"Reiju, I'm not entirely sure what you're up to, but Sanji's affairs can wait. I have a new task for you," Judge's voice crackled through the phone transponder. "Go to Arabasta and assist Crocodile in handling the local rebels. However, that's just the surface mission. If the opportunity arises, find out what he's planning. He's definitely up to something, and I want you to uncover it."
Reiju's lips curled into a smile, finding the situation amusing. She was already en route to Alabasta, but Sanji's matters had become secondary, and her family's influence over her had significantly weakened. During the events on Drum Island, her name had appeared frequently in the diary.
Although she hadn't secured the ultimate reward, she still received enhancements, not to mention gaining subordinates like Wapol, which was quite the windfall. The protection of the Vinsmoke family was no longer essential to her.
These seemingly trivial tasks could easily be refused, but there was no need to burn bridges with the Vinsmoke family just yet; they could still be useful. "Understood. I'll handle it properly," she replied, her voice steady but indifferent. She already knew Crocodile's plan, but it was better to play along and keep Judge in the dark.
"Very good, Reiju. Among my children, you're the one I trust the most to handle this. Make sure it's done flawlessly," Judge's voice concluded before the line went dead.
Reiju raised her hand, admiring her nails with interest. "My dear husband, it seems we'll be seeing each other sooner than expected," she murmured, a charming smile spreading across her face.
Wapol, standing nearby, shuddered at the sight of her. That woman's smile was anything but comforting. "Hey, you! Pick up the pace and get those alloys ready. Our metal fabrication company needs to be operational immediately. Double the production! You know the consequences if you fail." Her words were laced with venom, her demeanor now more devilish than before. Once, she had been beautiful and poised; now, she was as ruthless as any tyrant.
Reiju has been waiting for the right time to start selling the alloys created by Wapol on the black market and it seems that it is almost time for her to start selling them.
And not only that but also the right time to attack her Father and her brothers to gain control of Germa 66.
After all, everything she does is for the sake of helping her husband and getting better rewards.
Meanwhile, after a night of revelry celebrating new alliances, Evan woke up at dawn, much earlier than the others.
"Good morning, Evan," Vivi greeted him as she too rose early, her smile radiant.
"You seem to be in good spirits. I guess the burden on your shoulders has lightened," Evan observed, returning her smile.
"Yes, thanks to everyone, the rebellion has been temporarily halted. Things are gradually improving, and now, all that's left is to defeat Crocodile," Vivi replied, walking closer and gently taking Evan's hand. "Evan, I want to show you something. Is that okay?" Her fingers traced soft patterns on his palm.
[What's going on? Vivi's being so forward…]
[She's holding my hand, and she smells so nice…]
[Where is she planning to take me?]
[Heh, it doesn't matter as long as it's Vivi.]
As Evan's thoughts raced, the journal updated with his musings. Vivi, reading it, couldn't help but smile to herself. Before the sun rose, she led Evan by the hand toward the top of a distant mountain. Her hands were small, soft, and delicate, like fine porcelain and a blush graced her cheeks.
Inside the ship, Robin glanced over at Nami, who was still pretending to sleep. "Are you going to keep pretending? Don't you want to stop them?" she teased, closing her book.
"I think Vivi has a good chance of joining us on the ship," Robin continued. "If she does, we'll be united on the same front."
Nami sat up, frowning. "United front or not, you and I are still rivals. It's only when we're dealing with outsiders that we work together."
"That's a bit strange coming from you," Robin said, blinking. "Or are you suggesting that sharing might be an option?" Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she awaited Nami's response.
"Looks like it's the only option," Nami admitted, punching her pillow in frustration. "But I don't want to share with too many people—three, or maybe two, is my limit!"
Robin smirked, pleased with the outcome. "So, you're willing to share with Vivi. What about me? What's your stance on that?"
As an intellectual and rational woman, Robin had understood the situation from the beginning. While Evan's diary often depicted him as someone who admired many women, Robin had long noticed that Nami held a special place in his heart. Of all the beautiful women, it was Nami who seemed to stand out the most.
Realizing this, Robin had made a strategic decision—not to compete with Nami but to ally with her. Together, they would form a united front and carefully select others to share Evan's affections. Now, that decision was paying off. Even Nami seemed more at ease.
"If you agree to it, then I'm fine with it," Nami said, though she still felt a twinge of discomfort at the idea of sharing her lover. But she knew that trying to control Evan on her own was futile. She needed to form a coalition, and with the right people, they could manage Evan together.
"Perfect. Then we're sisters in arms," Robin said, her smile widening. "I'm curious to see if Vivi will join us. I think she will, but there's still some suspense."
"Yeah," Nami agreed, running a hand through her messy hair. "But she's the princess of this country. Why would she give up everything to become a pirate?"
"Evan has a way of influencing people. He might just sway her judgment," Robin noted, reopening her book.
This surprises Robin because even though Evan likes to laze around, he ends up attracting people around him, not just women but also different individuals. It seems that strong individuals attract a lot of people.
"I think Vivi could be a valuable ally," Nami mused, though her expression remained uneasy. "But something about this feels… off."
Nami's instincts weren't wrong. At that very moment, Vivi was making her move, and it wasn't just her hand that was reaching out to Evan—it was her heart as well.
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