"Boss, you're absolutely diabolical," Ada Wong observed with a mixture of admiration and mild disgust, adjusting the collar of her red qipao as she processed the psychological trap Kaito had just set. "The sheer complexity of that manipulation... I have to admit, even I'm impressed by how thoroughly you've compromised that man's mental state."
She couldn't fully comprehend the depths of Kaito's hatred for Spandam, but the fabricated memories he'd implanted created the perfect cover for infiltration operations. The false relationship would provide her with unprecedented access to CP9's inner workings while simultaneously driving their director toward psychological instability.
"Strategic thinking requires long-term vision," Kaito replied with a satisfied smile, watching the morning sunlight filter through his cabin windows. "Sometimes the most effective weapons are the ones that destroy from within. Now, let's test our new intelligence asset."
He gestured toward the parasitized Serika, who stood motionless near the cabin wall like a living puppet awaiting commands. "Have her contact Spandam directly. I want current intelligence on Grand Line developments, particularly anything involving the major powers."
The transformed CP9 operative moved with mechanical precision, retrieving a Den Den Mushi from her jacket pocket and placing the call without hesitation. Her movements retained all the muscle memory and training of her former self, but lacked any trace of personal initiative or independent thought.
As the snail-phone began its characteristic bubbling sound, Ada positioned herself nearby, preparing to take over the conversation once contact was established. This would be her first real test of the fabricated relationship—a chance to see how deeply the plot insertion had taken root in Spandam's psyche.
Buru…buru…buru...
The voice that answered carried all the fury and frustration that Spandam was notorious for, his words practically crackling through the Den Den Mushi's speaker.
"What the hell are you incompetent rookies doing out there?" Spandam's rage-filled tirade exploded from the device. "Why didn't you answer my call last night? I am your direct superior, and when I give orders, you follow them immediately! Do you have any idea how much trouble—"
"This is Ada," the spy interrupted smoothly, her voice carrying just the right mixture of professionalism and subtle warmth. "The team you assigned to this mission encountered significant complications. The operation has failed."
The transformation in Spandam's tone was instantaneous and dramatic—like a switch being flipped from volcanic fury to desperate concern. Kaito raised an eyebrow at the obvious emotional whiplash, impressed despite himself at how thoroughly the plot insertion had rewired the man's priorities.
"Ada? What are you doing in East Blue?" Spandam's voice now carried an almost frantic edge of worry. "Come back to me immediately! You shouldn't be in the field without proper backup. Did you encounter Buggy the Clown? Are you injured? Tell me you're safe!"
Ada caught Kaito's amused glance and suppressed a grimace at the man's obvious desperation. The fabricated memories had clearly taken hold with disturbing completeness, transforming Spandam's typical self-centered arrogance into something far more psychologically complex.
"Serika survived the encounter, but the other two rookies are dead," she reported with clinical detachment. "It wasn't Buggy who killed them—a silver robot calling itself Ultron eliminated them when they attempted to interfere with its activities."
Through the Den Den Mushi, they could hear Spandam's sharp intake of breath as he processed this information. His mind was clearly working to piece together the implications, even as his emotional response remained focused on Ada's safety.
"A silver robot... that's highly unusual. Did it bear any markings or identification that might connect it to Vegapunk's research? The technological sophistication required for such a creation would be extraordinary."
The CP9 director's voice carried genuine intellectual curiosity beneath the concern, reminding Kaito that despite his numerous character flaws, Spandam wasn't entirely incompetent. His position within the World Government hierarchy required at least some degree of tactical intelligence, even if his judgment was consistently clouded by personal ambition.
"No visible markings," Ada replied, maintaining her professional tone while mentally cataloging every nuance of Spandam's responses. "The machine demonstrated capabilities far beyond anything I've encountered before. Its power was... remarkable."
Spandam's frustration was audible through the connection. "Another dead end in the Buggy investigation, and now we have an unidentified threat operating in East Blue. The Five Elders won't be pleased with this report."
His tone shifted again, becoming more personal and concerned. "I'm relieved you weren't harmed, Ada. You shouldn't be taking such risks in the field. I've told you before you.. I mean your skills are too valuable to waste on these reconnaissance missions."
The possessive undertones in his voice made Ada's skin crawl, but she maintained her composure with professional discipline. The psychological manipulation was working exactly as intended, giving her unprecedented leverage over one of the World Government's most well-connected officials.
"I'll be returning within the next few days," she said, steering the conversation toward intelligence gathering. "Has there been any significant activity on the seas recently? Any developments I should be aware of?"
Spandam's response came immediately, his eagerness to share information clearly motivated by his desire to demonstrate his usefulness to her. "The situation has become increasingly volatile since the Sky Screen's latest broadcast. Multiple factions are converging on Drum Island, all apparently interested in Tony Tony Chopper."
The intelligence that followed painted a picture of impending chaos that made Kaito's pulse quicken with anticipation. The convergence of so many powerful forces in one location represented exactly the kind of dramatic scenario that would generate massive Infamy Points when properly orchestrated.
"Crocodile and Marshall D. Teach have been spotted traveling together toward Drum Island," Spandam continued, his voice carrying the tone of someone sharing classified information. "Intelligence suggests they're planning to intercept the Straw Hat Pirates before they can recruit the reindeer."
Kaito's eyes lit up at this revelation. Having two Shichibukai—one current, one future—working in cooperation represented a significant escalation from the original timeline. The butterfly effects from his previous interventions were creating increasingly dramatic deviations from the expected narrative.
"Admiral Kizaru has volunteered for a recruitment mission to Drum Island as well," Spandam added, seemingly unaware of how valuable this intelligence was to his listeners. "The Marines are quite interested in Chopper's medical expertise and his rumored ability to enhance Zoan-type Devil Fruit transformations. They don't want such capabilities falling into pirate hands."
The mental image of Kizaru casually strolling through a warzone while multiple factions battled around him brought a smile to Kaito's lips. The Admiral's laid-back attitude combined with his overwhelming power made him perhaps the most unpredictable element in this developing scenario.
"There's more," Spandam continued, his voice dropping to a more confidential tone. "Portgas D. Ace has been spotted heading toward the same region. Intelligence analysis suggests he's hunting Blackbeard—probably unaware that his target is now traveling with Crocodile."
The tragic irony wasn't lost on Kaito. In the original timeline, Ace's pursuit of Blackbeard had ultimately led to his capture and execution at Marineford. Now, with additional variables in play, that confrontation might unfold very differently—potentially with even more catastrophic consequences.
"And there's one more factor to consider," Spandam added, his voice carrying a note of genuine concern. "Our surveillance ships near Wano Country reported that Kaido left Onigashima with All Star King before communication was lost. Their destination remains unknown, but intelligence analysis suggests the Four Emperor might also be interested in Chopper's research."
The thought of Kaido—the "Strongest Creature in the World"—potentially joining this powder keg situation sent a thrill of anticipation through Kaito's mind.
"If Kaido obtains access to enhanced Zoan transformations, his already overwhelming strength could reach unprecedented levels," Spandam explained, his analytical mind clearly working through the implications. "The World Government cannot allow such a development. Admiral Kizaru has been authorized to eliminate Chopper if necessary to prevent him from falling into the wrong hands."
Ada absorbed this information with professional interest while maintaining her conversational persona. "The situation sounds extremely volatile. I'll make sure to avoid that region during my return journey."
"Yes, please do," Spandam replied, his voice heavy with relief. "I couldn't bear it if something happened to you, especially over something so politically sensitive. The higher-ups are treating this as a powder keg situation—any spark could ignite a conflict involving multiple Yonko crews, Shichibukai, and Marine forces simultaneously."
The conversation continued for several more minutes, with Spandam sharing additional details about troop movements, political maneuvering within the World Government, and his ongoing frustrations with various Marine policies. Throughout it all, his tone remained remarkably different when addressing Ada compared to his typical interactions—more personal, more protective, more emotionally invested.
Finally, as the intelligence briefing wound down, Spandam's voice took on an almost pleading quality. "Ada... I know things have been complicated between us lately, but I want you to know that you always have a place here on Enies Lobby. I've prepared quarters for you, and there are several projects that could benefit from your unique expertise."
His words carried undertones that made Ada suppress another wave of disgust, but she maintained her professional demeanor. "I appreciate the offer. I'll consider it when I return to the Grand Line."
"Please do," Spandam replied, his voice carrying pathetic gratitude for even that noncommittal response. "And Ada... be careful out there. You mean more to me than you could possibly know."
With that uncomfortable declaration, Ada ended the call, setting the Den Den Mushi aside with visible relief. She turned to Kaito with an expression that mixed professional admiration for his psychological manipulation with personal revulsion at its effects.
"That was thoroughly unpleasant," she said, unconsciously rubbing her arms as if trying to wash away the memory of Spandam's desperate attention. "The plot insertion worked even better than expected—perhaps too well. That man has developed an seriously unhealthy obsession."
Kaito nodded with satisfaction, his mind already working through the strategic implications of the intelligence they'd gathered. "Psychological manipulation is most effective when it exploits existing character flaws. Spandam was already prone to possessive behavior and abuse of power—I simply redirected those tendencies in a more useful direction."
The beauty of the situation was its self-perpetuating nature. The more desperate Spandam became for Ada's approval, the more intelligence he would share and the more vulnerable he would become to further manipulation. Meanwhile, his increasingly erratic behavior would inevitably create friction within CP9, potentially driving talented agents away from the World Government entirely.
"Your next assignment will test your infiltration skills," Kaito continued, moving to the cabin window to gaze out at the peaceful ocean beyond. "I want you to travel to Water 7 and integrate yourself with the CP9 team currently operating there. Observe their dynamics, assess their loyalties, and begin laying groundwork for potential recruitment."
Ada's eyes sharpened with professional interest. "You're planning to turn them against the World Government?"
"Rob Lucci, in particular, represents wasted potential," Kaito explained, his voice carrying the tone of someone discussing a valuable resource. "His combat abilities are extraordinary, his tactical intelligence is impressive, and his dedication is absolute. Unfortunately, all of that talent is currently serving a corrupt organization that doesn't deserve such loyalty."
The spy nodded slowly, already beginning to formulate approaches for the infiltration mission. "And when Spandam inevitably interferes with my interactions with his subordinates?"
"Let him," Kaito replied with a predatory smile. "His possessive behavior will create exactly the kind of internal conflict we need. Nothing turns loyal soldiers against their commanders quite like watching said commanders sacrifice mission effectiveness for personal obsessions."
The plan was elegantly simple in its psychological sophistication. By positioning Ada as both an asset and a potential romantic interest, Kaito had created a scenario where Spandam's worst impulses would inevitably undermine his own organization. The CP9 director would become so focused on controlling Ada that he would alienate his most valuable subordinates, creating opportunities for recruitment or at minimum reducing the World Government's operational effectiveness.
"There's one more element to consider," Kaito added, his expression growing more serious. "The intelligence about Drum Island presents an unprecedented opportunity for intervention. With so many powerful factions converging on one location, any additional variables we introduce could have massive ripple effects."
He turned from the window to face Ada directly, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I want you to establish yourself within CP9 quickly, then position yourself to influence their response to the Drum Island situation. If we can manipulate their actions at a critical moment, we might be able to turn a mere skirmish into something far more spectacular."
Ada Wong studied her new boss' expression, recognizing the calculating look of someone planning moves several steps ahead of his opponents. The man possessed a truly remarkable talent for psychological manipulation and strategic thinking—qualities that had served her well in her original world and would prove equally valuable here.