“Now, who agrees… and who opposes?!”
The CP9 agents, scattered around Nagato after being blasted away, were silent upon hearing these words. Even the ever-proud Rob Lucci had to admit his defeat. Though Nagato had used his abilities to defeat them, he had also overpowered Lucci in his most cherished skill: hand-to-hand combat.
This situation was drastically different from when Nagato first extended his invitation. Back then, the seven agents might have dismissed his words, but now, having attacked him together and been utterly defeated in a single move, ignoring Nagato would be sheer arrogance.
Utilizing Life Return to suppress his injuries, Lucci stood up painfully and responded, “Since you know we are CP9, you should also know that we cannot accept your invitation.”
“No,” Nagato looked at him. “Because I know you are CP9, I know you need my invitation.”
“Hmph…” Jabra struggled to sit up, retorting, “We don’t need anything like that…”
Though Jabra instinctively contradicted, his voice betrayed his fear of Nagato.
Nagato ignored the small provocation and continued, “You are now fugitives, defeated at Enies Lobby. Your CP9 status is void.”
His words were harsh, and the seven agents’ faces darkened, but they knew it was true. Numerous Marines were scouring the area, intent on capturing them and bringing them to justice.
“In this situation, do you still want to continue serving the World Government?” Nagato’s question was rhetorical, implying an obvious truth.
“So, Mr. Nagato, are you a pirate? Or perhaps…” Kalifa’s sharp eyes bore into Nagato, “a Revolutionary?”
Nagato nodded internally. As expected, government agents were far more perceptive than ordinary people like Hanks. They had already considered the possibility of him being a Revolutionary, which was almost correct. If Nagato’s plan succeeded, he would indeed be akin to a Revolutionary.
“I’m neither. You overthink, Kalifa,” Nagato said, not admitting to anything. The timing wasn’t right, and CP9 wasn’t trustworthy yet. “I plan to take over a country!”
The CP9 agents were shocked, but Nagato quickly clarified, “A member nation of the World Government. I won’t attract their wrath.”
“Because I value your abilities, I invite you to assist in my plan,” Nagato raised his hands, continuing to persuade. “If we succeed, you’ll be appointed to official positions. Today’s charges will be nullified, and the Marines hunting you now…”
“They’ll be nothing more than your private soldiers.”
The CP9 agents were moved by his words. While slightly exaggerated, Nagato’s proposition wasn’t entirely implausible. If they could take control of a World Government member nation, they could petition for their charges to be revoked. As significant officials of a tax-paying, Heavenly Tribute-providing country, the Marines would indeed become their protectors.
“What is the name of this country?” Kalifa asked.
Nagato didn’t answer, merely giving her a look, indicating she’d asked a foolish question. They were still in the initial stages of negotiation. Revealing everything was impossible, and Nagato’s silence was a silent warning not to play clever tricks.
“You’re quite persuasive, Mr. Nagato,” Lucci interjected. “But words alone won’t earn our trust. And you may be overestimating your offer. Though we failed, most of the blame falls on that fool Spandam. We can still clear our names and return to the World Government.”
“Don’t spew nonsense, Lucci,” Nagato retorted. “Whether your superior’s machinations succeed or not, your failures and charges are real.”
Nagato continued, “Returning to the World Government is possible, but the price is unknown.”
Lucci frowned. Nagato wasn’t wrong. Whether Spandam absolved himself or not, CP9’s failure, leading to the destruction of Enies Lobby and shaming the World Government, was a severe crime. Returning would require proving their immense value and strength as bargaining chips.
This was a last-resort option.
Nagato’s patience seemed to wane, and his dissatisfaction with CP9’s indecision was apparent.
Lucci understood. From tracking them down to providing money for their recovery, giving them a chance to test Nagato’s strength, and finally offering a shocking proposal, Nagato had shown ample sincerity.
However, even the greatest sincerity had its limits. Lucci needed to decide.
“If what you say is true, then I agree to join,” Lucci said, then looked at the others.
Kaku: “I agree.”
Jabra: “Tch!”
Blueno: “Hmm.”
Kumadori: “I concur~!”
Fukurou: “Agreed, chapapa~”
Kalifa: “No objections.”
“What is our mission?” Lucci asked Nagato after everyone agreed to join.
Unlike Kalifa, Lucci’s approach and wording were appropriate. He didn’t ask for the entire plan but subtly tried to probe Nagato, cleverly masked by a willingness to take responsibility.
Nagato acknowledged their submission with a nod and replied, “Use your expertise to find three people for me.”
Nagato’s answer surprised CP9. How could taking over a country start with finding three individuals? Their curiosity grew.
“First, Law. Full name unknown, captain of a pirate crew, user of the Ope Ope no Mi.”
“Second, former Marine Admiral, Zephyr.”
“Third, Fujitora, a blind swordsman who can control gravity.”
After naming the three and giving minimal information, Nagato specified the tasks, “For Law, I need to contact him soon for the next step of the plan.”
“For Zephyr, provide me with his current status to decide if I should meet him.”
“Fujitora is unrelated to the current plan. Besides coordinating with me, find him on your own time. You have two years.”
Nagato swiftly assigned the tasks. To his surprise, CP9 brought an immediate advantage.
“Ope Ope no Mi user, is that Trafalgar Law?” Lucci asked after Nagato finished. “We have his contact information. If needed, we can call him now!”
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