15 Given that the premises are different, changes are likely to occur

I wondered what would happen during Rob Lucci's short-term assignment, but there were no major issues. Well, in a sense, there was an issue.

The relationship between Lucci and the original Spandam was not very good; Lucci looked down on Spandam, and Spandam blamed Lucci for the fall of Enies Lobby.

At least it wasn't a harmonious relationship.

However, well, since I am different from the original Spandam, it's only natural that things have changed. During the short-term assignment period, Lucci and I became quite close.

In fact, Lucci was smiling a lot. In front of those who he acknowledged as comrades, Lucci showed a relaxed demeanor. And even Kakku and the others showed affection towards their comrades, resorting to circus-like acts to earn money for Lucci's medical expenses while being chased by the Marines.

Unlike in the original, Lucci seemed to have a somewhat similar recognition of me. Well, as we are going to become superiors and subordinates in CP9 in the future, it's good to have a harmonious relationship...

With such thoughts in mind, I sighed as I looked at the stack of documents on the desk. It's been about a year since Lucci's short-term assignment, and lately, work has been quite busy. The cause is clear—it's the incident of Fisher Tiger's attack on Mariejois that happened a year ago, and it has caused a great commotion in the World Government itself.

Although it's not directly under CP5's jurisdiction, the effects of the incident are spreading to other departments, making things quite hectic.

Well, I can still leave work on time and take regular days off, and I make sure my subordinates do the same. I firmly refuse to allow working on holidays or unpaid overtime. Moreover, if the workload piles up and causes issues, as their supervisor, it would be my responsibility, so I ensure that it doesn't happen.

The attack on Mariejois means that it happened around 14-15 years ago in the original timeline or around 12-13 years ago if we consider the starting time of the original series.

As for significant events that come afterward, there's the completion of the Sea Train, and I'm curious about what will happen with the Pluton situation. But for now, I have to focus on paperwork...

***

While occupying the high-paid position of the Commander-in-Chief, I, who generally don't spend much money, have one exception—I am generous with spending on whiskey.

Just like the original Spandam, who favored whiskey, I also enjoy whiskey, and the time for evening drinks can be called a moment of bliss.

Depending on my mood, I may change the way I drink it, but most often, I prefer it on the rocks. I am quite particular about the ice as well. I select the whiskey from my collection based on my mood, pour it into a glass with ice, and savor it slowly.

I like to savor a small amount of whiskey in the glass, enjoying the beautiful color, rich aroma, the faint sound of ice touching the glass—a pleasure for my eyes, nose, ears, and tongue—as I slowly drink the glass of whiskey along with some snacks.

It's the perfect way to forget the busyness of daily life and peacefully pass the time—a truly wonderful form of relaxation.

"Puru puru puru puru..."

"..."

I hear the sound of a Den Den Mushi ringing. Who could it be? The one who interrupted my blissful moment... Depending on the content, I might kill them.

With a slight hint of murderous intent, I pick up the receiver and hear my father's voice.

"Spandam?"

"Father... If it's a trivial matter, I'll kill you."

"Hold on! Why are you suddenly getting angry!?"

"Annoying... Just get to the point."

What terrible timing. It's because of things like this that I ended up making a fool of myself on Ohara.

"There's an important matter concerning your future. But it's not something to discuss over the Den Den Mushi. Can you come to the family home?"

"Understood. I'll be there in about 15 minutes. Make sure to prepare some high-quality whiskey."

"15 minutes? Well, it could be another day... Besides, we're not on the same island."

"I'll be there within 15 minutes. Be ready."

With that, I hang up the receiver and put on my jacket before heading downstairs. It goes without saying that, being a member of CP5, I rented a house close to the headquarters.

It's a rental and not a purchase, as I foresee transferring to CP9 at some point. Still, it's a detached house, so it's quite spacious.

And as I reach the first floor, I call out to Pochi, who was cooking in the kitchen.

"Pochi, I'll be out for a while."

"Oh, okay. What about snacks?"

"Just put them in the fridge, I won't take long, so I'll eat them when I come back."

"Understood."

After telling Pochi, who also lives in this house—more like she "moved in on her own"—I head to the entrance. One morning, she brought a load of luggage and said that she moved in to help me with my personal life.

She said she picked the lock when I asked about the key, and I told her not to damage the lock, so I gave her a spare key and told her she could use any available room as she pleased.

Well, from a societal perspective, Pochi's actions might be considered stalker-like and yandere, but I don't really mind. She actively helps with housework, and her cooking is quite good, so it's a big advantage for me.

Plus, her madness is more of a devotion, so it's not about her desires but about wanting to serve me, which is quite beneficial for me. She is quite capable in household matters, and it's convenient to have her around for work-related communication as well.

Well, I regard Pochi as a kind of house spirit and let her do as she pleases.

***

By using high-speed movement with my razor, I arrived at my family home in about 12 minutes. If I hadn't taken extra care to avoid attracting attention when getting off, I would have arrived even faster.

Entering the familiar home, I made my way to my father's location using Observation Haki to easily determine where he was. I headed straight for my father's room.

"Father, I'm here."

"You really arrived within 15 minutes. What's gotten into you..."

"That doesn't matter. Where's the whiskey?"

"Here..."

"Hmm, not bad. It's my favorite brand... Let's get to the point."

Well, it seems that, being my father, he knows my taste in alcohol quite well. I'm relieved that I won't have to annihilate my own parent.

I poured the whiskey into the prepared shot glass, took a sip, and then prompted my father to talk.

"Do you remember the discussion about me inheriting the position of CP9's Commander-in-Chief?"

"Yes, of course."

"Originally, I planned to wait for at least five more years before handing over the position, but I'm considering advancing that schedule."

"Hmm. What's the reason?"

This was somewhat unexpected. While I don't mind joining CP9 at any time, what concerns me is the deviation from the original storyline.

Nevertheless, it's too late now... Considering the differences, including my own situation and that of Lucci, there have already been countless deviations from the original story. One more won't make much difference.

"For one thing, you've proven to be even more outstanding than I anticipated. The higher-ups at CP5 have a favorable impression of you, and they are willing to support your promotion. Secondly, do you know Rob Lucci, who recently joined CP9?"

"Yes, I know him. In fact, he was with me at CP5 on short-term assignment until recently."

"Well, Lucci... He keeps asking me indirectly, like every three days, 'When do you plan to pass on your position to your son?' or 'Isn't it time for you to take up another post?'"

...Hey, what's going on, Lucci? Was he always like this?

"How on earth did you tame him?"

"I didn't intend to tame him, but... I guess we get along well enough? In any case, it seems that Lucci has a high opinion of me beyond what I had thought."

Anyway, to summarize... Originally, the plan was to let me accumulate more achievements before passing on the role of CP9's Commander-in-Chief. However, considering the current situation and the constant urging from Lucci, my father wants to accelerate the process of making me the CP9 Commander-in-Chief.

"So, what are you going to do, Father?"

"Although it's in a different department, there's a good position available. I'll take that one."

"Hmm... When will it happen?"

"If everything goes smoothly, it should take about a year. Is that acceptable to you?"

"You can do as you please. I'm not particularly interested in positions. If anything, the position of CP5 Commander-in-Chief is already too high for me."

For now, I don't really care if I become CP9's Commander-in-Chief earlier than planned. It was always the plan to get there eventually, so whether it happens sooner or later doesn't matter.

But personally, I'd prefer a slightly more moderate position... Something like being a Branch Chief overseeing one of the four seas would be ideal, but it's challenging to achieve.

...If Enies Lobby falls, maybe I'll get transferred to a good position? The issue in the original story was that they tried to pin the blame on Lucci and the others, but if that doesn't happen, as the responsible person, I would naturally assume the responsibility.

Not a bad idea. Honestly, not bad... If I serve as the CP9 Commander-in-Chief for about ten years, I can fulfill my obligations to my father, and there's room for consideration.

"...You're still not interested in positions or money, as always?"

"It's not that I have no interest. I just don't want more than I need. Moderation is fine... Having mountains of money or a position too high would only get in my way."

"My son, you're truly an eccentric one."

"It's too late for that... Well, that's the end of the conversation. I'm heading back now... I'll take this whiskey as a business expense."

Finishing the remaining whiskey in the shot glass, I sighed, turned my back to my father, waved lightly, and left the room.

Well, it's irritating that I was interrupted during my blissful time... But in the end, I obtained good whiskey, so I'll return and redo my evening drink.

***

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