"Government Special Agents" Rolan repeated, his tone flat. "Exactly. Their organization is called Cipher Pol No.9, a secret World Government unit with authority to eliminate targets directly."
Iceburg's expression hardened. He didn't trust Rolan's words — a pirate he barely knew, making such serious accusations. The notion that Kalifa, his trusted secretary, was a government agent sounded preposterous.
"Why should I believe you?" Iceburg demanded. "Do you have any proof?"
Rolan's eyes narrowed. "Yes. I have evidence — but I cannot reveal it right now."
Iceburg clenched his jaw. "You're just suspicious for no good reason? You haven't even spent half a year in the Grand Line. You don't know me, or Kalifa, or the others. What gives you any right to accuse them?"
He leaned back, arms crossed. "Besides, you're pirates — aren't you the 'bad guys'? What reason would I have to trust you over innocent people?"
Rolan's patience cracked. "Do you really believe the World Government is good? Don't be naive. Your master Tom died because of them. He was a shipwright on Roger's crew — a pirate. He didn't deserve to die."
Iceburg's eyebrows rose. "Even if your conspiracies about the World Government are true, you're no better than them."
Rolan drew in a slow breath, then said, "If that's how you feel… then I'll find Cutty Flam, you're being a cunt, it's annoying." With a flick of his hand, he deactivated the electromagnetic barrier.
Iceburg leapt up, furious. "Cutty Flam? I don't know who that is! You're spouting nonsense! Guards! Remove these… these masked strangers immediately!"
At that exact moment, Kalifa pushed the door open. "Mayor, what's going on?"
Iceburg pointed accusingly at Rolan and his crew. "Get them out of here!"
Kalifa adjusted her glasses, voice steady but firm. "Everyone, please leave."
Rolan gave a mocking scoff. "Hmph. Do you think you can hold on to power by yourself? Don't be foolish. I'll get my hand on it soon, one way or another."
"Let's go." He nodded to his crew, and they turned to leave.
Kalifa hurried over to help an out-of-breath Iceburg to his feet. "Iceburg-san, are you okay?"
He straightened slowly, still fuming. "I'm fine. Just… cancel all my appointments for the afternoon."
She nodded. "Understood."
As she helped him to his chair, she asked quietly, "What did Rolan say to make you so angry?"
Iceburg closed his eyes and shook his head. "Nothing specific. But from now on… anyone wearing a mask, don't let them in."
Kalifa regarded him with concern, then left the room, closing the door firmly behind her.
---
At Blueno's Bar
In the dim light, Lucci leaned forward, his voice low and measured. "Kalifa, are you certain what Rolan said after they left?"
She nodded, pushing up her glasses. "Iceburg repeated the name 'Cutty Flam'. I heard it clearly."
"Cutty Flam?" Kaku repeated, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "That's the name of Tom's apprentice. But Tom died years ago."
Blueno, polishing a glass, looked up. "If Iceburg reacted so strongly, maybe we should confront him directly."
Lucci's lips curled into a cold smile. "Should we try a civil approach first?"
Kalifa raised a hand. "If he cooperates, great. If not… we'll handle it the old way."
Kaku cleared his throat, his voice unsteady. "I don't like threatening him. After all, he's our boss."
They had worked together in Cipher Pol No.9 for years. Despite their duties, some bonds of loyalty remained.
---
Back on the ship
Nami frowned, worry etched on her face. "Rolan, are you sure this will work? What if they don't buy it?"
She still didn't fully understand who Cutty Flam was, or why Iceburg had such a reaction to that name. She didn't even know why someone would accuse Iceburg of having the Pluton blueprints.
Enel snorted, impatience in every flicker of his lightning. "If it were me, I'd just grab Iceburg and force him to talk. No scheming needed."
Crocodile took a slow drag of his cigar, the tip glowing red. "Force is simple. But deception — deception is how you win respect, how you take control. If we earn the Mayor's trust, we'll get what we came for: the Pluton blueprints. Maybe even Water 7 itself."
Enel glared. "You sound like you're planning a takeover, sand croc."
Crocodile shrugged, a tiny sandstorm swirling in his palm. "A chance to control Water 7? That's not modest. But it's possible."
Enel crackled with electricity. "All this scheming when you could just take action…"
He trailed off as Crocodile's expression hardened.
Then, Nami's voice broke through. "Enough. Quiet down."
Rolan clapped his hands once. "Let's eat first. Those agents might move tonight."
He paused, a cold warning in his tone. "Be careful. They know we're here. Keep your masks on. Don't trust anyone."
---
At Night — Outside the Galley-La Company
Under moonlight, four masked figures approached the entrance of the Galley-La building. Shadows moved with purpose.
A guard saw them and bristled. "Hey! Who are you? Sneaking around at night? Leave now, or I'll call security!"
His confusion was obvious. Earlier, a group like this had come in the morning. Now another appeared in the dark. And the Mayor's orders were clear: no masked strangers.
Kaku's voice, cold and confident, carried in the silence. "Mayor Iceburg made a request for us to meet tonight. Please deliver that message."
The guard hesitated, eyes darting between them. "If what you say is true… wait here. I'll go inform him."