Since they were about to leave Water 7, Sherwin and Sanji Meow planned to buy more of the local specialties such as Aqua Meat and Aqua Vegetables.
In addition, in the original story, Usopp had used rubber bands to trade with the Skypieans for a lot of Dial Shells.
With such a bargain available, Sherwin naturally wouldn't let the opportunity slip, so he also bought a large batch of rubber bands, rubber gloves, rubber boats, tires, and other rubber products.
On top of that, Klee Meow also needed to restock her supply of bomb materials.
While Sherwin was shopping with the two Felynes along the commercial street, a man in a black suit and wearing a strange mask casually walked right up to them.
It wasn't Lucci and his group.
Sherwin used Observation Haki to probe, and found it wasn't the presence of the CP9 agents who had been lurking in Water 7. But faintly, it gave him a familiar feeling.
"It really been a long time, Sherwin kid. I didn't expect you could grow to this level in less than two years."
As the man spoke, he took off the mask from his face, revealing a kind-looking face with two small mustaches like Mouri Kogoro.
"Uncle Cody?!"
Sherwin hadn't expected at all that at this time, in this place, he would run into Cody, the CP member who had once helped him a lot.
But Cody appearance also allowed Sherwin to breathe a little easier. Since CP had sent Cody, this acquaintance, to make contact with him, it meant they had no intention of directly turning against him—perhaps they hadn't even discovered that Robin had joined the Felyne Investigation Team.
Sherwin mind was turning with all kinds of thoughts, but on the surface he remained calm, greeting warmly:
"Didn't expect to see you in Water 7. Have you expanded your business all the way here now? What about Uncle Bask? Didn't he come with you?"
"It been a long time, little Klee, Sanji. Seeing you both still so full of energy—it really great."
Cody didn't immediately answer Sherwin question. Instead, still wearing that good-natured, kindly smile, he greeted the two Felynes.
"Hello to you too, Uncle Cody, meow!"
"Long time no see, meow."
The two Felynes politely responded. Though they already knew Cody was a member of CP, it was easy enough for little cats to hide their inner thoughts—just widen their eyes and act cute. So Cody wasn't able to see through them.
After greeting the two Felynes, Cody shifted his attention back to Sherwin.
"Bask is no longer in it. He resigned last year and returned to his hometown, where he opened a tavern. I've heard business is going quite well."
After briefly describing Bask situation, Cody glanced around at the surrounding crowd and said to Sherwin:
"My matter is a bit complicated. Let find a quiet place to talk…"
He then looked at Klee Meow on Sherwin shoulder and added:"If possible, I'd like to speak with you alone."
Sherwin thought for a moment, then picked up Klee Meow and handed her to Sanji Meow, instructing:
"Take Klee back first. Also let Huamei and the others know—have everyone get things ready. When I return, we'll set sail immediately."
"I got it, meow. Then Uncle Cody, Klee and I will head off first, meow."
Sanji Meow understood the hidden meaning in Sherwin words—that he was asking him to return first and give Robin a heads-up.
So, for once, he didn't argue with Sherwin. Nodding, he took Klee Meow paw and led her toward the direction of the Galley-La Company.
Klee Meow was also very sensible and didn't make a fuss. Instead, she actively waved her little paw toward Cody.
"Goodbye, Uncle Cody, meow~"
(=ΦωΦ=)ヅ
Smiling as he watched the two little Felynes leave, Cody then turned his head back to Sherwin and said:
"Come with me. I know a good tavern around here."
Sherwin secretly curled the corner of his mouth.
No need to ask—without a doubt, it must be the tavern run by Blueno, the one who had eaten the Door-Door Fruit.
And his guess was right. As soon as he stepped inside the tavern, Sherwin saw Blueno, with his bull-horn hairstyle…
The Door-Door Fruit in his possession had always ranked high among netizens comments in the category of "Devil Fruits wasted on their user." Sherwin had long coveted this fruit, but unfortunately, for now, he couldn't make a move against this guy.
"It you!"
A shout filled with both anger and shock pulled Sherwin gaze away from Bruno, drawing it toward the source of the voice…
What entered his sight was a blue pompadour and two square-shaped afro heads.
"Oh… it you." Sherwin glanced calmly at Franky. "What? Lost last time and still not convinced? Want to get beaten up again?"
"You bastard! Don't think I'm afraid of you!"
Although Franky knew he was no match for Sherwin, with his temper there was no way he would back down in a situation like this. He raised his right hand, ready to fire his "Strong Right."
But Bruno wouldn't allow him to disrupt CP work. He stepped over the bar and pressed down on Franky arm.
"Franky, do me a favor—don't make trouble here."
The Square Sisters and the other henchmen who came along quickly tried to persuade him as well: "Yeah, big bro, we came here to drink and have fun, don't ruin the mood."
They all knew Franky temper well. If they told him directly that he couldn't beat Sherwin, then for the sake of his pride Franky would definitely refuse to let it go.
But if they gave him another reason, Franky—who had a bad temper but wasn't stupid—would certainly take the step down.
At this moment, Kody also stepped in to smooth things over. "Fighting and killing isn't good. We're all here to drink, so why don't we both back off a little?"
Then he turned his head toward Bruno, deliberately asking, "Boss, is the private room I booked earlier ready?"
"Of course, please follow me."
Bruno also pretended to act unfamiliar with Kody, nodded, and led the two of them toward the back of the tavern.
Under the persuasion of his underlings, Franky took the step down, though he couldn't help but curiously glance around at the others in the tavern. "This place actually has private rooms?"
The others all shook their heads, indicating they didn't know. After all, most people came to bars for the lively atmosphere.
Even if someone wanted a bit of quiet, they'd just choose a more secluded booth. It wasn't common to specially request a private room.
Setting aside Franky and the others doubts, Sherwin and Kody, under Bruno guidance, arrived at a rather refined room.
Inside, a cabinet displayed several bottles of what looked like very high-end liquor. On the central table sat steaming hot black tea and a few delicate pastries.
"If you need anything, you can ring the bell on the table to call me. If there nothing else, I'll take my leave first."
Bruno played his role as tavern owner to perfection. After confirming that the two had no further requests, he backed out of the room and closed the door.
Instantly, all sounds from outside vanished, showcasing the impressive soundproofing of this room.
"Sit. The drinks, pastries, and tea here are all fine selections collected from around the world… I prepared them especially for you." As Kody spoke, he gestured for Sherwin to sit at the table.
Once Sherwin sat down, Kody got straight to the point: "You must have realized by now, my identity isn't just as simple as a West Blue merchant… You get along well with Morgans, so you should have at least heard of CIPHER-POL, right? I'm an agent of CP7."
"Uncle Kody, you're actually a member of the CP organization?!" Sherwin cooperated with a look of shock, then curiously asked, "Then, what is it that you've come to me for now?"
Sherwin was genuinely curious. From the way the other acted, it didn't seem like he knew Robin had already joined the investigation team, nor did it look like he was here to cause trouble over Crocodile…
Wait!A sudden possibility flashed through Sherwin mind…
"Are you interested in replacing Crocodile, whom you took down, to become the new Shichibukai?"