Morgan's heart was silently screaming in protest, though his expression didn't show it.
But Stussy didn't seem to care in the slightest. With that same teasing smile on her lips, she said lightly, "President Morgans, could I trouble you for a small favor?"
Morgans froze mid-sip, feathers stiffening. "Ah... of course, Miss Stussy. You need only ask."
"I'd like you to introduce me to that certain Marine, if possible."
Hiss
Morgans nearly choked on his own breath.
Wait, what? Asking for intel was one thing, but she wanted to meet him personally? Was this woman seriously planning to go after the young master?
No, that couldn't be right... He hadn't heard of Ezra offending her recently. Did his "trouble magnet" ability evolve to the point where problems were showing up at his doorstep now?
Should he agree to this?
Well… considering how ridiculously strong the young master was, he probably, maybe, definitely wasn't afraid of trouble.
Yeah. Totally not afraid.
If Ezra D. Vale could hear what was going through Morgans' mind, he'd probably snarl, "Oh, thanks a damn lot!" before setting the poor albatross ablaze on the spot.
"President Morgans? President Morgans?"
Stussy tilted her head, her elegant brows furrowing slightly. Something felt off. The bird's reaction was… way too dramatic.
Morgans snapped back to reality, blinking rapidly. "Ah, apologies, Miss Stussy! I was… lost in thought. You'd like me to arrange a meeting with that Marine, yes? No problem! Leave it to me!"
He puffed up his feathery chest and patted it firmly, trying to look confident.
Though a little skeptical, Stussy smiled faintly and raised her wine glass. "Then I'll thank you in advance, President Morgans."
"You're too kind, Miss Stussy," he replied smoothly.
After a few polite exchanges, the two parted ways. Morgans wasted no time he spread his wings and took off from Cake Island as soon as he could.
And to those wondering, "Why not just call her with a Den Den Mushi?" …please. These two were underworld emperors of the New World. Of course, they had each other's contacts. And even if they didn't, Morgans' information network spanned the entire world if he couldn't find Stussy, then who could?
After the tea party ended, Morgans immediately departed. He flew all night, through shifting clouds and cold winds, until the first hint of dawn painted the horizon.
Thanks to his recent "enhancements," he barely managed to endure the grueling flight. Without them, he'd have dropped into the ocean from exhaustion halfway through.
As the morning sun rose over Loguetown, the great albatross landed before the Marine base, feathers disheveled and chest heaving. Straightening his suit and adjusting his tie, Morgans took a deep breath and knocked on the office door.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Come in." Ezra's calm, low voice came from within.
The sound sent a chill down Morgans' spine. He instantly recalled the words of the Five Elders back in Mariejois and steeled his mind with every ounce of courage he had left.
Only the man with those crimson eyes… rules this world.
With trembling claws, Morgans pushed open the door.
"Ahahaha… isn't this President Morgans? The wind's been pretty strong lately it just keeps blowing you my way," Ezra said lazily, the faintest trace of amusement in his voice.
Morgans didn't dare breathe too loudly. He wanted to respond, but each time he met those blood-red eyes, the warning of the Five Elders echoed louder in his skull.
Only that gaze… only that man…
His mind blanked.
Ezra's brows drew together slightly. He could feel the albatross trembling. Fear, tension, anxiety it all rolled off him in waves.
"What happened, Morgans?" Ezra's tone dropped, calm but heavy enough to chill the room.
Morgans flinched, then
Thud!
He fell to his knees.
Cry, damn it, cry! he told himself. Time to go full loyalty mode!
"Lord Ezra! I was wrong! I didn't realize how magnificent you were until I read all your reports! From now on, I swear to serve you faithfully to devote my life to you!"
Ezra stared blankly at the pathetic albatross, his mouth twitching uncontrollably.
Did this bird's brain get fried by my spiritual pressure or something?
Still, after a moment's thought, Ezra realized it wasn't all bad. If Morgans truly submitted and stopped causing chaos, it would save him the trouble of establishing dominance later.
"Enough. Tell me what's going on," he said flatly.
Morgans' feathers ruffled with excitement. Yes! Step one to gaining the young master's trust complete!
Suppressing the urge to cheer, he composed himself and said, "Young master Ezra, have you ever heard of the Queen of the Pleasure District Stussy?"
Ezra's crimson eyes flickered slightly, but his expression didn't change. He leaned back in his chair, voice calm. "I've heard a little."
Morgans let out a shaky breath. That made things easier.
"Well, young master, Miss Stussy came to me yesterday. She wishes to… make your acquaintance."
Ezra raised a brow. "Stussy? The CP0 agent?"
What was she playing at? If she wanted information on him, couldn't she just ask the Five Elders directly?
This was beyond suspicious. It was downright baffling.
Ezra's gaze darkened. Somewhere deep inside, he had a feeling this was just the beginning of another storm.
_______________________
Enjoying the chaos, action, and wild adventures?
Don't stop here! You can unlock advanced chapters and exclusive content by joining my P@treon! Every powerstone counts if we reach 300 powerstones, a BONUS CHAPTER will be released! ⚡
Be the first to witness the next epic battles, shocking twists, and hidden secrets before anyone else!
Join the crew on P@treon and set sail beyond the horizon!
[email protected]/_sey
Change @ to a