Chapitre 53: Chapter 53: The Fruit Is Gone, So Are The People
"Have Stussy immediately transmit the next route of the Sun and Moon Pirates. Confirm the route and deploy the Navy at once."
The bald Five Elder roared.
He wasn't willing to wait even a moment longer.
No need to investigate the details of Kuke's ability.
So what if it was an invincible defense?
It couldn't be invincible forever. Even if it were, they could wear him down, restrain him, and imprison him.
They never believed in an unsolvable power existing on the seas.
After the outburst, the bald Five Elder noticed the silence of the others.
He looked up, puzzled at his companions.
Could it be that they were unwilling?
Didn't they want Kuke dead as soon as possible?
To openly kill a Celestial Dragon was a significant blow to the lineage of the gods.
The World Government's prestige, built over centuries, now had a crack. The only way to mend it was one thing.
Kill Kuke.
Only then could they stabilize their authority.
As long as Kuke continued to live and roam the seas, it would plant a dangerous idea in the minds of many.
"Kuke killed a Celestial Dragon and still lives. Perhaps Celestial Dragons aren't untouchable after all."
Such thoughts would spread.
In the future, countless people might no longer fear the Celestial Dragons, perhaps even move against them.
Yet, the other four elders still remained silent.
"What's with you all?" The bald Five Elder glared at his companions.
If they did nothing, how would they explain this to the Celestial Dragons? They too would face punishment.
"See for yourself." The sword-bearing Five Elder tapped a photo on the table with the hilt of his sword, sighing, "Stussy might have defected."
"What?!"
The bald elder's hand trembled as he picked up the photo.
In the photo, Kuke held Stussy, aiming a gun at the Celestial Dragon.
His face twisted in anger. "The so-called strongest shield killed a Celestial Dragon—Stussy!!!"
The worst kind of betrayal was one from a subordinate—a subordinate's attack on their master.
"Someone come! Execute anyone connected to Stussy immediately."
"Stussy is an orphan. She wasn't one of our carefully groomed elites; she joined later on."
"Don't rush. Judging by the stance, it seems she was forced."
"Does Kuke know her true identity?"
"Probably not. It looks more like Kuke was testing her loyalty. She had no choice, and no way to change the outcome."
"Can Stussy still be trusted?"
The Five Elders fell silent once more.
"For now, don't question Stussy. Let's see if she's still of use. If we can still get information about the Sun and Moon Pirates from her, then she remains useful."
"What about Stussy after we deal with Kuke's crew?"
"Regardless, she's one of the culprits. If the Celestial Dragons find out a CP0 member was involved in killing one of their own, we won't be spared either."
"Who is Stussy? Does CP0 have someone like her? I don't recall. She's just a member of the Sun and Moon Pirates—a pirate. Naturally, she'll vanish along with the Sun and Moon Pirates."
"Right!"
The Five Elders hastily destroyed all CP0 records related to Stussy.
No trace of her remained.
Then, they picked up the Den Den Mushi.
Contacting Stussy.
...
...
Onboard the Radiant Eclipse.
Stussy was hiding alone in her room.
Buried under the covers.
"Ring, ring, ring!"
The Den Den Mushi rang.
Stussy pretended not to hear it. It rang for a long time before she finally poked her head out.
Her dazed eyes held a sense of confusion about the future.
"A lamb led to the slaughter. No wonder the Five Elders said he's far scarier than Charlotte Linlin. He's not just scarier—he's the devil himself."
"Ring, ring, ring!"
The Den Den Mushi rang again.
Stussy silently watched the ringing Den Den Mushi.
She stared at it.
Just as the ringing was about to stop, Stussy picked it up, her voice returning to its usual elegance and calm. "This is Stussy. Go ahead."
"Stussy, we are aware of everything that happened. We understand your predicament. Continue your mission and report the Sun and Moon Pirates' movements at the first opportunity."
Before Stussy could respond, the line went dead.
Stussy pressed her lips into a bitter smile.
It seemed as if the Five Elders were trying to reassure her.
But she knew the truth about the Five Elders and the World Government—there were no principles guiding them.
Understanding her predicament?
To the Five Elders, it was a joke.
"The moment I participated in killing a Celestial Dragon, in their eyes, I was already a dead woman." Stussy knew this all too well.
But what should I do?
Continue being a spy?
The day Kuke dies will be the day I also die.
Or live on alongside Kuke?
Two choices.
Stussy pondered silently for a long time before she finally stood up.
In her closet.
She picked out her favorite clothes.
A white outfit, red tie, black fishnet stockings, and high heels.
She carefully applied her nail polish.
"In truth, I never liked the Celestial Dragons."
Stussy left her room.
Even if I must die.
I will die with elegance.
She was well aware of her current predicament. Continuing to obey the Five Elders and go against Kuke would mean mutual destruction—dying together.
But if she refused to cooperate?
The Five Elders would inevitably expose her identity. And once her cover was blown, Stussy couldn't imagine any reason Kuke would let her live.
Instead of waiting passively...
She might as well take the initiative.
Stussy decided to lay her cards on the table. Her only chance of survival was being honest with Kuke.
She didn't know if Kuke would kill her upon finding out, but she had no other choice.
With herself dressed to perfection, Stussy knocked on Kuke's door.
"Come in."
...
...
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone