Because he had come to terms with it, Kaku was no longer as nervous as before.
Seeing Kaku's determined, ready-to-die attitude, Shanks couldn't help but laugh heartily, "Haha, so you really are one of the World Government's people."
Kaku: "?"
Shanks continued, "I heard from Enel that you boarded the ship in Water 7. Water 7 is really a great place, so nostalgic. Back then, the Oro Jackson was born there. If I get the chance, I'd love to visit Water 7 again."
The Oro Jackson was the main ship of the Roger Pirates, built by the legendary shipwright Tom in Water 7, using the precious Adam Wood.
Of course, Kaku knew this, as it was the Pirate King's legendary ship.
However, he couldn't understand why Shanks would suddenly bring this up.
Grinning, Shanks said, "Speaking of Water 7, I'm reminded of Mr. Tom. And since you're a person from the World Government, it's not likely that you went to Water 7 to be a shipwright for no reason. So, your real purpose for going there was to get something, right?"
Kaku stayed silent, not responding.
Shanks continued, "From what I know, there's indeed something related to Water 7 and ships that's quite important. And it's also connected to Mr. Tom. So, you became a shipwright in Water 7 to get close to Iceburg, and then obtain what you were after, right?"
Kaku nervously swallowed his saliva.
Shanks had hit the nail on the head. Their mission in Water 7 was, indeed, to obtain the blueprints of the "Pluton."
This was a top-secret mission, known only to the CP9 members involved and the commanding officers who issued the order.
If this mission's details were leaked, the consequences would be unimaginable.
No way. Even if he had to die, he couldn't let Shanks interfere with their plans!
With that thought, Kaku forced a dry laugh and said, "What are you talking about? I don't understand. In fact, I was sent to Water 7 just to get aboard Takumi's ship. My mission is to earn Takumi's trust, nothing more."
"Oh? Is that so?" Shanks stared at Kaku, half-believing him.
Kaku nodded, "Yes, it's true!"
"Hahaha, little Kaku, you're still too young." Shanks chuckled, patting Kaku on the shoulder. "An explanation is just an excuse. Do you really think your acting skills can fool my eyes? If I'm not mistaken, this is your first time doing an undercover mission, isn't it?"
"Uh... well..." That was true.
"Hmm, let me think..." Shanks stroked his chin, deep in thought for a few seconds. Then, as if he had realized something, he clenched his right fist and lightly hit the palm of his left hand. "I remember now! The World Government has a secret intelligence agency under its command. It seems the members of this agency are all assassins. Little Kaku, you must be from CP9, right?"
"Aren't you going to kill me?" Kaku couldn't take it anymore. Being completely seen through was too painful. "If you're going to make a move, stop with the nonsense. If you don't act, I can kill myself."
As he said that, Kaku drew his two swords and brought the blades close to his throat.
Before he could act, Shanks swiftly and accurately struck Kaku's wrist with a hand chop.
Kaku winced in pain, dropping both swords to the ground.
"You really can't keep your cool," Shanks said with a cheerful smile. "Caught red-handed and already thinking of suicide? Is your life really worth that little?"
"You said you were going to kill me, and now you're stopping me from killing myself. What exactly are you trying to do?" Kaku asked with a serious expression.
Shanks waved his hand, "When did I say I was going to kill you?"
Kaku paused, confused, "Didn't you give me a choice?"
"Yeah, I gave you a choice. But no matter which one you picked, I wasn't planning on killing you."
"Huh?" Kaku was dumbfounded.
With a smile, Shanks said, "After all, you're still one of Takumi's crew. It's not my place to deal with you."
"So, you're going to hand me over to Takumi?" Kaku asked, his face darkening.
"No," Shanks shook his head. "I can pretend none of this ever happened. You can continue being an undercover agent on Takumi's ship. But remember, I've already got a hold of your little secret. If you don't want to be exposed, you'd better do as I say. Don't be fooled by how indifferent Takumi seems. Even I can't fully understand his thoughts. Let alone a newbie like you. If you want to earn his trust, you still have a long way to go. So, for now, just stay on his ship and take good care of him."
Shanks' words left Kaku in a daze.
For some reason, he had a feeling that if he agreed to Shanks' request, he would end up on a never-ending path of no return...
But right now, he had no other choice.
After a moment of silence, Kaku asked with a grim face, "Why are you helping me? Aren't you Takumi's friend?"
Shanks shrugged, "I'm not helping you. Takumi isn't the best at taking care of himself. Even if you threw him into a group of kids his age, some might believe he's twelve. Oh, and here, take this."
As he spoke, Shanks handed Kaku a Den Den Mushi.
With mixed emotions, Kaku accepted it.
Shanks grinned, "This Den Den Mushi can contact me. Keep it safe. Don't let Enel mess around with it. If it dies, it'll be a real headache for me."
Kaku nodded silently.
Shanks waved his hand, "Alright, go back and get some rest. Don't worry about Mihawk. He's not the type to meddle in others' business."
"Then... I'll leave now?" Kaku hesitated.
"Go on."
Kaku immediately took the Den Den Mushi and ran.
Once Kaku had run far enough away, Shanks turned to the dense forest behind him and said, "He's gone. Aren't you going to come out?"
Then, a small figure emerged from the darkness in the direction Shanks had been looking.
As the person's face appeared under the hazy moonlight, Shanks grinned, "So you've grown up, huh? Starting to care about others now? Haha... How did I do just now?"
The one who appeared was none other than Takumi.
Takumi walked towards Shanks with an indifferent expression, saying as he walked, "So-so."
"Harsh as ever," Shanks remarked, then changed the subject. "Did you know about little Kaku's situation from the beginning?"
Takumi casually replied, "Mm-hmm."
"If you knew he was an undercover agent, why did you keep him around?"
"That's none of your business."
"Eh? That's a little hurtful." Although Shanks' words sounded hurt, there was no sign of actual sadness. "It seems that you've had control over Kaku's actions all along. But I'm surprised that you came all the way here for an undercover agent. Were you worried that Mihawk or I would kill him?"
Takumi: "…"
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