"Sir? Sir?"
Morgan looked nervously at Ezra, who had fallen silent, his expression unreadable. The avian reporter hesitated, uncertain whether to speak further, until Ezra's gaze flicked toward him again.
"Oh, Morgan," Ezra said calmly, breaking his silence. "Tell me what do you think Stussy wants from me?"
It was here. The test he had been waiting for.
Morgan's mind went into overdrive. This wasn't just a casual question this was a chance to prove himself worthy of Ezra D. Vale's attention. He stood straighter, feathers twitching slightly as he organized his thoughts. Ezra didn't rush him, only watched with a faint, intrigued smile as if observing a puzzle slowly being solved.
Finally, after a brief pause, Morgan spoke:
"Sir, as everyone knows, you and Big Mom are... not exactly on friendly terms anymore. And since Stussy happens to be one of her close associates, I'd wager she's here to try and reconcile things between you two."
Ezra's lips curved slightly in approval. "Not bad, Morgan. No wonder you're the president of the World Economy News. Your grasp of the situation is truly exceptional."
Morgan's eyes widened with delight. He bent forward in excitement. "It's my greatest honor to serve you, sir! Truly!"
No one enjoys flattery but no one rejects it either, especially when it's this well delivered.
Ezra leaned back in his chair, visibly amused. Early in the morning, hearing Morgan speak with such loyalty already felt like a good omen.
"Then tell me," Ezra said lazily. "How should you respond to Stussy?"
Morgan paused for a moment before Ezra spoke again, his tone light but firm:
"If she wants to meet, she has only today."
Ezra wasn't particularly eager about this meeting. After all, including today, there were only two days left until Roger's execution a far more important event than a mere conversation with one of Big Mom's spies.
"Yes, sir," Morgan replied quickly. "I'll let her know right away."
He bowed and hurriedly left the office, his heart pounding with excitement.
He had done it. He had earned the young master's recognition!
Clenching his fists, Morgan muttered to himself, "I can't stop here. I need to work even harder make sure the young master sees my true value!"
With renewed determination, he strode swiftly toward the news agency's communication branch. Once inside, he pulled out a Den Den Mushi and dialed a familiar number.
After a few rings, the snail phone connected.
"Morgan," a calm, elegant voice spoke. "I was just about to call you this morning, but it seems you left last night already. How unfortunate."
Morgan's beak curved into a sly grin. "Ah, Stussy, that's because I was busy working on your little request."
Stussy raised an eyebrow, putting down her cup of coffee. "Oh? Judging by that tone… don't tell me you've actually made contact with that Marine?"
Morgan nodded confidently. "Yes, Miss Stussy. I flew overnight to Loguetown and managed to meet him face-to-face."
Her voice sharpened. "And? Did he agree to it?"
"Now, now, no need to get so impatient," Morgan replied smoothly. "He did agree to your invitation but…"
"But what?" Stussy pressed.
Morgan adjusted his glasses, continuing with a calm smile. "He said he's only free today. As you know, the execution of Gol D. Roger is only two days away. He's… preoccupied."
Stussy's frown softened, her eyes glinting thoughtfully. "I see. In that case, I'll head to Loguetown immediately. Thank you, Morgan. If you ever need a favor, I'll make sure you're well rewarded."
"Much appreciated, Miss Stussy," Morgan said before ending the call.
On the other end, Stussy fell silent for a moment. Then, standing gracefully, she adjusted her fur-trimmed coat and began walking toward Big Mom's palace.
"Ma~ma~ma~ma~! Stussy, what brings you here so early?" Big Mom's booming voice echoed across the lavish hall.
Stussy smiled faintly. "Linlin, there's been progress regarding that matter. I'll be leaving for Loguetown shortly."
Big Mom blinked in surprise. "Wait you mean that Marine Vice Admiral?"
"Yes," Stussy replied, smiling slightly. "Who else could it be?"
For a brief moment, Big Mom's expression shifted something strange flickering behind her grin. But then she burst out laughing, shaking the entire hall.
"Ma~ma~ma~! Wonderful! If you succeed, Stussy, I'll make sure you're rewarded handsomely!"
Stussy inclined her head gracefully. "Then I'll be on my way. I'll contact you through the Den Den Mushi if anything happens."
Big Mom nodded. "I'll be waiting, Stussy. Don't disappoint me."
"Oh, I won't," Stussy said with a soft chuckle as she turned to leave.
But as she walked away, both women smiled for different reasons Big Mom dreaming of a diplomatic victory, and Stussy… intrigued by the man the Five Elders themselves had ordered to be protected.
A man named Ezra D. Vale.
And for reasons even she couldn't quite explain, her curiosity burned brighter than ever.
_______________________
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