Chapter 69: Ripples and an Invitation
On weekdays, working in Wano Country in the New World, Speed never imagined that simple barbecue could taste so divine.
"Mmmmm, what a cute little sister."
"Eat slowly, there's more."
"Before leaving, Major General Ian specifically asked the two of us to take good care of you here in Impel Down."
"We certainly won't go back on our word, so there's no need to rush."
Little Sadie rested her elbows on the table, watching Speed with considerable interest.
"From now on, once a week, the two of us will bring you some good food."
"The daily prison interrogations won't be too harsh on you either."
"But this matter must not be known by the other prisoners, understand?"
Domino added.
Speed nodded repeatedly, tears of gratitude welling in the corners of her eyes.
If I had known that being Major General Ian's mount for just one day and serving him obediently would bring such great benefits, I would have personally escorted him back to his warship! This is a huge favor!
"Thank you... thank you, sisters."
Gulp... Gulp...
Speed mumbled her thanks, not stopping her voracious eating.
Little Sadie leaned closer and asked in a gentle, probing tone:
"Sister Speed, what exactly is your relationship with Major General Ian?"
"It's rumored that Major General Ian despises pirates and has personally executed countless ones in battle."
"Why would he show you such mercy?"
"Is it really that easy to become his mount?"
"I always feel your relationship is... quite unusual..."
Little Sadie's words made Speed pause mid-bite. She looked up to find both Little Sadie and Domino staring at her with deeply meaningful eyes.
Wasn't it just that I obediently served as a mount for a day and then received a simple request from Major General Ian? What other relationship could there be?
"I actually..." Speed began to explain, but her eyes fell upon the fragrant barbecue on the plate...
What if, after I tell the truth, they realize I have no special connection to Major General Ian? Will I never get to eat barbecue like this again?
She knew that once inside Impel Down, there was no way out. If life could be a little more comfortable, and she just... embellished the facts slightly... it wouldn't be a crime, right?
"Our relationship... Major General Ian said..." Speed hesitated, then landed on an ambiguous answer. "...I can't say!"
After saying this, she looked at the two female officers. Their expressions grew even more... intrigued.
Little Sadie: "Uh-huh~!"
Domino: "Hoho~!"
Speed felt uncertain: "..."
Immediately after, Little Sadie suddenly stood up, pulled a chair over, and sat right next to Speed. A slender arm wrapped around her waist.
"Then we won't ask about the relationship. Major General Ian is so strong... He must be very powerful, right?"
Speed: "Ah...?"
On the other side, Domino also moved her chair closer. She adjusted her sunglasses seriously.
"Sadie, how can you ask such a rude question?" She leaned in. "Major General Ian... how long?"
Speed: "Huh?!"
From that day on, a new piece of "gossip" about Ian began to circulate within Impel Down.
A Few Days Later – Early Morning, Sabaody Archipelago Marine Base
Ian appeared on the training ground to oversee the Marines' morning drills.
"Put more power into those punches!"
"Didn't you eat?!"
"Do you want breakfast or not?!"
"With your current foundation, if you encounter pirates from the New World again, do you think you can win?!"
"Shout the slogan!"
Munch... Munch...
Holding the heart-shaped bento made by Skylark, Ian ate while instructing the Marines from the platform.
"Train until you can't be killed, then train some more!"
"Nine thousand eight hundred punches!"
"Nine thousand eight hundred kicks!"
"For only nine thousand eight hundred!"
"Take the treasure and the beauty home!"
"..."
Loud slogans echoed across the entire training ground. Ian nodded with satisfaction, sighing inwardly, "Very good. You are the future of the Marines, ahahaha!"
Peacock walked over from the side of the platform, watching the passionate, sweat-drenched scene. Her admiration for Ian grew even deeper. Ever since Ian had taken command of the base, the entire Marine contingent had taken on a completely new, vigorous spirit.
"Our most capable Little Ian, have you eaten your fill?" Peacock approached Ian, holding a red card in her hand.
"About 80% full. What's that in your hand?" Ian asked, eyeing the card suspiciously. "Could it be another wedding invitation from the island, asking me to give a congratulatory speech?"
Since his victory over Jack the Drought, Ian's reputation on the island had soared to new heights. These days, the permanent residents shared a common belief: You might not trust Marine Headquarters, you might not trust the World Government, but you could always trust Jock Ian!
"You guessed wrong this time, Little Ian. You'll never guess," Peacock said, a playful smile on her face. "Another powerful figure from a major force in the New World has taken notice of you. Take a look, the content is quite interesting."
She didn't keep him in suspense any longer and handed the card to Ian.
"An invitation? A dance event in the entertainment district?" Ian's eyes scanned the card, then widened slightly. "The signature is... Stussy?!"
Ian was genuinely surprised to see that name. He was not unfamiliar with it.
Stussy!
One of the Emperors of the Underground World, the "Queen" of the Pleasure District!
She controlled all manner of entertainment industries in the underworld (among other things). Her businesses were spread across the seas, and the entertainment district of the Sabaody Archipelago also fell under her control. Doflamingo, who held a grudge against Ian, was another Underground Emperor, just like Stussy.
Of course, this was only Stussy's most superficial identity.
This woman's list of identities was far more complex...
Her second identity was that of a female agent affiliated with the World Government's intelligence agency, CP0!
To be able to become the Queen of the Pleasure District, the World Government had undoubtedly contributed significant behind-the-scenes support.