Stussy's Invitation
Ortolan stayed in Punk Hazard for three days, and Ms. Orbia also took three days off.
She was unable to see Ortolan off when he left Punk Hazard, mainly because she was unwell and under immense pressure that she could not alleviate.
It seems that things will only improve after Ortolan leaves.
Not long after leaving Punk Hazard, Ortolan had already prepared his small stool, fishing rod, and other equipment.
He sat down on the edge of the warship's deck, ready to enjoy his leisurely fishing life and experience the joy of catching a big fish.
But before he could even bait the hook, the Den Den Den Mushi in his pocket rang.
"Who is it? Always interrupting my fishing trip? Could it be that Dragon?" Ortolan cursed inwardly, but quickly pulled out his Den Den Mushi.
Looking down... oh, it's not Dragon, it's the Five Elders!
After calming himself down slightly, Ortolan Den Den Mushi and said, "It's been a long time since I've greeted you, Saint V. Nusjuro."
On the other end of the Den Den Mushi, Saint V. Nusjuro smiled and said in a gentle and warm tone, "It's been a while since we last contacted each other, Ortolan."
After a brief pause, before Ortolan could speak, Saint V. Nusjuro continued, "We have reviewed the document you sent regarding the 'Golden City' project in cooperation with the Big Mom Pirates."
Upon hearing this, Ortolan immediately perked up and asked, "What instructions do the five lords have? Are you satisfied with this plan? Should we send it back and have the Big Mom Pirates rewrite it?"
"No need," Saint V. Nusjuro replied, adding, "The reason we asked them to produce a proposal was to see if this so-called cooperation was just a test of our sincerity, or a way to politely decline our offer. Now it seems their sincerity is quite good..."
"So?" Ortolan replied.
"Since they have shown their sincerity, we don't need to be too demanding. We've reviewed the plan, and although some parts are not entirely suitable... after all, this is our first collaboration, and we need a good start. We also need to give Charlotte Linlin and Totto Land Totto Land a proper respect. From now on, let's proceed according to this plan. We in Mary Geoise will cooperate," Saint V. Nusjuro instructed.
That plan did indeed contain many arrangements that could be considered 'treasonous,' such as the involvement of the Revolutionary Army, but considering that this plan was indeed a treasonous one brought out by pirates, it's not entirely incomprehensible.
These details are not important; what the Five Elders value is this cooperation, which is the first official interaction between the World Government and the Big Mom Pirates in public.
That's right. Although there are arms dealings and other things going on in the shadows, those are things that can't be brought to light.
Considering that this positive start might serve as a foundation for gradually recruiting the Big Mom Pirates and transforming Whole Totto Land Totto Land into the official government of the New World, making it a powerful new force, the Five Elders were willing to make some concessions.
"I understand. After that, I will convey your will to the Big Mom Pirates." Ortolan responded first, then asked, "So, who do we, the World Government, need to participate in the formal operation of this plan?"
Since it's a cooperative relationship, it's impossible for only the Big Mom Pirates to invest in the construction, and the World Government can't just let the Big Mom Pirates complete these tasks alone. So, is there still a need for cooperation?
After hearing this, Saint V. Nusjuro remained silent for a moment before speaking, "Originally, we thought it would be more appropriate for you to represent us, the people of the World Palace. However, considering your relationship with Charlotte Linlin and your position as Marine Admiral, after careful consideration, we have decided not to pass this difficult task on to you."
Ortolan thought to himself, "You all say nice things, but what's with all this talk about making things difficult for me?"
But in reality, they were probably worried that Ortolan might use his dual identity to cause some trouble.
Although he understood the situation, Ortolan outwardly expressed his gratitude, saying, "Yes, as Marine Admiral, I am indeed not suited to participate in such matters..."
"It's good that you understand, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't get involved at all. We hope you can act as a qualified 'middleman' and uphold this position, understand?" Saint V. Nusjuro said again.
Ortolan replied, "Understood. If there is anything I can do to help with this project, please let me know."
"Well, it's good that you can understand our good intentions." Saint V. Nusjuro smiled and then said, "This time, our representative from the Jade Realm Government will be led by Stussy from Pleasure District. I will have her contact you later."
"Understood." Ortolan naturally didn't express any objection and immediately agreed.
After hanging up with the Five Elders' Den Den Den Mushi, Ortolan stroked his chin.
"Queen Stussy of Pleasure District?" Ortolan pondered for a moment, then smiled and said, "It really is quite fitting."
Indeed, from the perspective and standpoint of the old star, Stussy is far more suitable than Marine Admiral Ortolan to participate in such a cooperative project.
Moreover, this project itself was aimed at entering the entertainment industry, and Stussy had previously proven her ability in this area. With the support of the World Government, she quickly established a huge intelligence organization like Pleasure District in the Underworld.
It is evident that she possesses exceptional skills and extensive experience in this field.
Ortolan was not surprised by this situation, nor did he think there was anything wrong with it.
"That's all for now. We'll talk about it when Stussy contacts me first." Ortolan put his mind at ease, no longer considering Stussy's situation.
Then, he quickly dialed Tesoro's Den Den Mushi again.
"Admiral?" Tesoro Den Den Mushi.
"Project Golden City is officially launched. Let's begin basic construction in the name of the Big Mom Pirates and Totto Land Totto Land. Later, the Queen of the Pleasure District, Stussy, will come from the World Government to lead this cooperation. We had anticipated all of this, so let's proceed according to the corresponding plan," Ortolan instructed.
After receiving Ortolan's orders, Tesoro immediately replied, "Yes, Admiral, I will now initiate the Golden City Plan!"
Just as Ortolan hung up with Tesoro's Den Den Den Mushi, before he could even put the Den Den Mushi away, Queen Stussy contacted him.
"So fast?" Ortolan was slightly surprised.
However, he didn't delay anything, answered the Den Den Mushi, and greeted it enthusiastically, "Hahaha, Stussy, I was just thinking about you, and you called me right away?"
"Admiral, lying is not something a man should do. If you miss me, you haven't contacted me. Are you angry with me? You invited me to your Tea Party last time, but I refused. You wouldn't be such a petty man, would you?" Stussy's charming voice came from the Den Den Mushi.
"How could that be? Ms. Stussy is so beautiful and lovely. In my opinion, a beautiful lady has special privileges, so of course I wouldn't be angry about it." Ortolan laughed and started chatting with Stussy.
The two bantered back and forth for a while before Stussy got to the point. "The Lord just informed me that he has informed you, Admiral, of the arrangements regarding the 'Golden City' project in cooperation with the Big Mom Pirates. So you should be aware that Mary Geoise has entrusted me with handling this cooperation."
"Yes, the Saint Figarland told me these things," Ortolan replied.
"But..." Stussy's tone became slightly coquettish as she said, "But... I've obtained a lot of confidential information in the New World and the Underworld world, and it's quite different from what you reported to Mary Geoise. In order to distinguish the truth and falsehood of this information and its complexities, I think the two of us still need to meet and have a chat. What do you think, Admiral?"
"Of course, no problem. Although Your Majesty hasn't said anything all this time, I know you've done a lot for me and solved a lot of troubles. I've always wanted to thank you in person," Ortolan replied with a smile.
Theoretically, if the World Government wanted to investigate, it would be impossible for them not to find out about the things Ortolan was doing in the New World.
However, he was always quite cautious in his actions, and he would cover up any issues with multiple layers of secrecy before he felt at ease. Moreover, his headquarters had the help of the Chief Staff Officer of staff to cover up some flaws, so these things did not come to light.
Occasionally, if a few clues slip out without being properly concealed, Spandine will step in to cover them up before they even reach Mary Geoise.
Even so, there will still be some imperfections, making it impossible to achieve perfection.
Ortolan had not mentioned these matters to Stussy, but for reasons unknown, Queen Stussy, as the World Government New World's largest intelligence organization, helped Ortolan erase all traces of these matters.
For this reason, Mary Geoise has never discovered any major treason in Ortolan.
At the same time, Queen Stussy wasn't the kind of person who would do something and not want to talk about it. On the contrary, every time she helped Ortolan with something, she would Den Den Mushi to 'show off' and let Ortolan know what she had helped him with behind the scenes.
Therefore, the two may not see each other often, but in reality, they have cooperated... no, to be precise, Ortolan has unilaterally received assistance from Stussy many times.
He knew that there was no such thing as care or love without a reason in this world. Queen Stussy's secret gifts might have come with a price tag, but she just hadn't come to collect on them yet.
But it doesn't matter; based on these facts alone, Ortolan can already choose to trust her.
This trust has already formed the basis for cooperation between the two sides, and Queen Stussy's request to meet may well be to discuss these issues.