บท 12: Chapter 13: First steps towards the Grand Heist
Mr. 9 stared at the ceiling, Mikita's naked body curled around his, the only thing covering them being a thin bed-sheet. Despite their intimate moment, his mind was elsewhere, racing through the gamble he had received from his system.
The rewards were the most substantial he'd ever been offered, capable of completely transforming his life.
But the risks were equally high.
-x-X-x-
[Ding, task: Grand Heist.
Crocodile, in his quest for power, has accumulated a vast fortune—enough to topple a country. That kind of wealth can change your life.
Objective:
- Take down Crocodile.
Or
- Steal all of his wealth.
Rewards:
1 Mystery Box, Tier 5 (+Legend Rank)
2 Mystery Boxes, Tier 3 (+Excellent Rank)
50 Draw Points
Bet: Your life. (High probability of death)
Time Limit: Two months.
Do you accept? Y/N]
-x-X-x-
The rewards were tempting, perhaps life-changing, but this was by far the riskiest mission he'd ever faced. Mikita had tried to calm him earlier by engaging him in their usual physical routine, but the tension of making such a big decision remained.
Josh squirmed beneath her weight, trying to process his next move, but Mikita had pinned him down.
"Damn it," he thought as his heart raced.
After a moment of hesitation, Josh made his choice.
Yes.
He had been given a second life, a massive opportunity. If he wasn't willing to gamble for the jackpot, what was the point of this new chance?
-x-X-x-
**[Mission accepted.]**
Josh was currently moving on a boat, Mikita by his side.
"What's on your mind, Mr. 9?" she asked, her eyes searching his face.
"Nothing, Miss Valentine," he replied, shaking off his deep thoughts.
Josh turned to Mikita, who had been looking at his facial expressions all along. Josh had been, for sure, deeply thinking.
"Are you planning to propose to me?" she teased, a smirk forming on her lips.
"I don't believe in marriage," Josh said bluntly, turning to her.
Mikita raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"
"I don't need a contract to be in a relationship or to make you my woman," Josh said, taking her hands in his.
As someone who had spent time in court as a lawyer, even if only as an intern, Josh had learned one thing: marriage, especially for men, was a risky business. More dangerous than betting on his life with the system. He could lose half his wealth and spend the rest of his life working for someone else.
Josh was from a newer, smarter generation. One that didn't mess with the legal system unnecessarily.
"Hmph, it's not like there are official papers here," Mikita said, narrowing her eyes. "You know, marines and pirates don't care. You can marry as much as you want."
In this world, ruled by kingdoms and celestial dragons, the laws around marriage were more ancient and flexible. In a time when pirates wiped out large populations, the authorities encouraged marriage and having kids—sometimes even multiple marriages.
Josh just nodded. "So, what now?"
Mikita sighed and waved her hand dismissively. "We wait for the call. Boss could contact us at any moment. Now that we're official numbers, let's aim for a quick promotion."
She clenched her fist. "And crush every pirate along the way!"
Josh smirked. "I'm jealous."
Mikita arched her brow. "Of what?"
"I want to be the one getting crushed," Josh teased.
"Hmph, how about tonight, once we reach the seaport?"
"Why not now?" Josh asked, pulling her closer by the waist.
Mikita smiled mischievously. "The idea of sea monsters or pirates ambushing us while we're... preoccupied, excites me."
Josh flinched slightly. She was right. "How about a compromise? You suck me off, and I'll eat you out. That way, we'll stay alert."
"Deal," she agreed, and they sealed it with a high-five.
-x-X-x-
Later, with post-nut clarity setting in, Josh's thoughts turned back to the mission. Two months. He had just two months to complete the heist.
Looking over at Mikita, he realized he'd have to convince her to join him in betraying Baroque Works and stealing Crocodile's wealth. It was risky, but he figured she could be swayed—after all, she was only in this for the money. Nothing personal.
He'd deal with that later.
"Oh, Joshy, I'm bored," Mikita said lazily, her voice cutting through his thoughts. She was leaning against a barrel, her scent filling the air as she waved her hat to cool herself off.
"Relax. We might get a mission soon," Josh replied casually, trying to engage in light conversation. She chattered away, and he nodded along, only half listening.
Eventually, the Den Den Mushi, a snail that functioned like a phone, rang from the table.
"Mr. 9 speaking," Josh answered.
Since joining Baroque Works, he wasn't allowed to use his real name. The same went for Mikita, who was known as Miss Valentine.
"Oy, you're the new rising star, Mr. 9," said a deep voice from the snail.
"Yes. Who's calling?"
"Mr. 1," came the reply.
Josh straightened up. "What can I do for you?"
"Is that how they teach you to speak to your seniors?" Mr. 1 said, his tone sharp.
Before Josh could respond, a sultry female voice chimed in. "Ara, ara~. Mr. 1, don't scare the poor boy. He's only been with us for a month." She was clearly teasing.
Mikita and Josh exchanged glances, struggling to suppress their laughter as they imagined the stoic Mr. 1 dealing with his flirty partner.
Ignoring her, Mr. 1 continued, "Mr. 9, we've got a mission for you. The previous Mr. 9 failed to complete it, and now it's your turn. A group of pirates took him down. You're to eliminate them."
"Understood. Send me the details," Josh replied.
Mr. 1 paused before asking, "Do you need assistance?"
"Just the necessary supplies and some intel. I can handle the rest."
"Very well. Meet with our crew at Whiskey Peak."
"Got it." Josh leaned back, relieved.
"You're learning how to speak properly," Mr. 1 added before hanging up.
The snail spat out a piece of paper with the mission details, and Josh quickly scanned it. Unfortunately, no system mission was triggered.
"So, what's the plan?" Mikita asked, adjusting her yellow dress, patterned with lemons.
Josh tossed the paper aside. "A pirate worth 20 million berries. How good are we in sea battles?"
"Well... I'm a Devil Fruit user, so you know how that goes," she replied, giving him a knowing look.
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