Chapter 214 — Collaborator +1
"I heard your conversation!"
Just as Crocodile was about to accept Ace's proposal for cooperation, a sultry and teasing voice drifted over from behind them.
Both men turned sharply—only to find Stussy, the so-called "Queen of the Pleasure District" and ruler of the underground world, smiling elegantly at them.
"Stussy…" Ace's expression darkened immediately. "You're careless to show yourself here."
He knew her true identity. On the surface, Stussy controlled most of the world's underground entertainment trade. But behind that facade, she was a member of CP0, the World Government's most elite intelligence agency.
For a brief moment, Ace and Crocodile locked eyes—both reading the same thought in the other's gaze. If this woman had overheard too much, she could not be allowed to live.
They were just about to make their move when Stussy suddenly leaned closer, her perfume wafting in the air, and without hesitation—sat gracefully into Ace's lap.
"Now, now," she murmured softly, brushing his ear with her lips. "If you attack me here, you'll expose yourself."
"Oi oi, what's going on over there?"
"Is that woman trying to seduce the Fire Emperor?"
"Wait… isn't she old enough to be his grandmother?"
Whispers spread across the room, but Stussy seemed completely unbothered. She trailed a finger along Ace's collar and said in a honeyed tone, "Relax, Fire Emperor. I didn't come here to expose you. In fact… I want to cooperate with you."
Ace narrowed his eyes. "Cooperate? Don't play games with me. If you're lying, I'll kill you before anyone else finds out."
"What a heartless man," Stussy pouted dramatically. "You say such cruel things to a woman sitting in your arms."
Then, in a lower whisper meant only for him, she continued, "I have a personal grudge with Charlotte Linlin. I intend to use this opportunity to eliminate her Giant ally—the prince—and turn Big Mom and Elbaf against each other. Our goals align, don't they? So… why not work together?"
Her breath brushed against his ear as she spoke, deliberately teasing—but Ace remained completely unmoved.
If I didn't already know your true identity, I might have believed you, he thought grimly. Still, if her plan is to make Big Mom and the Giants turn on each other, that could benefit us—for now. But this woman… she's hiding something.
"What do you think?" Ace asked, glancing at Crocodile.
Crocodile took a slow drag from his cigar and exhaled a thin stream of smoke. "I have no objection. The woman's not weak—and if she can really spark a war between Big Mom and Elbaf, that works in our favor."
Ace nodded. "Fine. We'll cooperate—for now. But if you try anything, I'll make sure Big Mom joins me in tearing you apart."
Though his tone was calm, his mind was made up: the moment this woman's usefulness ended, she'd die without hesitation.
"Understood~" Stussy smiled slyly and winked. "So, what's the plan, Fire Emperor?"
Ace was about to respond—but before he could speak, an enraged roar echoed from within the Whole Cake Chateau.
It was unmistakably Charlotte Linlin's voice.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Moments later, several massive figures were sent hurtling through the walls of the castle—Prince Loki of Elbaf and three other Giants—each heavily wounded.
"They've fallen out already," Ace muttered. Then, turning to his new "allies," he said quickly, "Since Big Mom and the Giants have clashed, they'll leave soon. When they do, Crocodile and I will incite chaos here. Stussy, you follow the Giants. Find a chance to kill them. If they die on Cake Island, Big Mom and Elbaf will be enemies forever."
Stussy's eyes glittered. "You really are dangerous, Fire Emperor… but I like that. Don't worry—if your goal is to keep the Charlotte family busy, I'll make sure those Giants never leave Whole Cake Island alive."
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"Loki! Are you saying my daughter isn't good enough for you?!"
Charlotte Linlin burst from the ruins of the castle, Napoleon's twin-horned hat morphing into a massive sword of light. Her face was twisted in fury.
The young Giant prince stood tall despite his wounds, glaring back. "No matter what you say, I will never marry anyone but Lola—you hag!"
"Very well! Then die!"
Linlin swung her blade down furiously—
Clang!
A tall figure appeared between them in a flash, blocking the Emperor Sword with a three-pronged trident.
"It's Katakuri-nii!"
"The pride of the Charlotte family—he blocked Mama's attack head-on!"
Linlin's eyes blazed. "Katakuri, my son… are you defying me?!"
Katakuri stood firm, his voice steady. "I wouldn't dare, Mama. But please… calm yourself. Prince Loki cannot die here."
"That's right, Linlin!" an elderly Giant stepped forward, his deep voice carrying through the tense air. "Think of the sins you've already committed against Elbaf. Do you truly wish to wage war against us again?"
The Yonko's eyes twitched. For a moment, the raging storm in her heart faltered. She knew all too well the price of war with the Giants.
"Tch… Fine. Get out of my sight before I change my mind!" she roared, lowering Napoleon and glaring at the Giants.
Without a word, the Giants helped their wounded prince and silently left the banquet hall.
From their seats, Ace and Crocodile exchanged glances. Across the room, Stussy met their eyes and gave a knowing smile—before quietly following the Giants out into the storm.
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