Red Line Continent, Area RL1556.
"What did you say!!"
An extremely sharp, almost shrieking voice echoed through the No.0001 Stargate Base, its penetrating power so strong that even the fully sealed electric gates couldn't block it.
Caesar Clown was furious, absolutely livid. His teeth were clenched, his chest heaving rapidly, and his amber-brown eyes glared fiercely at the government official who had come to deliver the message.
"I've just made contact with another world, and the in-depth investigation is about to begin. And now you're telling me to return to Impel Down?!"
"Am I crazy, or are you crazy?!" But the black-clad man in front of him looked at him coldly and said, "You're only sixteen years old and just a student at the Academy of Science. You're not qualified to be involved in what comes next. We'll have your teacher, Professor Frieze, take charge of the biochemical work here."
"No, I don't want to, I don't want to go back," Caesar said with a face full of resentment, his fists clenched tightly.
"There's something else I need to convey to you."
Caesar's head snapped up, and he quickly asked, "What is it? Speak!"
"When you've successfully researched the 'Land of the Dead' and 'Ice Oni,' and solved the Platinum Lead Disease, you will be the next director of the Biochemical Research Institute, overseeing the World Government's highest-level biochemical missions."
With that, the man turned and left without another word, leaving Caesar standing there, torn, hesitant, and conflicted. Finally, he let out a long sigh and followed.
"Shurororororo, I never thought it would be my age that held me back. Fine, Platinum Lead Disease, is it? I'll solve it for you!"
This was what the young Caesar was thinking at that moment. In his youth, he was so confident, so full of vigor, convinced that in terms of intelligence, he was the world's greatest genius!
As Caesar Clown left, naturally, others arrived.
[Whoosh—]
The outermost gate of the base quickly slid open with a few beeps, and ten cool-looking men and women in black suits appeared before everyone, each standing in their own unique posture.
At a glance, it was clear there were five men and five women, a perfectly balanced group. Nine of them stood in a row behind a silver-haired man wearing a blue diamond earring and dark red glasses.
"CP9 is here!"
The base's security was handled by the Army, armed with automatic rifles, and members of CP8, also dressed in black. The latter had the strongest reaction to the arrival of these ten individuals.
Though CP8 and CP9 seemed only one character apart, and their numbers differed by just one digit, the former's duty was political protection—essentially high-level bodyguards—while the latter was a true assassination unit, a place only for the elite of the elite!
"Captain Laskey, this way, please. I'll lead you to your rooms and brief you on the details of the mission," said the government official who had earlier persuaded Caesar Clown to leave, approaching politely.
"Lead the way."
Laskey tilted his chin slightly in response, then stepped forward in his gleaming leather boots without a hint of discomfort at being in an unfamiliar place. However, his sharp eyes, hidden behind the dark red glasses, were quickly scanning the surroundings and the positions of the personnel.
Just as CP9 was halfway through their journey, the beeping sound echoed again from behind, followed by the doors reopening. This made Laskey stop and look back. The nine members behind him immediately stood on either side, ensuring his view was unobstructed.
"Ha—Ha—Ha—Ha—"
A man, two and a half meters tall, with a slicked-back hairstyle and a black coat draped over his shoulders, appeared. His grating, breathless laughter began to spread throughout the base.
"Although I don't know what you want me to do, this place is nice. I like it. At least I can take a hot shower, right?"
"'Sand Crocodile' Crocodile," a female member of CP9 whispered, identifying the man.
"Why is he here? Isn't this a highly classified secret base? And he's wearing handcuffs. Did he come to the wrong place?" another male member sneered.
At that moment, the black-clad guide emotionlessly reminded them, "Mr. Crocodile here will be heading to the same mission area as you. You can exchange information later."
"What?"
The CP9 members were shocked by this revelation. Even the usually composed Laskey furrowed his brow slightly and asked, "What is our mission this time? Why do we need the assistance of a pirate?"
"The mission details will be explained later, but I need to correct you on one point. Mr. Crocodile is not here to assist you. He will simply be heading to the same area at the same time as you."
Laskey nodded and coldly said, "Continue leading the way!"
"Understood."
Behind them, Crocodile's gaze also fell on CP9, as their presence was the most intense in the area.
Especially that arrogant guy with the blue diamond earring. Just from his aura, he was no weaker than Crocodile himself at the moment.
Ten minutes later.
After confirming their respective rooms, the CP9 members gathered together, sitting on sofas in a large hall. In front of them were beverages like coffee, red wine, and black tea, just served by the attendants.
"Speak."
Laskey gently picked up a glass of whiskey, swirling the ice cubes inside.
"Alright, for better understanding, please take a look at this intelligence report first."
The government official in charge of the base personally handed out ten copies of the report to each CP9 member, which had been passed to him by a subordinate.
Laskey, being the first to receive it, silently lowered his head to read. But as he continued, his expression became strained, and his eyes trembled violently.
What did he see? Another world, a true New World!
Their mission this time was to delve deep into the unknown world, gather all intelligence useful to the World Government, and do everything in their power to send the information back to this base.
Honestly, not just him, but all CP9 members were equally stunned. If they weren't in a place where everything seemed legitimate, they would have suspected this was some kind of joke.
However, Laskey quickly composed himself and continued reading the subsequent content.
According to the report, within 500 meters of the entrance called the Stargate, no dangerous creatures or abnormal situations had been detected.
This was somewhat of a relief.
But the most crucial piece of information was that the Den Den Mushi communication test had already been conducted, and it worked perfectly in the other world. This would be a tremendous help to them.
"I believe everyone has finished reviewing the materials. We will divide into five groups, each consisting of one man and one woman. Once we exit the peninsula area on the other side of the world, each group will infiltrate in different directions. If you encounter any strange creatures or intelligent life, please contact the base while ensuring your own safety."
"What about supplies and equipment? What can we bring?" Laskey asked expressionlessly.
"Five days' worth of compressed rations and three days' worth of fresh water. Each of you can carry one automatic pistol with five magazines, five grenades, a compass, and a weapon of your choice."
"Let's go with daggers, two per person," Laskey directly answered without consulting the other members, and no one raised any objections.
"Alright."
"Now, can someone explain why Crocodile is joining us?"