[OP Marine Officer Luffy] Chapter 356- 360

Chapter 356: Share Allocation, Negotiation Established

“Alright, I heard everything you said earlier at the base,” Luffy began, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable edge. “While I’d love to teach you a lesson about the true power of the Marines, I’ll let it slide this time—only because of your connection to Khalifa. But let me make one thing clear: this is your only warning. Next time I hear something I don’t like…”

He leaned forward slightly, his tone dropping into a low, dangerous register. “You can guess what’ll happen.”

Alpha swallowed hard, the sound audible in the tense room. Sweat beaded on her forehead and trickled down her back, soaking through her shirt. Her entire body felt like it was on edge, trembling under the weight of Luffy’s words.

She didn’t need further elaboration to know he wasn’t bluffing. If not for her status as a government representative—and perhaps Khalifa’s presence—she didn’t want to imagine what might have happened.

Khalifa, seated beside Luffy, couldn’t help but notice the way her sister’s shirt clung to her damp skin, exposing hints of the pale flesh beneath her chin. Knowing full well how terrified Alpha was, Khalifa suppressed a smirk. She was tempted to let her sister wallow in her discomfort, but a small pang of sibling pity made her act.

Breaking free from Luffy’s embrace, Khalifa stood and moved toward her sister, who eyed her warily.

“What are you doing?” Alpha asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.

“Just shut up and stay still,” Khalifa snapped.

Before Alpha could protest further, Khalifa placed a hand on her shoulder and activated her devil fruit ability. Instantly, the sweat soaking Alpha’s clothes and skin evaporated, leaving her dry and presentable once more.

Alpha blinked in confusion before glancing down at herself. “What just happened?” she muttered, inspecting her now-dry shirt. Realization dawned on her quickly, and her gaze snapped back to her sister. “Wait, is this… a devil fruit power? You… you ate a devil fruit?”

Khalifa gave her an infuriatingly smug look, her fingers pinching Alpha’s chin lightly. “That’s right. My man gave it to me. Jealous?” she teased, leaning back slightly. “And next time, don’t talk to me unless you’ve brushed your teeth. Your breath is terrible.”

“Why, you—!” Alpha fumed, her hand flying up to swat Khalifa away, but just like before, her movements failed. Her palm slid harmlessly off Khalifa’s body as if repelled by some unseen force.

Khalifa laughed softly, clearly enjoying her sister’s frustration. She let go of Alpha’s chin and retaliated by pinching her puffy cheeks hard before turning back to Luffy, who was watching the scene with amused detachment.

“Really, Luffy?” Alpha spat, glaring at him. “She’s your girlfriend, but you’re just going to let her bully me like this?”

Luffy raised an eyebrow and gave Khalifa’s thigh a playful pat. “She’s your sister. Don’t you think it’s good for her to let off some steam? Though…” He paused, tilting his head thoughtfully. “Next time, maybe string her up and give her a proper lashing. That might make her learn faster.”

Khalifa giggled and gave Luffy a playful salute. “Got it, Vice Admiral.”

Alpha’s face turned red with rage, but under Luffy’s watchful eye, she bit back her retort. She gritted her teeth and swallowed her anger, deciding it was safer to endure the humiliation—for now.

Once Alpha composed herself, she cleared her throat and spoke in a forced tone of professionalism. “Mr. Vice Admiral, I’ll get straight to the point. The government is aware of the Marine’s current challenges but hopes you’ll consider the difficulties we face as well.”

As she began outlining the government’s perspective, she attempted to draw parallels to the hardships of the Great Pirate Era. However, Luffy’s patience quickly wore thin, and he interrupted her with a sigh.

“Stop,” he said, waving a hand dismissively. “Do we really have to go through the entire history of the world? Spare me the lecture. If you’re here to appeal to my pity, save your breath. I’m not interested.”

Alpha froze, blinking in surprise. Luffy leaned forward, fixing her with a sharp gaze. “Skip the sob story and tell me the government’s bottom line. And be careful with your words—if you waste my time, I might let you experience a bit of my lightning firsthand.”

Alpha hesitated, her mind racing. Finally, she exhaled shakily and said, “The government’s position is simple. We ask that the price for seastone products be cheaper than it was during Kaido’s rule. Additionally, the government expects to receive the lion’s share of the factory’s monthly output. You’ll be free to sell whatever remains.”

“No,” Luffy replied bluntly, not missing a beat. “Here’s how it’s going to work. I’ll keep 20% of the seastone production for myself. The remaining 80% will be split evenly between the government and the Marines.”

Alpha’s jaw tightened, her fists clenching at her sides. She wanted to protest, but before she could stand, the pen on the table quivered ominously, its gold-plated tip glinting as it hovered slightly. The silent warning made her sink back into her seat, her earlier confidence reduced to ashes.

Forcing a strained smile, she finally said, “Ha… ha… I see. The Marine is, of course, a branch of the government. I’ll explain this arrangement to my superiors. We’ll adopt this model moving forward.”

Her attempt at diplomacy was met with Luffy’s satisfied smirk. He raised his glass, gesturing for a toast. “Good. Glad we’re on the same page.”

Alpha hesitated but reluctantly picked up her glass, clinking it against his and Khalifa’s. The trio exchanged a toast, though Alpha’s smile was visibly strained.

As the negotiations concluded, Luffy leaned back, his satisfaction evident. From his perspective, the arrangement was more than favorable. Seastone products were an invaluable resource, and with Wano’s monopoly on their production, Kaido had essentially extorted the government for decades. Luffy’s deal not only allowed him to secure a steady supply but also positioned him—and the Marines—to profit significantly.

Chapter 357: Saving That Gentle Man

Luffy had no real intention of giving the government the 40% share they had negotiated. The factory was situated in Wano Country, under the supervision of his Marines. He alone controlled how much seastone was produced and how it was distributed.

As far as Luffy was concerned, the government would receive a mere 20%, while the Marines would take 30%. The remaining 50%? Luffy planned to sell the bulk himself, with a small portion reserved for the residents of Wano Country. Local craftsmen skilled in working with seastone would be encouraged to create products, which could then be sold on Onigashima to boost Wano's economic development.

This strategy had already been communicated to the craftsmen and merchants of Wano. Upon hearing the news, many were overjoyed and deeply grateful to Luffy. Even if they ended up with only a fraction of the seastone supply, it was still a lucrative opportunity. Their appreciation for Luffy only grew, leading them to rally the residents of Wano in support of his leadership.

Some went to great lengths to win his favor. Offers of gifts, bribes, and even women—prostitutes, geishas, and sometimes their own wives or daughters—poured in. If Luffy weren’t such an upright person, the base would have been overrun with those attempting to curry his favor.

With the major points of the negotiation settled, the conversation turned to less critical matters, such as the CP’s request to station agents at the factory for supervision. Luffy, unconcerned, agreed to these terms readily.

Alpha, relieved by his apparent cooperation, felt her resentment toward Luffy diminish slightly. She had no way of knowing that Luffy had no intention of fully complying with these agreements. The CP agents might think they had oversight, but in reality, they would only see what Luffy allowed them to see.

"Cause trouble in my territory? Dream on," Luffy thought, his resolve unwavering.

The trio continued their conversation over drinks, and the atmosphere grew lighter. Alpha, her cheeks flushed from the wine, began to let her guard down. Luffy, observing her closely, found his thoughts wandering to her role in the greater scheme of things.

In the original timeline, Alpha had only appeared briefly in the Kingdom of Sorbet, the hometown of Bartholomew Kuma, also known as the "Big Bear." At that time, Kuma had entered into a tragic agreement with Vegapunk, allowing himself to be transformed into a pacifista. His daughter, the future pirate Bonnie, had been sent to the South Blue, where Alpha, disguised as a nurse, was assigned to oversee her.

During her time in Sorbet, Alpha had destroyed letters Kuma had written to Bonnie, effectively cutting off their communication and deepening the divide between father and daughter. It was an act that cemented her as a cruel and complicit agent of the government.

But in this timeline, things were different. Punk Hazard was still intact, and the events leading to Kuma’s downfall had not yet occurred. Luffy’s thoughts darkened as he reflected on the gentle, selfless man who had endured so much pain for the sake of others.

"As long as I’m here, Kuma, those tragedies won’t happen again," Luffy vowed silently.

Lost in thought, Luffy glanced at Alpha, who was hiccuping softly and looking increasingly disoriented from the alcohol. The memory of her past actions—the cruelty she had shown toward Kuma and Bonnie—stirred an anger deep within him. A fleeting but intense urge to end her right there flashed through his mind.

Alpha seemed to sense the shift in Luffy’s demeanor. Though tipsy, she sobered quickly as a chilling aura of murderous intent mixed with Luffy’s overwhelming haki filled the room.

"What’s happening?!" Alpha’s mind raced. "We were drinking peacefully, so why is he angry all of a sudden? This aura… Does he actually want to kill me?!"

Luffy’s voice cut through her panic like a blade. “Hey, how many years have you been with CP8? What’s your position there?”

The sudden question only heightened Alpha’s anxiety. Sweat beaded on her forehead and trickled down her neck. Desperately trying to maintain her composure, she loosened two buttons on her shirt to fan herself.

“Well, uh… That’s classified information, but…” She hesitated before forcing a weak laugh. “I suppose it’s fine to share, considering the circumstances.”

She adjusted her posture, pretending to relax, and began her explanation. “I’ll admit, I’m not qualified to join CP9. I haven’t mastered the ‘Paper Art’ technique yet, so I’m stuck in CP8. But my abilities are still above average. In fact, I’m considered upper-middle rank within CP8, with the authority to mobilize local Marines when necessary during missions.”

Alpha straightened her back slightly, a flicker of pride breaking through her nervousness. “I’ve been with CP8 for three years now. I started training with them at age six and officially joined at 17. In just three years, I’ve risen through the ranks. You could say I’m a bit of a genius.”

She finished her speech with a triumphant smirk, clearly pleased with herself. However, Luffy’s expression remained unimpressed.

“Three years, huh?” he said, leaning back. “And you’re only upper-middle rank? Doesn’t sound that impressive to me.”

Alpha’s smug demeanor faltered. “Excuse me?” she snapped.

Luffy smirked, his tone turning sharper. “CP8 is just one of ten CP departments, and it’s hardly special. Compared to CP0, it’s insignificant. Honestly, your so-called ‘genius’ achievements aren’t much to brag about.”

Chapter 358: Betrayal by Family, Heartbroken Alpha

“Tsk, training since you were six, and this is all you’ve got?” Luffy scoffed, his tone filled with derision. “You’re such a loser. Expecting someone like you to make it to the CP0? Impossible.”

His words were like daggers, cutting deep into Alpha’s pride. He didn’t care about her connection to Khalifa, nor did he hold back in belittling her. Originally, Luffy had considered using Alpha as an informant within the CP organization, much like he planned to do with Stussy. But after hearing her story and assessing her capabilities, he dismissed the idea entirely.

“She hasn’t even mastered the Six Styles. Even with years of training, she’ll barely make it to CP, let alone CP0. What I need is someone like Rob Lucci—a future commander, not some cannon fodder.”

Luffy’s expression darkened as he thought about alternatives. “Never mind. I’ll meet with Stussy later and see if I can build a connection there.”

Alpha, sitting nervously across from him, felt both annoyed and terrified. His dismissive words stung, but she didn’t dare to retaliate. She knew that calling him out might seal her fate. For now, enduring his insults was the lesser evil compared to provoking his unpredictable wrath.

Her anxiety heightened as she glanced at Luffy, who seemed lost in thought. She felt like a bug under a magnifying glass, ready to be squashed at any moment.

Instinctively, her gaze shifted to the only person who might offer her protection.

“Sister… Sister,” she whispered, her voice shaky.

Khalifa, who had been casually leaning against Luffy, blinked in surprise. At first, she thought she had misheard. Alpha hadn’t called her “sister” in years. But when she turned and saw her younger sister’s tear-filled eyes, the reality sank in.

“Sister… please,” Alpha repeated, her voice trembling with desperation. “Please, persuade the Vice Admiral. I’m your sister.”

Khalifa’s body stiffened. The word “sister,” spoken with such vulnerability, stirred something long-buried within her. Memories of their childhood together flashed through her mind. They had been separated as children, raised in different CP divisions. Yet, when they reunited years later, their father had praised Khalifa’s achievements in CP9 while openly belittling Alpha, calling her “a disappointment.”

That moment had severed their bond completely. Alpha’s resentment toward Khalifa had festered ever since, turning into open hostility. But now, after so many years, the same person who had scorned her was pleading for her life, calling her “sister” like she used to as a child.

Khalifa’s hands trembled as she recalled the innocence of their shared past. Her vision blurred slightly, the weight of those memories pressing on her chest.

Luffy, oblivious to the emotional undercurrent between the sisters, was startled when Khalifa suddenly placed a hand on his leg. He glanced down, then looked at her with a questioning expression.

Khalifa lowered her gaze, her voice unusually somber. “Luffy…” she began, pausing to steady herself. Then she lifted her eyes to meet his. “Are you going to kill her?”

“Eh?!” Alpha gasped, her face draining of color. Her heart plummeted as she stared at her sister in disbelief. The one person she had hoped would protect her had just uttered those chilling words.

Her mind raced with questions. Why? Why would my own sister want me dead? Is she really this heartless? Is this what makes her worthy of CP9 while I’m stuck in CP8?

Tears welled in Alpha’s eyes and spilled down her cheeks. She felt utterly betrayed, her last shred of hope shattered.

Khalifa, however, showed no sign of remorse. Her expression was firm as she turned back to Luffy. “She’s just a useless member of CP8,” Khalifa said coldly. “She knows too much. It’s better to kill her now before she becomes a liability.”

Luffy studied Khalifa’s unwavering gaze, his lips curling into a sardonic smile. “Oh? She knows too much, huh? That’s a convenient excuse.”

He turned his attention to Alpha, crossing his legs as he leaned back. “Alright then,” he said mockingly. “Tell me, Alpha, what exactly do you ‘know too much’ about?”

Alpha’s chest heaved with a mix of rage and despair. She glared at Khalifa, her sister’s betrayal fueling a fire within her. At that moment, she didn’t care about the Marines, the CP, or even the government. All she wanted was to survive—to live long enough to take revenge on the sister who had sold her out.

“I… I don’t know anything!” she stammered, her voice cracking under the weight of her fear. “I’m only here to negotiate with you. That’s it! I don’t know anything else, and I don’t want to know!”

Chapter 359: Forced, Leaving a Ban

Alpha did her best to prove her innocence, begging Luffy to spare her life. Her pleas were desperate, and her fear was palpable.

Khalifa, watching her sister’s pitiful display, pushed her glasses up with an expressionless face. Her tone was calm but cutting as she addressed Alpha. “Our goal is to place someone within the CP0 to monitor the World Government’s actions. Do you understand now?”

Alpha froze, her mind struggling to process the implications of her sister’s words. She looked utterly petrified, her eyes wide and unblinking.

Luffy, observing the scene, let out an annoyed sigh. He reached out and pinched Khalifa’s chin gently but firmly, tilting her face toward his. “Don’t push things too far, Khalifa. I understand your intentions, but there’s no need to use such extreme methods to save her. Even without this display, I wasn’t planning to kill her—because of you.”

Khalifa remained calm, her expression steady as she replied, “I know, but I can’t take any risks. Even if the chance is infinitesimal, I want to eliminate it before it becomes a problem. Your plans are too important.”

Luffy’s gaze softened slightly as he regarded her. Despite her usual aloof demeanor, Khalifa’s concern for him was genuine, though she masked it with practicality. He shook his head but didn’t argue further.

Khalifa turned her attention back to Alpha, who was still frozen in place, a mix of confusion and apprehension etched on her face. A sly smile played on Khalifa’s lips as she spoke, her voice laced with a subtle challenge. “If you want to survive, then join us. Help us obscure the truth about Wano Country and distract the Five Elders.”

Alpha’s forehead was instantly covered in sweat. She had a sinking feeling about what her sister was proposing. Yet, deep down, she recognized it as her only chance to live. As the pieces fell into place, she realized Khalifa was, in her own way, saving her. But the price was steep: allegiance to Luffy and defiance of the World Government.

“Death might be a kinder fate than going against the government,” Alpha thought grimly. Yet, a flicker of warmth ignited in her heart. “At least my sister still cares about me in her own twisted way.”

Swallowing her fear, she knelt on one knee, lowering her head as she declared, “Luffy—Master Luffy—please believe in me. I swear my loyalty to you. I’ll do whatever you ask.”

Her voice was firm despite the nervous quiver beneath it. She prayed silently, hoping this act of submission would be enough to spare her life.

Luffy watched her display with a bemused expression, his arms crossed. While her declaration was impressive, he wasn’t easily swayed. “That sounds good,” he said, his tone skeptical. “But how can I trust you?”

Alpha froze, her mind racing. Loyalty was intangible—it couldn’t be seen or proven outright. The only way to earn trust was through time and actions, but she didn’t have the luxury of either.

Noticing her hesitation, Luffy tilted his head slightly and glanced at Khalifa. His look silently encouraged her to bridge the gap between them.

Khalifa nodded subtly, understanding his intent. Her voice softened as she addressed him. “Put a restriction on her,” she suggested. “With that, I believe she’ll never dare to betray you.”

“Restriction?” Alpha echoed, her voice trembling. “What’s that?”

Despite her confusion, she quickly nodded in agreement. “Yes, Master Luffy! I’m willing to accept any restriction to prove my loyalty.”

Luffy chuckled softly, amused by the shift in her demeanor. She was a far cry from the arrogant and domineering woman who had arrived at the base. Without another word, he stood and approached her.

Alpha’s body tensed as Luffy extended his hand toward her. She fought the urge to flinch, forcing herself to remain still as his hand moved closer.

When his warm palm finally touched her chest, just above her heart, a sharp cry escaped her lips. “Acridine~!”

Her face flushed crimson, and her body temperature spiked. Her thoughts spiraled wildly. “What is he doing? Khalifa is still here! Aren’t they…?”

Before she could finish the thought, a jolt of electricity surged from Luffy’s hand into her body, targeting her heart. The sensation was overwhelming, causing her heart to momentarily stop. For two agonizing seconds, she felt nothing but the void.

When her heart finally resumed beating, she gasped for air, her body sagging to one side. Luffy caught her effortlessly, preventing her from collapsing. Alpha immediately placed a trembling hand over her chest, feeling for her heartbeat. Relief washed over her as the familiar rhythm reassured her she was alive.

Her relief quickly turned to dread as she looked up at Luffy, her eyes filled with fear and questions.

Luffy smirked, patting her head lightly. “Relax. I just injected a small amount of lightning into your heart. It’s harmless—unless I decide otherwise.”

His tone was calm, but his words sent a chill down Alpha’s spine.

“If I want to, I can activate that lightning with a single thought. The heat will instantly roast your heart, killing you painlessly.”

Alpha shuddered, her hand instinctively covering her chest again. She stared at Luffy, her fear palpable.

“From now on,” Luffy continued, “you’re forbidden from leaving Wano Country without my explicit permission. Every move you make within Wano will be under my Observation Haki. If I detect even the slightest hint of betrayal…”

He didn’t finish the sentence, but the implication was clear. Alpha gulped, nodding vigorously. “Understood, Master Luffy. I won’t betray you—I swear it.”

Luffy turned away, his hands clasped behind his back. “Good. Make sure you don’t give me a reason to doubt you.”

Chapter 360: Reconciliation, Robin Arrives

Alpha was on the verge of tears. Though she had escaped death, her current predicament felt worse than dying. The thought of her life being controlled at any moment was suffocating.

Khalifa, noticing her sister’s silent suffering, stepped forward. “Let her stay with me,” she offered, her voice calm. “I’ll teach her properly and ensure she willingly joins us.”

Luffy’s gaze darkened at her suggestion. His displeasure was evident as he crossed his arms. “Khalifa,” he said sharply, “I’m disappointed in your behavior today. You’ve interfered too much.”

He paused, his tone growing more authoritative. “Fine, I’ll leave her to you. But tonight, come to me to receive your punishment.”

Khalifa knelt immediately, her head bowed. “Yes, Vice Admiral,” she answered, her voice trembling slightly.

Luffy cast a final glance at the sisters before snorting in irritation. Without another word, he turned and strode out of the reception room, his footsteps echoing down the hall.

As soon as the door closed behind him, Alpha’s body gave out. She collapsed onto the carpet, her limbs weak from relief and exhaustion. Her gaze fell on Khalifa, who had just knelt before Luffy to protect her. Though she didn’t know what “punishment” her sister would face, it was clear that Khalifa had put herself in harm’s way on her behalf.

Alpha hesitated, her pride warring with her gratitude. But as emotions overwhelmed her, she whispered softly, “Sister…”

Khalifa turned, a small smile gracing her lips. “Lil sister.”

The simple acknowledgment made Alpha’s eyes fill with tears. Unable to hold back, she rushed forward and threw her arms around Khalifa, sobbing uncontrollably. “I’m sorry, sis. It’s all my fault!”

Khalifa gently patted her back, her expression softening. She didn’t say anything, allowing her sister to vent her emotions.

Outside the room, Luffy paused, shaking his head as he overheard the sisters’ reconciliation. “With that kind of intelligence, it’s no wonder she’s only CP8,” he muttered to himself. “She’s leagues behind Khalifa.”

As he walked away, his Observation Haki picked up on the whirlwind of emotions swirling in Alpha—gratitude, guilt, fear, and relief. This new ability to sense others’ emotions, akin to the legendary Princess Otohime of Fishman Island, was something Luffy was still getting used to.

“Is this an advanced form of Observation Haki? Otohime was born with it, but can it also be awakened through training?” He pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on his next task.

An hour after Alpha’s dramatic ordeal, Robin arrived in Wano. Cloaked in black with a veil covering her face, she disembarked discreetly, accompanied by a group of loyal Marines. The area around the lift had been cleared of ordinary soldiers, leaving only trusted veterans and Kuja under Luffy’s command.

As Robin stepped onto the platform, two familiar figures—Ain and Koala—approached her enthusiastically. Koala was the first to greet her, rushing forward with a bright smile. “Sister! It’s been so long! I missed you so much!”

Robin blinked, surprised by the changes in Koala’s attire and demeanor. After a brief pause, she smiled warmly. “It’s been a while, Koala. You’ve grown even more beautiful.”

Koala puffed out her chest proudly, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “It’s all thanks to Sister Khalifa. If you’d like, I can ask her to help you with some beauty treatments.”

“Khalifa?” Robin mused, her mind briefly flashing back to the spectacled secretary from Water 7. She nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll leave it to you, Koala.”

Koala beamed. “You’ve got it!”

Their animated conversation was interrupted by Ain, who had been standing quietly nearby. Clearing her throat, she addressed Robin with a formal tone. “Welcome to Wano Country. However, this isn’t the place for a reunion. Let’s move to a more secure location.”

Robin turned to Ain, her expression softening. “It’s been a while, Ain. Thank you for the warm welcome.”

Ain nodded, but before she could lead Robin away, Robin raised a hand to stop her. “Wait,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “We brought a gift—something special.”

Ain blinked, her curiosity piqued. “A gift?”

Robin gestured toward a stack of neatly arranged wooden crates on the platform. “It’s a specialty from Sky Island. Very valuable.”