On the top floor, in Ian's exclusive office.
"Sit down."
Ian leisurely sat in his large office chair, casually pointing to the sofa across from him.
Stussy, smoothing out the hem of her dress to make sure there were no wrinkles, then gracefully sat down.
With her knees together, she turned slightly to the side, her back straight, accentuating her captivating curves.
The stunning woman locked eyes with Ian, her red lips slightly parted. "What did you mean earlier, Ian? Why did you suddenly bring up Dr. Vegapunk?"
Still trying to cover it up?
Ian smiled lightly. "It's just the two of us here, so no need for theatrics."
Ian hadn't invited his companions along; only he and Stussy were in the office.
"I'm not quite sure," Stussy said with a mischievous smile, leaning slightly forward, trying to exude the aura of a mature and beautiful older sister.
"Is that so?"
Ian leisurely said, "Then let me tell you what I know."
"For example, the fact that you're not the real Stussy, but rather a clone created by Dr. Vegapunk many years ago."
Stussy's expression stiffened slightly.
As expected, this kid knows about it.
But how does he know?
Could it be that the Stussy whose identity I replaced revealed it?
If so, why?
She and the doctor made a deal a long time ago.
The woman's expression shifted, but Ian didn't care and continued, "And another thing, you're actually an undercover agent sent by Dr. Vegapunk to infiltrate the World Government."
Though old Vegapunk seemed like the stereotypical scientist with a brilliant mind but lacking social skills, he was also cautious and knew to be prepared for danger.
He knew that the World Government wouldn't tolerate him forever, so he had already planted people within the government, preparing for potential threats.
Before Stussy could respond, her face had already changed completely, her composure broken.
The woman almost instantly turned into a statue, her muscles tensed, staring at Ian in disbelief.
How is this possible!
How does he know about this?
This is impossible!
Just the fact that I'm part of CP0 is a top-secret matter, even within the government, it's known to very few people, so there's no way it could have spread to the Beast Pirates.
And the fact that I was sent by the doctor to infiltrate the World Government… only the doctor and I know about this!
I never told anyone, and the doctor would never disclose it to outsiders.
So, how does this kid know about it?
Stussy looked at Ian with a mix of shock and fear in her eyes.
This doesn't make sense!
This is completely illogical!
"Truly, truly... suddenly speaking about things that are hard to understand, Lord Ian…"
Stussy forced a smile, her face now almost pale.
Still pretending, still trying to deceive.
This must be what they call a stubborn dead duck.
Do you think you can't provide any evidence?
"Calm down, Stussy,"
Ian chuckled, "I shouldn't need to prove anything to you, should I?"
"All I need to do is call the Five Elders and explain this situation."
There's no need for evidence at all.
"No! No way!"
Stussy understood the situation now, and she could no longer hold herself back. With a quick leap, she rushed toward Ian's desk.
The beautiful woman was breathing heavily, her chest rising and falling with each breath.
"You can't do this, Lord Ian!"
There was no longer any point in hiding it.
This young man truly knew!
If he told the Five Elders about this, the doctor would be finished.
Although the government might spare the doctor's life due to his scientific abilities, from that point on, he would never have any freedom again.
"Of course, I can do this."
Ian smiled, "I could even tell the Five Elders that Vegapunk has been studying the true history, trying to uncover the erased history from eight hundred years ago. He's been thirsting for the secret of that blank hundred-year period."
"..."
Stussy looked at Ian, her eyes filled with fear.
He was clearly a handsome young man, but in her eyes, at that moment, Ian was more terrifying than a hundred thousand demons!
"So,"
Ian crossed his fingers, looking interested, "Beautiful lady, it's time to start begging me."
"You wouldn't want to be erased by Doctor Vegapunk after he's drained all your value from you, would you?"
Although, whether she spoke or not, Vegapunk would eventually meet the same fate.
Stussy's face gradually showed a look of dejection. Her tall, slender figure finally collapsed, and she sat down on the ground, bending deeply at the waist.
"I beg you... please, Lord Ian, don't harm the doctor!"
"No matter what you want me to do, I will do it."
Such loyalty.
Ian remembered that back on Bullet Island, she was even willing to stay behind to cover their retreat.
But this line of yours... it makes me feel like I've walked into the wrong set.
However, Ian, as pure and righteous as always, didn't want to be involved with someone like you, a strange aunt from a meeting hall.
"Good," Ian nodded slightly. "Then help me fool the World Government."
Stussy looked up in confusion.
"Didn't the Five Elders send you here to stir up trouble between me and Kaido-sensei?"
Ian smiled. "You'd better respond well to them."
"Let them know that Kaido-sensei and I are indeed on opposing sides."
To think that he even knows about this!
Stussy found it hard to express her confusion at this moment.
This was a direct order from the Five Elders themselves. Even within CP0, only a few knew about it.
"I know what to do now."
Confused as she was, Stussy still nodded lightly.
So, Ian had already noticed the government's attempts to sow discord between them. But does that mean he really has a conflict with Kaido?
What a terrifying man.
Even the World Government is being toyed with by him.
"Also," Ian smiled, "you wouldn't mind acting as my informant within the government, would you?"
Stussy shook her head.
But she was also somewhat surprised.
You already know this much confidential information, and you still need me to act as an informant?
"The government has probably been infiltrated to the point of being full of holes, right?"
But since this is Ian's request, she certainly can't refuse.
Otherwise, the doctor would be in danger.
Even though he's a pirate, Ian really can directly contact the Gorosei.
"Great," Ian clapped his hands, "Then let's get moving. Help me monitor a guy named Who's-Who, he's still alive, right?"
"Who's-Who?"
Stussy paused for a moment, recalled briefly, and then said, "Who's-Who from CP9?"
She knew why Ian asked if Who's-Who was still alive.
The woman nodded gently, "When you attacked Enies Lobby last time, he was on an outside mission and wasn't affected."
But why Who's-Who? Why a mere CP9 agent? Does he have something special about him?
"Good," Ian nodded slightly, "Then keep an eye on him. Notify me immediately if he's heading to East Blue for a mission."
East Blue?
Stussy completely didn't understand what Ian meant but could only nod lightly, "Understood."
"And then," Ian continued, "Can you make a move in Marineford?"
After CP9, is it the Marine Headquarters?
Stussy softly replied, "The CP system has informants in every Marine base."
"Really?"
Ian couldn't help but laugh, "Perfect. Help me keep an eye on Hero Garp's grandson, that kid named Luffy."
"This task is simple,"
Stussy said, "That kid is the son of the Revolutionary Dragon, there's already a reason to monitor him."
"That's perfect. You don't need to worry about anything else. If a Devil Fruit comes near him, notify me immediately."
Ian said.
Stussy was a bit confused.
What does it mean for a Devil Fruit to come near him?
But she still replied, "Understood."
Ian looked at the woman whose expression was gradually softening, feeling curious. "Even though Dr. Vegapunk gave you life, does he really deserve you to go this far for him?"
Even biological parents can't always escape having rebellious children.
He has one by his side.
Stussy paused slightly, then the woman quietly said, "Dr. Vegapunk didn't just give me life; he also gave me the meaning of life."
**********
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