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It didn't take long for Byakuya to receive the exact information: the trade would take place on Gil Island, guarded by 'CP0.'
Although it wasn't on the island he was overseeing, this wasn't necessarily a bad thing for Byakuya.
Having someone else discover it would be more secure than if he did. However, this made his plan a bit more complicated to execute.
Upon receiving the news, Byakuya headed full speed towards Gil Island.
Sonic, meanwhile, followed at a distance with Palace Mapelseciel, looking for the right moment to place the crate containing her among the traded goods.
When Byakuya arrived, he saw that in addition to Aokiji and Reikyu, the World Government had sent another 'CP0' member.
This individual, whose build was similar to a normal person's, wore a black mask with a crying face, giving him a somewhat eerie appearance.
Seeing Reikyu standing respectfully behind this person indicated that his rank was likely much higher than Reikyu.
Given the strained relationship between Byakuya and Reikyu from their last encounter, Reikyu didn't bother to introduce his 'CP0' colleague.
Instead, it was Aokiji who spoke up, "Byakuya, this is 'CP0' Reisun, the leader of this operation." Byakuya nodded towards Reisun, completely ignoring Reikyu.
Anger flared up in Reikyu's heart, but he forced himself to suppress it.
Reisun glanced at Byakuya, his voice hoarse as he asked, "You are Byakuya?"
"A week ago, the man claiming to be Whitebeard Jr., Edward Weevil, was slain by you with a single strike?" he continued.
Byakuya replied calmly, "If you mean that fool who looks somewhat like Whitebeard, then yes, that was me."
Hearing this, Reisun's expression shifted slightly under his mask. He scrutinized Byakuya for a few moments.
While the wider world might not yet know Edward Weevil's reputation or strength, Reisun did.
He recalled an incident six months ago when he was on a reconnaissance mission and overheard someone claiming to be the son of Whitebeard, one of the Four Emperors.
Following his instincts as an operative, he pursued the lead and was shocked by Weevil's resemblance to Whitebeard.
This led him to confirm Weevil's identity unequivocally.
When Reisun was ready to capture Whitebeard's "son" and make a significant achievement, he found that Weevil's strength was completely on par with his own.
Combined with Weevil's terrifying regenerative abilities, Reisun realized he was not a match.
He abandoned the idea, returned to Mariejois, and reported the news, but heard nothing further about Weevil.
That is, until a few days ago when he heard that an 18-year-old Marine Rear Admiral named Byakuya had killed Weevil.
His first reaction was disbelief. Weevil's strength and recovery abilities were such that he could hold his own even against an Admiral-level opponent.
The idea that an 18-year-old Marine Rear Admiral had slain him with a single strike seemed like a joke.
However, after multiple confirmations, Reisun was stunned. A Marine Rear Admiral strong enough to kill Weevil in one blow seemed absurd.
Taking advantage of this operation, Reisun specifically requested Byakuya's participation, eager to see him in action.
After meeting Byakuya, Reisun's suspicions were further confirmed.
After a moment of contemplation, Reisun said something that shocked everyone, "Byakuya, after this operation, you can abandon your Marine identity and join 'CP0.' I will personally vouch for you."
"I have reviewed your records and know you haven't consumed a Devil Fruit. If you join 'CP0,' after proper training, we will provide you with a mighty Devil Fruit, comparable to the Logia or Zoan Mythical types."
Byakuya was taken aback. What did this mean? Was he being asked to become a lackey for the Celestial Dragons in exchange for a Devil Fruit?
Aokiji was also stunned. What did this mean? Was Reisun openly trying to poach a Marine officer right in front of him, a Marine Admiral?
Reikyu was equally shocked. What did this mean? Was this guy going to become his colleague?
Seeing Byakuya remain silent, Reisun continued, "If you become a full member of 'CP0,' I can guarantee you will be ranked Reiyon, or even... replace me as Reisun."
(T/N: Reikyu meaning is 09 while Reisun meaning is 03)
At this, Byakuya had little reaction, but Reikyu nearly fainted. Not only was he potentially becoming a colleague, but also his immediate superior in no time.
Reflecting on the earlier situation where he clashed with Byakuya, Reikyu felt a surge of jealousy.
Now, with just a nod from Byakuya, he could instantly become Reikyu's superior, capable of deciding his fate.
This stark contrast filled Reikyu with envy.
He had undergone brutal training since childhood, surviving among thousands of selected children to finally join the elite 'CP0' organization.
In the outside world, he wielded significant power, capable of determining the fate of several nations.
He believed he had reached an extraordinary position, yet this young Marine Rear Admiral was on the brink of becoming his immediate superior, which Reikyu found unbearable.
If Reikyu knew that his coveted position was seen by Byakuya as merely being a higher-ranking "dog," he would be even more resentful.
Before Byakuya could respond, Aokiji's expression turned stern.
A faint chill emanated from him, lowering the temperature several degrees and causing frost to form on the grass at his feet.
Aokiji coldly said, "For now, let's focus on dealing with the Beasts Pirates and Doflamingo. Other matters can wait until after the operation."
This open poaching was beyond annoying, blatantly disrespecting his position as a Marine Admiral.
Seeing Aokiji's anger, Reisun fell silent, knowing his actions were indeed improper.
However, he discreetly signalled Byakuya to consider the offer and respond after the operation.
Byakuya, feeling somewhat vain, thought to himself,
"Looking good does help in any situation. A Marine Admiral and a top agent are almost fighting over me."
As for Reisun's proposal, Byakuya rejects it. The reason was simple: being in the Marines, promotions came with rewards of world energy.
Becoming a top agent offered no such benefits, and Byakuya had no desire to serve the Celestial Dragons.
If he were forced into that position, he might end up slaughtering everyone in Mariejois within half a day.
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