Chapter 73: Sneak in
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In the Office of Fleet Admiral Sengoku
Roja and Kizaru sat before Fleet Admiral Sengoku, listening intently as he outlined the upcoming mission.
Roja spoke up, his tone confident and measured:
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, you know my abilities. I propose going in directly and blending openly with the attendees of Big Mom's tea party. This way, whether we need to strike or retreat strategically, I can adapt seamlessly. If possible, securing an invitation would make this process much smoother."
Though Roja's words seemed casual, they were deliberate. He knew that Stussy, one of the key figures in the underworld, was secretly a CP0 agent. Roja was subtly nudging Sengoku to confirm Stussy's involvement.
After a moment of thought, Sengoku nodded. "Understood. I'll arrange a confidential dossier for you and ensure an invitation is secured."
Roja added, "I suggest going in alone. Kizaru and the others can remain stationed nearby, ready to act on my signal."
Sengoku agreed and handed Roja a golden Den Den Mushi.
"This is the Golden Den Den Mushi, the one used to initiate a Buster Call. Roja, if you decide to use it, ensure success. We cannot afford another failure with the Buster Call."
Roja understood the weight of these words. As a Marine admiral and a figure often shrouded in mystery, his reputation was closely tied to the Navy's successes and failures. A failed Buster Call would only add to the Navy's pressures.
After confirming the details with Kizaru, Roja left Sengoku's office, ready to rest before the mission.
In Roja's Quarters
Roja returned to his room, only to find Ain and Stella in the kitchen, diligently preparing a meal.
"Master, you're back. Dinner will be ready soon," Stella said warmly.
Roja had repeatedly told Stella to address him by name, but she persisted in calling him "Master." Eventually, Roja let it slide.
Taking a seat, Roja addressed both women:
"I'm leaving on a mission tomorrow. You two will stay here and continue training."
Ain approached Roja, her expression firm. "Admiral Roja, I'd like to accompany you on this mission."
"No," Roja replied gently but firmly. "This mission is dangerous. Stay here and train. When the time comes, I'll take you on future missions."
Turning to Stella, Roja added, "You should also focus on building your physical strength. I'll see if I can find a suitable Devil Fruit for you."
Stella's eyes widened, filled with disbelief. "Master, there's no need for that. I was just a slave before..."
Before she could finish, Roja reached out and gently ruffled her hair.
"You're no longer a slave, Stella. You're my friend and companion. Strengthening you isn't just for me—it's to help you chase your dreams on this sea. Isn't that worth striving for?"
Stella was deeply moved, her eyes brimming with tears. In a trembling voice, she replied, "Master, my only dream is to stand by your side, cooking and taking care of you."
Ain, observing the moment, couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease, as if Stella's words carried a deeper meaning. Still, Ain herself couldn't deny her own growing admiration for Roja.
"Admiral Roja," Ain said softly, "please be careful on this mission."
Roja smiled. "Don't worry. I never take risks without preparation."
The Following Day
With the invitation secured—courtesy of Stussy's connections—Roja departed on an extravagant ship bound for Whole Cake Island.
Before leaving, Sengoku had emphasized the importance of maintaining Stussy's cover as an underworld operative, warning Roja not to compromise her identity. Years of investment in her role had made her an invaluable asset.
Relaxing on a sun lounger aboard the luxurious vessel, Roja basked in the warm afternoon sunlight, letting the sea breeze lull him into comfort. His current cover was that of a wealthy arms dealer, complete with a ship befitting his supposed status.
Just as he began to doze off, the Den Den Mushi rang out.
"Buru Buru~ Buru Buru~"
Glancing at the Den Den Mushi, Roja immediately recognized Robin's face etched on its shell.
"Robin?" he answered, swiftly using Soru to reach the ship's mast for privacy. Standing atop the mast, the wind tousling his hair, Roja listened to Robin's calm voice:
"Brother Roja, the Big Mom Pirates sent an invitation to you earlier. They're officially inviting you to their first tea party."
"Who delivered it?" Roja asked, puzzled by Big Mom's overture.
"A silver-haired, long-legged woman carrying a large sword on her back," Robin replied.
Roja instantly deduced who it was—Smoothie, one of Big Mom's three Sweet Commanders.
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