After listening to Scheit's explanation, everything became clear to Bernice. The moment she heard the name "Drake," she recognized it; she had thought he looked familiar earlier but dismissed the idea because he was traveling with Scheit and the fat man. Drake's latest bounty poster had already been circulated, and even the Yonko ruling the seas were taking him seriously. To Bernice, it seemed impossible for small-time figures like them to cross paths with someone as legendary as one of the Four Brothers—at least for now.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for taking care of my brother, Bell. I am Bernice," she said, placing a hand against her face and peeling away a disguise to reveal her true features. Only then did Drake realize she had been using a fake identity.
"Aren't you afraid of...?" Drake hesitated. This was supposed to be Dark Clan territory, and he assumed Bernice was being monitored. He was surprised she would expose herself so easily.
Bernice smiled and clapped her hands. Suddenly, the people throughout the bar sprang into action, sealing the doors and windows tightly. Drake's pupils constricted as he realized every person in the establishment was one of her subordinates. They had been under her watch since they entered, and he hadn't sensed a thing. This level of covert organization made him see Bernice in a new light; she was clearly no mere figurehead. She had not only escaped her enemies but had managed to maintain a loyal following right under the Dark Clan's nose.
"Let's find a more private place to talk," she suggested.
Bernice led Drake and Scheit to a private room on the second floor. "Please, have a seat," she invited. Drake sat, waiting for her to speak. He genuinely admired her; he knew from Bell that she had raised him alone, and her current achievements were clearly no fluke.
"I must express my gratitude again for helping Bell," Bernice said, bowing slightly to Drake. She had learned of their meeting at the Sabaody Archipelago and felt a surge of fear thinking of her brother traveling so far. The dangers of such a journey were beyond words.
"No need for thanks. Bell has joined the Dragon Flag Pirates now. I only hope that as his sister, you can support his decision," Drake said with a smile before turning serious. "Are you planning to...?" He glanced around, having already witnessed her resolve. It was clear she was about to make a move.
"As his sister, I won't interfere with Bell's choice. Besides, he is safer with you than by my side," Bernice laughed. "You're right. I'm moving against York. It's time the Dark Clan had a new master". As she spoke, she took on the commanding air of a queen; she was clearly an ambitious woman.
Scheit and the fat man kept their heads down, not daring to interrupt. Scheit was particularly rattled. He had been Bernice's top lieutenant, yet he had no idea she had infiltrated the bar with her own people. He realized she must have known he was a mole all along and simply let him play his part. The depth of her calculation made him shiver. The world is too scary... I want to go home, he thought, feeling like a frightened rabbit rather than an underworld executive.
"It seems our timing is perfect to witness such a grand drama," Drake remarked. "In that case, there's no need for us to interfere. I can call the others back". Their goal had been to rescue her, and it seemed that mission was accomplished without them lifting a finger.
"Hahaha... perish the thought. I never expected Bell to find people like you to save me... Regardless, thank you truly," Bernice said with heartfelt sincerity.
"Alright, I understand. I wish you success," Drake said, standing up. He chose not to intervene in her power struggle because he realized she didn't need the help. Anyone who could build a shadow organization under the enemy's nose was bound to have a winning plan.
"Big Sis, they've started the transaction," a young woman reported, appearing at Bernice's side.
"I see," Bernice nodded. She turned to Drake with a smile. "Would you care to accompany me to watch a performance?"
"Sure," Drake agreed.
As they traveled, Bernice explained the situation. Today was the day the Dark Clan was scheduled to conduct an arms deal with the Donquixote Family, the regional underworld giants, at the harbor. Drake glanced at Scheit, who frantically explained that he knew nothing about this specific deal since he had been away from the Clan for some time.
Soon, the group arrived near the harbor, where the sound of explosions filled the air. "What's happening!?" Bernice asked sternly. She hadn't given the order to attack yet.
"It's the Donquixote Family! They never intended to trade fairly; they're here to annex the Dark Clan," the scout reported.
"Oh?" Bernice raised an eyebrow. "What is the current status?"
"York is already fighting them. Both sides are in a heated battle".
"Perfect. Tell our people to stay hidden. And those stationed with York—tell them not to fight for real," Bernice said with a cunning smile.
Drake watched in silence, noting that Bernice possessed the true temperament of a leader. She remained calm despite the unexpected turn of events, ready to let her rivals exhaust each other so she could reap the rewards.
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