Note: if you want us to continue translate this story and to get access to +20 advance Chapters I hope to support us on Patreon.com/flokixy without your support we can't continue đ
Far away in the first half of the Grand Line.
On a magnificent island with towering spires and breathtaking scenery, a narrow causeway led to the main island, which was suspended above a massive waterfall's abyss. The thundering cascade surrounded the island, plunging into unfathomable depths, creating a spectacle of awe-inspiring grandeur.
Atop the solemn tower behind the island, a flag symbolizing the authority of the World Government fluttered proudly in the wind.
This was Enies Lobby, the nominal court system under the World Governmentâa place perpetually bathed in daylight, earning it the nickname "Island of Eternal Day."
It was also the headquarters of CP9, the elite intelligence agency under the direct command of the World Government's CIPHER-POL series.
At this moment, within the towering structure that symbolized the judicial fairness of the World Government...
In a dimly lit yet spacious office, an enormous white elephant quietly munched on apples nearby, a sight that would leave anyone astonished.
Behind the desk sat a man with short purple hair, a prominent nose bridge, and striking dark circles under his eyes. His face bore signs of disfigurement, partially concealed by a leather mask.
"Come to think of it, Gabura and those guys must have successfully infiltrated Germa's ship by now. They're all monsters who've mastered every technique of the Rokushikiâsuperhuman beasts. What is Germa, anyway? A nationless group adrift on the seas, reduced to groveling for scraps from my father's table!"
"And after two years hiding out in Water Seven, Lucci and his team still haven't produced any results. They're useless⊠And Father keeps telling me to be patient, but all that does is waste time."
"In my opinion, we should just capture Iceburg from Water Seven and torture him until he gives up the ancient weapon 'Pluton.' With that in hand, what else would we need to fear?"
"Hahaha! If I can get my hands on Germa's technological secrets this time, it'll be quite the accomplishmentâŠ"
Slouched in his luxurious leather chair, Spandam, the somewhat bored commander of CP9, drifted off into a daydream. He envisioned himself rising through the ranks, entering the upper echelons of the World Government like his father, drooling at the thought.
Bzzt bzzt...
The Den Den Mushi on his desk rang loudly.
"This must be good news..." Energized, Spandam quickly stood up and answered the call eagerly.
After all, as the head of CP9, no one would contact him unless it was important.
"Moshi moshi, this is Spandaâ"
Before he could finish, the Den Den Mushi mimicked an expression of absolute fury and disappointment, roaring at Spandam: "Spandam!! You idiot, why didn't you inform me before sending CP9 to investigate Germa?! Do you want to provoke them? Give me a proper explanation, or I'll sever our long-standing 'cooperation' right here!"
Spandine, who had been about to retire for the night, suddenly received a furious call from Vinsmoke Judge. He was harshly questioned whether he intended to "scheme" against Germa. After some initial confusion, Spandine learned that his son, Spandam, had unilaterally ordered CP9âfresh from their mission investigating revolutionary forces in Philan Kingdomâto spy on Germa. The revelation nearly made him faint from anger.
After much persuasion and even making certain promises, Spandine managed to calm Vinsmoke Judge down and avoid further consequences.
"You fool!" Spandine fumed inwardly. It had taken immense effort to secure Spandam's position as the head of CP9, and now this reckless behavior endangered everything.
Though not powerful enough to challenge the entire World Government, Germa 66 was more than capable of crushing them both if provoked. Their influence within the World Government was significant, and Spandine knew firsthand how far they'd go to achieve their goals.
While staying safe in Enies Lobby or Mary Geoia might shield them temporarily, they couldn't remain there forever. Over the years, Spandine had engaged in numerous shady dealings with Germa, leaving him vulnerable should those secrets come to light. Though corruption was rampant among high-ranking officials, some things were simply too incriminating.
Even with CP9 at his disposal, certain matters required discretionâissues only Germa could handle. For instance, the disappearance of a rival political family member vying for the CP9 leadership position was orchestrated with Germa's help under the guise of a "shipwreck."
Their relationship wasn't merely transactional; it went deeper. Otherwise, why would Spandine have so readily agreed to teach Rokushiki to Vinsmoke Ichiji?
His distrust of his overly ambitious son, whose personality mirrored his younger self, led him to withhold critical information. Now, this blunder almost caused irreparable damage. Thankfully, nothing serious occurredâyet.
"You imbecile! Of all people to investigate, you chose them?! Are you trying to kill us both?!"
Despite Spandine's own accomplishmentsâlike leading the Buster Call that eradicated Ohara's scholarsâit took decades of service as CP9's leader to climb higher in the hierarchy. Yet here was Spandam, barely a few years into his role, already rushing to prove himself. Was he insane?
"Fa... Father!?"
Startled by his father's sudden rage, Spandam nearly dropped the receiver. Regaining composure, he stammered, "H-how do you even know about this? I never mentioned Germa to you!"
Only Gabura and the others knew about the mission. Had they betrayed him?
"CP9 has been my life's work for twenty to thirty years. Do you think I'd have zero connections left? If you weren't my son, do you think I'd have handed over such power so easily?"
Spandine seethed, wishing he could personally discipline his foolish son. He had trusted him, avoided micromanaging, and now this mess happened.
"Listen carefully. Recall CP9 from the South Blue immediatelyâŠ" Taking a deep breath to suppress his anger, Spandine barked, "Germa isn't something you can meddle with. If you cause trouble, even I won't be able to save you! There's too much to explain over the phoneâI'll visit Enies Lobby tomorrow to discuss this further. For now, recall CP9 immediately!"
Anyone else in Spandam's position, with even basic knowledge of the Germa Kingdom, would never make such a reckless decision. This incompetent bratâŠ
If nighttime travel weren't inconvenient, he'd march straight to Enies Lobby to teach his son a lesson.
Click!
The Den Den Mushi was abruptly disconnected.
Spandam froze, stunned, unable to process what had just happened. His father wouldn't lie to himânot when he had pushed him into the CP9 leadership role. He was Spandine's only son.
"It's over⊠I've messed upâŠ"
Spandam's face paled, anxiety gripping him. Pacing back and forth like an ant on a hot pan, he muttered incessantly, "Is Germa really that terrifying? Isn't it just a fallen kingdom without territory, reduced to groveling for favors from Father?"