Upper Yard, atop the enormous beanstalk, God's Palace.
Adams lounged lazily against the throne, the sleek yet well-defined muscles beneath his tailored white formalwear faintly visible.
Hancock knelt beside the throne, her delicate hands gently massaging his temples. Her eyes were lowered, her movements focused and obedient.
Adams half-closed his eyes, accepting her ministrations, while his gaze swept slowly over those below like the most precise probe.
His eyes eventually settled on a blonde mature woman clad in an elegant gown, her bearing capable yet mysterious.
(PS: I think after being developed by the protagonist for so many years, she shouldn't be called a young girl anymore.)
"Stussy."
Adams's voice was not loud, yet it carried unquestionable authority.
"From now on, keep a close eye on Red Port. The moment a large number of World Government official ships set sail, notify me immediately."
He paused, a cold, mocking glint flashing through his eyes.
"The World Nobles' next 'Native Purge Contest' is coming soon. Since that old bastard Saint Saturn, for the sake of his old face, called me the 'World's Most Vicious Criminal,' then I ought to make that title a reality. At that 'grand event,' I'll give them a huge surprise."
Stussy nodded gracefully.
"I understand. I'll deploy a large number of intelligence agents at Red Port. The moment anything relevant happens, I'll report it through a Den Den Mushi."
At that moment, Ain, whose long dark-blue hair framed a composed yet spirited presence, frowned slightly. Deep down, she still maintained a strong moral bottom line.
The name "Native Purge Contest" instinctively filled her with inexplicable disgust and unease.
She spoke up at the right moment. "Captain,
Could you explain this 'Native Purge Contest' in detail?"
Seeing that it was Ain asking, the coldness on Adams's face softened slightly.