The meeting with Lucd Spandine didn't st long. Cudius outlihe mission to Sky Isnd, expiheir cooperation with the Marines, and provided clear instrus. After that, there was little else to discuss.

  Before they left, Cudius enced Lucci, telling the boy to work hard, keep honing his skills, and never settle for mediocrity. As motivation, he hahem rewards—not ordinary Berries, but treasures collected from other Celestial Dragons' homes.

  These treasures, though once simply decorative items in his residence, were now repurposed by Cudius. He had kept a few pieces he fancied for his personal colle and inteo use the rest as rewards for his subordinates. After all, handing out treasures like these carried far more prestige than simply giving money.

  Overjoyed with the gifts, Spandi with Lucci to begin preparations for the Sky Isnd mission. As for the dangers of heading to su uable pce, Spandine didn't dare pin. With Cudius bag the operation and Marine forces leading the charge, all he could do was grit his teeth and rise to the occasion.

  Sitting by the pool in his courtyard, Cudius found himself staring into the still water, his thoughts drifting. The absence of the mermaid sisters, who had once graced this pool, left a subtle pang of loneliness in his heart. He used to chat with them here, but now, all that remained was the empty water.

  "Cousin? Cousin? Why aren't you saying anything?" Dofmingo's voice cut through his thoughts, snapping Cudius back to the present.

  Cudius chuckled softly, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Ah, sorry about that. I got lost in thought for a moment. You know, age catches up to all of us."

  "Furufurufuru, age? Cousin, you're what—still in your twenties?" Dofmingo teased with a ugh.

  "Barely holding onto my twenties," Cudius replied with a grin. "I'm almost hitting my thirties. Unlike you young people, I'm getting up there."

  After exging some lighthearted banter, Cudius returo the matter at hand. "By the way, what were you saying earlier?"

  "Figures you weren't listening. Furufuru," Dofmingo said, his tone amused. "I was saying I pnted a 'nail' in the Marines. Sihey're ly friendly toward us, I thought it was only fair to py a little dirty iurn."

  "Oh? And what's the situation?" Cudius asked with genuine curiosity.

  "Vergo," Dofmingo answered, his tone smug. "I pced him in the Marines as an undercent. If something happens with Rosinante or if the Mariry anything funny, Vergo will keep me informed. It's always good to have a backup pn."

  Cudius chuckled. "You've got things well thought out, I see. But speaking of the Marines, I've mao make some pretty big gains with them myself this time."

  He proceeded to expiails of his ret cooperation with the Marines. Dofmingo, quick-witted as always, immediately grasped the significe.

  "Furufurufuru! You're on a whole different level, cousin. I was over here patting myself on the back for pnting a spy, and you've gone and shaken down the Marines for funding. Impressive!"

  "Well, it's not every day the opportunity presents itself," Cudius said, smiling. "Speaking of which, I need your help with something ected to all this."

  "Let me guess," Dofmingo interrupted with a smirk. "Sky Isnd. The golden nd."

  Cudius raised an eyebrow, impressed. "That's exactly it. Your abilities will be invaluable for the Sky Isnd mission. With you there, it'll be much safer, and we'll avoid unnecessary losses."

  Dofmingo's Devil Fruit powers, particurly his ability to manipute strings, made him an ideal didate for the perilous jouro Sky Isnd. He had no objes, as his own curiosity about the legendary nd of gold piqued his i.

  "Acc to my ihere's a Poneglyph and a golden bell up there. Leave those to me," Cudius added.

  Dofmingo chuckled awkwardly. "What's that supposed to mean? Like I'd try to pocket the gold?"

  "Hahahaha! Wouldn't you?" Cudius teased.

  "Yes," Dofmingo replied without hesitation, prompting both men to burst into ughter.

  Cudius didn't mind. He trusted Dofmingo enough to let him take a cut of the loot, it was only fair to pensate him for his efforts. "Just don't touch the Marines' 50%, alright?"

  "Of course, cousin. I wouldn't do anything to ruin your pns. You t on me," Dofmingo said, nodding.

  Satisfied, Cudius tinued, "You'll rendezvous with Spandine and the Mari the top of the West Sky Peak. It's important that we use people we trust for this mission."

  After ing up the details of the Sky Isnd operation, Dofminght up another matter. "Cousin, any updates on the Seven Warlords of the Sea? I've been waiting impatiently."

  Cudius sighed, rubbing his temples. "I'm sed right now. With the World Summit just around the er, Mariejois is in chaos. But don't worry; we'll create the perfect opportunity wheime es."

  The year was 1508 of the Sea Circle dar, and the World Summit—a gathering of the world's leaders held every four years was fast approag. This event was one of the reasons the Wover was so eager to resolve issues with Whitebeard and Fish-Man Isnd. It was also why Sengoku was currently overburdened, as the Marines had to escort royalty from various nations to the summit.

  "When's the timing?" Dofmingo asked, his voice ced with impatience.

  "Right before the World Summit begins," Cudius expined. "When this year's Heavenly Tribute is being delivered, I'll tip you off. You'll rob the shipment, and we'll use the i as leverage to get you into the Seven Warlords of the Sea. The Wover won't be able to refuse, and it'll all look perfectly natural."

  Dofmingo grinned. "Heh, robbing the Heavenly Tribute? That's a pretty bold move, cousin. It'll definitely make waves."

  "Exactly. The bolder the move, the less anyone will suspect it was orchestrated. The Five Elders are already on board, so there's nothing to worry about," Cudius assured him.

  "Since you've given the green light, I'll ha," Dofmingo replied fidently.

  The two exged a few more words before ending the call.

  "World Summit…" Cudius murmured, leaning ba his chair.

  This year's summit was signifit for Cudius. For the first time, he would participate, as Fish-Man Isnd was expected to send representatives. While he wasn't overly ed about the event itself, he reized the importance of being prepared.

  "There are some key points I'll o raise carefully," Cudius thought to himself, a faint smile tugging at the ers of his mouth. "I may not have the luxury of ag recklessly."

  ***

  Bonus

  AnnouChey new books:

  ☆DC: Rise Of The Kryptonian Tyrant

  ☆GOT/ASOIAF: Ruler Beyond the Ice

  ☆Drift Of The Multiverse

  Check my profile, under Series.

  Junkdog