In a dimly lit room.
A deep voice came from the other end of the Den Den Mushi:
"Is it done?"
"Carol."
Carol said softly:
"It's done~"
"Sir."
A quiet chuckle came from the other end:
"Well done."
"Your reward is ready."
"I'll hand it to you myself when we meet."
The corners of Carol's mouth lifted slightly:
"Thank you~ Sir~"
He paused briefly, then continued:
"But..."
"Vice Admiral Sakazuki."
"This gloomy atmosphere and suggestive conversation..."
"Why do I feel like we're the bad guys?"
On the other end of the Den Den Mushi, the deep, gravelly voice disappeared.
Sakazuki's normal voice rang out:
"It's called setting the mood."
Then he continued:
"You're an informant secretly selling Marine intelligence right now."
"That voice and dialogue fit the occasion."
"You really have no sense of humor."
"Carol."
Inside the room, Carol rubbed his nose.
He looked utterly helpless.
What do you mean, I'm selling intelligence?
Weren't you the one who gave the order?!
And someone with your personality is lecturing me about a sense of humor... honestly...
"Yeah, yeah~"
"Anyway."
"You're in a good mood, Vice Admiral Sakazuki."
"You've even developed a sense of humor."
The Den Den Mushi in Carol's hand mimicked the slight upward curve of Sakazuki's lips.
Then Sakazuki's voice came through:
"Of course. What we gained this time..."
"Far exceeded our expectations."
"Hurry back. I've got a gift for you."
Carol smiled:
"Roger that~"
After the two hung up their Den Den Mushi.
Carol pushed the door open, stepped outside, and tugged his cloak.
Whoosh!
With a rush of air, his figure vanished.
At Sakazuki's home in Marine Headquarters.
Sakazuki sat on the couch and hung up.
He tried to keep his smile in check.
What an incredible haul.
It was practically a critical hit.
The