章 186: Chapter 186: Smart Reiju
"There's no room for negotiation," Luo Ning declared. "War is antithetical to Impel Down's purpose. Honestly, if it weren't for offering sanctuary, I wouldn't occupy it at all.
"As far as Impel Down is concerned, it's a prison, and a prison it shall remain. We house the world's worst criminals, and that's the extent of our involvement. We won't meddle in the affairs of other forces.
"Unless I choose to intervene personally, we won't interfere with other countries on a whim. As long as you don't target nations under Impel Down's protection, you're free to do as you please.
"Of course, that blessing comes with some responsibility. Countries under our wing can't act recklessly either. We won't clean up their messes after they pick fights, nor will we help if they're attacked for provoking others."
Luo Ning understood the natural tendency for some to expand their territories when faced with weak opposition. Impel Down would offer a haven but wouldn't provide military backing for such endeavors.
"There wouldn't be micromanagement. You can expand, but if your expansion creates problems, don't come crying to Impel Down for help. There will be consequences."
Judge, defeated, could only accept his leave with his entourage. But Reiju remained.
"Reiju, what are you doing? We're leaving." Judge's brow furrowed in confusion.
"Actually, I don't want to go back," Reiju said with a smile. "Master Luo Ning, would you consider me as a member of Impel Down? Of course, I would be joining in my own name, completely independent of the Vinsmoke family."
"It finds me interesting that you seem rather detached from your family," Luo Ning remarked, his gaze fixed on Reiju. In the original story, she exhibited some level of care for her family, albeit a helpless one.
"It's not that I don't care," Reiju clarified. "They are my family, after all. But I have no desire to remain in such a cold, emotionless environment where I could be used as a tool at any moment."
The thought of being trapped in a loveless home, constantly susceptible to manipulation, repulsed Reiju. Leaving the Vinsmoke family was her paramount desire.
Her decision wasn't born out of indifference; it stemmed from the sheer dysfunction of the family unit. As for whether Luo Ning would accept her, she had her own theories.
"Indeed," Luo Ning conceded with a nod. "So, tell me, why do you think I'd allow you to stay?"
Reiju, a woman of keen intellect, pressed on. "Actually, Judge's assessment of you is partially accurate and partially flawed. You do appreciate beauty, which is a natural inclination for most men.
"However, they've made a critical miscalculation. While I can't say for certain, with my current abilities, simply joining Impel Down without any further demands shouldn't be an issue, right?"
Reiju's shrewdness was evident. She simply wanted to avoid unnecessary complications. She hadn't made any extravagant requests, merely seeking membership in Impel Down without abusing its influence.
"You are a very intelligent woman, Reiju," Luo Ning acknowledged, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Your deduction is quite accurate. I am a normal man, and while I appreciate beauty, I'm not the sort to be captivated by every attractive woman I see, especially those offered as political pawns. Such notions are absurd in my eyes."
"I accept your decision to stay. You'll be assisting Domino with her duties."
"As for the Vinsmoke family, I won't interfere with your relations, but the same courtesy extends to you. You are now a member of Impel Down, and their affairs are no longer your concern, unless their lives are directly threatened."
Luo Ning spoke candidly. He was genuinely impressed by Sanji's older sister. Her intelligence was undeniable.
"Thank you, Lord Luo Ning!" Reiju responded with a grateful laugh.
"Then, as a small token of appreciation for you joining me, I have some news about your missing younger brother, Sanji. He's currently working at a restaurant in the East Blue Sea. While he may not consider himself a skilled cook, his culinary talents are truly impressive!"
Reiju's eyes narrowed as he received a brief mental message.
"Really? Thank you for letting me know," Reiju said, a hint of youthful naivety coloring her voice. Unlike Luo Ning, she wasn't aware of Sanji's current circumstances. In the original story, Sanji reconnected with the Vinsmoke family only after gaining some fame sailing with Luffy.
Before that, Judge had presumed Sanji dead, especially after their failed war in the East Blue. Sanji, on the other hand, faced a perilous situation if he left during this time period.
Judge had also severed all ties with Sanji, considering him a useless tool better off dead.
While the Vinsmoke family may have appeared powerful, their intelligence network wasn't extensive enough. Sanji and Zeff had slowly built a new life after their initial setback.
"Alright, that's all I have for now. Please escort your father and brothers out."
With that, Luo Ning took his leave. Judge, fuming, glared at his daughter. Normally, such defiance would have resulted in a harsh beating from his sons.
But now, Judge was powerless. Reiju had successfully joined Impel Down without making any demands, leaving him utterly helpless.
"Did you plan this all along?" Judge inquired, his expression a complex mix of emotions. Compared to his own daughter, he was clearly outmatched. He hadn't grasped Luo Ning's intentions at all, whereas Reiju had seen through him completely.
"Essentially, I made the decision after careful consideration," Reiju admitted. "Yes, it was a gamble. But honestly, I had little to lose. The worst-case scenario would have been a reprimand or, perhaps, being forced into a political marriage – consequences I would have faced eventually anyway. So, even if I failed, it wouldn't have been a terrible outcome."
Reiju smiled, revealing she had already prepared for the worst. And to her surprise, those worst-case scenarios didn't seem so bad anymore. They were inevitable, so why not take a chance? Thankfully, her gamble had paid off. Now, all she had to focus on was her work, and she could finally make her own decisions.
"Traitor! How dare you..." Niji, fuming with anger, lunged forward, but Judge landed a swift punch, sending him unconscious.
Judge understood the repercussions of acting out now. Reiju would hold the highest position in their family from now on. While she wouldn't actively harm them, a complex web of emotions swirled within Judge.
"By the way," Reiju added as they were being escorted out, "you heard about Sanji. Since you've disowned him, don't bother trying to reconnect."
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