[Chat Group For The Death] Chapter 96 - 100

Chapter 96: The Right to Choose

“Hello, Lucas. I am Perospero, the eldest son of the Charlotte family…Kukuku”

A man with a candy cane in his hand, his long tongue curling in the air, greeted Lucas with a sly smile.

Perospero, the Candy Minister of the Big Mom Pirates, possessed the powers of a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit Lick-Lick Fruit. As one of the key figures within the Big Mom Pirates, he was deeply trusted by Big Mom herself. This time, he led the mission, bringing along his two younger sisters, Charlotte Pudding and Charlotte Galette, to negotiate the release of their captured brothers, Cracker and Katakuri.

“Come out, you two!”

Perospero's voice croaked like an old raven as he called for his sisters. Moments later, two young and beautiful women descended gracefully from the ship.

“Yes, it's them,” Lucas muttered, giving the sisters a quick once-over. With a nod signaling that the inspection was complete, he waved for Katakuri and Cracker to be brought forward. “Alright, you can leave now!” Lucas said bluntly. “I’ve got more important things to handle, so I won’t be entertaining you.”

Katakuri turned to Lucas, his gaze deep and steady. “Our ship needs to be resupplied,” he said. “And I have something to say to my sisters.”

Lucas glanced at Katakuri, a playful smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Fair enough.”

Katakuri pulled his two sisters aside, his expression growing serious. “I don’t know what orders Mother gave you when she sent you here,” he began, his voice low but firm. “But I suggest you abandon any reckless ideas.”

Charlotte Galette chuckled lightly. “Brother Katakuri, what are you implying? We wouldn’t dare go against Mother’s orders.”

Katakuri’s gaze softened, but his tone remained earnest. “I know you fear Mother. But you’re free now. Lucas is stronger than Big Mom. If you provoke him while carrying out Mother’s mission, you won’t survive to tell the tale.”

Both Pudding and Galette’s expressions shifted, the weight of his words settling in. They nodded solemnly, acknowledging his warning.

Katakuri hesitated for a brief moment before speaking again. “Lastly, I say this as your brother—if Lucas is willing to accept you, even if you betray the Charlotte family, you’ll have my blessing.”

At those words, Charlotte Pudding and Charlotte Galette’s eyes grew misty, their emotions threatening to spill over. Katakuri continued, his voice softer now, but every word heavy with truth. “You know how it is. We might hold prestige outside, but in Mother’s eyes, we’re nothing more than disposable tools.”

Katakuri let out a heavy sigh before turning to leave. His parting words, barely audible, floated in the air behind him. “As pirates, we’ve never truly had the freedom we deserve. But now... you do.”

From a distance, Lucas, along with the spirits in his chat group, listened in on Katakuri’s heartfelt conversation using his powerful Observation Haki.

Whitebeard: “Gurarararara! I never thought that crazy woman, Charlotte Linlin, could have a son so full of love and righteousness. If I were still alive, I’d find a way to make him my son.”

Whitebeard held nothing but contempt for Charlotte Linlin. Both of their pirate crews operated under the guise of family, but the essence of their families couldn’t be more different.

Charlotte Linlin’s family was bound by blood, but that bond was superficial. Her children were nothing more than tools to be used and discarded at her convenience. In contrast, Whitebeard’s family was forged through loyalty and love. His crewmates hailed from all corners of the world, unrelated by blood, yet closer than any real family. They were bound by a deep emotional connection, and Whitebeard would never allow harm to come to any of them. If one member faced danger, the whole crew would fight to the bitter end.

For a man like Whitebeard, who cherished his family above all else, he despised people like Charlotte Linlin who treated their family as mere pawns. To him, family was sacred—something to protect and cherish, never to harm or forsake.

Whitebeard had always believed that Linlin’s children were as cold-blooded and cruel as their mother. But Katakuri proved to be the exception, urging his sisters to break free from their mother's grasp and find their own path.

Lucas: “Katakuri’s a good man. That’s why I’ve been so hard about recruiting him.”

Once Katakuri finished his conversation with his sisters, Perospero and his group quickly restocked their supplies—food, fresh water, and long-lasting drinks—before hastily leaving the island.

Not long after, Lucas approached Charlotte Pudding and Charlotte Galette, a sly smile playing on his lips as he spoke. “You heard what Katakuri said, right? Now, tell me—what task did Charlotte Linlin send you here for?”

Charlotte Pudding forced a smile, her voice dripping with feigned innocence. “Lord Lucas, whatever do you mean? We don’t understand.”

Lucas’s smile didn’t falter as he nodded slowly. “I see. You’re still afraid of Charlotte Linlin and haven’t made up your minds yet. That’s alright—I’ll help you with that.”

A strange unease crept over Pudding and Galette, though they couldn’t quite pinpoint why.

Without another word, Lucas led them to a residence that had been prepared in advance. “You’ll be living here from now on. You’re free to do whatever you like.”

There were no secrets in this place that Lucas cared to hide. Whatever Pudding and Galette might think or see, it didn’t matter. Even if they reported everything back to Big Mom, they wouldn’t have seen anything of true importance—nothing that could pose a threat.

In the Chat Group

Whitebeard asked curiously,

Whitebeard: “What are you doing, Lucas? I thought you were going to subdue those two?”

Lucas :“I am. But it takes a process to subdue them.”

Golden Lion : “So troublesome? Just bring in the guy with the Op-Op Fruit and take care of them!”

Lucas : “That method isn’t suitable for everyone. You can’t just go around using it on everyone. I have my own unique way of dealing with these two girls.”

Howard Stark: “Are you planning to sell them some high-tech dreams?”

Lucas : “It’s not that exaggerated!”

Pirate King Roger : “Then what are you planning to do?”

Lucas grinned. “Just watch. You’ll see how I make a clean break between them and Charlotte Linlin.”

Over the next few days, Lucas began his subtle manipulation. He would visit Pudding and Galette’s residence every few hours. Each time, he only stayed for a couple of minutes—never more than five. He’d enter with a cheerful smile but leave with an indifferent expression.

At first, he visited two or three times a day. But as days passed, his visits became less frequent. Soon, he wasn’t visiting at all.

It wasn’t long before Pudding and Galette received a call from Charlotte Linlin herself.

The moment they picked up, Big Mom’s furious voice roared through the receiver, “What the hell are you two doing? I sent you there to get close to Lucas and gather information. But instead, your relationship with him is growing colder! What’s going on?”

Pudding and Galette were stunned. Estranged? They hadn’t even realized it.

But as they thought back over Lucas’s behavior in recent days, the pieces fell into place.

At first, Lucas had shown great interest in them, visiting frequently. But their cold, distant reception had made his visits brief. Eventually, his interest seemed to wane, and he stopped coming altogether.

The more they pieced it together, the clearer it became: Lucas had been playing them.

What they had dismissed as meaningless encounters had been part of a larger scheme all along.

Big Mom continued berating them, her voice laced with venomous threats. “You better get your act together! Win Lucas’s favor, get close to him—become his confidants! That’s the only way to get the information I need. If you can’t even do that, what use are you to me?”

And then came the chilling ultimatum: “If you fail, you’ll regret it. Don’t you dare disappoint me!”

When the call ended, Pudding and Galette sat in silence, their resentment toward Big Mom reaching a boiling point.

In the past, they had never dared to voice their frustrations. But now, far from Totto Land and their mother’s oppressive grip, the bitterness surfaced.

Just as they began venting their frustrations, Lucas appeared beside them, his smile calm but knowing.

“So, have you figured it out yet?” he asked casually.

Pudding and Galette jumped, startled by his sudden appearance. When they saw it was Lucas, they sighed in defeat.

“You set us up, didn’t you?” Pudding muttered bitterly. “You’ve made our lives miserable.”

Lucas shook his head with a mock sigh. “How can you say that? I’m helping you. I’ve opened your eyes to who Charlotte Linlin really is. Shouldn’t you be thanking me?”

His smile widened as he continued, “Think about it. If it weren’t for me, Big Mom wouldn’t be blaming you like this. But more importantly—did she ever ask for your side of the story? Did she even care to know the truth?”

The sisters fell silent, his words hitting their mark.

“Charlotte Linlin sent you to spy on me,” Lucas continued smoothly, “but when things didn’t go as planned, did she even pause to consider your perspective? No. She just scolded you, assuming the worst.”

He let that sink in before adding, “Do you really think she values your intelligence reports? If she won’t trust you with simple information, why would she trust you with anything important?”

Pudding and Galette exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions darkening.

Lucas pressed on, his voice soft but insistent. “To her, you’re not family. You’re tools—nothing more. And when tools stop being useful, they get discarded.”

He looked them over thoughtfully before speaking again. “You two are beautiful, but unfortunately, you’re Charlotte Linlin’s daughters. And you know exactly what that means for your future.”

Lucas sighed dramatically, his tone dripping with sympathy. “It doesn’t matter if you love someone or not. In Big Mom’s eyes, you’re just pawns for political marriages. That’s why you’re here in the first place—to be used as bargaining chips.”

He leaned in, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. “Have you ever thought about what would’ve happened if you’d never met me? As long as there’s a powerful pirate willing to pledge loyalty to her, she’ll marry you off—no matter what. Tall, short, fat, thin, ugly, handsome—none of it matters. You don’t have the right to refuse.”

The sisters’ faces grew increasingly pale as the truth settled over them like a suffocating blanket.

Lucas smiled coldly. “If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll marry someone you like. But even then, your future will be miserable. Because the moment Big Mom finds someone more valuable, she’ll replace your husband. She’ll remarry you as many times as it takes to strengthen her alliances.”

He straightened up, his gaze piercing. “After all, daughters are limited, but powerful pirates are endless. To maximize the value of each daughter, she’ll marry you off repeatedly—to different men, for different deals. That’s how she expands her influence.”

Pudding could take no more. She covered her ears and shouted, “Enough! Stop talking!”

But Lucas wasn’t finished. His expression grew serious, his voice firm and resolute.

“So, now that you know the truth—what do you want to do?” he asked, his eyes locking onto theirs. “Stay with me, and I’ll give you something Charlotte Linlin never could—the right to choose.”

His words hung heavy in the air.

“With me, you’ll finally have the freedom you’ve always dreamed of. The freedom to live your life on your own terms. Knowledge, insight, wisdom, art—they’ll all be yours. You’ll no longer be tools in someone else’s game.”

For a long moment, Pudding and Galette said nothing. The weight of his offer loomed over them like a tidal wave.

Finally, they exchanged a glance, their decision clear in their eyes.

“We agree,” they said in unison.

Chapter 97: Settle the Score Later, Plan Ahead!

Under Lucas’s mix of persuasion and subtle manipulation, Charlotte Pudding and Charlotte Galette finally chose to surrender. Of course, for Lucas, Galette was just a bonus—the true prize was Charlotte Pudding.

Her ability was comparable to the powers of the Op-Op Fruit, making her an invaluable asset in Lucas’s grand plan to recruit powerful subordinates.

“Let’s pay a visit to the Silver Fox first,” Lucas said with a grin.

Without delay, Lucas took Pudding to confront one of the World Government’s agents—Silver Fox. With a swift, powerful punch, Lucas knocked him out cold, leaving Pudding to delve into his memories.

After a few attempts, Pudding frowned, her brows knitting together in frustration. “His willpower is too strong. It’s not easy for me to extract his memories.”

Lucas chuckled lightly, “That’s alright. Just do your best.”

Combining the secret memory-extraction technique he had learned from Senju Tobirama with Pudding’s Devil Fruit ability, Lucas carefully navigated through Silver Fox’s mind, uncovering critical information about the World Government’s covert operations.

In the Chat Group

Golden Lion Shiki’s impatient voice crackled through the chat,

Golden Lion Shiki: “Well? What did you find out? As the most mysterious organization under the World Government, how many experts do they have?”

Lucas :“No fewer than three Admiral-level powerhouses. And their number of elite fighters is second only to the Marines. That doesn’t even count the hidden monsters among the Celestial Dragons. The World Government runs deeper than we thought.”

Pirate King Roger : “Does that mean the World Government has enough power to end the era of the Great Pirates?”

Lucas : “Not quite. The era of the Great Pirates isn’t just about a few strong individuals—it’s a global phenomenon. Even with their impressive forces, the World Government alone can’t completely put an end to it.”

Whitebeard : “Gurararara! That’s right! You brat, don’t underestimate the era you helped shape. No matter how many top fighters the World Government has, they can only stretch themselves so thin. They can’t be everywhere at once!”

Senju Tobirama : “If they had access to the Shadow Clone Technique or the Flying Thunder God Technique, the situation might be different. But as it stands, even if they deployed all their Admirals, it would be a drop in the ocean.”

Lucas: Exactly. And let’s not forget, they can’t afford to send all their top fighters out at once. They have to defend Mariejois, the Marine Headquarters, Impel Down, and key territories in the New World. Their forces are stretched thin across multiple fronts.”

Gold Thief Woonan: “When you put it like that, the World Government doesn’t seem as terrifying.”

Lucas: “It’s still scary. At least, I can’t take them all on by myself—not yet.”

Whitebeard: “You’re still thinking of taking them down, huh? You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that!”

Lucas: “@Senju Tobirama, don’t you have a memory-modification technique?”

Senju Tobirama:: “No. Why do you ask?”

Lucas : “I was thinking of altering Silver Fox’s memories to make him my subordinate. He’d be the perfect mole inside the World Government.”

Senju Tobirama: “You’re dreaming. No jutsu that powerful exists.”

Lucas: “True—but there’s some unfortunate news for you. While no such jutsu exists, there is a Mangekyō Sharingan ability that can do just that.”

Tobirama was stunned. “Nani?! You’re kidding!”

Lucas chuckled. “No joke. The Mangekyō’s ability to forcibly twist someone’s will is very real.”

Tobirama fell silent. He didn’t want to know more.

Back in the Real World

After extracting all the information he needed, Lucas waved his hand dismissively.

“Take him away.”

The scientist Caesar Clown sauntered over, dragging the unconscious Silver Fox off for his twisted experiments. Trafalgar Law followed closely, his Op-Op Fruit powers at the ready to assist with the procedures, while Monet diligently recorded the experimental data.

The trio of chaos was in full form.

“Lord Lucas, is there anything else you need?”

Pudding had returned to Lucas’s side, her voice soft and obedient as she gently brushed a strand of hair from his forehead.

“Not yet.”

Lucas shook his head but noticed the lock of hair that fell across Pudding’s forehead. With a sudden, unexpected motion, he reached out and brushed her hand aside.

“Lord Lucas?”

Pudding blinked in confusion, only to realize that Lucas had lifted the hair covering her forehead, revealing her hidden third eye.

“Your eyes are beautiful. Don’t feel ashamed of them,” Lucas said softly, his voice steady and warm. “With me, no one will dare laugh at you.”

For a moment, Pudding stood frozen.

In all fairness, when Pudding wasn’t in her darker, vengeful state, even with her third eye exposed, her appearance wasn’t grotesque or unsettling. Instead, it carried an unusual, captivating beauty—a charm that set her apart from others.

“Ah…”

Pudding’s face flushed a deep red, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. Suddenly, a rush of steam erupted from her head, and she collapsed, fainting from sheer embarrassment.

In the chat group, Senju Tobirama asked in astonishment,

Senju Tobirama: “What’s wrong with that girl?”

Lucas : “Blame me! My charm was too overwhelming for her. She couldn’t handle the excitement and fainted.”

Pirate King Roger: “That reason is really…”

Lucas: “What? Say it.”

Pirate King Roger: “Alright! It’s good—plain, simple, and honest. Only an upright guy like our group leader could say something so straightforward.”

Everyone in the chat group fell silent for a moment.

Roger, you’ve changed!

You’re no longer the pirate king we once knew. You’ve become… the group leader’s fanboy.

Because of her third eye, Pudding had suffered ridicule and rejection from childhood to adulthood. But with Lucas’s simple acceptance of her unique feature, the walls around her heart began to crumble. If she could truly embrace her third eye, winning her loyalty would be effortless.

Later, when Lucas returned to the house carrying the fainted Pudding in his arms, Galette was stunned. Her eyes widened as she stammered, “What… what did you do to Pudding?”

Lucas replied nonchalantly, “Nothing much. Just said a few words… and then she passed out.”

Galette eyed him suspiciously, clearly not convinced. “Really?”

Lucas smiled, turning off the chat group's perception so no one could eavesdrop. Taking two slow steps toward Galette, he leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a soft murmur as he met her wary gaze. “What do you think I did to her? And more importantly, what can you do about it? Don’t forget—you’re here because of marriage.”

Galette opened her mouth to argue but found herself speechless. He wasn’t wrong. In the current situation, both she and her sister were effectively Lucas’s women. Whatever he did to them was technically justified.

Lucas grinned, taking a step back. “Even though we haven’t done anything yet, everyone already knows you’re married to me. Even if I let you go, who’d dare approach you? Besides… are you really losing out by being with me?”

Galette went silent for a moment, considering his words. Am I losing out?

She looked Lucas up and down. Strong, confident, and undeniably handsome. No… it wasn’t a loss at all.

As that realization settled in, Galette’s demeanor relaxed. If there’s no way to resist… might as well enjoy the ride!

Seeing the subtle shift in her attitude, Lucas raised an eyebrow. The gleam in Galette’s eyes was unmistakable—aggressive and full of intent. He couldn’t help but suspect that she was looking at him with those kinds of eyes.

But this wasn’t surprising to Lucas. He was used to people falling for him. As a man of unparalleled looks and unmatched charisma, Lucas had long grown accustomed to admiration and affection.

Still, as an upright young man with both virtues and morals, Lucas firmly rejected the advances of overly enthusiastic women. However, Galette looked so pitiful in her obvious longing that Lucas, in his kindness, couldn’t help but let her stew in her own feelings.

Afterward, Lucas would reflect on this situation and, in true humble fashion, blame Galette entirely for making him feel guilty for being so irresistible.

Galette, realizing Lucas wasn’t going to make a move, huffed in frustration. Not wanting to face his teasing alone, she hurriedly pulled Pudding—who had been pretending to be asleep—back to her feet.

Good sisters share everything, Galette thought smugly. What’s the point of enjoying this alone while you pretend to sleep?

The Next Day

Lucas boarded a luxury cruise ship with the sisters, leaving the island behind for a well-deserved vacation. But this wasn’t just a leisurely trip—it was also a calculated move to mislead the Big Mom Pirates. Charlotte Linlin needed to believe that her undercover plan was progressing smoothly.

Onboard, Pudding, now more composed but still with a hint of shyness, asked curiously, “Where are we going?”

Lucas laughed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “Golden City!”

Galette’s eyes widened in surprise. “The biggest entertainment city in the world? I’ve heard people talk about it, but I’ve never been there.”

Lucas nodded. “No more just hearing about it—we’re going to see it firsthand.”

In the Chat Group

Pirate King Roger: “Is the outside perception back on? Finally! I was suffocating in there!”

Whitebeard: “Cruise ship, sea… Where are you heading this time?”

Howard Stark: “Do we even need to ask? Two girls, a cruise ship—it’s obvious.”

Lucas: “It’s not just about fun. I’ve got accounts to settle and plans to set in motion.”

Golden Lion Shiki: “Where to?”

Lucas: “The world’s largest entertainment city—Gran Tesoro. A giant cruise ship made entirely of gold, the most luxurious amusement venue in the world.”

Gold Thief Woonan: “Wait, isn’t the owner of that place the current user of the Gold-Gold Fruit?”

Lucas: “Bingo! The current Gold-Gold Fruit user, Gild Tesoro, owns Gran Tesoro. The cruise ship is named after him.”

Gold Thief Woonan: “Is that so? I’d love to meet this generation’s Gold-Gold Fruit user. If he’s got enough gold to build an entire cruise ship, he must have mountains of treasure.”

Senju Tobirama: “You mentioned settling scores and planning ahead. Does this have anything to do with Golden City?”

Lucas: “Of course. Members of the Germa Kingdom—the ones I told you about—are currently hiding in Golden City. They attacked my territory before but ran when Jinbei chased them off. Now, it’s time to settle the score.”

Lucas: “Plus, Tesoro’s Gold-Gold Fruit ability controls one-fifth of the world’s currency. His strength isn’t something to be underestimated. Maybe I can nudge him into joining me.”

Golden City, Gran Tesoro

The colossal, glittering golden cruise ship cut through the waves, its sheer opulence gleaming under the sun. Two massive snail ships slowly docked alongside it.

From the snail ships, two men in sleek, high-tech combat uniforms disembarked, moving with practiced ease as they entered Golden City.

They were Vinsmoke Ichiji, the eldest son of the Vinsmoke family, and Vinsmoke Niji, the second son. These were the same men who had previously raided Lucas’s territory, only to be driven off by the mighty Jinbei.

Chapter 98: Whitebeard: He Gave Too Much!

Not long after Germa 66’s snail ship docked in the Golden City, Lucas’s ship appeared in the distant sky.

After a few days of leisurely sailing, Lucas decided to speed things up using his Float-Float Fruit ability. The results spoke for themselves—air travel was, without a doubt, the fastest mode of transportation compared to sea and land.

Despite Germa 66 setting off more than a month earlier, Lucas still arrived at the Golden City at the same time as them.

The massive golden cruise ship slowly descended, landing gracefully in the harbor of the Golden City. As Lucas disembarked with the Charlotte sisters at his side, golden cannons fired in celebration.

Golden splashes burst into the sky, and shimmering gold dust rained down like a dream, painting the scene in surreal beauty.

“What a beautiful sight!”

The Charlotte sisters were mesmerized. They gazed at the golden sprays and the delicate flakes falling from the sky, their eyes sparkling with wonder.

In the Chat Group

The Gold Thief Woonan let out an annoyed groan.

Gold Thief Woonan: “Damn it! Is this spectacle all thanks to that Gold-Gold Fruit user?”

Pirate King Roger marveled,

Pirate King Roger: “It’s incredibly luxurious! These young folks today sure know how to have fun. How much does this even cost?”

Golden Lion Shiki burst into laughter.

Golden Lion Shiki: “Shihahaha! Woonan, looks like you’ve been outdone by a junior. Even though you’ve got more gold than him, you definitely don’t have his sense of flair.”

Woonan shot back bitterly,

Gold Thief Woonan: “I’m nothing like him, okay? I hate people like this. No matter how much money I have, I’d never show off like this.”

Despite his words, Woonan couldn’t shake off the bitterness. He controlled a third of the world’s gold, but to him, it felt like just a pile of useless metal.

But Tesoro? This man had transformed his gold into something grand, building a golden cruise ship the size of a small country. Just looking at it made Woonan feel a pang of frustration.

Fisher Tiger’s voice cut in, filled with confusion.

Fisher Tiger: “Wait! What’s going on over there? Pirates in captain hats, Marines in uniform, World Government officials, and even royalty—they’re all mingling together like it’s no big deal. How are they all getting along so well?”

Senju Hashirama added, equally puzzled, Senju Hashirama: “Yeah! Ordinary people aren’t afraid of the pirates, and the pirates aren’t afraid of the Marines? What’s happening here?”

Whitebeard’s booming laughter echoed in the chat.

Whitebeard: “Gurararara! Don’t you get it? That’s the power of money! Tesoro owns one-fifth of the world’s money, and that kind of wealth lets him pull strings most people couldn’t even dream of.”

Woonan’s interest piqued.

Gold Thief Woonan: “Go on, I’m starting to get curious about this junior of mine.”

Whitebeard explained,

Whitebeard: “I heard Tesoro used his immense wealth to bribe the World Government and even the Celestial Dragons. His Golden City is officially recognized as a country by the World Government, making it an affiliated state.”

Woonan scoffed.

Gold Thief Woonan: “Not surprising at all. When the World Government agents approached me, they offered something similar.”

Golden Lion Shiki : “No way! But you didn’t even have your own territory back then, right?”

Gold Thief Woonan: “True. But the World Government offered to help me seize a non-member nation, make me its king, and then have that country join the World Government.”

Senju Tobirama: “That kind of operation is… shady, to say the least.”

Lucas: “It’s shady, but not surprising. The World Government has always targeted non-affiliated countries, treating them as easy pickings for manipulation and control.”

Fisher Tiger: “But what about those peaceful pirates and Marines mingling together? What’s the deal with that?”

Lucas: “Golden City is the largest entertainment hub in the world—it’s all about business here. The last thing anyone wants is chaos. So, under Tesoro’s financial influence, this place has become a globally recognized demilitarized zone.”

Lucas: “Tesoro bought off the World Government and the Celestial Dragons. The World Government issued orders forbidding any fighting here. Marines, government officials, and royal families all comply because they have to save face. As for the pirates…”

Pirate King Roger: “I bet there’s always someone who refuses to play by the rules, especially among pirates.”

Whitebeard: “Gurararara! That’s true. Pirates aren’t exactly known for respecting the World Government’s authority. But Tesoro found a solution—he bribed the Four Emperors.”

Pirate King Roger: “Nani?”

Whitebeard: “You know the deterrent power the Pirate Emperors hold in the New World. The Marine and World Government can’t protect every island, but the mere presence of a Pirate Emperor’s flag guarantees safety. Tesoro used that influence to keep even the wildest pirates in check.”

Golden Lion Shiki: “Wait a minute, Whitebeard… were you bribed too?”

Whitebeard : “I’d love to say no, but honestly… he gave too much.”

Golden Lion Shiki: “Shihahaha….I didn’t expect this from you, Whitebeard. I misjudged you.”

Whitebeard : “Get over it! I’ve got a lot of sons to feed and a hometown to support. I need money, you understand?”

Lucas : “I get it! A penny can defeat a hero. Poverty is often the biggest enemy of even the greatest warriors.”

As Lucas said this, he couldn’t help but think of a certain hero who lost a battle—not to an enemy, but to hair loss and poverty.

Golden Lion Shiki : “What nonsense! I’ve never been stumped by money!”

Lucas : “That’s because you’re not a hero.”

Golden Lion Shiki: “…

Whitebeard : “Gurararara! Well said, Lucas. Can’t argue with that logic!”

Lucas : “Heroes have integrity and morals. You, Shiki, don’t. That’s why money never stumps you—you’ll just steal whatever you need.”

Golden Lion Shiki : “…You’re right. I can’t argue with that.”

Lucas : But true heroes? They won’t steal, even if they’re starving. That’s why being broke really hurts them.”

Whitebeard :“Gurararara! That’s exactly it. Tesoro gave me too much money, and I couldn’t refuse it. So, I agreed to his request and lent him my flag to deter those unruly pirates.”

Pirate King Roger: “Did the other Emperors lend him their flags too?”

Whitebeard:, “As far as I know, they all did. Even Red-Haired Shanks. He needs money too—you think he can throw all those parties without some serious funds? And Shanks isn’t the type to steal either.”

Roger laughed heartily. “That makes perfect sense!”

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Just as the chat group was buzzing with lively conversation, a sudden burst of gunfire echoed from the outside world.

In the Chat Group

Golden Lion Shiki : “Didn’t they say there’s no fighting allowed here? That’s a slap in the face for Tesoro!”

The Gold Thief Woonan : “It’s just two pirates fighting. One probably tried to snatch the other’s treasure. The guy who lost everything in a gamble here probably went nuts. Once a pirate gets red-eyed with greed, they don’t care about rules—or the World Government.”

Whitebeard : “It’ll be handled soon enough. This is Tesoro’s last resort to maintain order. If neither the World Government nor the Pirate Emperors can keep the peace, anyone who stirs up trouble will be crushed by force.”

Golden Lion Shiki : “Tesoro’s strength must be pretty solid, right? If he’s not strong enough, he’s just a fat, golden target for other forces to feast on.”

Lucas :He’s strong enough. His combat power is no less than that of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and his Gold-Gold Fruit ability has reached the awakened stage.”

Outside the Chat Group

A luxurious golden car pulled up next to Lucas and the Charlotte sisters, its polished surface gleaming under the sunlight. The car door swung open, and a bold, red-haired beauty stepped out, her attire as daring as her confident smile.

“Lord Lucas!” she greeted, her voice smooth and charming. “I’m Baccarat, your tour guide. I’ve been assigned to entertain you by order of Lord Tesoro.”

She gave a polite bow before continuing, “Lord Tesoro is currently hosting the Celestial Dragons and doesn’t have time to meet with you personally. He hopes you don’t mind.”

Lucas’s smile didn’t quite reach his eyes as he spoke, his tone laced with amusement. “Oh? Is Tesoro trying to show off his connections with the Celestial Dragons to intimidate me?”

As Lucas’s invisible pressure—his Conqueror’s Haki—settled over Baccarat, her confident demeanor faltered. Her face went pale, and her smile became strained under the overwhelming force of his presence.

Baccarat struggled to keep her composure. “N-no, of course not! You’re overthinking it. The Celestial Dragons visit frequently, and Lord Tesoro always hosts them personally. It’s just routine. There’s no hidden meaning, I assure you.”

Lucas withdrew his Haki, his expression returning to one of indifference. “Good. I’d hate for this to turn ugly.” He glanced around before adding, “Since Tesoro’s too busy, I’ll wait. In the meantime, you’re the tour guide, right? Show me around.”

Baccarat nodded quickly, pushing down her fear as she led Lucas and the Charlotte sisters through the dazzling city. Any lingering thoughts of trying to outsmart Lucas were quickly dismissed—his overwhelming presence had made it clear just how insignificant she was in comparison.

At the Top Floor of the Golden City

In a lavish, gold-adorned room, Gild Tesoro stared at a live video feed of Lucas, his brows furrowed in frustration.

“He insists on seeing me? Damn it, what does this guy want?”

Tesoro wasn’t eager to face Lucas. The rumors about Lucas’s strength weren’t just hearsay—he was far stronger than Tesoro, and even Kaido of the Beasts, hailed as the strongest creature in the world, couldn’t match him. If Lucas decided to attack, Tesoro knew he wouldn’t even have a chance to escape.

“Maybe he’ll change his mind,” Tesoro muttered to himself. “He might get distracted, have some fun, and forget about meeting me.”

Then a thought struck him. “Wait… Germa 66!”

His eyes lit up as he connected the dots. “Germa 66 was involved in an incident with Lucas. Maybe Lucas is here for them and not me.”

Tesoro felt a surge of relief. “Yeah, that makes sense. He probably wants to settle the score with them. And since I’ve got strict no-fighting rules in the Golden City, he needs my permission.”

A sly grin spread across Tesoro’s face. “Mr. Lucas, you’re too kind. You don’t need my permission—feel free to handle it yourself!”

Feeling more confident, Tesoro called over one of his subordinates. “Cooperate with Lucas. Let him deal with Germa 66. If he takes them out, it’s no skin off my back.”

But Tesoro wasn’t done scheming. Just in case things didn’t go according to plan, he decided to take extra precautions.

“Call the Marines,” he ordered. “Tell them to send troops to protect the Celestial Dragons here.”

Of course, Tesoro didn’t care about the Celestial Dragons’ safety—he was worried about his own. But by framing the request as a security measure for the Celestial Dragons, he knew the World Government would respond swiftly.

“If the Marines show up, they’ll probably send an Admiral. Maybe even two.”

Tesoro chuckled to himself. “If Lucas is really here for Germa 66, then great—I’ll help him out, even if it damages my reputation a little.”

“But if Lucas is after me…” Tesoro’s grin faded slightly. “…well, with Marine Admirals here, I’ll be protected.”

He leaned back in his chair, feeling a little more at ease. After all, he was a major taxpayer for the World Government. As long as he didn’t do anything stupid, they wouldn’t let anything happen to him.

Chapter 99: Buy One Get One Free, Two Gifts!

Mariejois

In the grand chambers of Mariejois, the Five Elders gathered, their expressions darkening as they reviewed the latest report from their subordinates. The contents of the report were troubling, to say the least—it involved both the Celestial Dragons and Lucas.

The Celestial Dragons were the face of the World Government, the symbol of its supreme authority. Lucas, on the other hand, was the very embodiment of the threat the World Government most dreaded confronting.

It wasn’t just Lucas who feared the might of the World Government—the feeling was mutual.

The Saint Shepherd Ju Peter scowled. “Which idiot thought it was a good idea to head to the Golden City? This is going to cause us no end of trouble!”

Saint Topman Warcury spoke gravely. “Pointing fingers now won’t help. What we need to focus on is how to deal with Lucas.”

Saint Jaygarcia Saturn leaned back, his eyes narrowing. “I don’t think we should provoke a large-scale conflict with Lucas at this time. He’s far too mysterious—we don’t even know the full extent of his abilities.”

Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro nodded in agreement. “Exactly. Maybe we could beat him, but unless he’s suicidal, we won’t be able to kill him. And that would be a disaster.”

Lucas’s known abilities—his Float-Float Fruit powers, his use of clones, and even space manipulation—had already made him virtually untouchable. The Five Elders, seasoned leaders of the World Government, knew that an enemy like Lucas had to be eliminated in one decisive blow. Anything less would unleash chaos.

Saint Marcus Mars spoke slowly, his voice measured. “If we’re not confident in killing Lucas outright, we shouldn’t engage him directly. Even if we crush his power base, we’d only be inviting trouble.”

Power.

It was both Lucas’s greatest weapon and his potential downfall. The same could be said for the World Government.

If the World Government didn’t have to safeguard its vast territories and could mobilize all its top powerhouses—perhaps even activate the Ancient Weapons—there wouldn’t be a force in the world capable of opposing them.

But Lucas? If his power base was destroyed, he’d become even more dangerous. An elusive, near-invincible individual with nothing to lose could turn the World Government’s leaders into targets, one by one, until they were forced into hiding like endangered animals.

Saint Shepherd Ju Peter pondered this for a moment before suggesting, “In that case, how about negotiating? If we can pacify him, even if it costs us something, it’s worth it.”

The other Elders nodded in agreement.

Pacifying pirates wasn’t new to the World Government—they were quite adept at it.

After all, wasn’t that how they’d handled the Four Emperors? The Yonko had established semi-autonomous territories in the New World, maintaining an uneasy peace with the World Government for over a decade. To think that no backroom deals had taken place between them would be naive.

As for whether this strategy would backfire, the World Government wasn’t concerned. Unlike the Yonko, whose entire empires were built around their personal strength, the World Government’s foundation was institutional.

If a Yonko fell, their pirate crew would crumble. But if a Fleet Admiral or even one of the Five Elders died, the World Government would remain steadfast, with new leaders rising to fill the void.

This institutional resilience gave the Five Elders an unshakeable sense of superiority.

They remembered well—Whitebeard’s pirate crew had once been one of the most formidable forces in the world. But when Whitebeard died, his empire collapsed overnight. Now, even the remnants of his crew had fallen under Lucas’s influence.

Golden City

Meanwhile, in the opulent halls of the Golden City, Lucas was enjoying himself.

“How is my luck this good? It’s unbelievable!”

Pudding stared at her hand in disbelief. She hadn’t lost a single game since stepping into the casino.

Lucas chuckled, glancing sideways at Baccarat with a knowing smile. “That’s because someone’s been giving you a little… extra luck.”

Baccarat froze for a moment, her polite smile faltering as she processed Lucas’s words. How does he know about my ability?

Pudding blinked in confusion. “Someone gave me luck?”

Lucas nodded, his gaze still fixed on Baccarat. “I have to say, I’m impressed. Not only can you absorb other people’s luck to boost your own, but you can also transfer that luck to others. I’d guess Tesoro’s smooth sailing all these years is largely thanks to you.”

Pudding and Galette stared at Baccarat in surprise.

Seeing no point in denying it, Baccarat smiled gracefully. “I’m a Paramecia-type Lucky-Lucky Fruit user. I can absorb luck from others and redistribute it as I please.”

Pudding’s eyes widened in realization. “No wonder we’ve been so lucky today! You’ve been giving us your luck!”

Baccarat laughed lightly. “Of course. We want our guests to have the best experience here.”

At that moment, a peculiar figure emerged from the ground beside them. He resembled a giant tadpole, his odd appearance matched by a wide grin.

“I am Mr. Tanaka, a subordinate of Lord Tesoro,” he introduced himself with a bow. “I’ve been instructed to deliver a message to Lord Lucas.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”

Mr. Tanaka’s grin widened. “We’ve located the members of Germa 66. If you wish to deal with them, we are prepared to assist.”

Lucas chuckled softly. “How thoughtful.”

He didn’t refuse the offer. Germa 66 was one of his targets, after all. And if his first prey wanted to help him capture his second, who was he to argue?

Golden City – Inside a Luxurious Room

Elsewhere in the Golden City, Ichiji and Niji sat quietly in a lavish room, waiting for orders from their father, Vinsmoke Judge.

The door creaked open, and two more figures entered—a girl clad in a pink combat uniform and a boy wearing green.

They are the eldest daughter of the Vinsmoke family, Reiju, and the fourth son, Yonji. Together, they formed another squad of Germa 66.

Germa 66 had three active squads operating outside their homeland.

Vinsmoke Judge, the patriarch and king, led a team consisting of the kingdom’s core military force, focusing on strategic command.

Ichiji and Niji, the first and second sons, formed one of the main combat teams.

Reiju and Yonji, the eldest daughter and fourth son, comprised the other, equally formidable fighting team.

As soon as Yonji entered the room, he flashed a cocky grin at Ichiji and Niji. “Ah, looks like you two got lucky and made it back alive. I heard Lucas’s territory was swarming with enemies. Everyone who went there didn’t come back!”

Ichiji scoffed, his voice cold and arrogant. “Don’t be stupid. There’s no way we’d fail a mission like that. We’re Germa’s finest creations!”

Reiju raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “Did you run into any trouble?”

Niji waved her off casually. “We crossed paths with Jinbei, the former Warlord of the Sea. We had a decent fight. He’s strong, even without technological enhancements, but he couldn’t hold us down.”

Yonji huffed, disappointed. “Jinbei? Man, you’re lucky to face someone like that. All I’ve done lately is lead soldiers to wipe out trash.”

Ichiji turned his gaze toward the door. “Is Father here yet? We were supposed to meet here.”

Reiju shook her head, her expression calm. “Father won’t be coming. I’ve already collected our payment.”

The Golden City, with its strict no-fighting policy, had become a hub for underground merchants. It was the perfect place for shady deals, offering safety from both double-crossing partners and Marine crackdowns.

More importantly, Gild Tesoro, who controlled one-fifth of the world’s Bailey, served as a de facto underground banker. Many illegal transactions funneled their payments through the Golden City, ensuring a neutral third party oversaw the exchanges.

Germa 66’s latest deal had been no exception.

Ichiji frowned. “Why isn’t Father coming?”

Reiju sighed. “He’s secured a deal with the Big Mom Pirates. He’s on his way to Totto Land now. And we’re expected to join him soon.”

Ichiji stood abruptly. “If that’s the case, let’s move.”

Though the Golden City was impressive, Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji were devoid of normal human emotions. Extravagant sights held no interest for them.

Just as they prepared to leave, a calm voice echoed through the room.

“So Judge isn’t here? What a shame.”

The door creaked open, and Lucas strolled in with the Charlotte sisters at his side.

“Lucas?!”

Reiju and her brothers stiffened, their faces shifting from surprise to grim realization. They instantly fell into defensive stances, eyes narrowing as they assessed the threat in front of them.

Lucas chuckled, his gaze flickering between Ichiji and Niji before settling on Reiju and Yonji. “Ah, so you’re the ones who caused trouble on my turf? Not bad.” He smiled slyly. “And lucky me, looks like I’m getting two extra gifts today—buy one, get one free.”

Ichiji and Niji’s expressions darkened. They had never imagined Lucas would track them down here. And now, not only were they cornered, but Reiju and Yonji were dragged into the mess as well.

Reiju, trying to project confidence, spoke up. “Lucas, this is the Golden City. It’s a demilitarized zone recognized by the World Government, the underground world, and the Pirate Emperors. Fighting isn’t allowed here. Are you really prepared to offend all of them at once?”

Reiju hoped invoking the Golden City’s neutrality would make Lucas reconsider. But she was too naive.

Suddenly, Mr. Tanaka emerged from the floor, his face blank as he delivered his message.

“Lord Tesoro has stated that Germa 66 isn’t protected under the Golden City’s neutrality agreements.”

Reiju’s heart sank, and a bitter smile crept onto her lips.

Of course.

While the Golden City’s reputation was important, it paled in comparison to the threat Lucas posed. If protecting that reputation meant crossing Lucas, Tesoro would abandon it without hesitation. Even the World Government and the Pirate Emperors, despite their dealings with Tesoro, wouldn’t step in to protect him from Lucas.

“Reiju, enough talking!”

Yonji, hot-headed and impulsive, roared as he charged toward Lucas. “Let’s show him what Germa’s technology can do!”

With a resigned sigh, Reiju followed, alongside Ichiji and Niji. The four of them surrounded Lucas, ready to strike.

Lucas smiled coolly, unbothered by their aggression. “Germa’s technology, huh? Let’s see what you’ve got.”

With a flick of his wrist, Lucas activated his Gold-Gold Fruit ability. The gold within the walls of the room liquefied, swirling around him like a protective barrier.

“A building made entirely of gold,” Lucas mused, “makes using the Gold-Gold Fruit way too convenient.”

As Yonji lunged, Lucas casually formed a golden shield. The fluid gold wrapped around Yonji’s arm like quicksand, neutralizing the force behind his punch with ease.

“Sparking Red!”

“Dengeki Blue!”

“Poison Pink!”

“Winch Green!”

Reiju, Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji unleashed their full arsenal, combining fire, electricity, poison, and mechanical force in a relentless assault.

But Lucas remained calm. The liquid gold flowed around him like a living entity, effortlessly deflecting each attack. Every strike was absorbed, dissipated, or redirected, as if the room itself had turned against them.

Lucas chuckled, his voice dripping with mockery. “Is that all Germa technology has to offer?”

In the Chat Group

Howard Stark’s voice buzzed in, intrigued.

Howard Stark: “So this is Germa’s technology? Fascinating. The combat suits they’re wearing are impressive. I’d love to get my hands on them for research.”

Pirate King Roger: “Flames, poison, lightning—abilities you’d expect from Devil Fruits, but all done with tech? That’s pretty wild!”

Lucas : “Howard, keep in mind—it’s not just mechanical tech. Their suits incorporate a ton of biotech as well.”

Chapter 100: Reiju's Outrageous Moves

“Game over!”

After just two or three minutes of fighting, Lucas grew bored of the Vinsmoke siblings’ repetitive attacks. With a casual wave, he ended the battle effortlessly.

The gold surrounding the room morphed into a massive hand, surging forward to grab all four of the Vinsmoke siblings. Niji, ever the hothead, rushed forward, releasing powerful lightning from his battle suit to try and disrupt the golden hand’s grip.

But it was useless. Lucas’s golden construct was reinforced with top-tier Armament Haki. Niji’s lightning attacks barely made a dent. One by one, the siblings were captured without exception.

The golden hands that ensnared them quickly melted and reshaped, encasing their bodies in hardened golden shells. Only their heads remained exposed, leaving them immobilized and vulnerable.

“Mr. Tanaka, you can go now.”

Lucas shot a dismissive glance at the large, tadpole-like man and unceremoniously issued an expulsion order.

Mr. Tanaka didn’t dare argue. He scurried out of the room without another word.

Lucas’s Conqueror’s Haki flared, its invisible pressure flooding the room. Several nearby Den Den Mushi, each with unique communication functions, instantly fainted under the overwhelming force.

“Lucas, we surrender!”

Reiju’s voice rang out, her tone urgent and pleading. “Let us go, and the Kingdom of Germa will give you a sufficient reward.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “A sufficient reward? That sounds promising.” He smirked. “Alright then. Hand over Germa’s scientific technology, and I’ll let you live.”

Ichiji scoffed, his pride untouched even in defeat. “Don’t even think about it! Germa’s technology is the foundation of the Vinsmoke family. We’ll never hand it over to anyone.”

Niji laughed bitterly. “We may be Judge’s children, but in his eyes, Germa’s technology is far more important than we are.”

Yonji sneered. “Besides, we don’t have the technology with us. Even if we did, we wouldn’t give it to you.”

Lucas turned to Reiju, his expression curious. “Is that true?”

Reiju sighed, her eyes filled with a mixture of resignation and bitterness. “It’s true. Our father, Judge, values Germa’s technology more than his own children. To him, we’re nothing but tools.”

Hearing this, Pudding and Galette exchanged sympathetic glances. They understood the pain of being treated as pawns in someone else’s game. Both were victims of their own family’s cold-hearted ambitions.

“So,” Lucas mused thoughtfully, “all of Germa’s scientific power is in Judge’s hands?”

Reiju nodded. “That’s right. Each of us controls a part of Germa’s territory, and we each have our own snail ships. But none of us have access to the science labs or cloning facilities. Our only purpose is to fight.”

Lucas pondered for a moment before summoning a Shadow Clone. “I’ll have my clone verify that.”

The Shadow Clone disappeared swiftly, heading towards the Germa snail ships.

Moments later, Lucas received the clone’s feedback. As expected, the ships were nothing more than war fortresses. There were no scientific facilities, no cloning chambers—just weapons and soldiers.

Lucas turned back to Reiju. “Tell me, where’s your father? He’s quite the slippery one. My men haven’t been able to locate him.”

Reiju shook her head, her expression earnest. “Honestly, I don’t know.”

Lucas’s eyes narrowed. “You don’t know?”

Reiju nodded. “That’s right. Germa is a mobile kingdom, constantly on the move across the seas. It doesn’t have a fixed location. Your men can’t track him because we’re never in the same place for long.”

Lucas frowned. “What about a Vivre Card?”

Ichiji chuckled darkly from within his golden prison. “Too bad for you—we don’t have one.”

Niji grinned, adding, “And there’s a simple reason for that. Judge didn’t give us a Vivre Card because he’s always prepared for situations like this.”

Yonji laughed. “If he wants to see us, he contacts us directly, sets up a time and place, and we meet. Simple as that.”

Their flippant attitude grated on Galette’s nerves. She crossed her arms and scoffed. “Aren’t you afraid of dying?”

Ichiji’s voice rang out, proud and unyielding. “Unfortunately for you, we’re perfect human beings—transformed by bloodline factor technology. The useless emotion of fear was eliminated from us long ago.”

Niji sneered. “We’re Germa’s finest warriors. We don’t fear death, and we follow orders without question.”

Yonji grinned smugly. “That’s right!”

Lucas’s patience wore thin. With a simple gesture, the golden shells encasing them shifted, sealing their mouths shut and silencing their arrogant remarks.

Turning his attention back to Reiju, Lucas’s tone softened—just a little. “Reiju, how about deceiving Judge for me? Don’t worry, I won’t kill him. If you help me lure him out, I’ll let you and your brothers live.”

Reiju eyed him cautiously. “And the price is Germa’s scientific power?”

Lucas clapped his hands together, grinning. “Exactly! After all, you invaded my territory. I could’ve killed you all, but I’m willing to spare you because of Germa’s technology. Fair deal, right?”

Reiju fell silent, her expression unreadable.

Lucas leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. “I can see into your soul, you know. You can’t hide from me. Deep down, you’ve always wanted Germa 66 to fall, haven’t you?”

Reiju’s eyes widened, panic flashing across her face. “What are you talking about? I’m the princess of the Kingdom of Germa!”

Lucas smirked. “‘Princess of Germa,’ huh? Sounds fancy. But you know the truth. You’ve seen firsthand how cruel your father is. Don’t tell me you’re still attached to Germa’s so-called glory.”

Galette watched Reiju carefully, noticing the shift in her mood.

Lucas continued, his voice calm but piercing. “Before you were even born, your father experimented on you, altering your bloodline with drugs and genetic manipulation. You were born with superhuman strength, a body tougher than any shield.”

“Judge was thrilled with his results—until he decided to take things even further. He didn’t just want to enhance your body; he wanted to rewire your soul.”

“Your brothers—those three over there? They’re his masterpieces. They’ve got the same enhanced bodies as you, but their souls were stripped of fear, compassion, and free will. They’re nothing more than obedient soldiers, perfect tools.”

Lucas’s voice softened slightly. “But you? You’re different. You’ve always felt the emptiness in your brothers. You’ve always known they weren’t really human. Especially when you compare them to someone else…”

Reiju’s breath hitched as Lucas uttered the name.

“Vinsmoke Sanji.”

At the mention of her younger brother, Reiju’s face went pale. She stared at Lucas in shock. “What… what did you say?”

Lucas smiled knowingly. “You heard me. Do I need to repeat it?”

Reiju’s shoulders slumped slightly, the weight of her memories pressing down on her. After a long pause, she exhaled deeply. “Alright. I’ll do it. I’ll help you deceive Judge.” She met Lucas’s gaze, her voice steady. “Like you said… it’s been my wish to see Germa 66 disappear.”

Lucas tilted his head, a half-smile playing on his lips. “Are you sure that’s the only reason? Because it seems to me you’re also worried about your younger brothers—not just the three here, but the one who ran away from home all those years ago.”

Reiju’s expression stiffened. “You said you wouldn’t hurt them.”

Lucas shrugged nonchalantly. “When did I say I’d hurt them? You’re overthinking things.” He gave her a teasing smile. “You’re such a good sister. Even though your brothers are complete bastards, you still care about them.”

With that, Lucas pushed the three Vinsmoke brothers aside, their golden restraints creaking as they glared at Reiju with eyes full of betrayal. Their silent fury was palpable.

Reiju met their hostile gazes with a complicated expression before turning to Lucas. “Let me out.”

With a snap of his fingers, the gold encasing Reiju melted away, setting her free.

She reached into her pocket, pulling out a Den Den Mushi, then glanced at Lucas. “What reason should I use to get him to meet me?”

Lucas chuckled. “How would I know? Make something up.”

Reiju sighed in frustration. “What if he sees through my lies?”

Lucas’s grin widened. “Then I guess I’ll have no choice but to kill all four of you and wait for Judge in Totto Land. Didn’t you say he’s on his way there to negotiate with Big Mom?”

Reiju’s face tightened, and she forced a dry laugh. “As far as I know, Judge has nearly finalized his deal with the Big Mom Pirates. If you try to seize Germa’s technology now, they probably won’t let you.”

Lucas gave her a mocking look, his voice dripping with disdain. “And what if they don’t? Do you seriously think the Big Mom Pirates can stop me?”

Reiju’s face paled as she thought over Lucas’s formidable combat record. The more she considered it, the more she realized the truth—they couldn’t stop him.

“Let me introduce you to someone.”

Lucas gestured toward the two women beside him. “These are my wives—Charlotte Galette and Charlotte Pudding, daughters of Charlotte Linlin.”

Reiju’s eyes widened in shock as Lucas continued, his tone casual but confident.

“That’s right, I’m married into the Big Mom Pirates.”

“Now, if I share Germa’s technology with the Big Mom Pirates, do you really think they’ll oppose me?” He chuckled darkly. “Don’t be naive.”

“If Big Mom cooperates with Germa, she’ll never get her hands on your technology. But if she cooperates with me, she’ll get all of it. What do you think she’ll choose?”

Lucas’s words landed like a hammer, and Reiju felt the weight of them settle heavily on her chest.

“Fine,” Reiju said after a long pause, taking a deep breath. “I’ll trick Judge into meeting me.”

She activated the Den Den Mushi, its eyes blinking open as it connected to Judge.

Soon, his cold, detached voice echoed from the receiver. “Reiju. What do you want?”

Reiju forced her voice to remain steady. “Father, where are you right now? Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji are injured. They need treatment on your ship.”

There was a brief pause before Judge’s voice sharpened. “Injured? How badly? Put them on the line.”

Reiju quickly replied, “They’re unconscious. They can’t speak.”

Judge’s irritation was palpable. “Where are you? I’ll send a hospital ship immediately.”

Reiju’s heart sank. “A hospital ship? Won’t you come yourself?”

Judge scoffed impatiently. “I’m on my way to Totto Land to meet Charlotte Linlin. I don’t have time to waste on you.”

Reiju bit her lip, her chest tightening. Even with his sons injured, Judge’s ambitions took precedence.

“If there’s nothing else, I’m hanging up. I have important work in the lab.”

“Wait!” Reiju blurted out before he could disconnect.

Judge’s voice grew colder. “What is it? Speak quickly.”

Reiju hesitated, her mind racing. She glanced at Lucas, then steeled herself. “Ichiji and Niji took on a mission to attack Lucas’s territory.”

“I know,” Judge interrupted dismissively. “Didn’t they retreat?”

Reiju shook her head, even though he couldn’t see her. “No. After Yonji and I arrived in the Golden City to meet them, Lucas showed up. He knocked all three of them unconscious.”

For the first time, Judge’s voice betrayed a hint of shock. “What did you say? Lucas found you, and he knocked them out? How did you escape?”

Reiju hesitated again, feeling the weight of the lie on her tongue. Finally, she murmured, “I didn’t escape… Lucas let me go.”

There was a long, tense silence on the other end.

When Judge finally spoke, his tone was eerily calm. “Why did he let you go?”

Reiju’s face flushed with embarrassment as she delivered the final blow. “He… said he wants to marry into Germa.”

At that moment, Galette and Pudding stiffened, their gazes snapping toward Reiju like knives. Their expressions screamed betrayal.

So much for sisterhood, their eyes seemed to say. We thought you were just like us, but now you’re trying to steal our man?

To Reiju’s surprise, Judge didn’t react with anger. Instead, a low chuckle rumbled through the Den Den Mushi.

“Marriage? That’s an excellent idea. Lucas is far stronger than Big Mom.”

Reiju blinked in confusion. “You… agree?”

Judge’s voice was almost gleeful. “Why wouldn’t I agree? All four of you are captured. Do I have a choice?”

For a fleeting moment, Reiju felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, her father still cared about them.

But then Judge’s next words crushed that fragile hope.

“I could have refused, but the four of you are so useless that you let yourselves get caught by Lucas. If I don’t agree, you’ll all die. That would be a loss for me.”

Reiju’s heart sank.

Judge continued, his voice clinical and cold. “Without the four of you, my deal with the Big Mom Pirates would fall apart. As much as you lack talent, you’re still important combat assets for the Kingdom of Germa.”

Combat assets.

Reiju felt a hollow emptiness settle in her chest. Judge wasn’t agreeing out of love or concern—he was simply weighing the pros and cons.

He was right. They were just tools to him.