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[email protected]/Heroicverse
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Iceburg's composure instantly broke. How did he know the Pluton blueprints were in Franky's hands?
Auguro sneered.
"Don't treat the World Government like idiots! If I can find out, they can too, given enough time!"
"So, do you want these rats to continue investigating right under your nose, or do you want to make a deal with me and completely sweep away all these hidden dangers?"
Iceburg's expression became overcast, clearly showing his internal struggle. Auguro didn't rush him, giving him ample time to think.
After a good while, Iceburg sighed.
"It seems I have no other choice!"
Regardless of whether this man's claim about World Government agents was true or false, the moment he mentioned Franky, Iceburg had to compromise.
"I hope you keep your promise!" Iceburg said gravely.
Auguro glanced at him, casually picked up a sheet of paper from Iceburg's desk, and quickly wrote down several names.
"I'm not sure about the peripheral members, but these are all CP9 executives!"
Iceburg scanned the list and nearly dropped the paper. His most trusted secretary, Kalifa, was a World Government agent! This was equivalent to the World Government having a knife held right against his throat! And he had no idea how many secrets Kalifa had stolen from him. The thought sent a chill down Iceburg's spine.
Then there were Rob Lucci and Kaku, both lurking in Dock One. His Galley-La Company was leakier than a sieve!
Iceburg, having managed Water Seven for many years, quickly regained his composure. He carefully tucked the paper into his pocket and told Auguro, "Go to the Shift Station and find Kokoro-baba. She will take you to ride the Rocketman!"
"That old woman has Fishman blood and will jump into the sea to escape before the train crashes. You'll have to fend for yourselves!"
"No problem!"
The deal was made, and Auguro wasted no time, heading directly to Shift Station.
Iceburg used a Transponder Snail to notify Kokoro-baba, then sank into contemplation. He desperately wanted to drive Lucci and the others out of Water Seven. But if he drove one batch away, the World Government would simply send the next. It was better to leave them here, but exclude them from the core operations!
After some thought, Iceburg called the personnel department of Galley-La Company.
"Reassign Rob Lucci from Dock One to be the supervisor of the new dockyard, and transfer Kalifa to the Foreign Trade Department as manager!"
By completely separating the three and placing them in important but non-confidential positions, he could prevent easy detection while simultaneously cutting off the leakage of secrets!
"Finally, Franky!" A spark of frustration ignited in Iceburg's eyes.
"I've told that guy countless times that he can't stay in Water Seven, but he refused to listen! This time, I absolutely must get him to leave!"
Franky always claimed he couldn't bear to leave Water Seven, but now was not the time for sentimentality! If he didn't leave, and the Pluton blueprints were found, the world would be in danger!
Without notifying anyone else, Iceburg put on a coat and quietly headed toward Franky's House via a secluded route.
At the Shift Station
Kokoro-baba, a woman past fifty with a tall, round stationmaster's hat, walked out.
"Are you the ones looking to ride the Rocketman to Enies Lobby?"
Auguro nodded.
"Yes, Kokoro-baba. Our friend was captured, and we need to go rescue her!"
Kokoro-baba clicked her tongue.
"Tsk! Going to Enies Lobby to save someone. I don't know whether to call you brave or foolish!"
It was one of the World Government's most important direct agencies, rumored to be "entry-only" for 800 years. No one had ever managed to breach it! A normal person would never even consider causing trouble there.
"There is no place in this world that we cannot go! Kokoro-baba, drive with peace of mind!" Auguro's words were filled with undeniable confidence.
Kokoro-baba shrugged.
"Since you've made up your minds, then follow me!"
"I'll only remind you once: this is a one-way train. Once it starts, there's no going back!"
"Someone will regret it!" A cold killing intent flashed across Auguro's face.
"But it won't be us!"
Vwoom!
A whistle sounded.
The Rocketman Sea Train slowly pulled out of the station, gathering speed quickly. Two days later, because the Rocketman had no brakes, it sped non-stop toward Enies Lobby.
Soon, Enies Lobby appeared before everyone's eyes.
The entire Judicial Island was divided into four parts: the Front Gate, the Main Island, the Tower of Justice, and the Bridge of Hesitation.
The Front Gate was the first major defensive fortress, guarded by a large number of soldiers. It was connected to the Main Island by a narrow passage. The Main Island was a scenic marvel, completely suspended above a colossal waterfall. Behind that was the Tower of Justice, the most crucial part of Enies Lobby and Auguro's destination. Spandam's office was located there.
At this time, Robin had just been brought to Spandam's office by Bruno. To prevent her from using her abilities to escape, Bruno had immediately shackled her with Seastone handcuffs.
"Yo! The Demon Child, Nico Robin!"
Spandam walked forward gleefully, a malicious grin on his face.
"I only intended to find the Pluton blueprints, but I never expected fate to give me a buy-one-get-one-free deal!"
"As the world's last archaeologist who can read the Ancient Text, you must know how to revive Pluton, right?"
Robin was startled.
"You want to control Pluton?" She hadn't realized this man harbored such immense ambition!
"That's right!"
Spandam clenched his fists, ecstatic that his long-cherished goal was finally within reach.
"I probably already know where the Pluton blueprints are! With you added to the equation, the two crucial elements for Pluton's return to the world are complete!"
"At that time, this ultimate power that can destabilize any nation will be in my hands. And when that happens, I will be the center of the world!"
"Hahaha..."
Spandam let out a shrill, piercing laugh, acting as if he were already the King of the World! He hadn't sent Rob Lucci and the others to escort Robin because he wanted them to continue searching for the Pluton blueprints. He wanted both Robin and the Pluton design!
Robin remained silent for a moment, then slowly spoke.
"Why would Aokiji give the Buster Call authority to a man like you?" Is the great Navy Admiral blind?
Spandam's laughter stopped instantly.
SMACK!
A punch landed brutally on Robin's face, knocking her to the ground.
"You bastard! Are you mocking me?!"
Spandam raised his foot and fiercely stomped on Robin's stomach and face.
"A mere criminal! If I hadn't recognized your last bit of value, you'd be executed right now, do you understand?"
"Be sure to thank me, your savior! You scum of the sea!"
Cough!
Robin spat out a mouthful of blood.
Only then did Spandam feel some of his inner fury dissipate. He waved his hand toward Bruno.
"Take her down and guard her well! Do not remove those Seastone handcuffs under any circumstances!"
"Yes, sir!"
Bruno reached out to Robin, ready to take her to the prison cell.
BOOM!
A tremendous explosion suddenly echoed through the Tower of Justice!