One piece : A Lotus

Just as he was about to break into the palace, two tall figures emerged from both sides.

"You work for the World Government," the man confidently said.

Rob Lucci was cloaked in black clothing. He said nothing in response. He recognized the two people blocking him. They were the two commanders of Alabasta's guard, Pell and Chaka.

Although both of them were users of the Zoan-type Devil Fruits, the gap in strength between them and him could not be bridged by these abilities. Therefore, Rob Lucci confidently moved forward.

"Shigan Oren!!!"

But what shocked him was that Chaka reacted instantly and used the same attack:

"Shigan Oren!!!"

At the same time, Pell extended his hand:

"Finger Pistol!"

Lucci was caught off guard by the attack, but he quickly used Iron Body to defend against this powerful strike. Yet the level of pain demonstrated to him that Pell's Finger Pistol was beyond him!

How had these two men learned Rokushiki? And their skill seemed to be no weaker than his!

But what surprised him the most was that their tactics were exactly the same as the ones he had developed!

How could there be exactly the same styles in this world?

After all, although there are only Six Styles, in reality, any practice method can achieve countless variations known to rival the power of a Devil Fruit!

Lucci was a bit confused, but his movements were not slow. Although both of them had the same abilities as Lucci, they could not easily overpower him in a short time.

After nearly half an hour of fierce fighting, Rob Lucci finally fled in disgrace.

Seeing a flustered Rob Lucci upon his return to the residence, all the CP9 came forward and began asking questions in shock. However, Spandam was not there; he was out strolling and having fun. The members of CP9 resolved to rectify the failed mission.

CP9 held off Chaka and Pell, while Rob Lucci entered the palace alone to face the new King Ezekiel .

Although Chaka and Pell were not weaker than Lucci, with the combined blockade from several men, they could do nothing but watch as Rob Lucci entered the palace.

"Intruder!"

"Trespasser!"

They shouted, but Lucci didn't care.

The moment he stepped into the palace, it seemed to him that the outside world was completely cut off from the inside. He looked up, not seeing the king, but only a tall figure in a cloak.

"Who is that?"

He was bewildered. At that moment, he saw terrifying ice erupting from the feet of the tall man, freezing everything in all directions.

At that moment, an indescribable pressure rose in his heart. There was no doubt that the person before him was... the greatest fighting force of the Marines, one of the three Admirals, Aokiji!

But CP9 is a spy organization not particularly skilled in direct combat. When they faced the supreme combat power that truly holds the New World in check, the gap in strength immediately became apparent. Rob Lucci couldn't even utter a word.

In the next moment, his legs were completely frozen.

"Ice Age!"

Those were the last words he heard, deep and powerful, yet somehow surreal.

After that, he felt a profound cold sweep through his body, and he plunged into darkness.

Under the influence of the terror and cold in the hall, the fight outside suddenly stopped. CP9 saw only a frozen figure thrown out of the palace. It was Lucci. Everyone was shocked and listened. A voice echoed from deep within the palace.

"Face Aokiji or disappear!"

Aokiji!

CP9 and the others sighed and desperately retreated, carrying Lucci's body.

When Rob Lucci woke up , he was in the CP9 residence.

For a while, all were subdued and speechless.

The mission of the World Government's spy organization had been thwarted by a Marine Admiral.

Who would believe this?

And it was entirely unimaginable. CP9 must focus on eliminating threats to the World Government. They must use methods that are invisible and illegal, rather than interfere with a Marine Admiral.

"Is this the strength of a Marine Admiral?" Kalifa was speechless.

"Even from a distance... you can feel this unimaginable power," Kumadori also shuddered.

"We cannot accomplish such a task," said Blueno, adding, "No one can."

Rob Lucci's face became clear again. What troubled him even more was why these two individuals could use the same techniques as him.

When Spandam learned the news, his face immediately reflected anger and confusion. He was angered not because Alabasta was hiding such a powerful and unknown force, nor because Aokiji appeared with the Royal Family of Alabasta, but due to the failure of Rob Lucci's mission.

So he shifted all the responsibility onto Rob Lucci and Aokiji.

...…..

Mary Geoise.

The Five Elders sat silently in their places, contemplating the new information provided by CP9.

"We cannot disregard what Spandam said," one of the Five Elders, who held a sword, remarked.

"We all know that the Royal Family of Alabasta has been traitorous from the start. They have certain privileges and capabilities, plus Aokiji... Rob Lucci indeed has an excuse for his failure, I think we should abandon our plan for now," another Elder stated.

"In fact, there is no need to provoke the new King. He is unlikely to afford the 'River of Life'... Even if he can, we still have a useful pawn that can act once the King succeeds," a cold gleam flickered in the glasses of one of the Five Elders.

"Crocodile?" The other four suddenly agreed. "You're right, we don't need to waste time and resources by deploying the Marines to counter the rebellion, we simply need to use Crocodile."

"Let CP9 go to Enies Lobby, and let them uncover news about Pluton," the Five Elders made their final decision.