In the living room of a luxurious suite reserved for major clients on the hotel's top floor, Katakuri stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking down at the bustling, artificial resort streets below.
Bobbin, disguised as a marine, waited quietly for orders alongside Rezan and Haiffat.
"The situation is more complicated than we anticipated."
Katakuri's voice was low and steady.
"There are at least three kinds of 'residents' on this island: ordinary Plant Puppets, 'Clones' created by Bondrewd, and a very small number of Mimics like that DJ, who have been given 'memories of the past.'"
"As for that 'DJ'..."
Rezan frowned slightly.
"A pitiful phantom that collapsed under the contradictions in his own understanding."
Katakuri's tone remained steady, tinged with regret and a trace of visceral disgust for the species known as "scientists."
"This proves how false and dangerous this 'resurrection' is. Perhaps that's why Bondrewd has remained here..."
-to perfect this technology.
Rezan and Haiffat understood.
"Brûlée and Pudding will finish cleaning up in the Mirror World and stay in contact with Oven's group. For now, we'll split up."
Katakuri turned, his gaze sweeping over the three of them.
"Bobbin, your job is to stay undercover. Return to the marines, observe, and report. Don't act unless necessary. The memories Pudding implanted will get you through your daily duties. Remember your 'identity.'"
"Bo-yoyo, understood, Lord Katakuri."
Bobbin answered in a slightly comical but earnest tone.
"Rezan."
Katakuri looked at his younger brother.
"I need you to 'bump into' that subordinate of Apoo's. Be firm, but leave room for negotiation. Make him understand that the Big Mom Pirates' intelligence network isn't just for show, and Bondrewd's whereabouts are no secret to us. We want to meet him to negotiate, not wage war-at least not at the outset."
As Katakuri spoke, he