Stussy: Perhaps from Higher Up, She Could See the Direction of Freedom?

Seeing how quickly Ortolan's mind worked, Stussy chuckled and said, "That's right. Kaido controls a large amount of Seastone resources, and most of Seastone resources are located in the deep sea, making them difficult to develop and utilize. Open-pit mines like those in Wano Country are extremely scarce. In recent years, with the outbreak of the Great Pirate Era, the number of pirates has surged, and villains have sprung up everywhere. The number of Devil Fruit users has also increased significantly. Seastone resources are highly sought after in Mary Geoise..."

After a pause, Stussy continued, "So this is the advantage of the Beasts Pirates. In comparison, the Big Mom Pirates don't have any advantage in this regard. As for productivity, although Kaido somewhat lacking, it can still meet Mary Geoise's current needs. Your idea is difficult to implement. Even if I step in to help mediate, it may not be successful."

Besides, you still haven't told me what benefits you'll give me!

Ortolan tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of the sofa without saying a word, his face showing a thoughtful expression.

Seeing this, Stussy did not disturb him, and stood up from beside Ortolan, smiling as he made tea.

After Stussy brewed the tea and poured a cup for Ortolan smiled and said, "In the next two years, there might not be any difference in military technology, but in another two years, it's hard to say. I think the Big Mom Pirates will have more room for technological advancement than Kaido. Can this reason help to overcome some of their disadvantages?"

"Of course, there are valid reasons." Stussy sat opposite Ortolan this time, crossing his long, shapely legs, taking an elegant sip of his tea, and then said, "But such unfounded speculation lacks any concrete evidence, and Mary Geoise may not accept your prediction..."

"It's not that there's no substantial evidence," Ortolan said, picking up his tea from the table and taking a sip.

"Oh?" A hint of doubt appeared in Stussy's eyes, then he asked, "What do you mean?"

"Among the guests attending this Tea Party, there is also a Don Donquixote Doflamingo. Does Ms. Stussy know anything about him?" Ortolan asked calmly.

"I know a little." Stussy nodded slightly, then said, "His identity is rather special. He wields considerable influence in the North Blue. Since the Great Pirate Era began, his black family in the North Blue, such as the Black Family, has completely shifted towards becoming a pirate. Previously, he had repeatedly sent people to Mary Geoise to lobby and persuade him to become a member of the Shichibukai, but he was rejected each time..."

"Because of my relationship with the Charlotte Family, I learned some seemingly insignificant but very important secret information. Originally, I planned to report it to the Ministry, but now it seems I have no choice but to share it with you, Ms. Stussy ..." Ortolan said, feigning some difficulty.

Upon hearing this, Stussy feigned displeasure, frowning slightly as he said, "Vice Admiral Bane, I'm really hurt by what you're saying. I've gone to great lengths to offer you advice and suggestions, and yet you still have to be wary of me..."

"Hehehe..." Ortolan did not respond, but continued, "You must have heard about the situation in the North Blue and Flevance. A large-scale upheaval is about to occur there, and the production of Lead-Platinum Ore will probably drop sharply. It is said that the World Government have already begun to stockpile Lead-Platinum, right?"

"There is such news," Stussy nodded slightly.

"Lead-Platinum, as a precious metal, are not only highly sought after by nobles in various regions, but they are also a consumable resource for high-end military weapons. This is the main reason why their prices remain high. To manufacture more sophisticated weapons and equipment, Lead-Platinum Ore is indispensable. Currently, there is no other natural metal in the world that can replace the status of Lead-Platinum, right?" Ortolan asked again.

"That's right." Stussy nodded immediately in agreement.

"Once Flevance is destroyed, the Donquixote Family will likely immediately join forces with the Big Mom Pirates to monopolize the mining and exploitation of Lead-Platinum Ore in the North Blue. Furthermore, the Big Mom Pirates and the Beasts Pirates are competitors in the military industry. Therefore, it can be deduced that if the Big Mom Pirates succeed in this endeavor, Kaido's subsequent production of high-end weaponry will inevitably be constrained by Lead-Platinum and lead. This is why I believe that in the next few years, the Big Mom Pirates will surpass the Beasts Pirates in production technology, widening the gap between them," Ortolan said in a deep voice.

Stussy's eyes lost their usual arrogance, replaced by a grave expression. "There's such news? Our CP Agency didn't even notice... Looking at it this way, Kaido has Seastone in his hands, while the Big Mom Pirates have Lead-Platinum... Both sides possess unique advantages. Tsk, this isn't going to be easy..."

"Although Kaido possesses the finest Seastone resources, he is not the only one. Lead-Platinum, however, can only be produced in Flevance. And in the North Blue, once the Donquixote Family decides to join forces with the Big Mom Pirates, Kaido will not be able to interfere; he doesn't have the strength," Ortolan reminded him again.

Stussy sipped her tea, her eyes thoughtful. After a long pause, she spoke, "If this news can be confirmed, then the Big Mom Pirates' competitiveness in this area is indeed no less than Kaido's, and may even be greater. If I were to mediate, the cooperation you desire should be very possible. However..."

At this point, Stussy's face broke into a sly smile again. "Vice Admiral Bane, you haven't said yet what the consequences would be if I helped you."

Upon hearing this, Ortolan sprawled out on the sofa like a lazy bum, adopting a relaxed posture, and then said, "If you're only after my beauty and body, then come on, I'm willing to sacrifice myself for it. Whatever position you want, I'll do it!"

Stussy paused for a moment, then giggled and said, "While I do indeed have a bit of a crush on Vice Admiral Bane's robust and handsome appearance, please don't misunderstand, I'm not one to seduce people so easily~"

Upon hearing this, Ortolan sat up abruptly and looked at Stussy, asking, "So what do you want from me?"

"CP-9 Spandine always tells me that you are a very loyal friend, and that you have taken care of him many times. As for me, I also have some small ambitions in the CP Agency, hoping to stand higher and see further..." As he said this, a barely perceptible hint of sadness appeared in Stussy's eyes.

She silently murmured to herself, "Perhaps if I stand higher and see further, I'll be able to see... a glimmer of a direction for freedom?"

No one wants to be someone else's shadow, or willingly become a tool to be controlled for life.

Stussy is the same, even though she is a clone.

Despite her background, Stussy never felt inferior to others. She possessed a healthy self-awareness and a complete personality. She did not feel that she was a substitute for someone or a tool for someone.

However, due to the circumstances and reality, she had no way to resist this fate.

She still hasn't given up the fight. If she stands higher, will she be able to find a way to break free from the cage and constraints?

This change happened in an instant. The more beautiful a woman is, the more likely she is to deceive. Stussy was no exception. She easily concealed the changes in her inner emotions, and on the surface, she still smiled and said, "Therefore, I also want to gain your friendship, Vice Admiral Bane, and become one of your friends..."

At this point, Stussy leaned forward from the sofa towards Ortolan, saying in a slightly ambiguous tone, "Please note, this 'I' only represents my personal will. I want to be your friend in a private capacity, Ortolan..."

Ortolan sat on the sofa and looked Stussy up and down, sensing that there was something more to what the woman was saying.

However, he couldn't perceive those elements for the time being.

However, this does not affect his answer.

A warm smile appeared on Ortolan's face as he nodded to Stussy and said, "I think no one would refuse a friendly invitation from a beautiful lady like you."

"Thank you very much then~" Stussy chuckled, then looked at Ortolan earnestly and said, "After returning from Cake Island, I will make arrangements to recommend this to my superiors. Vice Admiral Bane, you can rest assured that, out of friendship, I will try to downplay your presence in these reports as much as possible..."

At this moment, Stussy thought that perhaps Ortolan could also become a kind of help for her to find her way to freedom. So, in some insignificant details, she was willing to help Ortolan cover up a little.

I did this for the sake of friendship, and also for her future.

Perhaps one day in the future, these seemingly insignificant little actions will bring her unexpected rewards and gains?