Feeling refreshed, Dante rose and headed to his office. When he arrived, he found Robin already inside.
Despite how busy the previous night had been, she was early as usual, organizing documents while reading a book.
Her cheeks, however, were still slightly flushed.
Viola was there as well, sitting right beside her.
Though she had shed her dance costume for a uniform matching Robin's, she still exuded a glamorous, tempting allure, a stark contrast to Robin's quiet, elegant intellect.
The two women seemed to be communicating silently, exchanging glances and subtle, playful expressions.
'He certainly knows how to play!' Viola thought, licking her lips.
'Naturally!' Robin's eyes seemed to reply.
Dante didn't interrupt their silent exchange, but his arrival quickly caught their attention.
"Boss~"
"'Corrupt Captain', should I call you Boss as well?"
"As long as you drop the word 'Corrupt', call me whatever you like." Dante sank lazily into his chair, looking at Viola. Although the formal uniform made her look much cleaner, the seductive charm of the dancer hadn't completely vanished. "Have you considered it?"
"I am completely obedient to the Boss's orders!" She radiated the fiery passion typical of Dressrosa women.
Viola winked coquettishly. "Boss, I'll do whatever you want me to do."
"Is that so?" Dante nodded with satisfaction.
Viola's ability was incredibly useful. At full power, she possessed a 4000-km Observation Ability.
From the Conomi Archipelago, she could monitor the situation over in Loguetown. Who knows? From Loguetown, she might even be able to observe the Red Line.
Pity.
Mary Geoise, the Holy Land of the Celestial Dragons, lay on the far side of the Red Line, in the waters of the New World, opposite the East Blue. It was currently out of range.
Still, Dante was satisfied.
Being able to monitor the territory around the Conomi Archipelago was enough for now. In the future... perhaps she could observe Mary Geoise from beneath the Red Line on the other side. The strategic significance was immense. Moreover, as an educated woman who had served as a high-ranking executive in the Donquixote Family, she possessed considerable management ability.
As their territory expanded, Robin's workload had grown heavier. She was busy not only in the mornings but late into the night as well.
With Viola's help, Robin could finally catch a break.
And strictly speaking, Robin couldn't be seen in the light. As long as she and Vegapunk remained hidden, and as long as Dante didn't research history or set sail in pursuit of Laugh Tale, his actions here in the East Blue were nothing more than petty mischief in the grand scheme of things.
Even if he eventually declared independence from the Marines, it would only be a headache for Marine Headquarters. The World Government wouldn't pay much mind to a mere "insect" like him for the time being.
He wondered about Germa 66, who had once unified the North Blue for exactly sixty-six days. Aside from the various ambitious figures who rose up during that time, had there been interference from the World Government?
If the World Government truly didn't care whether the "insects" beneath them occupied the seas, he could technically stay under their banner until his influence spanned all Four Seas.
However, that was likely impossible.
For now, it was best not to attract the World Government's attention. If there were matters where Robin couldn't show her face, Viola could step in to handle them.
After arranging Viola's duties and receiving her hesitation-free agreement, Dante glanced at the newspaper on his desk.
Sure enough.
The incident in the Kingdom of Dressrosa had been leaked.
Dante read the paper with relish. "Tsk. The World Government really spent a fortune on PR this time."
The entire issue devoted massive sections to describing how the Marine Admiral had struggled to discover the Donquixote Family's secrets, how arduously they had saved the Kingdom of Dressrosa to minimize casualties, and how they had successfully arrested the villain, Donquixote Doflamingo, thereby upholding the Justice of the Marines.
And finally...
There was a long article forcefully singing the praises of the World Government's status and the justice of Marine Headquarters.
Of course, one of the main characters of the event, Mock, was also featured. Although the coverage was smaller, it was there.
A Confident photograph sat above a bounty of 1.3 billion Berries!
Below it was a brief description of the origin of Mock's bounty, along with rumors claiming he hailed from the Clan of D.
It had gone up again. A full 1.3 billion Berries.
Dante couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth, rubbing his forehead as a headache set in.
A price like that was a rarity on the seas. Many people would be eyeing Mock now.
Thinking of this, Dante turned to Viola. "Locate Mock."
Viola activated her power immediately. After a quick scan, she smiled. "He's still at Romance Dawn. Dr. Vegapunk is there too."
"Vegapunk actually pulled an all-nighter? He didn't go do research?"
"It looks like he's enjoying himself quite a bit~"
"..."
Dante nodded speechlessly. He turned to Robin, his expression deadpan. "Notify Kuro. Tell him Mock's vacation is over. Have him take Mock for proper training. I don't care if he gets injured."
"Understood." Robin nodded elegantly. She pondered for a moment before adding, "I'll notify Kuro shortly... and I will serve to emphasize your intent."
Dante nodded with satisfaction.
Robin always understood his hidden meanings.
The next matter...
Building more factories.
The "Viagra pills" was ready for production. Yesterday, while waiting for Mock, Vegapunk had whipped the formula up casually.
For Vegapunk, something like that probably didn't even count as a toy.
Of course, this project wouldn't be handed over to Nami, Nota would arrange it.
Then there was the New Network.
This involved Signal Waves different from those of a standard Den Den Mushi, so the carrier for receiving the signal source had to be researched anew.
The "World's Greatest Brain" had quickly provided a solution. In addition to researching a new type of carrier, they could manufacture a Den Den Mushi Tool. As long as it was paired with this tool, existing Den Den Mushi could receive the new Signal Waves.
At the same time, he could manufacture other Signal Waves on different frequencies for internal use, preventing external interception.
Quite perfect.
It would likely take some time before it could be fully implemented.
Currently, Vegapunk was still soaking his feet and relaxing. Having been locked up for so long, it was rare for him to come out, so Dante didn't spoil his fun.
He would give the old man a short break, then lock him back in the laboratory tomorrow.
Hearing the Boss's upcoming arrangements, Robin and Viola took notes seriously. Viola, in particular, was learning diligently from Robin as a new appointee.
She had already infiltrated the inner circle, so she wasn't in a rush, there would be plenty of opportunities to play later.
Having worked in the Donquixote Family for many years, she knew that when it was time to work, she had to work seriously.
It was just... she looked at her senior's ability with some envy. That ability was really nice.
Not only was it fun, but it was also very helpful for work!
"Understood, I will arrange it." Robin finished her notes and closed her book. Then, seeming to recall something, she looked up at Dante. "By the way, the Dock has finished producing the 'East Blue-Class Warship' per your specifications."
"It's already developed?"
"Yes. Dr. Wolf asked me to inquire what you want to do next."
"What to do?" Dante narrowed his eyes slightly. "We advertise it, of course."
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