To be fair, Kaido and Big Mom had every right to be shocked.
After all, there were very few people in the entire world who could persuade Hina Stussy to personally handle a matter.
Even Big Mom herself one of the Four Emperors had to prepare a mountain of gifts every year just to make sure Stussy attended her Tea Party.
Stussy tilted her head, flashing a playful wink. "What's wrong? As Lilin's dear friend, I think it's only fair that I lend a hand~"
Kaido's expression twitched.
Lady, what's with the flirting? You think that works on me? Everyone in the underworld knows you're an ancient monster who's been alive since forever!
And what's this about being "good friends" with Lilin? Since when? You never help anyone without getting something in return!
Kaido was internally screaming, but Big Mom's mood couldn't be better.
If Stussy's willing to help me… could this mean she's finally decided to join my crew? Or maybe…
Thankfully for everyone, Stussy couldn't read minds or she'd be rolling her eyes so hard they'd spin out of her head.
Big Mom smiled broadly. "Ma~ma~ma~ma~! Stussy, I'm truly touched that you're willing to help. As for that Marine… if you want to handle him, I'll leave it to you."
Stussy gently patted Lilin's massive arm. "You're too kind, Lilin~"
By noon, the grand Tea Party was officially underway.
Dozens of pirate captains, nobles, and powerful figures from across the seas filled the sprawling banquet hall, chatting among themselves beneath crystal chandeliers and candy-colored decor.
But among the sea of extravagant guests, one figure stood out partly because of his loud voice, and partly because, well, he was literally a bird.
Yes, the infamous Morgans, president of the World Economic News, flapped about the center of the room, boasting animatedly to anyone who would listen.
Ever since leaving Mary Geoise, Morgans had been busy catching up on all the latest world-shaking events. If his earlier involvement in delivering Big Mom's Tea Party invitation to Ezra D. Vale had been motivated by a desire to spark chaos between the Navy and the Emperors and maybe snatch some juicy headlines his intentions now were different.
This time, he wanted to help Ezra.
He needed to understand Big Mom his enemy's enemy.
"Ah~ isn't this the famous President Morgans?"
A lilting, teasing voice interrupted his chatter.
Morgans turned sharply, feathers ruffling. His beak was halfway open, ready to snap until he saw who it was.
Hina Stussy.
His expression changed instantly. The irritation vanished, replaced by an exaggerated grin.
"Well, well! Miss Stussy, the Queen of the Pleasure District! What a delightful surprise!"
He waved off one of his guards, snatched two glasses of wine, and walked over with exaggerated politeness.
"May I offer you a drink?"
Stussy accepted the glass gracefully and smiled. "How thoughtful~ Shall we talk somewhere quieter?"
She gestured toward the open balcony, where the golden sunlight streamed through gauzy curtains.
Morgans adjusted his hat and gave a little bow. "As you wish, Miss Stussy."
The two stepped out onto the balcony, the festive noise fading behind them.
Morgans glanced sideways, curiosity gleaming in his avian eyes. "To what do I owe the honor of your company, Miss Stussy?"
Stussy took a slow sip of her wine, her red lips curving into a faint smile. "I've heard you've been quite busy lately… digging through the records of recent world events?"
Morgans froze for a fraction of a second, though he maintained his charming grin.
"As expected of you, Miss Stussy. There's nothing that escapes your notice, huh…"
She laughed softly, waving her hand. "Oh, don't be so defensive. One of your subordinates happened to visit my little district recently. He got a bit too drunk and… let's just say his tongue slipped."
Damn it, Morgans thought, his eye twitching. So that wasn't just a rumor.
But he said nothing. Stussy continued, her tone smooth as silk.
"By the way, Morgans," she said casually, "I also heard you recently paid a visit to Loguetown. Quite the nostalgic place, isn't it?"
Morgans's feathers bristled ever so slightly, and his eyes flashed. "Oh? And where did you hear that, Miss Stussy?"
She only smiled. That same polite, knowing, maddening smile.
"Yes," he finally said, voice steady. "I did visit Loguetown. I met with a Marine officer there purely for research, of course. I've been compiling material for a special feature on major global incidents."
Stussy's smirk deepened. "Oh? And which Marine might that be, if I may ask?"
Morgans's instincts screamed that she already knew the answer. He wasn't dealing with a gossip columnist this was a woman who could make kings disappear with a phone call.
He considered lying but dismissed the idea just as quickly. If Stussy was asking, she had the evidence already.
So he sighed and told the truth.
"The Marine's name is Ezra D. Vale. I assume you've heard of him by now, Miss Stussy? He's made quite a few headlines recently."
Stussy covered her lips with her fingers and laughed, a tinkling sound that carried just a hint of mischief.
"Oh, Morgans, I run the Pleasure District. What would a simple woman like me possibly know about Marines and world affairs?"
Morgans stared at her blankly.
Lady, can you drop the act already? We both know who you really work for!
He swallowed a groan, realizing all too late that he'd just been played.
Hina Stussy hadn't come here just to enjoy the party she'd come to fish for information. And Morgans, the great information broker himself, had walked right into her trap.
_______________________
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