"Hmm? A Celestial Dragon?"
Iceberg lay on his bed, his gaze calm but tinged with mild surprise as he looked at Kalifa.
"That's what the papers say," Kalifa replied softly, pushing her glasses up. "At least, according to the newspapers acknowledged by the World Government."
Iceberg paused, hesitating for a moment. Slowly, he said, "If the other party truly is a Celestial Dragon, we'd best pretend nothing happened."
"No matter their status, harming Iceberg is unforgivable!"
A pigeon wearing a tie flapped down, finally perching on Lucci's shoulder, cooing softly.
Lucci stared down at Iceberg, lying defenseless in bed, his expression rigid with resolve.
"A pirate crew daring to cause trouble in Water 7 and attack its mayor is an unforgivable crime!"
Yet beneath his righteous indignation, Lucci knew the truth about Shirogai Yamikuro, the so-called Celestial Dragon.
"Could this be related to what we said yesterday about their ship being beyond repair?"
Kaku, another of the five foremen, frowned, voice low and grim. "Just because we couldn't fix a ship with a broken keel, they vent their anger like this?"
Their words ignited the ire of every Carrera Company executive in the room.
"It was them!" one barked.
"I knew they weren't good people yesterday. As expected, they commit a serious crime the moment they arrive in Water 7!"
"Even if he is a Celestial Dragon, attacking Mayor Iceberg is unforgivable!"
"These pirates! Taking their anger out on Iceberg-sama because of a ship they ruined is inexcusable!"
Barry, another foreman, held his bare chest, muscles tensed with immense power.
"It was that pirate crew. We were so concerned about their ship yesterday, and in the end, our sincerity was treated as weakness," he spat coldly. His gaze flared at Kaku and Lucci. "Don't let me get a chance. If I do, I'll make those ungrateful scum pay!"
Kaku and Lucci felt a twinge of surprise at Barry's intensity, but quickly dismissed it as anger toward Shirogai and the Straw Hats.
"This is bad! Straw Hat and Franky are fighting in the shipyard, chaos everywhere!"
Dalston, the last of the five foremen, rushed in, delivering news that sent a ripple of tension through the room.
Lucci rose slowly, the pigeon on his shoulder taking flight through the window, wings cutting the air sharply.
"Let's go settle this score with them!"
The World Government had given explicit orders to Lucci and the CP-9 agents: first, ruin the Straw Hat Pirates' reputation. Second, force Shirogai into a public display, showing Water 7 that this so-called Celestial Dragon was dangerous and unworthy of trust.
Kaku leapt from the window, voice deep and commanding. "Iceberg-sama, rest easy. We'll teach these scoundrels a lesson."
Barry's eyes, sharp and cold, flicked toward the mayor. "Stay vigilant."
Iceberg, hand resting lightly on the mouse beside him, knew Barry's words weren't for the Straw Hats. They were meant for the CP-9 infiltrators still hiding in the shipyard.
"Don't worry. They are no match for me."
With a sneer, Barry and the others left. The remaining shipyard executives either delivered news or calmed the workers' nerves. In moments, only Kalifa and Iceberg Mayor remained.
Kalifa's gaze swept over the wounded mayor, her expression suddenly distant.
"To have been beaten to this state… it seems Blueno unleashed all the anger he'd suppressed these past years on you."
"Even the top-level spies have emotions," Iceberg murmured, fingers brushing the bandage over his chest. "The World Government can no longer contain itself."
"That is natural." Kalifa sat elegantly, legs crossed, expression unyielding. "After all, you've withheld information from them for five years. And with the recent appearance of Shirogai, the significance of Pluton, one of the three Ancient Weapons, has become increasingly vital to the World Government."
"Have these messages reached Shirogai? What truly happened last night?"
"Blueno was temporarily assigned by the World Government. It had nothing to do with us directly," Kalifa explained softly. "Karuno disguised himself as Shirogai to attack you, triggering the Straw Hats, and directing the attention of Water 7 onto Shirogai."
Iceberg stroked the little white mouse beside him, contemplative. "Even with you as a CP-9 spy, most information is clear. Yet accidents are unavoidable."
"Attacking you was no accident," Kalifa said coldly. "Even if Shirogai hadn't appeared, the operation against you would have happened—just under a different identity."
"Rooting out threats… the World Government is decisive. Reasonable, even," Iceberg sighed, rubbing his throbbing head.
"Shirogai will resolve all issues. As long as we endure, the World Government will become a relic of the past."
Kalifa's expression hardened, fervent. She whispered, "The future belongs to Vespera."
In the Dark Seclusion Chamber, the anti-brainwashing methods employed by Shirogai had already transformed Kalifa into a devoted follower.
She had long since seen the true role of the World Government—the manipulations behind her training and missions.
Now, she was no longer the obedient spy, no longer a pawn of the World Government.
Iceberg exhaled slowly, closing his eyes.
"Vespera… a name full of hope. May it not become a second World Government, bringing instability upon the world."
Vespera [Verglas]: Iceberg
Vespera [Fox]: Kalifa