One Piece: sign-in to Ryujin Jakka

Inside the Fleet Admiral's office...

Roman and Kizaru sat before Sengoku, listening intently to the operation briefing.

At this moment, Roman raised a suggestion. "Fleet Admiral Sengoku, you should be aware of my abilities. I propose to infiltrate the Tea Party directly, blending in with the invited guests. That way, whether I need to launch an attack or retreat tactically, I'll have better flexibility."

He paused, then added, "And if I could get my hands on an invitation, it'd be even easier."

Roman said this casually, but it was entirely deliberate.

Because he knew — one of the heads of the underworld, the queen of Pleasure Street, Stussy... her true identity was actually a CP0 agent.

Roman wanted Sengoku to reveal Stussy to him.

Sengoku, catching the implication, quickly thought of Stussy. After weighing the possibilities, he nodded.

"No problem," Sengoku replied. "I'll send you a confidential file. And as for the invitation, I'll have one arranged."

"Also, Fleet Admiral," Roman added, "I should go alone this time. Kizaru can stay on standby from afar and wait for my signal."

This idea coincided with Sengoku's own thinking.

Sengoku then pulled out a Golden Den Den Mushi — also known as the Buster Call Snail — and handed it to Roman.

"Roman, this is the Golden Den Den Mushi. But remember, if you truly decide to initiate a Buster Call, you must guarantee success. We can't afford another failure."

Sengoku's tone was heavy. He was referring to the mysterious figure — Roman's other identity — whose interference had caused prior Buster Calls to fail, putting enormous pressure on the Marines.

Although Roman had helped the Navy recover its dignity in recent operations, the use of a Buster Call still had to be treated with utmost caution.

Taking the Mushi, Roman and Kizaru confirmed the tactical details with Sengoku and then left the office.

Today was for rest. Roman would depart tomorrow.

When he returned to his quarters, he found Ain and Stella in the kitchen, preparing a delicious meal for him together.

"Master, you're back! The food's almost ready," Stella said.

Roman had told her to just call him by his name, but Stella insisted on calling him "Master."

He let it go.

Sitting down, Roman said to both women, "I'll be heading out on a mission tomorrow. While I'm away, train yourselves properly."

Ain walked over and said, "Lord Roman, I'd like to come with you."

"No," Roman shook his head. "This mission is too dangerous. Be good — stay here and train. Next time."

He turned to Stella. "Stella, you too. Even just improving your stamina is fine. After this mission, I'll see if I can find you a good Devil Fruit."

Stella's eyes widened in shock.

"Master... there's no need for that. I was just a slav—"

Before she could finish, Roman gently ruffled her hair.

"I've told you — you're not a slave. You're my friend, my comrade. Helping my comrades grow stronger so they can chase their dreams on this vast sea... isn't that worthwhile?"

Stella trembled, tears welling up and falling silently from her eyes.

She looked at Roman as if to engrave his image forever in her heart.

Through her sobs, she said softly, "My dream... is simply to always stand behind you, to cook for you, wash your clothes, and care for you."

Ain, watching from the side, felt an odd expression cross her face.

For some reason, she felt like Stella had just confessed...

And even she — Ain — felt something unique about Roman. His gentle smile always seemed to pull her gaze toward him uncontrollably.

"Lord Roman, whatever your mission is… please stay safe."

"Don't worry. I will. I never do anything I'm not prepared for."

The next day came quickly.

With an invitation in hand, Roman boarded a luxurious ship bound for Whole Cake Island as an arms dealer.

Naturally, the invitation came from Stussy through CP0's channels.

Before departing, Sengoku had sternly reminded him: "Do not expose your identities."

After all, the World Government had spent immense effort and resources to embed Stussy as a power in the underworld.

Now relaxing on a sun lounger, Roman enjoyed the warmth of the afternoon sun — the epitome of a wealthy arms dealer, lavish and laid-back. Just as he began to doze off…

"Brrrr... Brrrr..."

His Den Den Mushi rang.

Since he was operating solo this time, Roman kept the communicator with him at all times.

"Robin?!"

Seeing the familiar shell pattern, Roman instantly used Soru (Shave) to leap to the ship's mast.

Letting the sea breeze tousle his hair, he answered.

"Roman-nii," Robin's voice came through, "Just now, a member of Big Mom's crew came to deliver an invitation to the Tea Party — addressed to you."

"Who delivered it?" Roman asked curiously.

"A silver-haired, long-legged woman carrying a giant sword on her back."

Hearing that, Roman immediately guessed the visitor's identity.

No doubt, it was one of Big Mom's Sweet Commanders — Charlotte Smoothie.