"When ordinary people catch spies or moles, their first instinct is to kill the bastards." Cobra sat at the dining table, holding a glass of Alabasta's signature desert honey wine.
"Only you would immediately think of turning them... And the craziest part? You actually succeeded."
"Hahaha, Cobra, don't you know my principles by now?" Michael shook his head with a smile. "I genuinely admire them—they're rare action-takers in the World Government. While their talents are merely decent in my eyes, they're more than sufficient for Alabasta."
Cobra didn't pay much attention to this remark.
After all, he wasn't Michael and lacked that omniscient perspective on individuals...
Yet in truth, these CP9 agents were indeed geniuses.
In the original timeline, even after wasting five or six years as undercover agents, they could still stand against the protagonist's crew.
Later, after just two years, he even evolved directly into CP0, allowing Rob Lucci to stand before Luffy once again, who was already one of the "Four Emperors"...
Of course, he was instantly defeated in the end.
"Michael, Alabasta now... is truly nothing like it used to be. I really have to thank you." Cobra's expression carried a hint of relief.
"Once Vivi turns fifteen, I'll abdicate immediately and settle down in Yona with Titi."
"Buddy, are you out of your mind?" Michael's lips twitched. "Lazy is lazy, but not only did you collaborate with the Ohara scholars to establish a Constitutional Monarchy, you're also planning to dump this on underage Vivi? Can you get any more ridiculous? She's still a child!"
"But she's a smart child!" Cobra thumped his chest and declared loudly.
"I believe Vivi will become an outstanding queen in the future!"
"You... serious?" Michael's eyes gradually took on a more solemn tone.
"Do you truly believe that? Or are you trying to compensate for the other Alabasta princess you feel you've failed in your heart?"
Michael's words struck Cobra silent.
After a long pause, Cobra slowly nodded, took a sip of desert honey wine, and said:
"This is why I enjoy talking with you... because your words always hit right where it hurts." Cobra's expression relaxed as if unburdened.
"In a way, yes, I want to make amends to my sister... I even contacted Crocodile earlier, telling her that if she's willing, I'd abdicate right now and let her become Alabasta's new queen..."
"Wait, when did you contact Crocodile? Have you forgotten you're temporarily on opposing sides right now?" Michael said helplessly.
"Besides, the current Crocodile probably has zero interest in this so-called 'throne' anymore. Stationed at Egghead Island, she'll get to witness the 'future' firsthand."
"Which is exactly why I want to pass the throne to Vivi as soon as possible." Cobra shrugged.
"Of course, before that, I'll need to work with Dr. Clover and the others to further refine the Constitutional Monarchy system... The royal family and the king still hold too much power."
"...Honestly, I'm starting to understand why your Nefertari family chose to return to Alabasta instead of staying in Mariejois as Celestial Dragons."
"Because we're born lazy?"
"No, because you were destined to meet me and accomplish something truly great together."
"Nice to meet you, Michael..." Cobra shrugged. "Though most of that was just pretty words. My most straightforward thought is to dump these responsibilities and obligations onto Vivi as soon as possible so I can relax and slack off without a care..."
"Alright then..."
Michael stood up and began walking toward the palace exit.
As he walked, he pulled out a Den Den Mushi that had been in call mode the entire time.
"Titi! Are you still there... That's right! Everything Cobra just said was from the heart—he genuinely wants to shirk his responsibilities and dump everything onto Vivi! You mustn't let this chronic lazybones off the hook!"
With that, he flashed Cobra a radiant smile and left.
Cobra stood frozen in place.
A few seconds later, cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
He set down his cup and sprinted toward the royal bedchambers.
Only to...
Be stopped by the maids outside the door.
"Your Majesty, the Queen has instructed that you sleep elsewhere this month. She doesn't wish to see you for the time being."
"Michael! You bastard! I swear I'll make you pay for this!"
...
Rob Lucci suddenly opened his eyes and sat up in bed.
Gazing at the moonlight outside the window, he felt momentarily disoriented—unaccustomed to the sensation.
For years, his nerves had been stretched taut, compounded by the psychological pressure of being ignored by the World Government and Tom's Shipbuilding Company.
He'd never slept more than two hours at a stretch.
But after meeting Michael earlier that day, he'd slept straight through from afternoon until deep into the night...
An unprecedented sense of ease and tranquility.
Because the tension that had coiled tightly in his mind had finally loosened.
Because the confusion that had plagued him for years had completely dissipated.
Because he now had a goal—one not assigned by the World Government or the CP organization, but one he genuinely wanted to achieve...
Revenge.
Revenge against those lofty figures in the World Government!
Michael had provided him with everything needed for that vengeance...
And in return, all he had to offer was his loyalty.
Waking from such rest left him invigorated, making it hard to fall back asleep.
This was the residence the Revolutionary Army's office had arranged for the CP9 members, as per Michael's instructions.
Spacious enough to accommodate them all, with ample private space to boot.
This initial treatment already surpassed anything the World Government had ever given them.
Comparisons could truly be infuriating.
The more generous and attentive Michael was, the more it fueled their resentment toward the World Government's past actions.
So you're just taking advantage of them being brainwashed orphans raised from childhood?
Under the glow of the stars and moon, he made his way to the rooftop of the residence.
But someone was already sitting there.
"Kaku? Couldn't sleep?"
"No, I woke up." Kaku adjusted his hat with a finger. "Slept too soundly... felt strange."
"Then get used to it... From now on, we're no longer part of the World Government." Rob Lucci sat down beside Kaku.
"Does this make us traitors?" Kaku's expression was distant. "Traitors usually don't end well."
"But at least... we won't be discarded like tools."