Tiger Shark Island, Central Business District, North Sea Style Bar.
"To think we stumbled upon the Rhode Pirates, who are currently the talk of the seas. We truly are in luck!"
Having ended the call, Mr. 11 lifted his wine glass, taking a leisurely sip, a look of relief washing over his features.
A month prior, he received a directive from headquarters to venture to the North Sea and extend an invitation to an individual to join Baroque Works.
Leveraging the formidable reputation of Baroque Works, he had considered the mission a mere formality. However, to his surprise, the target had flatly refused. He had been unable to sway their decision despite employing various persuasive tactics.
In truth, Baroque Works' standard recruitment methods typically boiled down to two approaches: coercion or inducement!
Yet, regardless of the promises he dangled, the individual remained unmoved, displaying no reaction whatsoever, content only with a peaceful existence.
Since bribery had failed, he had attempted coercion.
Alas, he was simply outmatched!
The individual was undeniably worthy of being a "monster," specially requested by the company's upper echelons. Mr. 11's swordsmanship, his pride and joy, was utterly inadequate against this opponent. Furthermore, his partner, Ms. Thursday, had suffered injuries and was currently bedridden.
Thus, two days ago, he had received another call from headquarters, instructing him to continue monitoring the target's movements on Tiger Shark Island.
The company headquarters was dispatching a Chief Executive to take over the assignment.
Knowing the company's stringent rules, failure meant severe punishment, with no possibility of escape. Consequently, he had resigned himself to indulging in wine and the company of beautiful women, seeking solace in fleeting pleasures.
It seemed Lady Luck had finally decided to smile upon him.
The combined bounty of 185,000,200 Berries on the Rhode Pirates should more than offset the penalty for his mission failure, and he might even receive a bonus from the Boss.
With this thought, a relaxed smile spread across Mr. 11's face.
"You seem relaxed, Mr. 11! The mission failed, and we have to deal with the fallout, yet here you are, enjoying wine with a clear conscience."
A frigid voice cut through the air. The door to the private booth was kicked open, and a man sporting a large afro and dark sunglasses strode into the room.
"You have disgraced the company!"
"Mr. 5!"
Looking at the imposing figure who had just barged in, Mr. 11's expression shifted slightly.
"Hahahaha, why don't we just let me finish him off too, this disgrace."
A feminine voice followed shortly after. A tall woman with short blonde hair entered the room, still holding an umbrella despite being indoors.
"Ms. Valentine!"
Observing the arrival of the two individuals, Mr. 11's countenance initially paled drastically. However, a sudden realization flickered in his eyes, and his composure returned.
Although their demeanor was hostile, bordering on murderous, he now possessed crucial information – news that would ultimately benefit them all.
"Why don't you both take a seat and have a drink first? While the matter regarding that 'monster' remains unresolved, I now have reliable intelligence. With your combined efforts, we will undoubtedly make significant contributions to the company!"
Gesturing for the two Chief Executives to sit, Mr. 11 personally poured wine for them. He waved a dismissive hand at the beautiful woman who had been keeping him company, signaling them to leave, and then awkwardly reattached the door that had been violently kicked in.
Intrigued by Mr. 11's words, Mr. 5 and Ms. Valentine settled into their seats.
His initial outburst had merely been a tactic to assert dominance.
While the rank of Chief Executive was indeed higher than that of Executive Commander, Mr. 11 was still a valuable asset within the organization. Any punishment would ultimately be decided by the Boss, not by them.
Moreover, before their arrival, they had been briefed on the mission objectives. According to the latest intelligence reports, the task had indeed proven to be beyond the initial commanding officer's capabilities. According to the Boss, Mr. 11's failure was not entirely his fault.
In light of this, they might as well hear what achievements he claimed to have made.
"What! The Rhode Pirates with a total bounty of 185,000,200 Berries!"
Upon hearing Mr. 11's information, Mr. 5's expression underwent a dramatic shift. He picked up the offered wine glass and took a large gulp to regain his composure.
"You must be mistaken, Mr. 11.
While the potential reward is certainly enticing, we cannot possibly defeat an enemy of that caliber with our current strength."
A pirate crew with such a substantial bounty was a rarity even in the Grand Line.
Even the most formidable pirate they had encountered previously only carried a bounty of 41 million Berries.
The captain of the Rhode Pirates alone had a staggering bounty of 71 million Berries. Besides the captain, there were two other formidable individuals with bounties exceeding 40 million Berries.
"Rest assured, I am aware of their situation."
Mr. 11 confidently refilled Mr. 5's glass.
"They are merely a fledgling pirate crew, lacking any significant achievements. This type of pirate group, still roaming the seas without a strong foothold, even if they possess some strength, is likely very limited. They must have committed some truly heinous crime to warrant such a high bounty from the Navy."
Mr. 5 nodded slowly. His initial shock at the bounty had subsided. Upon calmer reflection, he conceded that this newly formed pirate group was unlikely to be exceptionally powerful.
"With your combined strength, dealing with them will be as simple as reaching into a bag to retrieve an item. This is a golden opportunity bestowed upon us by fate!"
Mr. 5 picked up the wine poured by Mr. 11, took a sip, and a wide smile spread across his face.
"Indeed! It's our credit to seize!"
"Ahahaha! That's right. All our credit."
Ms. Valentine, seated beside him, echoed Mr. 5's sentiment with a sinister grin.
"Don't worry, I will personally detail the situation in the mission report. I believe the company will overlook your initial shortcomings in this assignment."
These two!
Gazing at the man and woman before him, Mr. 11 seethed inwardly.
They were shamelessly planning to claim all the credit for capturing the Rhode Pirates.
However, he was in a precarious position, having failed his initial mission. Moreover, even if he desired to resist, he was no match for their combined power.
Unfortunately, Ms. Thursday was injured and is currently incapacitated.
Thinking of his partner, who had been brutally defeated and was still recovering in bed, Mr. 11's resentment towards Genos intensified.
"Thank you very much, Mr. 5."
With these turbulent thoughts swirling in his mind, Mr. 11 maintained a placid expression and poured another glass of wine for Mr. 5.
I can also submit my mission reports!
As long as I contribute significantly to the battle, no one can erase my efforts!
This thought solidified in Mr. 11's mind. He resolved that when the time came to confront Genos and the Rhode Pirates, he would seize the opportune moment to launch a surprise attack.
He would also need to arrange for someone to document his contributions with photographs, ensuring his efforts wouldn't be overlooked.
"We will deal with the Rhode Pirates later. Before that, let's handle this 'Zombie Man' Genos first. Where is he currently located?"
Setting down his wine glass, Mr. 5 inquired.
How does this chapter flow? The power dynamics are shifting!