"Tsuru, have you found out anything important about Rifan?" Sengoku realised the seriousness in Tsuru's tone and asked immediately.
"Yes, Sengoku!"
"Nojiko of the Black Pearl Pirates is a Clone-Clone Fruit user and also possesses Armament Haki at the inner destruction level. The reward of 80 million Berries is too little for her. Her strength will never be lower than that of a Naval Headquarters Vice Admiral!"
As Tsuru spoke, she informed Sengoku about Nojiko's displayed strength. And she kept the fact that Nojiko used Gion and others' body data to have s*x with Rifan close to her heart. She simply told Sengoku that Nojiko had recorded the female Marines' body data.
"Besides Robin, even this Nojiko has this level of power—does she?" Sengoku pondered, "Sure enough, it's not too simple for someone who can use Giants technique with a human body. However, Rifan is about to become a Shichibukai, so there is no need to increase the rewards for Nojiko and others. But I don't know if this is a good thing."
"Considering Nojiko's ability, Rifan has already displayed the power of four Devil Fruits. If Rifan can truly harness his companions' abilities, then he will wield many other Devil Fruit powers. Tsuru, have you seen how Rifan manages to use his companions' powers?" Sengoku continued asking.
Tsuru shook her head and replied, "Unfortunately, no matter how we've tried to test Rifan, we haven't been able to obtain any information. Similarly, other members of the Black Pearl Pirates have shown no inclination to disclose relevant details. However, based on Nojiko and Robin's performance, I believe none of the crew Rifan invites will be simple individuals. Even if the people who recently joined the crew seem ordinary, they have the potential to become powerful pirates in the future. Rifan doesn't invite crew members solely for their looks. His teaching ability surpasses even Zephyr's, and he excels at recognizing a person's potential. He must observe them before inviting a crew member. Mikita, Nico Robin, Nami, Nojiko, Carina, Kalifa – these women are certainly not just eye candy Rifan invited to the Black Pearl Pirates. As for the other male crew members, Rifan doesn't let beauty influence his choices; he invites them for their potential. This leads me to believe that, apart from Mikita, Robin, Nami, Chopper, and Nojiko, the remaining Black Pearl Pirates will gradually become as formidable as Naval Headquarters Vice Admirals, perhaps even surpassing them."
Tsuru's words momentarily made Sengoku's expression serious. "If that's the case, then the Black Pearl Pirates will become an exceptionally powerful pirate crew."
After a pause, Tsuru continued, "Sengoku, Rifan's associates are definitely worth keeping an eye on. However, the individual who demands our most attention is Rifan. Considering the possibility that Rifan can utilise all of his companions' Devil Fruit abilities. Although we don't know whether Vivi, Franky, and others have devil fruit abilities too since our attempts failed. Therefore, I believe further investigation into Rifan and the Black Pearl Pirates is warranted. So, it might not be a bad idea to temporarily station Gion near Rifan. However, Gion alone might not pay sufficient attention to dealing with Rifan, and there may be times when she can't investigate alone. That's why I've assigned Hina to the Black Pearl Pirates. Maybe she can uncover some information about Rifan. From my observations, Rifan seems to be quite taken by Hina's type of woman; he might inadvertently divulge some information to her. About Gion, she hasn't faced any difficulties during her time with Rifan. Presumably, if Hina stays by Rifan's side, she won't be treated harshly."
Tsuru couldn't disclose the intimate relationship between Hina and Rifan, so she provided a plausible explanation for Sengoku to consider.
"Hina and Rifan have interacted many times," Sengoko nodded in understanding, "If she can gather information from Rifan, it will be invaluable. However, Tsuru, what is Hina's perspective on this? Is she willing to stay with Rifan temporarily? Even though Rifan is a principled pirate, if he's attracted to a woman like Hina, he may occasionally exploit her, right?" Sengoku asked, his brows furrowing.
Sengoku had no objection to placing a Marine undercover among the pirates, and assigning Hina to Rifan was a low-risk plan. He was open to the idea, but he also understood that Hina's willingness was essential for the mission's success.
"Hina has agreed," Tsuru nodded. "She's quite straightforward. This mission aligns with her interests."
"That's good to hear! Rifan is becoming increasingly troublesome. If we can decipher his powers and his purposes to become a Shichibukai, it would be an advantage for the Marines. Tsuru, you've done well on this mission. Come back soon," Sengoku said.
After Tsuru answered affirmatively, she raised her hand and hung up the phone. "Hopefully, everything will go in a good direction."
…
..
.
Time passed quickly, and several days flew by. In the capital of Water 7, in the research room where Rifan and Kalifa were located, Kalifa, wearing a white silk outfit, approached Rifan to hand over the latest calculated data.
However, at that moment, Rifan jumped up from the stool he was sitting on.
"Captain Rifan?" Kalifa blinked, sounding puzzled.
"Kalifa, I did it!" Rifan exclaimed. "I cracked the zombie virus, and I've discovered the material William Birkin used to make the virus! Furthermore, I've found a way to mass-produce G Virus enhancement potions. While these potions can only be used by individuals with a certain level of physical strength, having them will be advantageous for our future development and Berry exchange~"
Rifan opened his arms excitedly and hugged Kalifa tightly. "Congratulations, Captain Rifan."
Though taken aback by Rifan's sudden embrace, Kalifa felt Rifan's joy and gently patted his back.
"It's also thanks to you!"
"I just helped you organise the relevant data. You're the one who put in the hard work."Kalifa shook her head, disagreeing.
Rifan pressed his hands on Kalifa's shoulders and spoke earnestly. "I couldn't have accomplished this without your assistance. Thank you very much."
"You can't say that. If it weren't for your company, I wouldn't have been able to find a solution so quickly. Also, without your Bubble Fruit, I couldn't have kept my body clean and maintained a good state."
Rifan, engrossed in research, had missed Kalifa changing into her white silk outfit earlier. Now, he looked at her with surprise. "Wait, when did you change into white lingerie?"
"Captain Rifan, it seems you're too immersed in your work," Kalifa replied with a smile. "You didn't even notice that I changed into this outfit when we arrived this morning. I thought you'd be more interested in my appearance, but it appears I haven't met your beauty standards."
Rifan raised an eyebrow, smiling. "How could that be, Kalifa? You're naturally beautiful. Come on, let me have a look."
Kalifa walked aside, picked up her white dress and jacket, and began to put them on. "Captain Rifan, since the research is complete, I believe I can stop assisting now. Besides, there's news that Franky has completed the construction of our new ship. I assume you'd like to see it."
"Is Franky's work done already? This is perfect timing," Rifan agreed. "Kalifa, please wait for a moment. I'll organise the information and then head out."
Regretting missing the chance to appreciate Kalifa's appearance, Rifan swiftly sorted through the materials then planned to leave the research room.
"Please wait, Boss," Kalifa suddenly grabbed Rifan's hand, halting him.
"Kalifa, are you giving me another opportunity to admire your beauty?" Rifan asked, raising his eyebrows with a playful smile.
"You've misunderstood, boss," Kalifa replied. "I just thought that as your secretary, I shouldn't let you leave looking dishevelled. Otherwise, I might get teased by that woman, Robin."
After saying that, Kalifa guided Rifan to a nearby chair and sat him down. "Not clean? But don't you usually use the Bubble Fruit to maintain my appearance?" Rifan questioned with a puzzled expression.
"It's not the dirt on your body; it's your beard that needs trimming, boss," Kalifa explained, chuckling. She took out a razor from somewhere, clearly prepared and moved closer to Rifan.
Rifan stroked the scruffy stubble on his chin and smiled. "Ah, my beard. I really haven't had time to tidy it up in the past few days. Go ahead, Kalifa. Help me out."
Kalifa chuckled lightly and began shaving Rifan's beard. As she did so, she used her left hand to create small, sparkling bubbles. With her right hand, she expertly wielded the razor.
Rifan raised his head, his gaze wandering from Kalifa's low-cut dress to her mature and charming face.
"Captain Rifan, are you currently assessing me?" Kalifa asked in a teasing tone.
"How could that be? I was just thinking that any man who marries you, Kalifa, would be incredibly fortunate," Rifan replied.
"I see. So, Captain Rifan, who do you think will be the lucky man?" Kalifa inquired.
"If you ask me, I certainly hope that the fortunate individual is me," Rifan answered with a grin.
"Hehe, you've got a typical Captain Rifan-style response."
"Kalifa, what do you think? Do I have a chance?"
"Who can predict the future?" Kalifa responded. "Besides, I'm not the only female crew member by your side. Once you've sorted out the complexities between you all, I'll consider whether Captain Rifan is husband material. But right now, as your secretary, I'm busy enough just thinking about covering for you. And the shaving is complete. Please head to the port of the capital of Water 7."
Hearing this, Rifan touched his clean chin and smiled. "Very well, Kalifa. Let's go. Btwy, I'll be waiting for your answer."
With that, Rifan gathered the relevant materials, left the research room with Kalifa, and made their way toward the port.
…
..
.
The capital of water 7, the port.
"Captain Rifan, you are finally here."
"Look, this is the suuuper ship I made using the alloy researched by Chopper and the treasure tree!"
"Comparable in size to a Marine warship, it boasts powerful weapons, forts, livable dormitories, and various entertainment facilities!"
"Captain Rifan, I have done everything you asked for. How about it? Isn't this ship suuper great!?" Franky noticed Rifan's arrival and immediately introduced Rifan with excitement.
"Of course, I absolutely trust your skills, Franky."
"And there's the new alloy... Chopper, have you already synthesized such a material?" Rifan looked at Chopper in surprise.