It had been about six weeks since the Straw Hats had left Fish-Man Island to venture into the New World, a territory where the rules of the game were much more ruthless. Since their departure, Luffy's crew had faced trials that had toughened them.
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However, elsewhere in the New World, in Gojo's territory, on an island under Mei Mei's jurisdiction
In Mei Mei's office, Gojo was sprawled in a large armchair, his head thrown back, his black sunglasses sliding slightly down his nose. His white hair was tousled, and a lazy smile played on his lips. The atmosphere was strangely calm.
"This world is too quiet," he sighed, his voice breaking the silence. "Where are the great upheavals? The epic battles? I feel like I'm bored to death."
Seated at her desk not far away, Mei Mei looked up from her documents. Her hair was neatly tied in a braid. She put down her pen, crossed her arms, a mocking smile on her lips.
"Too quiet, you say?" she replied, her voice tinged with irony. "Why not attack the World Government, then? That would shake things up, wouldn't it?"
A spark lit up in Gojo's eyes. He slowly raised his head, his smile widening, revealing a dangerous glint. "Oh, Mei Mei, you know how to speak to men," he said, half rising from his chair to approach her. Leaning on the desk, his face a few centimeters from hers, his breath brushing her cheek. "But you know what? Before going after the Government, I'd prefer to go after you."
Mei Mei raised an eyebrow, undeterred. She leaned slightly towards him, her lips almost brushing his. "Always so bold, Gojo. But you know my services come with a price, and I doubt you can afford it."
Gojo chuckled, his fingers brushing a lock of her hair. "We could negotiate, right? I'm sure we could find a... very satisfying arrangement."
Their exchange was interrupted by a door slamming. Utahime burst in, her face already tense with annoyance. Her black hair was tied up in a severe bun, and her red kimono contrasted with the subdued atmosphere of the room. "Can you stop acting like idiots for five minutes?"
Gojo straightened up, a mischievous smile on his lips. "Oh, Utahime! Always so charming when you get mad. You know it gives you a cute little look, right?"
Utahime clenched her fists, her cheeks flushing with anger. "Stop provoking me, you idiot!" she yelled, taking a step towards him as if she were about to pounce on him. "I'm not in the mood for your childish antics!"
Gojo burst into laughter, leaning back against his chair. "Alright, alright, I'll calm down. So, tell me, how's the crew?"
Utahime crossed her arms, trying to regain her composure. "As usual," she replied, still stern. "Everyone is doing their job, even if some are more... unpredictable than others. Sukuna, for example, has decided to head to Beehive Island."
Gojo raised an eyebrow, visibly surprised. "Beehive Island? Blackbeard's territory? What is he doing there?"
Utahime shrugged, a smirk on her lips. "It's Sukuna. A brute looking for a fight. Nothing surprising. He probably wants to challenge Teach or one of his lieutenants to pass the time."
Gojo chuckled, amused. "That sounds like him. And Yuta? Toji? Still no news?"
"Not a word for months," Utahime replied, her tone more serious. "Impossible to know where they are or what they're up to."
Gojo waved off her concerns with a dismissive gesture, a confident smile on his lips. "Relax, Utahime. They're fine, I'm sure of it."
Before Utahime could reply, Mei Mei interjected, her tone casual. "By the way, captain, there's movement from the Marines. According to our spies, something is brewing."
Gojo turned to her, his interest piqued. "Oh? And you're just telling me now? Come on, Mei Mei, spill the beans. What's going on?"
Mei Mei leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs with studied elegance. "Admiral Zephyr, or rather Z, as he's now known, is in the spotlight. Our sources indicate that he has broken ties with the Marines and formed his own faction, the Neo Marines. He's recruiting forces, stockpiling weapons, and seems obsessed with a crusade against pirates. Apparently, he's planning a large-scale operation to eradicate what he calls the 'vermin' of the New World."
Gojo listened attentively, his smile unwavering. Zephyr, a former Marine admiral, was a legend. Once a respected man, he had seen his faith in justice shaken by the loss of his family and men, killed by pirates. His visceral hatred for outlaws had led him to leave the Marines and adopt extreme methods. Armed with his Battle Smasher, a mechanical arm reinforced with sea prism stone, and supported by lieutenants like Ain and Binz, Zephyr was a formidable threat.
"Interesting," Gojo murmured, rising from his chair. His smile broadened, a gleam of excitement in his eyes. "Finally, some action! This world was sorely lacking in chaos. Mei Mei, why didn't you tell me earlier?"
Mei Mei shrugged, a sardonic smile on her lips. "I just remembered. And besides, this kind of information doesn't bring in money directly. Why should I clutter my mind with it?"
Gojo burst into laughter, shaking his head. "Always so mercenary. Well, it's time for me to move."
As he headed towards the exit, Mei Mei stopped him with a sharp voice. "Not so fast, captain. What about the money you owe me? In two years, the bill has skyrocketed."
Gojo turned around, a sheepish smile on his face. "Listen, Mei Mei, can't we talk about it?"
Mei Mei gave him a piercing look, her eyes narrowed. "Don't take me for a fool, Gojo. My services are not free, and you know that."
Gojo swallowed, raising his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright! I'll take care of it. I promise."
Utahime, who was watching the scene, sighed loudly. "You'll never change. Always getting yourself into impossible situations."
He winked at her. "That's what makes me charming, Utahime. Well, I'm off."
With that, he disappeared, leaving Mei Mei and Utahime exchanging exasperated looks. The unpredictable New World was about to plunge into a new storm.
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