Chapter 165: Mission Failed

"Didn't you receive any news? That's surprising. I just came from Enies Lobby, and by the way, I killed that buffoon, Spandam. After all, he was your immediate superior, wasn't he?"

Kalifa's brows furrowed in confusion. It seemed impossible that news of such magnitude wouldn't have reached Seven Water by now.

In truth, the message hadn't been delayed. Rob Lucci had known about Spandam's demise for a while but kept it from his colleagues. Their mission – acquiring the Pluton blueprints – remained incomplete. A change in leadership wouldn't affect their current objective. They wouldn't need new orders until a new chief assumed the position or their mission failed completely. Therefore, Lucci saw no reason to inform the others.

"What?!"

Kalifa's surprise was genuine. Her superior officer's abrupt disconnection was indeed strange.

Now, she felt utterly lost. Their mission was undeniably compromised, and her superior had cut off communication. What were they to do?

"Surprised, are you?" Luo Ning chuckled. "The World Government likely blocked the news. Your purpose here revolves around this project blueprint, wouldn't you agree? I'm curious, what's your next move? You must realize this won't be slipping through your fingers again."

He brandished the Pluton blueprint, a playful smile on his face. Kalifa's gaze darted back and forth between the document and Luo Ning. Denial was futile now.

Who was she to lie? There was no point. iceberg's reaction earlier confirmed his awareness of the blueprint, solidifying its authenticity. The bigger issue was that it was now in Luo Ning's possession. Reclaiming it seemed like an absolute impossibility, even for CP0 agents. Kalifa couldn't help but feel a deep sense of unease.

But before she could react, a flame ignited directly on the paper, and then the Pluton blueprint was instantly reduced to a pile of ashes.

"What?!"

Kalifa couldn't understand Luo Ning's actions. In her mind, even the World Government valued this document immensely, so surely Luo Ning must too.

Why burn it?

"Honestly, Iceberg," Luo Ning began, a hint of confusion in his voice, "I'm quite perplexed by your and Franky's choices. You could have simply burned this yourselves. It's not like you have the capability to build it.

"Bluntly speaking, this thing is a ticking time bomb. You might as well set it on fire. If the World Government can't get their hands on it, they won't attack you directly. But once you have it, you become a target."

Luo Ning expressed his longstanding bewilderment regarding Iceberg and Franky's actions. Keeping the blueprint served no purpose; burning it would be the most logical course of action.

Once the World Government acquired it, they would be finished. But by burning it in front of everyone, the problem would be eliminated. In the original story, it was Franky and Luffy who directly drew the World Government's fire. Otherwise, Iceberg would have been eliminated much sooner.

The blueprint was useless, and the World Government wouldn't hesitate to eliminate anyone harboring animosity towards them. Therefore, destroying the Pluton blueprints would have been the most suitable course of action for Iceberg and Franky.

However, for some reason, the two had kept the blueprints all this time.

"We've always held onto some fantasies," Iceberg admitted helplessly. "We harbored a desire to build Pluton."

Iceberg admitted helplessly. It was pointless to keep the Pluton blueprints, but they couldn't help but cling to some fantasy.

The superior shipbuilding skills in Seven Water were a direct result of Pluton's construction there. The blueprints represented a key to their revenge – an undeniably ambitious dream for just Iceberg and Franky to take on the World Government. However, building Pluton would be a game-changer.

With Pluton in their arsenal, they'd have the confidence to retaliate. In reality, both men were fully aware that building such a weapon was a pipe dream for them, but the dream persisted, hence their decision to hold onto the blueprints for so long.

"It's understandable," Luo Ning said with a smile. "But now that I've taken care of this for you, shouldn't you treat us to a meal?"

"Absolutely, Mr. Luo Ning! My treat, of course. By the way, Kalifa, you're fired!" Iceberg readily agreed. With the Pluton blueprints gone, a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He felt considerably lighter and less burdened by the weight of his impossible dream. Now, he could finally let go.

Inwardly, he acknowledged his past desire to build Pluton, a fantasy he'd clung to for far too long. Now that it was gone, he could finally relax.

"All that effort... for nothing!" Kalifa lamented helplessly as she watched the figures disappear into the distance. Defeat gnawed at her.

***

With no other choice, Kalifa set off to find Lucci and the others.

"Kalifa? What brings you here?" Lucci was surprised to see Kalifa, her puffy eyes a clear sign of distress.

"Mission failed," Kalifa began, recounting everything that had transpired.

"I understand. It seems the mission is indeed a failure. And yes, Spandam is dead. I withheld the news because for us, the mission takes priority. A change in leadership is insignificant," Lucci said.

"But with the mission compromised, it's time for us to withdraw."

Lucci sighed in frustration. They had lurked here for so long, sacrificing valuable training time, all for nothing. It felt like a futile effort, a complete waste of time and resources.

Now, on top of the failed mission, there was a chance they might become scapegoats for the chaos at Enies Lobby. While the likelihood was low, it wasn't an entirely impossible scenario.

"Let's go. Find Kaku and contact Blueno. We need to leave," Lucci decided.

However, upon reaching Blueno's bar, they were met with a surprise – Luo Ning was already there. Pairs of eyes warily observed Luo Ning's clone.

"Don't be so tense," the clone spoke with a smile. "I'm just a clone, not the real me. I have some business here."