"The Four Emperors??"
Perona floated in the air, giggling. "I remember Chris once said, that's our future goal."
Sweetheart Queen nodded, crossing her legs elegantly. "First, become a Shichibukai. Then conquer a nation in the New World, and later fight for a spot among the Four Emperors."
"That's our plan for the next few years. Chris said so himself."
Betty took a drag from her cigarette, speaking calmly. "Our territory will be massive in the future."
"So we'll need to recruit enough capable subordinates—people who can handle responsibilities and defend different regions."
Karina waved her hand, cutting off their discussion, and said quickly, "That stuff doesn't matter right now. The issue is this treasure!"
"This is a treasure left behind by the overlord of the previous era. Aren't you excited at all?"
Her hands were clenched in excitement, face glowing with anticipation. "If we find it, we'll never have to worry about food or money ever again!"
"Just imagine—buying whatever we want. That kind of life sounds like a dream!"
Reiju brushed her hair gently, smiling gracefully. "But it's still early. The treasure's in the New World, and we're not there yet. No need to get impatient."
The girls continued chatting, their discussion circling back to Rocks and the treasure he left behind…
8 PM that night.
A full moon hung in the dark sky, surrounded by twinkling stars—it was a beautiful and mysterious sight.
"You girls head back and rest. I've got something to handle."
Chris stopped his training and said to the women, "I won't be long—I'll be back before midnight."
Before anyone could respond, he was already gone.
The girls were stunned for a moment, then shook their heads with wry smiles when they realized he had vanished.
"This guy is too decisive. Can't even wait a second," Sweetheart Queen said, both amused and annoyed.
Betty stood up, exhaling smoke. "Strong people don't talk much. They don't waste words."
"It's only the weak who chatter endlessly."
Karina looked at the others, curiosity on her face. "Where do you think our captain went?"
"I know! It must be about those two Den Den Mushi," Perona chirped while floating above them.
"Didn't Chris say they're totally secure against eavesdropping? Not even the most advanced listening bugs could tap into them."
"He called them 'the only two Den Den Mushi in the world with absolute anti-eavesdrop capabilities.' That's what he said."
Reiju nodded, her stunning face lit with a gentle smile. "Those two snails really are incredible."
"You could say they're the kings of anti-eavesdropping Den Den Mushi. Super impressive!"
Baccarat waved her hand with a warm smile. "If there's something we should know, Chris will tell us."
"Since he hasn't, let's not ask too much—or gossip about it."
"Come on, let's go rest."
With Chris gone, there wasn't much reason to hang around. Laughing and chatting, the women left the room together...
Somewhere above the North Blue.
Chris pulled out one of the Den Den Mushi and made a call.
This one was specifically used to contact Vice Admiral Gion (Momousagi).
She must've been busy, because she didn't answer right away.
After ten or so seconds, the call connected.
"Sorry, I was in a place where I couldn't answer."
"Chris, what's going on?"
They'd already agreed beforehand: unless it was something serious, they wouldn't contact each other—to avoid being spied on.
Chris replied calmly, "Find a secure location. We need to talk."
"Follow the vivre card—I'll wait for you there."
"Alright. Talk soon."
Chris hung up right away, minimizing the call time for safety.
On a tall rooftop...
Momousagi (Vice Admiral Gion) stood at the railing, arms crossed, gazing at the moon and stars.
She was dressed in white jeans, a white short-sleeved top, and white high heels.
The wind lifted her hair as it flowed gently behind her—she looked stunning.
Suddenly, with a whoosh, a figure landed beside her on the rooftop.
"You're here, Chris."
She slowly turned, arms still crossed, her beautiful face showing a touch of curiosity.
"What's so important that you had to come in person?"
Chris wasn't surprised that she wasn't wearing her white Justice cape.
After all, it was her off-duty time.
Even as a Marine, she deserved to live her own life, do what she enjoyed. Wearing the uniform 24/7 would be pretty inconvenient.
"Here, take this."
Chris tossed her one of the Den Den Mushi and said calmly, "I have two of these—they're completely safe from eavesdropping."
"From now on, we won't have to worry about others listening in when we talk."
----------
T/N:
Access 35 chapters in advance on my Patreon: [email protected]//OnePieceChronicles