CP9 truly lived up to its reputation as the most outstanding permanent branch of the entire CP organization—no wonder CP0 members were mostly promoted from CP9.
Just in terms of task compliance, it was hard not to appreciate having them under one's command.
Michael had every reason to believe that if he hadn't stirred up such a massive controversy back then—and caught them red-handed—the World Government might never have completely abandoned Rob Lucci and the others.
It must be said that Michael's ability to seize opportunities was truly remarkable.
If someone poked him with a stick, he would genuinely climb right up it and take a vicious bite out of them.
Michael observed the completely revitalized CP9—both mentally and physically—and nodded calmly.
"It seems... you've thoroughly considered everything."
"Actually, there was never much to consider from the start," Kalifa shrugged.
"I'm different from the others. I have a father and sister with whom I share no familial bonds, and I've always known the true nature of CP and the World Government... So when I came to infiltrate the Revolutionary Army, I was already prepared to defect."
The rest of CP9, including Michael, all turned to look at Kalifa as she spoke so nonchalantly.
Then Michael gave her a thumbs-up.
Now this was a true ruthless person.
At the slightest disagreement, she was ready to bolt without hesitation or emotional baggage.
Offer her better treatment, and she'd abandon the World Government's control...
In a way, wasn't this another form of loyalty?
Because as long as you provided sufficient benefits, people like her would fight to the death for the sake of their stable life and work environment!
Moreover, Michael was certain that in this world, no one but him would dare take in CP9, nor could anyone offer them better conditions.
"In that case, starting today, you are no longer CP9, but special operatives of the Revolutionary Army's Alabasta branch office..." Michael raised his head.
"From now on, you are the 'Principalities.'"
The Principalities—according to biblical interpretation—divide their domains based on secular nations, cities, and religious groups.
In a sense, they are angels that exist in service to worldly power.
Whether as the former CP9 or the current Principalities, this description fit them perfectly.
"Prin... cipalities?"
Rob Lucci only hesitated for a brief moment before fully accepting this new name.
After all, a new codename also symbolizes a fresh start.
"Correct, this will be your organization's codename from now on... As for your first mission, it is to thoroughly familiarize yourselves with every inch of Alabasta's territory." Michael nodded.
"Both the Revolutionary Army and the Kingdom of Alabasta will spare no effort to assist you in this matter... Though you'd best avoid venturing into the easternmost desert interior—there be snakes there."
"...Understood."
After Michael issued his first command, the Principalities turned and departed.
They would head to the Revolutionary Army's liaison office, where Michael had prepared new uniforms for them.
"Only you could pull this off, brother." Rosinante, who had been waiting outside, ducked his head as he entered the room.
"But is this place truly secure? I'd rather not return to Marine Headquarters only to be dragged into an interrogation."
"Rest easy. Alabasta is currently a sensitive region. The World Government and Marine are aware of their collaboration with the Revolutionary Army, but given Alabasta's formidable comprehensive national power, they won't bring it up... In fact, they'll go out of their way to try pulling Alabasta back into their camp." Michael shrugged.
"Your presence here won't raise suspicions—on the contrary, some might even encourage you to strengthen ties with Alabasta..."
With a standing army of six hundred thousand, armed with weaponry incorporating both Sky Island Dial technology and Germa Kingdom's scientific applications, Alabasta now stood unquestionably as the strongest nation in Paradise.
Even most countries in the New World paled in comparison.
After all, Alabasta possessed strategic depth unmatched by any other nation.
What would make other countries explode at first glance—the Buster Call—was nothing more than a fart to Alabasta.
Moreover, Alabasta's scholars were renowned worldwide.
Currently, ninety-nine percent of the world's foundational educational materials were created by Alabastan scholars...
Thus, present-day Alabasta not only wielded immense national power but was also quietly emerging as the world's cultural epicenter.
In Alabasta's capital Alubarna stood a massive library, its scale even surpassing the former Tree of Omniscience... personally overseen by Cobra several years prior.
One could say that Ohara had, in a sense, been resurrected.
And this time, it would never again be sunk by cannon fire.
"That all sounds well and good... but have you considered the unreasonable old man waiting back home?" Rosinante smirked.
"Anyway, take a look at this first."
With that, Rosinante handed Michael several intelligence reports.
"New intel already?" Michael frowned. "And you chose to deliver it personally? What fresh disaster has occurred?"
"You'll understand when you see it."
As he spoke, Rosinante casually closed the door behind him.
"Let's see what new entertainment we have..." Michael said nothing more, crossing his legs as he opened the intelligence envelope.
But his initially relaxed expression gradually turned cold.
"I was aware of Doflamingo's collaboration with Kaido—I even facilitated their unholy alliance... It helps keep both their forces in check."
"But I never expected the damned SMILE fruits to be developed so quickly? To be honest, it's beyond my imagination... though it's not too big of an issue. Kaido has been hiding on Thunder God Island all these years, likely testing the poison on his own pirate crew first... In any case, keep monitoring them and have the SWORD Forces on standby. If they dare let something as harmful as drugs spread across the seas, we'll teach them a lesson."
Rosinante nodded.
When it came to Michael's orders, the SWORD Special Forces would naturally comply.
Of course, to outsiders, it would appear as though he, the current commander of the SWORD Classified Special Forces, had made the decision.
After all, no one would expect that Michael, even after being expelled from the Marines, still controlled one of their most crucial armed forces.
Meanwhile, Michael took the opportunity to open the second envelope.
The information inside this one even surprised him.
"The Flying Pirate Crew has reappeared in the New World."
-----------------------------
Read 45 chapters ahead and support me on patreon.
patreon (.)com/Newbietranslator