Cactus Island, Whisky Peak.
The Spider Cafe hummed with its usual midday crowd.
"Mr. 1," a voice greeted. "It's been a while."
Daz Bonez settled onto a stool at the bar, his gaze falling on the woman behind it. "Miss Doublefinger."
With her wavy blue hair tied back in a bandana and a pair of neat, blue-rimmed glasses, Zala cultivated an image of pure, understated beauty. Daz, of course, knew better. He'd been her partner long enough to see the truth beneath the surface.
Miss Doublefinger, real name Zala, was a Baroque Works agent through and through.
He laced his fingers together on the bar, resting his chin on them. "The intel," he said, his voice flat. "What is it?"
"No need to be in such a rush, Mr. 1," Zala said with an elegant smile, completely unfazed. "Can I get you a drink first? We have some new flavors, and there's even a promotion running. Couples get the second cup half-price, and pirate crews get thirty percent off a group order." She leaned forward conspiratorially. "How about our new tangerine flavoured coffee? It's surprisingly good. You should give it a try."
"I don't need a drink," Daz said, his tone hardening. "Just the intel."
"Is that so?" Zala sighed dramatically. "Such a shame. I quite like the flavor, and it's not even expensive. Ever since Baroque Works started supplying us with all these specialty drinks, my profits have shot through the roof. I was even going to treat you, as a thank you."
She paused, tapping a finger on the counter. "The higher-ups are making us change the sign, though. Something about a 'New Baroque Cafe.' Sounds a bit strange, don't you think? I was hoping you could ask if I can refuse."
Seeing the impatience in Daz's eyes, she shrugged and finally adopted a serious expression. "The Heart Pirates, the ones the Boss told us to watch, passed through a few days ago. They did some procurement here, spent a fair bit of money. And they gave the Tangerine coffee a pretty good review, by the way."
"Stop wasting my time," Daz said, his face grim. "Where did they go?"
"Alright, alright. They're headed for the East Blue," Zala said, pushing her glasses up her nose. "According to our agents in town, they're looking for the 'East Blue Overlord.' As you requested, I guided them toward the Conomi Archipelago. It's just..." Her voice trailed off, a hint of confusion creeping in. "Why not just let us take them down ourselves?"
"You have your orders," Daz said, his brow furrowing. "As an agent of Baroque Works, have you forgotten the code?"
Before Zala could answer, a small figure approached the bar.
"Zala, I finished the advertisement posters you wanted," a petite, child-like girl said, carrying a stack of scrolls. She glanced at Daz in surprise. "Oh, Mr. 1. You're here, too."
"Thank you, Marianne. You're a lifesaver," Zala said, taking the scrolls. "With all the new products this year, we need all the advertising we can get." She unrolled one and nodded, satisfied. "Your drawings are excellent, as always."
"It's nothing. Just let me know if you want any changes," Marianne replied, a faint blush on her cheeks before her expression turned blank again. "I used the exciting colors you asked for. It should encourage more spending and boost your revenue."
"Wonderful! Your ability is perfect for running a business like this."
"Is there anything else?" Daz cut in, his patience wearing thin as he watched them chat. "If not, I'm leaving."
"Oh, right. I almost forgot about you," Zala said, turning back to him with a serious look. "There is one more thing. A new unknown group seems to be watching this place. They've been quietly investigating Tony's Cosmetics."
"An unknown group?" Daz looked genuinely surprised. Someone was targeting that man's business? His expression hardened. "Do you know who they are?"
"Not yet. They're being very careful, but from what we've gathered, they seem to be from the New World," Zala said, frowning. "They must be strong. Should we have our people look into it further?"
Daz was silent for a long moment, considering it. "I'll ask when I get back," he said coolly, then stood from his stool. "If that's everything, I'm going."
He had started for the door when Zala's voice stopped him.
"Wait a minute."
He turned his head, looking at her with a hint of confusion. "More intel?"
But it wasn't about intel. Zala was smiling at him, a curious glint in her eye.
"Tell me," she said. "Has our boss been replaced?"
Daz's eyes widened slightly. 'How did she know?'
"A guess," she said, as if reading his mind. She propped her chin on her hand, her elbow resting on the bar. "The benefits suddenly got much better. A stable salary, a generous bonus system... even for the low-ranking agents. Our old boss was never that charitable."
Daz was speechless, his expression reddening. He wasn't sure what to say. He couldn't exactly defend Crocodile's generosity, but his loyalty was absolute. Besides, as a contractor, he didn't get any of those perks anyway. He had no idea.
After a moment, he turned his head. "Are you satisfied with how things are now?"
"Satisfied? I suppose so," Zala mused, nodding slowly. "This kind of life... yes, I'm quite satisfied with it."
"If you're satisfied, then don't ask so many questions."
"What about Utopia? Is that plan abandoned?"
"I don't know. He said they're changing the location."
Leaving her to ponder that, Daz walked toward the exit without another word.
'He?' Zala thought, a flicker of surprise on her face before she shook her head with a helpless smile. 'Mr. 1 is right. Why am I worrying about it? I was hoping we could catch up, but I guess he was in a hurry.'
She glanced at Marianne, who was staring wide-eyed, clearly stunned by their conversation. Zala raised a finger to her lips in a "shh" gesture and gave her a playful wink. "Don't tell anyone, okay?"
--**--**
Outside, Daz paused at the entrance. He looked out at the town that had once been a desolate outpost for bounty hunters, now transformed into Whisky Peak's bustling commercial center. This island had become a mandatory stop for any pirate entering the Grand Line from one of the Four Seas, a place to gather information and resupply.
And now, Baroque Works, along with this entire island, belonged to that man.
He had to admit, Dante was full of surprises. A pity he was still loyal to his true boss and had promised to wait for his return.
After a moment, his expression returned to its usual blank mask, and he walked away. 'Time to report back.'
--**--**
Meanwhile, on a secluded coast in the Conomi Archipelago, the Polar Tang, a bright yellow submarine that doubled as a two-masted ship, was moored against the shore.
"Law, Polar Tang's docked, but are we sure about this spot?" Penguin asked, adjusting the yellow-brimmed hat on his head. "There's a proper harbor right over there, with people on watch and everything. Wouldn't that be safer?"
"We're pirates, Penguin," Shachi chimed in from behind his sunglasses. "We don't exactly announce our arrival at the front gate."
"Shachi's right," Law said, nodding as he slung his long sword over his shoulder. He had to admit, finding a place to dock had been difficult. The Conomi Archipelago seemed prosperous, with people and construction sites everywhere. This was the only remote spot they could find.
The only odd thing was the ground itself, which was littered with pits of all sizes, making the shore look like a mess. Still, it was deserted. It would do. They would park here temporarily, rescue Wolf, and leave immediately.
"This is fine."
"Alright, Captain," Penguin said, dropping the subject. He looked down at the pits curiously. "Hey, look," he said, pointing. "If you connect these, it almost looks like a bear paw print. Kind of like one Bepo would make."
"Don't be an idiot," Shachi retorted. "Bepo's paws aren't that big. And what kind of bear would be out here, anyway? We need to focus on finding Mr. Wolf."
"I was just saying!"
"Alright, you two, that's enough," Law said with a frown. He started walking inland. "First, let's find out where this 'Romance Dawn' is. I hope the intel we bought from Baroque Works was accurate. I'd hate to have to go back there and settle the score."
At their captain's command, the crew fell silent and followed him. They were all worried about Wolf.
The group disappeared from the coast.
They had no idea that just a short while later...
*Thump.*
A cloud of dust kicked up nearby, and a few more pits appeared in the dirt as a burly figure landed heavily on the shore.
The man noticed the haphazardly parked submarine and frowned. He pulled a Den Den Mushi from his pocket and dialed.
"Hello? Conomi Archipelago Security?" he said coolly. "I'd like to report an illegally parked vessel."
===============
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