On a pedestrian street in Heaven's Gate Town stood a luxurious three-story American-style house with a slightly rock-inspired exterior. A sign on its front gate read "Kessoku Band."
This was the Kessoku Band House, Shining's base in Heaven's Gate.
The first floor was a music bar open to the public, where several music-loving Sky Island girls worked. The second floor was the staff area, and the third was the private area.
Shining, Kalifa, Perona, Brook, and Hina each had their own room on the third floor.
At that moment, inside the Manager's Office on the second floor...
The faint fragrance of tea mingled with the scent of paper and printing ink.
Kalifa sat behind her desk wearing a pair of stylish, thin-framed glasses, her long blond hair styled into loose waves.
Her focused gaze swept over the documents before her: release plans for Kessoku Band's latest album, tour schedules, and contract terms with distributors around the world.
She wore a light gray women's suit over a white high-necked blouse. A cup of black tea sat at the corner of her desk, still giving off a little steam.
"Brrup... brrup..."
A faint vibration came from the drawer.
Kalifa paused, then set down her pen and opened the drawer. She picked up the Den Den Mushi and pressed the answer button.
"Kalifa, it's me."
A woman's voice came from the Den Den Mushi, ordinary in tone, with no distinguishing features.
"We have a shipment of local specialties from home to send over. Be ready to receive it."
Kalifa's fingers tightened slightly around the receiver.
This was the coded signal agreed upon with Cipher Pol Aigis Zero Headquarters, indicating that they needed to contact her about a mission.
Her expression did not change, and her lips retained their politely professional smile.
"Of course.