Chapter 109: 109, Replacing Celestial Dragons Identity, Nine Tails Fox Ability

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- Facing the furious Palazzo Lor Jabbert, the agents of CP0 could only bow respectfully before leaving. "We will convey your wishes," one of them said as they retreated from the scene. After the spies departed, Jabbert returned to her grand, empty quarters. The newly recruited servants, upon witnessing the angry outburst of Jabbert, dared not disturb her. They moved silently, their footsteps barely audible against the polished floors. Once back in the room, the elegant and regal Celestial Dragon gradually composed herself, her fury dissipating like smoke. A serene smile replaced the storm on her face. "It's truly a comfortable environment," she remarked, surveying the opulent space. The room was vast, adorned with countless pendants and priceless decorations, each corner glinting with a display of unimaginable wealth. "The life of a Celestial Dragon is really good," she mused, her voice carrying a note of amusement. "But I suppose I'll have to get used to it eventually." Jabbert laughed softly before retrieving a concealed Den Den Mushi. The device, crafted for secrecy, emitted a faint glow as its button was pressed. Immediately, the room became enveloped in an anti-surveillance field. Without hesitation, the Den Den Mushi came to life, shifting to display the face of none other than Shogun Alex. The phone bug mirrored Alex's confident smile, its expression oozing satisfaction. His calm voice carried across the connection: "It seems your operation has gone off without a hitch." "Murunfufu," she chuckled, her laugh carrying an almost sinister edge. "How long until we move to the next phase of your plan, Shogun?" "Everything is progressing as expected. Only someone with your foresight could orchestrate events to this level. Soon enough, the world will see who is destined to sit upon the supreme throne." Long before Fisher Tiger had made his daring escape, Alex had placed her as an operative in this palace. She joined here as a servant and learnt all of Palazzo Lor Jabbert's body language, tone and habits . Thanks to the power of her Devil Fruit—the Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Nine Tailed Fox—Catarina could perfectly imitate the appearance, voice, and behavior of anyone she studied. Whether it was espionage, infiltration, or subterfuge, her skillset made her indispensable. As long as she avoided Seastone or chose not to dispel the transformation herself, her disguise was impenetrable. "Good," Alex continued, his tone commanding. "Begin tightening your control over this household. The influence your new 'family' wields is leagues beyond those pampered swine who only revel in their birthright. This family has its claws in the critical affairs of the World Government. That is where you must focus. Exploit every opportunity." It's not just the CP organization of the World government which can infiltrate other areas, he also wants to insert his own pawns in this highest power zone to build a Mariejois shadow guard organization. As the call ended, Alex leaned back in his chair, holding a freshly printed newspaper in his hand. A satisfied smile tugged at his lips. At his side, Toki leaned against him, her slender legs draped gracefully across his lap. Her proximity to Alex seemed to amplify the warmth in her own smile, as if mirroring his triumphant mood. "Your calculations are too good," she murmured, her voice tinged with awe. "To think you managed to position Catarina to take the place of a Celestial Dragon—it's nothing short of genius." Toki's soft laughter filled the room as she shifted closer, her arms wrapping around Alex's. Though younger than her demeanor suggested, she carried an undeniable allure. Remaining by her side felt like being wrapped in honeyed bliss, every moment sweet and intoxicating. Resisting her presence seemed impossible—if one could even summon the will to try. If she had to choose now between Oden and Alex, she might hesitate. However, in the end, she would be more inclined to choose Alex. "Rather than calling it calculation, it might be better to call it resourcefulness," Alex remarked with a wry smile. Stretching out one arm, he pulled Toki closer, and with his other arm, he embraced another intellectual beauty at his side—Robin. Despite her initial blush, Robin offered no resistance. "The timid starve, while the bold feast," Alex continued, his tone filled with conviction. "If you want to claim this world, you can't shy away from risks. Without courage, no one can ever achieve greatness." He leaned back, his confidence radiating like a storm barely contained. "And look at us. Haven't we succeeded so far? I'm eager to see how far Catarina will rise and what surprises she'll bring to our table." Toki's voice interrupted his musings, tinged with concern. "What about Fish-Man Island? According to you, the World Government is already turning its gaze toward them. Will they be able to withstand it?" Though she felt sympathy for the island's plight, Toki's loyalty to Alex outweighed any regrets. As long as the man before her climbed to the summit of power, the sacrifices made along the way would be justified. Alex's expression didn't waver. "Let them first feel the World Government's pressure. When Whitebeard can no longer endure the provocation, that will be the ideal moment for us to act." Under Alex's meticulous planning and the unyielding authority of Jabbert, even the other Celestial Dragons were beginning to fall in line. Their influence caused ripples throughout the corridors of power in Mariejois. While enslaving every mermaid from Fish-Man Island was an unrealistic goal, the World Government still tightened its grip on the island. This was done not only to appease the enraged Celestial Dragons who had formed a coalition but also as a reaction to the World Government's recent public humiliations—someone had to pay the price. As a result, conditions on Fish-Man Island deteriorated rapidly. The situation became so dire that members of its race were routinely hunted, arrested, and enslaved whenever they ventured into the seas. The protection once afforded by Whitebeard's flag seemed to wane, casting the island back into the shadows of a darker age. Rumors began to spread that Fish-Man Island might be removed as a member of the World Government's nations at the next Reverie. The government, for its part, refused to confirm or deny these whispers, leaving the island's fate shrouded in uncertainty. Months passed in this tense atmosphere. In the heart of the Flower Capital of Wanokuni, Alex found himself welcoming a rare set of visitors. Clad in white uniforms and wearing the signature masks of the Cipher Pol organization, three figures entered the room. The white flag emblem of the World Government fluttered behind them, a stark contrast to the vibrant and chaotic energy of the Flower Capital. "Shogun Alex, this is our first meeting," said the lead agent, bowing low in respect. Though his tone was indifferent, his movements carried the weight of deference. Alex leaned forward, a smirk playing on his lips. "You World Government lackeys dare come to me? In this place, we stand opposed to everything your government represents." Despite the sharp sarcasm in his voice, the three agents didn't react with hostility. Instead, they maintained their composure, as though fully aware of their precarious position. "Shogun Alex jests," the lead agent said smoothly. "In this world, there are no permanent enemies—only permanent interests." The agent straightened, his tone taking on a more serious edge. "We come on behalf of the World Government to discuss a potential business collaboration." Before Alex could dismiss him outright, the agent continued, "Our interest lies in Wanokuni's Seastone weapons... and man-made Devil Fruits." At the mention of such valuable resources, Alex's smirk vanished. His gaze turned steely, and the room seemed to grow heavy with an oppressive energy. Without warning, a wave of Conqueror's Haki burst from Alex, crashing over the trio like an unstoppable tide. The agents, seasoned warriors who had endured countless battles, found themselves overwhelmed. The sheer force of Alex's will drove them to their knees, their masks trembling under the weight of his aura.