Sensing the tension between Reiju and Kalifa, Robin silently stepped beside Reiju. Anna and Shalria followed, taking positions behind her.
Seeing the four stunning women, each with their own unique charm, Kalifa felt a sudden pressure in her chest.
Damn it... ganging up on me, huh?
Kalifa scowled inwardly. One-on-one, she might be able to compete. But four-on-one? Not a chance.
She shot Robin a quick side glance, then turned and walked into the office.
Sora chuckled and led Robin, Reiju, and the others in after her.
After exchanging brief pleasantries with Iceburg, Sora got straight to the point.
"Mr. Iceburg, I came here today hoping to purchase some ship repair materials and tools from the Galley-La Company."
After several rounds of ship modifications, Sora had used up all his repair supplies on the Divine Slave. It was time to restock.
That way, he could easily switch between his two public personas: the pirate God-Slayer Sora and the merchant president of the Five Seas Chamber.
"No problem."
"Kalifa, take the president to see what materials we have available," Iceburg instructed.
"Understood, Mr. Iceburg," Kalifa replied flatly.
"In that case, you four go with Kalifa to discuss the materials. I'll stay and talk with Mr. Iceburg about an investment."
Reiju and the others nodded and left with Kalifa.
"I see... an investment?" Iceburg looked at Sora curiously.
Sora smiled. "I'd like to invest in the sea train. I want to open a new route—perhaps you'd be interested?"
In Sora's eyes, the sea train had enormous potential. With continued development and upgrades, it could reshape the pirate world's infrastructure.
Investing in the sea train?!
Iceburg's face lit up with joy. "Of course I'm interested."
He then turned to Kalifa and said,
"Kalifa, you can take them now."
"Yes, Mr. Iceburg." Kalifa adjusted her glasses, gave the women a cold glance, then walked out.
Reiju, Robin, and the others exchanged a look and followed.
Watching Kalifa and the others leave, Iceburg turned to Sora with a puzzled expression.
"Did something happen between them?"
Sora laughed. "Isn't there always some natural rivalry between beautiful women?"
"Hahaha," Iceburg laughed. "You've got a point!"
Strong men and beautiful women—they're always competing with their own kind.
"Mr. Iceburg," Sora said, "I hope you can send a team to explore a sea train route to the Kingdom of Alabasta..."
The two began discussing the sea train project.
Sora's goal was to establish a line connecting Water 7 and Alabasta.
First, it would let him get closer to Vivi and gradually bring the kingdom under his influence.
Second, the economic benefits from such a trade route would be massive—and he'd be in position to reap those profits.
Third, it would solidify the Five Seas Chamber's public image, giving Sora a legitimate identity to move freely in the world.
—
Elsewhere—
Reiju and the others had followed Kalifa, confirmed the materials they needed, and had the Galley-La workers deliver them to the Divine Slave.
"Nico Robin, Anna, Shalria—mission complete," Reiju said cheerfully. "Let's go shopping while we still have time in Water 7!"
Robin, Anna, and Shalria nodded.
Then Reiju turned to Kalifa and said with a smile,
"In that case, Miss Kalifa, you're free to head back on your own."
With that, she led the others toward Water 7's shopping district.
Nico Robin?
So that's why she looked familiar… she infiltrated the Five Seas Chamber?!
Kalifa pushed up her glasses, watching Robin's back as she left.
After a moment of thought, she quickly penned a leave request and handed it to a Galley-La employee to deliver to Iceburg.
She had no intention of letting a World Government fugitive slip through her fingers.
If Robin escaped Water 7, capturing her later would be nearly impossible.
Kalifa bought a queen-style mask from a street vendor, changed clothes, and followed the group discreetly.
She soon caught up to Reiju and the others, who were stopping at every boutique, browsing for clothes.
"Hmph. Just a few pretty little secretaries... and they dare compare themselves to me? I'll show them what happens next," Kalifa fumed internally.
When she saw them slip into a narrow alleyway, Kalifa narrowed her eyes and followed silently.
—
Inside the deserted alley—
"Careful. She's here," Robin said, using her Hana Hana no Mi powers to observe Kalifa's movements.
Exposing Robin's identity as bait to lure in Kalifa was all part of Sora's plan.
The goal: capture Kalifa quietly and without fuss.
Shave!
Finger Pistol!
As soon as she entered the alley, Kalifa targeted Robin from behind, thrusting her fingers forward in a CP-style sneak attack.
In her assessment, Robin was the only real threat among the four—and she aimed to take her out first.
But Reiju had been waiting.
With Observation Haki active, she raised her arm and caught Kalifa's strike mid-air.
"What?!"
Kalifa's eyes widened in disbelief as she realized she couldn't pull her arm back.
She had severely underestimated the pink-haired woman.
She raised her left hand, preparing another Finger Pistol strike, but Reiju's other hand clamped down and locked her wrist tight.
Kalifa couldn't break free.
Against Reiju's natural superhuman strength, Kalifa's efforts were utterly futile.
Gripping both of Kalifa's arms, Reiju smirked and said,
"Heh... is that all the strength you've got?"