How About You Talk to the Five Elders?

The Headquarters office building.

At the end of the corridor stood a heavy wooden door.

Knock, knock.

The soldier knocked, and a steady voice came from inside.

"Come in."

The door swung open.

Spandine stood in the doorway and took a deep breath, suppressing his churning thoughts.

He was the chief of CP9. He represented the World Government.

No matter whom he faced, he could not show fear.

He straightened his clothes, composed his expression, and regained the poise of a man thoroughly at home in the corridors of power.

He stepped inside.

And yet—

The moment he entered the office, the scene he had imagined failed to materialize.

There was no oppressive Conqueror's Haki, no deliberate mockery or attempt to put him in his place.

The room was spacious and tidy, with the last glow of sunset still lingering outside the windows.

Documents lay neatly stacked on the desk, and a map of the New World's waters hung on the wall.

Rock sat behind the desk, head lowered as he reviewed documents.

His expression was calm. He even looked like a young officer who had only recently been promoted.

Looking up at Spandine, he let the corners of his mouth rise slightly.

"Oh, you're here."

"Have a seat."

His tone was casual, even carrying some of the warmth of an older brother from next door.

But Spandine felt no relief whatsoever. His years in the corridors of power had taught him better.

The calmer the surface, the stronger the currents beneath.

He approached the desk and dipped his head, adopting a practiced official tone.

"A pleasure to meet you, Vice Admiral Rock."

"My visit today is primarily regarding—"

Before he could finish, Rock waved him off.

"Crocodile, right?"

Spandine froze for a moment, then quickly recovered.

"Yes."

"The proposal