Spandine: Trying to Poach My Talent the Moment We Meet?
As soon as Ortolan stepped off the ship, before he could even stand properly, a dark figure rushed in front of him. The next moment, Ortolan's hand was grabbed and shaken violently twice.
"Oh my, this must be the famous Rear Admiral Bane Ortolan of the Marines! I've been seeing news about you in the newspapers all the time, punching Charlotte Linlin, kicking Kaido, and furiously beating Red Count. I was thinking then that your photos in the newspapers looked a bit off, but now that I see you in person, I can confirm it. That heroic aura is something that can never be captured in a photo. Impressive, impressive! I've heard so much about you!"
A barrage of flattery nearly made Ortolan faint. To be honest, this was the first time he'd ever encountered something like this, and you know what... it felt really good.
Upon closer inspection, this guy had a cunning look on his face, but wearing a black suit, he gave off a somewhat capable and efficient vibe. Ortolan recognized that face; it was indeed Spandine, the CP-9 commander, who was also Spandam's useless father in the original story.
However, in Ortolan's memory, Spandine should be a very weak guy. How come he flattered him so fast that he almost messed him up? Is this a matter of practice makes perfect?
No wonder Gion called him a shrewd person. As a member of the CP Agency, he is so smooth when facing the Marines. He deserves the title of being versatile and charming.
As the saying goes, one doesn't hit a smiling face, especially since Ortolan had no grudge against him. Therefore, he put on a warm smile and said, "You flatter me, you flatter me. I am just a newcomer in the Marines and do not deserve such high praise. On the contrary, Commander Spandine, you are clearly capable and outstanding. I hope that in future missions, we can cooperate closely to uphold justice and bring all evil to justice!"
Ortolan's words surprised Spandine somewhat. Given the strained relationship between the Marines and the CP, and the fact that Marines personnel looked down on CP Agency, he had mentally prepared himself to be roasted before Ortolan arrived.
I never expected that Ortolan would give him so much face.
It wasn't for nothing that he lowered himself and made a special effort to build a good relationship.
That's right, lowering his status, Spandine is at least the Commander-in-Chief of CP-9. In terms of the administrative level of the entire World Government, he should enjoy the treatment of a Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral. In comparison, Ortolan has only been Rear Admiral for a few days, so naturally there is a difference in status.
"Of course, of course! We are all serving the World Government, so we should work together!" Spandine accepted the invitation, then quickly went to greet Gion.
However, he was still very measured. He was enthusiastic and lively when facing Ortolan, but he was not so eager to shake hands with Gion.
Gion wasn't an arrogant guy either. Although he didn't speak as politely as Ortolan, he still gave Spandine enough face.
After a brief exchange, Spandine led Ortolan and the others toward the island.
He was also a man of action; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to become the commander of CP-9 at such a young age, and even continue to rise through the ranks within the CP Agency. Later, he was even able to use his seniority and connections to forcibly elevate his useless son to the position of commander of CP-9.
Therefore, while continuing, Spandine said, "With your Marines assistance this time, I believe we can resolve this scholar case quickly. Previously, we were..."
Ortolan listened attentively, occasionally interjecting to ask about the specifics.
Before long, I roughly understood the current progress... It's really difficult, because this progress is practically nonexistent.
The CP Agency worked for months, but they didn't catch a single survivor or find a single clue.
No wonder Spandine so enthusiastic; bringing in the Marines could be seen as helping, or as finding someone to share the responsibility.
As they chatted, they soon entered the inner area of the CP Agency on Enies Lobby. Not long after, when they passed a training ground, Ortolan stopped and looked towards it.
Inside, there was a group of children who looked to be around ten years old, undergoing physical training under the scorching sun.
Seeing that Ortolan seemed interested, Spandine continued, "Those children are the seedlings of our CP-9 this year. They are orphans selected from all over the world who possess certain talents. We nurture them from a young age, instilling our beliefs in them. In six years, they will become a group of CP-9 agents, responsible for carrying out justice in the darkness."
Ortolan nodded, but his gaze remained fixed on a little boy. The boy looked very young, probably not even ten years old, but his youthful face still felt familiar to Ortolan.
Rob Lucci was later known as the most talented and strongest guy in CP-9 in eight hundred years.
Whether he's the strongest or not is debatable; it's probably just a boastful slogan used to boost morale. But that guy does have some talent. With an ordinary Zoan type ability, he was once the strongest enemy the Straw Hat Pirates encountered, and his role in the story was also quite good.
In terms of performance, Lucci's strength is not particularly dazzling, but it is not bad either.
This is understandable. Ortolan believes that this is because Lucci's life experiences prevented his talents and abilities from being fully developed, resulting in his subsequent strength not matching his reputation.
As far as I can remember, this kid started carrying out various missions when he was thirteen years old. The missions of the CP Agency are basically espionage-related, so Lucci probably has to go undercover on a mission for a long time at a time.
For example, Water 7 mission, he remained in hiding as a shipwright for seven years. During those seven years, he spent every day repairing and building ships, eventually becoming a renowned master shipwright in Water 7. Just imagine, putting aside his previous missions, if Lucci hadn't spent those seven years working hard in the factory tightening screws instead of diligently training, his strength would definitely not have been lacking!
After seeing Lucci, Ortolan was so impressed that he couldn't move. This was a promising talent. Keeping him in the CP Agency would only waste his talent. On the contrary, if he were to fall into Ortolan's hands, he might actually be able to develop into Admiral- level fighter in the future.
In particular, it's highly likely that Lucci hasn't even consumed the Devil Fruit yet!
At the very least, he'd definitely be an Elite Vice Admiral, no doubt about it. It's a sure-fire, profitable deal!
Meanwhile, Spandine just mentioned that this batch of vaccines arrived just this year, so they shouldn't have been brainwashed into becoming tools yet, making it the perfect time to make a move.
"Excellent! Seeing this group of energetic young talents makes me feel that the future of our World Government is bright!" Ortolan praised first, then said, "Speaking of which, I felt an instant connection with that child. I've just been promoted to Rear Admiral and I'm in need of a little helper to serve me tea and water. If Lord Spandine is willing to part with him, could that little fellow come with me?"
Spandine also a bit confused. "Wait, your Marines recruits far more people than ours every year. Is it really necessary to poach my people on our very first meeting? Don't you think that's abrupt?"
However, as an intelligence agent, before Ortolan arrived, he had a detailed understanding of Ortolan and knew the young man's background. He had a very close relationship with the Marine Hero Garp, was the personal disciple of Admiral Zephyr, and was also a subordinate of Admiral Sengoku. He had even gotten on the good side of Fleet Admiral Steel Bone on Fellnes Island. In addition, there was his amazing talent and the formidable strength he had shown.
It will probably not take more than a few years for him to become an important figure in the Marines!
Whether viewed from his personal perspective or from the network of connections behind him, he is a very worthwhile investment.
As the saying goes, it's better to offer help in times of need than to add insult to injury. Ortolan is just beginning to take off. Now is the time to establish a relationship with Ortolan and cultivate a good relationship, which will maximize investment returns. The reason Spandine was able to get along so well within the World Government is partly because he is indeed capable, but also because he is good at speculation.
Maintaining a rigid relationship between the Marines and CP is indeed a necessary melody, but at the same time, the struggle must not be broken. A lubricant is also needed, and this lubricant is crucial. Spandine also recognized the role of this 'lubricant' and is working hard to improve in this direction.
After all, there are plenty of couples with strained relationships with the Marines, but couples with smooth relationships with the Marines are rare finds.
Can the function and importance of becoming a rare commodity be the same as becoming a common commodity?
So after a quick thought, Spandine said with a smile, "We all serve the World Government, so we're all one family. Why are you being so formal? Whether it's the Marines or our CP, we're all fighting for justice. The fact that Rear Admiral Bane has taken a liking to our talents proves that, doesn't it? No problem, I'll take charge. Which one have you taken a liking to?"