, left behind, gazed toward the area with changed eyes. He wasn't seeing things; a blue figure had indeed taken the girl with a speed so fast he barely caught an afterimage.
"Alright, you lot, the Celestial Dragons are gone. Do as you please; today's expenses are on me!"
Spandam seized this chance to build friendly relations, using the most direct method—bribery.
However, no one listened; everyone looked to Rob Lucci. To them, he was the true commander.
"Feel free, just keep it in check. Don't make CP5's chief bankrupt."
Under Spandam's puzzled gaze, CP9 members dispersed, leaving Spandam feeling his money was spent to endure suffering.
Meanwhile, Greninja and Kozuki Hiyori appeared out of the Celestial Dragons' sightline.