Holy Land Mariejois.
Diarmuid walked out of the World Government headquarters building with a swagger, clad in his coat of justice over a pure white short-sleeved shirt, black cargo pants, and high-laced military boots, with his sword Kokorowatari hanging at his waist.
Gazing at Mariejois, which was still under construction, Diarmuid asked the figure beside him, "How much longer is the construction period for Mariejois?"
Standing next to him was CP-9 Chief Spandine. Hearing Diarmuid's question, Spandine quickly replied, "The Gorosei decreed that it must be completed within the year 1515."
The current year is 1514, according to the Sea Calendar. Since the Gorosei specified completion by 1515, it means the work must be finished by the end of next year. Even if people are worked to death on Mariejois, the buildings must be completed.
Diarmuid nodded and said, "I understand."
He had come to Mariejois this time to report on his work to the Gorosei. He had just finished his report. Thanks to his superb acting, the cooperation of the CP agencies, and a well-written report, the Gorosei had not found any issues—or perhaps they did, but chose not to pursue them because the Navy's performance had been quite satisfactory.
Afterward, Diarmuid went to the office of the Commander-in-Chief to meet with Steel Bone Kong for a chat and a reunion. Once everything was done, he prepared to leave Mariejois and return to Marineford.
However, as he walked out, he ran into Spandine before he even reached the outside of the building. It seemed the man was waiting specifically for him.
Diarmuid walked toward the port with Spandine, casually asking him some insignificant questions.
Just as they were nearing the port, Diarmuid looked at Spandine with a slight smile and asked, "So, why did you come all the way to Mariejois to see me so solicitously?"
Spandine's expression was slightly awkward upon hearing this, but he quickly plastered on a fawning smile and said, "Admiral, how can you say that? I'm here, of course, to receive your teachings. Being able to exchange a few words with you will keep me awake for two or three days with joy."
"Hahahaha, you rascal! Even though I know you're just flattering me, it's still nice to hear." Diarmuid laughed heartily, patting Spandine on the shoulder.
"It is my honor to bring you joy," Spandine quickly added.
Diarmuid clapped his shoulder and then raised an eyebrow. "If you don't actually tell me what's up, I'll assume there was nothing."
Spandine gave a somewhat helpless smile, then cautiously spoke, "Admiral, there are actually three things..."
Diarmuid didn't hold any ill will toward Spandine.
At first, based on his impression from the original story, he might have felt a bit disdainful of the man.
But after genuinely interacting with him, he realized that apart from being somewhat contemptible, the man was otherwise capable. He was very efficient, and he was also Stussy's staunch subordinate. Diarmuid naturally had no intention of targeting him. Over time, his impression of Spandine actually improved.
He knew this was a result of Spandine deliberately managing and crafting his image, but so what? It only proved Spandine's capability, didn't it?
"Tell me," Diarmuid nodded, continuing his walk toward the port.
Spandine quickly matched Diarmuid's pace. The two entered a bubble elevator together, and only then did Spandine speak. "The first thing is actually a private matter. I have a son named Spandam..."
Diarmuid paused, then laughed. Compared to Spandine, Spandam was the ultimate waste—he inherited all his father's flaws, perhaps even exceeding them, but failed to inherit his father's excellent executive ability, instead acting like an utter idiot.
He remembered Stussy mentioning Spandine's son before; he was working in CP-5, wasn't he?
In the original story, Spandam eventually took over his father's position as the CP-9 Commander, but then met his downfall due to the Enies Lobby incident. Two years later, presumably thanks to his father, Stussy arranged for him to be placed in CP-0 as a low-level errand boy in a not-very-important position.
It was the power of connections. If it had been anyone else without such backing, the Enies Lobby incident would have been enough to kill them ten times over.
But now, without Luffy and his crew becoming pirates, and with Rob Lucci not being in the CP agencies, Spandam, that piece of trash, should have no problem even as the CP-9 Chief, especially since he has a good father.
"I think Stussy mentioned him. He's in CP-5, right?" Diarmuid smiled.
A glint of surprise flashed in Spandine's eyes, and he quickly replied, "Yes, yes, yes! I am truly honored that my boy has been heard of by an Admiral like yourself..."
"Hahahaha, that's because Stussy values and takes care of you," Diarmuid said with a laugh.
"Stussy-san's kindness is as heavy as a mountain to me," Spandine responded.
Diarmuid then asked, "So, what about your son?"
Collecting himself, Spandine quickly explained, "It's nothing serious, just that he's my only son, and I spoiled him rotten since he was a child. Now, he's useless at everything except eating. I'm always worried he'll get into trouble one day..."
"So, you're giving me a heads-up? So I can bail him out if he truly messes up?" Diarmuid asked with a chuckle.
Spandine quickly shook his head. "I wouldn't dare trouble an Admiral with such messy affairs..."
Spandine knew his place. How could he dare drag Diarmuid into such utter nonsense? It would definitely lower Diarmuid's opinion of him.
"Heh heh, if that situation truly arises, I will lend a hand," Diarmuid genuinely agreed.
If Spandine had begged for the favor, Diarmuid might have felt annoyed, but since Spandine was being so sensible, Diarmuid was very willing to give him some goodwill. He was Stussy's associate, after all, and that much consideration could be given.
Spandine was momentarily stunned, then his face lit up with joy. "Thank you, Admiral, thank you!"
"Now, what was the second reason? I haven't heard that yet," Diarmuid asked with a smile.
Spandine's expression turned serious. "The second reason, which is also the second matter, is this: over the years, following Stussy-san and you, Admiral, I have learned some of the inner details of what we are doing. The more I know about these internal matters, the more fearful I become."
Pausing here, Spandine stated in a deep voice, "I am not afraid of how serious the matter itself is, but I am afraid that I am caught in the middle without a true, solid position to stand on!"
Diarmuid's expression became somewhat cold. He glanced at Spandine and said, "And so?"
"I want to stake my future, my prospects, and even my life on you and Stussy-san. I ask for an opportunity to place my bet on you, Admiral!" Spandine said with great conviction.
Diarmuid heard this, sighed slowly, and spoke softly, "Stussy always told me you were very capable and intelligent. Though I tried to estimate you highly, I didn't expect your excellence to still exceed my expectations, Spandine..."
Spandine had helped Stussy with many matters, and Diarmuid had also made use of him, making Spandine one of the few people in the CP agencies privy to some internal secrets. However, due to some ingrained preconceptions about the man, Diarmuid had never fully trusted him, and the tasks assigned to him were always peripheral.
This time, Spandine was clearly determined to commit, ready to cling to Diarmuid and Stussy's support. His pledge of loyalty was simple: his son, Spandam!
Spandam was his only blood relative, and now he was handing his son over to Diarmuid, to the Navy.
The meaning behind this was clear. From a private perspective, he was essentially making his son a hostage to gain more of Diarmuid's trust.
From the perspective of the grand scheme, he was betting his son's future on the Navy. If the Navy ran into trouble, his son would also suffer. Conversely, if the Navy prospered, his son would prosper with it.
Both publicly and privately, Spandine's move was brilliant. Furthermore, his decisiveness and determination were outstanding.
This was why Diarmuid praised him so much.
"Thank you for your compliment, Admiral," Spandine said softly.
He looked at Diarmuid with some anxiety, but Diarmuid finally smiled, patting him on the shoulder. "Keep up the good work. Stussy and I both have high hopes for you."
Spandine was first startled, then his face broke into a happy grin. "Yes, thank you, Admiral!"
"Speaking of which, what about that third reason? I still haven't heard it," Diarmuid asked with a smile.
Spandine's expression immediately turned serious. "The third reason, and the last matter, is this: Admiral, regarding Water 7, we have investigated and found that the blueprints for Pluton are very likely in the hands of Tom, the head of the Sea Train project. Should we—"
In the original story, Master Tom was framed for high crimes because of this and was ultimately executed.
This time, however, Diarmuid waved his hand. "Let's pretend we haven't found Pluton. Don't cause trouble for Water 7..."
Spandine was taken aback but didn't ask further. He simply nodded. "Yes."
This decisive attitude already demonstrated that he was not planning to follow Mariejois's orders, as Mariejois would want him to find Pluton...
"I won't concern myself with the specifics of what you do or how you do it, since I am not part of the CP organization. Just listen to Stussy and help her with her tasks. Don't worry about anything else. I will personally look after your son," Diarmuid said.
"Yes, I understand, Admiral," Spandine replied again.
Soon, at the pier, Diarmuid boarded Spandine's ship. The man had insisted on personally escorting Diarmuid to Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
As soon as they stepped aboard, a man with a well-proportioned build and a somewhat handsome appearance quickly approached them. He was wearing a black suit, clearly one of Spandine's agents. He immediately offered a respectful greeting, "Admiral, Chief Spandine!"
Diarmuid glanced at the man, then smiled. "Spandine, you truly have talent among your subordinates."