CP-0, Stussy...
Most Marines only knew about the CP Organizations from CP1 to CP8. Lucci's CP9 was already an entity that required certain clearance to be aware of.
And above that, there was CP-0 - hailed as the "Celestial Dragons' Strongest Shield," the secret intelligence agency directly under the World Government.
Theoretically, only a small number of Vice Admirals and above were privy to this organization.
...
Of course, Griffin couldn't act like he already knew. He narrowed his eyes slightly and mentioned another identity of Stussy's that he could reasonably know.
"I never expected... one of the Underground Emperors, the Queen of the Pleasure District known as Stussy, would actually be a colleague..."
Although called a "district," the Pleasure District was actually a massive maritime organization.
To put it bluntly...
It was a fleet of pleasure ships providing those kinds of services, catering to the underworld.
...
Stussy smiled sweetly: "Isn't that perfect for gathering intelligence? After all, men are most likely to speak their true minds when drunk or during... those moments."
Griffin shook his head: "It seems Miss Stussy still doesn't understand men well enough."
"Precisely in those two situations, men are most likely to lie."
...
Stussy's apricot-like lips parted slightly before she covered them with a light laugh: "You're quite interesting, Mr. Griffin. Usually when I discuss such matters with little Lucci, he just coldly ignores me~"
...
From Stussy's way of referring to Lucci, and Lucci's subtle expression...
Griffin basically confirmed that this Stussy was likely Lucci's "backer."
He had no interest in probing their deeper relationship. After brief pleasantries, he got straight to the point.
"May I understand that Miss Stussy is Lucci's superior? Who do you represent, and what do you want me to do?"
...
"So quick to business? I was hoping to get to know Mr. Griffin more deeply..."
Stussy waved her finger before her, her gaze intensifying as her demeanor transformed abruptly.
The feeling she gave was that of instantly transitioning from "Queen of the Pleasure District" to "Elite Agent."
"The Five Elders have sent me to ask you one question. Your answer will determine whether we proceed with further conversation."
"Please ask."
...
"Uchiha Griffin... in your eyes, what is the World Government, and what are the Celestial Dragons!"
...
Griffin didn't answer immediately, as if carefully considering his response before speaking: "The World Government established by the twenty Kings is undoubtedly the most important entity maintaining world order."
"The justice executed by the World Government protects ordinary people from pirate threats."
"As descendants of the twenty Kings, the World Nobles rightly deserve their supreme status."
"Someone has to be the leaders, and no one is more qualified than the World Nobles."
...
"The World Nobles and the World Government are justice itself!"
...
...
"An excellent answer!"
"You've earned the right to hear what I have to say next."
Stussy couldn't help but applaud, while Lucci beside her looked moved as if having found a kindred spirit.
With his Eye Power, Griffin detected a deeply hidden trace of disappointment in Stussy.
Considering her deeper identity, Griffin understood the source of this emotion.
Stussy was a complicated woman.
She was the clone of Buckingham Stussy, a member of the Rocks Pirates, and the first successful product of the MADS laboratory.
Her outermost identity was the Queen of the Pleasure District, her second layer was as a CP0 agent, but her true allegiance lay with the leader of MADS, the world's foremost scientist, Vegapunk.
Vegapunk had joined the World Government yet still sent Stussy undercover, revealing the fragility of their cooperation.
Years later, events would prove Vegapunk's foresight correct.
...
Griffin knew he needed to show some reaction. His brow furrowed tightly, his voice carrying suppressed anger: "Qualified?"
"After everything I've done, do the Five Elders still lack trust in me? How could you ask such a question!"
"I've bled for the Marines, to protect Saint Shalria... Do you even know that if Admiral Borsalino hadn't gotten me medical treatment in time, I would be dead!"
"Are you questioning my loyalty!?"
Even without activating his Sharingan, Griffin's gaze possessed penetrative power far beyond ordinary people.
Under such intense scrutiny, Stussy felt completely exposed and insecure.
...
"My apologies, it was poor wording. The Five Elders absolutely don't doubt you."
Taking a deep breath, Stussy forced a smile: "The question was my own initiative. Please blame me, Mr. Griffin."
Griffin nodded: "Alright, then I'll put this on your account. Transfer me eight million berries someday to calm my anger."
...
...
I was just being polite, and you actually took it seriously...
But...
Just like the intelligence said - greedy for money...
This is a weakness I can exploit!
Normally, Stussy would use her charms to gain the upper hand in conversations, but that approach definitely wouldn't work with this man.
This was the man who remained unaffected by the charms of Pirate Empress Hancock!
Besides... if this guy looked in the mirror, he'd see a face more beautiful than her own.
That Stussy could remain unenchanted by this face was already a testament to her professional training as an agent.
...
"A mere eight million berries is a worthwhile price if it can calm Mr. Griffin's anger." Stussy maintained her professional fake smile as she continued.
"The Five Elders have also instructed that we provide you with the best medical care. During your recovery period, it would be a good time to consider your future placement."
"Someone of your caliber is wasted as just a West Sea Branch Base Commander."
...
"First, may I ask if you have any interest in joining us?"
"CP0's salary and benefits are equivalent to a Marine Vice Admiral's, with authority that's no less than a Vice Admiral's during missions."
"Most importantly... compared to the Marines, we have more opportunities to get close to the World Nobles and be influenced by them!"
Stussy's fox-like eyes narrowed slightly as she smiled: "I heard from little Lucci that your admiration for the Five Elders is as endless as the ocean's waves."
"If you perform well, you might even get the opportunity to serve directly under the Five Elders~"
After speaking, Stussy gave him time to consider.
...
Griffin remained silent for a long time, appearing very tempted, but finally shook his head after a sigh.
"I'd very much like to join..."
"But after this battle, I've come to understand something."
"People can only grow through continuous training and combat!"
"That Kari is quite troublesome. I have a feeling he'll be even stronger when he appears next time!"
"If I remain stagnant, perhaps next time I won't be able to protect the Celestial Dragons properly."
"I've thought it through carefully—I'm not yet qualified to serve as an attendant to the Five Elders."
Bang—
Griffin clenched his fist abruptly and declared firmly: "I must become stronger! Strong enough to match Admiral Borsalino. Only then will I be qualified to stand before the Five Elders whom I admire!"
...
Hmm... by that time, I should be ready to take action against the Five Elders.
The goal Griffin set for himself was to reach Admiral-level strength—this would form the foundation for formally leaving the Marines and opposing the World Government.
Until then, he'd just have to endure this situation a while longer.
...
"Is that so..."
"I respect your decision. In that case, the second option..."