Chapitre 42: Chapter 42: Task Execution

After Yami's departure, Ryoko looked at the courtyard. Some might think he sent his servants to show he was serious about the matter and Saint Christina's offer. But he wanted to kill two birds with one stone. He wanted to complete some tasks and show his seriousness to his watchers.

Vanessa sat on the deck of her ship, enjoying the sea breeze that brushed her face. The trip to Water Seven was just the beginning of her new mission, and she knew well that every step she took had to be carefully calculated.

Vanessa knew her master didn't give orders without reason. So, when he told her to bring 20 servants to Water Seven, she realized something was up.

Vanessa: "Prepare to disembark and remember the secret mission requires you to stay calm and discreet. We have strict instructions, and there is no room for mistakes."

The servants nodded and began to prepare to disembark at Water Seven.

Upon their arrival at Water Seven, Vanessa ensured that her team spread out in a way that wouldn't attract attention. She knew the city was always busy. Their presence would not raise suspicions as long as they stayed out of sight.

She carefully opened the scroll, It listed important people and places to avoid, like the shipyard and some workers there.

Vanessa (thinking): "We need finding unconventional ways to search for information. Let's start with the clubs where meetings are held, and news flows."

Vanessa divided her team into small groups, each specializing in a specific area of the city. It focused on places to find influential people and valuable info.

Every so often, she sent her reports to Ryoko to update him on her findings without revealing any precise details yet.

On the other hand, Rafa was preparing for his mission to search for the mysterious fruit. He and his team headed to areas believed to be strongholds of smugglers and illegal traders.

He recognized a mission like this demanded both physical power and clever tactics, plus swift data analysis.

Rafa: "We're here to uncover what we aren't meant to see. Be careful and avoid unnecessary confrontations. All we need is the information."

Rafa and his team began gathering information from various sources in the black markets. They knew the underworld had dangers. But, they were ready for anything.

In a dark alley, Rafa met an old acquaintance, a small trader named Peter who knew how to get by in the smuggler's world.

Rafa: "Peter, we're seeking something specific, a Devil Fruit related to invisibility. Heard anything about it?"

Peter smiled slyly. He scratched his head. He hadn't heard but promised to share any info he found as soon as possible.

Rafa (addressing his team): "You all need to be more cautious. We don't want to blow our cover. Keep gathering information but avoid confrontations."

As the team continued searching, they gradually accumulated information, but they did not find any new clues about a potential location of the fruit.

The mission appeared to be more difficult, and Rafa was ready to face any challenge to achieve their goal.

Simultaneously, Yami was about to start his mission in the Sabaody Archipelago.

Ryoko's instructions were clear: sell the fruits at the auction and make as much profit as possible. But, he knew it wouldn't be that easy. Especially in a place full of pirates, bounty hunters, and fierce competitors.

Yami: "This auction will be a test of our strength and influence. We must prove we have a place here."

Yami arrived at the auction site, a large building surrounded by heavy security.

Yami and his team entered, starting to organize and arrange the fruits for display. These fruits were rare. From the moment they were placed on the tables, it was clear that they could attract attention.

As buyers arrived at the auction, Yami watched their reactions to the fruits.

He had learned that knowing what the buyers wanted could be more important than the fruit itself.

As the bids rose, Yami saw some familiar faces. They included prominent pirates and known traders.

At one point, a man in a luxurious black suit entered, surrounded by bodyguards, catching Yami's attention.

He saw this man had been targeted for a while. Any interaction with him could reveal many useful details.

Yami (addressing one of his assistants): "Keep a close eye on this man. I don't want him to buy a fruit without us knowing why he's here."

The bidding continued. At long last, Yami sold most of the fruits at very high prices. This greatly increased their profits.

But more importantly, Yami began to gather clues. They were about the buyers and their goals.

After the auction, Yami and his team left with money and useful info.

He knew every detail would aid Ryoko in his mission. With these clues, they might find the desired fruit or identify their foes.

Yami (to the team): "This was successful, but we must be cautious about the next step. These people aren't here just to play. We need being ready for anything."

As they left the archipelago, Yami pondered the next steps. He knew the journey wouldn't be easy. But, with everyone's help, he believed they could overcome any challenge.

With the Marine routes and the world gate, Vanessa, Rafa, and Yami returned to their base in a few days. Ryoko was happy to exploit it. They each compiled the information they got and reviewed it with Ryoko. The picture became clearer now, but the biggest challenge still lay ahead. Their cooperation and dedication were good. They failed to gather much info, which Ryoko knew. But, as she taught them, true success lies in preparing for the next step.