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[email protected]/Heroicverse
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Rob Lucci.
A member of the World Government's secret organization, CP9. He was widely recognized as the strongest operative in CP9 history, spanning 800 years.
Seven years ago, he went undercover at the Galley-La Company to investigate the whereabouts of the blueprints for the Ancient Weapon, Pluton. For seven years, he failed to find the Pluton blueprints, but unexpectedly, he ran into the heavily-wanted "Demon Child," Nico Robin!
"Whether the Pluton blueprints actually exist is still debatable, but Nico Robin's threat to the World Government is real and immediate!"
In a mere instant, Lucci decided he could not let this opportunity pass. He quickly scanned the area, committing the appearances of Auguro and his companions to memory.
"'Noble Scion' Xeet Auguro, is it? He's a very troublesome opponent."
After a moment's consideration, Lucci set down his timber and turned to find Barth.
"Barth, I just remembered I have some urgent business to take care of. I'll be leaving early today."
Although he was undercover, Lucci had used his abilities to genuinely become one of the five foremen of Dock One.
Barth didn't refuse. "Alright! Deal with it quickly! We just got a job, and we're a bit short-handed."
Lucci nodded in acknowledgment, then turned and walked toward the commercial district.
At Bruno's Bar
The owner, Bruno, who had bull-horn-like hair and a perpetually dull expression, was wiping down glasses.
Jingle!
Lucci pushed open the door and walked in.
He glanced over the customers drinking and then approached the bar, speaking to Bruno.
"Boss, has the liquor I ordered arrived?"
Bruno looked at him and smiled.
"It arrived this morning. I'll take you to see it."
The two men walked into the storeroom. Bruno quietly asked, "What happened? Why are you here so early?"
Bruno was also a CP9 agent, having gone undercover in Water Seven at the same time as Lucci. Lucci was responsible for front-line operations, while Bruno handled communications.
Lucci quickly summarized the situation.
"I found the Demon Child, Nico Robin! She has come to Water Seven with 'Noble Scion' Sith Auguro's group!"
"Even though it's not our primary mission, Nico Robin is someone the World Government specifically wants captured. Ask headquarters if they want us to move on her!"
Bruno nodded.
"I understand. I will contact Commander Spandam right away."
After sharing the intel, Lucci casually picked up a crate of alcohol and left the storeroom.
Bruno, after confirming he was alone, sliced the air with his hands, opening a door in mid-air!
Paramecia-type, Door-Door Fruit (Doa Doa no Mi)!
It allowed him to open a portable gateway anywhere. This was a Devil Fruit with extremely high strategic value!
Bruno stepped through the doorway and arrived in a completely sealed secret chamber. Inside, their CP9 squad's equipment was stored. Because there was no conventional entrance, only the power of the Door-Door Fruit could grant access, ensuring maximum security.
Bruno took out a Transponder Snail (Den Den Mushi) and dialed Spandam's number.
Soon, the Snail's appearance morphed into a sinister and sleazy visage.
"What is it, Bruno? Did you find the Pluton blueprints?" Spandam's voice came through, sounding impatient.
Finding the Pluton blueprints, earning a great merit in front of the Five Elders (Gorōsei), and getting promoted—that had been Spandam's goal for many years. To that end, he hadn't given up, even after letting a CP9 team stay undercover in Water Seven for a full seven years.
Bruno replied, "No, sir! However, we found the Demon Child, Nico Robin! She is with the 'Noble Scion' Xeet Auguro, who has a bounty of 200 million Berries. Should we proceed with the capture?"
"Nico Robin?" Spandam's voice instantly rose several pitches.
If they couldn't find the Pluton blueprints, capturing Nico Robin would still be a tremendous accomplishment!
"Of course you must capture her! And the sooner the better! Do not let her escape!"
"Understood! However, Sith Auguro and his subordinates are not weak; intelligence suggests an Admiral-level threat. Can you send some reinforcements?"
The news that Onigumo had been defeated in a single blow by a woman under Auguro had already spread through the World Government. CP9 had naturally received the intel.
"Are you joking!" Spandam raged. Asking for reinforcements from above was just exposing his own incompetence! Seven years of failing to find the Pluton blueprints had already hurt his image with the higher-ups. He absolutely could not let them look down on him now!
However, remembering the World Government's battle assessment of Auguro's crew, Spandam understood that a direct confrontation would definitely be unwise.
Suddenly, he remembered a hidden weapon!
"Hehehe! Bruno, find Nico Robin and let me speak to her. I guarantee she will willingly follow you!"
Bruno was somewhat puzzled by Spandam's immense confidence. But the commander's orders had to be executed flawlessly.
He nodded in agreement, put the Transponder Snail in his pocket, activated his Door-Door Fruit, and returned to the bar.
Soon, the bar sign was flipped to "Closed," and Bruno quickly rushed toward the commercial district.
In the bustling commercial district, Nami bit into a skewer of Aqua Laguna Meat. Instantly, the smooth, springy meat danced delightfully on her tongue.
"This is so delicious! It truly deserves its fame as a delicacy of the seas!" Nami exclaimed, enjoying every bite.
Auguro also held a skewer, agreeing that the flavor was indeed excellent. His experiences across two lifetimes had never included similar food.
Nami led Auguro on a sightseeing tour of Water Seven. Soi Fon and Kuchiki Rukia, meanwhile, had been dragged away by Matsumoto Rangiku for a shopping spree. Yamada Hanatarō was once again serving as the poor mule carrying all the bags.
Only Robin had found a coffee shop and was leisurely sipping her coffee.
Suddenly, a tall, imposing figure sat down across from Robin.
"Ha! Another persistent one!"
A nearby customer showed a look of schadenfreude. Several people had tried to chat up the beautiful woman earlier, only to be rejected. They couldn't believe another confident fool was trying!
However, what made their jaws drop was that after the burly man said something to the beautiful woman, her face changed repeatedly, and she eventually stood up meekly and walked away with him!
"Damn! What did that guy say?"
"Uh... I didn't hear!"
"The nerve! What a lucky bastard!"
In a hidden alleyway, Robin looked warily at the burly man.
"A CP9 agent wants to have a chat with me? What sinister game are you playing?"
The burly man was Bruno, carrying out Spandam's orders. He pulled out the Transponder Snail and dialed Spandam's number.
"Commander, I have found Nico Robin!"
He then aimed the Transponder Snail directly at Robin.
"Yo! Hello there, Nico Robin!"
Spandam's smug and arrogant voice rang out.
"My name is Spandam, but you're probably more familiar with my father—his name is Spandine!"
Robin's body instantly shuddered, and her eyes filled with deep hatred.
Spandine, the man directly responsible for the Ohara Incident! It was he who had called for the Buster Call that wiped out the entire island of Ohara!