"Whenever someone catches a spy or an undercover agent, their first reaction is to kill those bastards on the spot," Cobra said as he sat at the dining table, holding a glass of Alabasta's signature desert honey wine.
"But you, the first thing that comes to your mind is to recruit them instead... And the most ridiculous part is—you actually succeeded."
"Hahaha, Cobra, do you still not understand my principles and hobbies?" Michael chuckled and shook his head.
"I actually admire them quite a bit. At least they're some of the few pragmatic types in the World Government… Their talents aren't anything special in my eyes, but they're more than good enough to stay in Alabasta."
Cobra didn't react much to that.
After all, he wasn't Michael—he didn't have that godlike perspective on everyone.
Yet the truth was, those CP9 members really were geniuses.
In the original events, even after wasting five or six years undercover, they still managed to fight toe-to-toe with the Straw Hat crew.
And just two years later, they evolved into CP0. Rob Lucci even managed to stand once again before Luffy, who by then had already become a Yonko...
Of course, he was still instantly defeated in the end.
"Michael, Alabasta now... it's truly nothing like before. I really have to thank you," Cobra said, a faint look of satisfaction appearing on his face. "Once Vivi turns fifteen, I'll step down immediately and settle with Titi."
"Are you insane?" Michael's mouth twitched. "Just admit you're lazy already! Not only did you team up with the Ohara scholars to create a constitutional monarchy, but now you're planning to dump the crown on an underage Vivi? Can you be any more absurd? She's still a kid!"
"But she's a clever child!" Cobra patted his chest and declared loudly. "I believe Vivi will become an outstanding queen one day!"
"You… seriously mean that?" Michael's eyes gradually darkened, turning grave. "Do you truly believe that—or are you trying to make up for the guilt you feel toward another princess of Alabasta?"
That one line from Michael instantly silenced Cobra.
After a long moment, Cobra finally nodded slowly, took a sip of his honey wine, and said,
"That's why I like talking to you… You always hit straight to the heart." His expression loosened into a faint, relieved smile.
"In a way, yes. I want to make up for my sister. I even contacted Crocodile before, told her that if she wanted, I could abdicate right now and let her become the new Queen of Alabasta…"
"What? When did you contact Crocodile? Did you forget you're currently on the opposite side of her?" Michael said helplessly. "Besides, I doubt Crocodile has any interest left in a 'throne.' Being stationed at Egghead Island lets her witness the 'future' firsthand."
"That's exactly why I want to pass the throne to Vivi as soon as possible," Cobra shrugged. "But before that, I still need to work with Dr. Clover and the others to improve our constitutional system. The royal family still holds too much power."
"…Honestly, I'm starting to understand now why your Nefertari family chose to return to Alabasta instead of staying in Mary Geoise as Celestial Dragons."
"Because we're born lazy?"
"No, because you were destined to meet me—and to accomplish something truly great together."
"Nice to meet you, Michael…" Cobra shrugged again. "Though to be honest, most of that was just fancy talk. Deep down, all I really want is to dump all these duties on Vivi and live an easy, carefree life…"
"Fine, fine…"
Michael stood up and started walking toward the palace gates.
As he walked, he took out a Den Den Mushi that had been left on an open line the entire time.
"Titi! You're still there, right?... Yep! Everything Cobra just said—that's exactly what he meant. He really does plan to dump all his responsibilities on Vivi! Don't you dare go easy on that terminally lazy husband of yours!"
With a bright grin flashed back at Cobra, Michael turned and left.
Cobra stood frozen in place.
A few seconds later, cold sweat broke out across his forehead. He put down his cup and sprinted toward the royal chambers.
And then…
He was stopped at the door by the maids.
"Your Majesty, the Queen said you're sleeping somewhere else this month. She doesn't want to see you right now."
"Michael! You bastard! I'm not done with you yet!"
...
Rob Lucci's eyes snapped open as he jolted up from bed.
He stared at the moonlight outside the window, dazed, feeling somewhat unfamiliar with the sensation.
For years, his nerves had been wound tight—between the constant strain and the psychological pressure of being ignored by both the World Government and Tom's Workers, he had never slept more than two hours at a time.
But earlier today, after meeting Michael… he had actually slept from afternoon straight into the middle of the night.
It was an unprecedented feeling of calm and ease.
Because the string that had been stretched taut in his mind all this time had finally loosened.
Because the confusion that had haunted him for years had finally vanished without a trace.
Because now, he had a purpose—a goal not assigned by the World Government or CP… but one born entirely from his own will.
Revenge.
Revenge on those lofty figures within the World Government!
And Michael—Michael had given him everything he needed to make that revenge possible.
All he had to offer in return was his loyalty.
That sleep had cleared his mind completely, and now he couldn't fall back asleep even if he tried.
This was the residence that Michael had asked the Revolutionary Army's office to arrange for CP9—a place big enough for all of them, each with their own private rooms.
The treatment alone far surpassed anything the World Government had ever offered them.
Comparisons like that were enough to make anyone furious.
The more generous and respectful Michael was toward them, the more they loathed the World Government for everything it had done before.
Taking advantage of orphans who'd been brainwashed since childhood—how low could they get?
Under the starlit sky, Lucci stepped out onto the rooftop.
There, he found someone already sitting.
"Kaku? You're awake?"
"No, I just woke up," Kaku said, poking the brim of his hat with his finger. "Slept too comfortably… Feels strange, you know?"
"Then get used to it," Lucci said, sitting down beside him. "From now on, we're no longer people of the World Government. I don't ever want to be an orphan again."
"So this makes us… traitors?" Kaku's tone was distant, almost lost. "Traitors usually don't end up well."
"But at least…"
Lucci's gaze hardened under the moonlight.
"At least we won't be slaughtered when we're no longer useful."
---
read +270 chapters on Patreon tambeerg