The next morning, brilliant sunlight poured through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows like a golden waterfall, filling the entire room.
Takero stretched with a big yawn and sat up from the messy, oversized round bed. He casually moved his body, feeling a refreshing surge of energy in every cell from head to toe. He then glanced at his system's progress bar; it had increased by a noticeable amount. This was by far the easiest power-up he had ever experienced.
'It seems I need to do more of this kind of training in the future,' he thought with a grin.
He turned his head and glanced at the person beside him. Charlotte Smoothie, the woman who had been as arrogant as a proud queen last night, now lay like a puddle of soft mud, fast asleep. It was as if all the bones had been removed from her body; even Takero getting up didn't stir her. A satisfied smile appeared on his lips.
'To be fair, her mouth was a bit stubborn. But her body… it's quite resilient. Enough to be entertaining.'
Just then, a gentle knock sounded at the door. Monet's slightly hoarse, weak voice came from the other side. "Master… it's time for breakfast…"
Takero got dressed and opened the door. He was greeted by the sight of his pathetic "Maid No. 1," who had deep dark circles under her eyes and a wilted expression, as if she hadn't slept at all.
"What's wrong with you?" he asked curiously. "Did you go out thieving last night?"
Monet didn't speak. She just looked up and glared fiercely at him, her emerald-green eyes filled with resentment and a hint of accusation.
…
At the dining table, the atmosphere was a bit strange. Besides Takero and Monet, who was sulkily poking a fried egg with her fork, Robin and Sora were also present, both looking equally confused. Sora's children had been moved to another residence, under the excuse that children who fight needed to live separately from their parents. Both Robin and Sora could clearly tell that Monet's mood this morning was very off.
After a while, Robin glanced at the clock on the wall and reminded him, "Master, time is almost up. The final match will be starting soon."
"Hmm." Takero nodded, popped the last piece of bacon from his plate into his mouth, and then stood up to head for the arena.
When he arrived at the arena's lounge, he found Tesoro and Charlotte Katakuri discussing something with worried expressions.
Upon seeing Takero, Tesoro's eyes lit up, and he quickly walked over to greet him.
Takero nodded. "What are you two talking about so early in the morning? You both look like you've lost money."
Before Tesoro could answer, Katakuri spoke first. "It's like this, Mr. Takero," he said, his voice calm but tinged with concern. "My sister Smoothie suddenly disappeared last night. I had my men search all night, but we couldn't find her. I was hoping you might know what happened."
"That's right, Boss!" Tesoro added with a serious expression. "I've already dispatched the elites of our Saiyan Guard to search for Ms. Smoothie's whereabouts. But the strange thing is… there isn't a single clue." He paused, his face grave. "Boss, I suspect something is wrong here. How could a person of her strength just disappear without a trace?"
Listening to their suspenseful analysis, Takero's face took on an awkward expression. He slowly said in a probing tone, "...Is there a possibility… that the person you're looking for… was with me last night?"
"With you?!" Katakuri was startled. "Then… when will she be back? The finals are about to begin!"
Takero's expression became even more awkward. "Well… Smoothie might have been… a little tired last night," he said, scratching his head. "So, she might need a good day or two of rest. I'm afraid she won't be able to participate in the final."
"..."
"..."
Tesoro was stunned for a moment. Then, looking at his boss's guilty expression, a look of sudden understanding flashed across his face. A moment later, Katakuri also seemed to realize what had happened. His face, usually hidden beneath his scarf, instantly became unsightly.
'Good heavens!' he cursed inwardly. 'Mama told you to build a good relationship with Takero, but this is too direct, isn't it?!'
However, since it had already happened, there was nothing he could do. He could only sigh. "…Since that's the case, then let my sister rest well." He looked up at Takero, his gaze extremely serious, even pleading. "…Please, Lord Takero… treat her well."
"Don't worry," Takero said, patting his chest. "No one dares to touch my people."
…
The scene shifted to the center of the arena, where the host was holding a microphone, loudly announcing an urgent message.
"Ladies and gentlemen! We regret to inform you that we have just received an urgent message! One of this tournament's top three contestants, Ms. Smoothie from the Charlotte Family, will be withdrawing from the finals due to a sudden 'physical reason'!"
The entire arena erupted into an uproar.
"What's going on?! Why did she suddenly withdraw?!"
"Exactly! I spent a lot of money betting on her to win! This is a scam!"
"Refund! Refund!!"
"Everyone, please don't worry!" the host quickly continued, calming the agitated crowd. "All spectators who bet on Ms. Smoothie can go to the designated counter for a full refund! And, as an apology, the Golden Group will also pay additional compensation to everyone! So, let us focus all our anticipation on the upcoming ultimate battle!"
With the promise of a refund and compensation, the crowd slowly settled down.
In the center of the arena, Fisher Tiger, who had been resting with his eyes closed, slowly opened them, his brow furrowed. 'That Smoothie… withdrew?' He felt this sudden news was a disadvantage. Originally, the finals were a chaotic three-person melee. But now, Smoothie's withdrawal meant he would have to face the Marine Vice Admiral, "Aokiji" Kuzan, in a one-on-one duel. That would be… a bit tricky.
However, he only felt it was "tricky." He slowly stood up, his weathered eyes showing no fear, only the burning fighting spirit of a man determined to fulfill his lifelong ambition.
On the other side, Aokiji lazily scratched his messy black hair and yawned. "Oh my… one less person. Now it feels even more troublesome."
As the host's passionate voice announced the official start of the ultimate battle, Tiger launched a furious attack at Aokiji, like a fierce tiger descending a mountain.
…
Meanwhile, elsewhere on the island, Rob Lucci stood outside the Golden Group's secret laboratory. He looked at the time on his pocket watch, then closed the cover with a sharp "snap." He looked up at the distant guards, a cold glint in his eyes, and gave the command to the CP9 agents waiting beside him.
"Time's up. Operation, begin!"
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