Chapter 166: Rob Lucci

"What exactly do you want?"

His immediate boss was killed by Luo Ning, and his mission was ruined because of Luo Ning too. Now he has no plans to let him and others go, but he is basically sure that the other party is not trying to kill him, otherwise they would not be able to return here and talk.

"It's very simple. I'm recruiting you, Rob Lucci. You are called the most talented agent in the past 800 years, but don't you feel aggrieved by being a subordinate of the World Government? A piece of trash can also yell at you.

"The World Government has never even paid attention to your talent. Obviously, as long as you have enough time to cultivate your talent, you will be an Admiral-level combat power. But you are sent to do this kind of time-consuming and laborious job.

"You have wasted a lot of training time, resulting in slow progress in strength, but even so, you are above other CP9 agents, and by a lot.

"You have a stage that doesn't match you at all, and you probably won't feel very good when you go back this time. You should be very clear: the mission failed, and Spandam was killed by me. Spandine will definitely pin the blame on you.

"Although you are different from those guys who stayed in Enies Lobby because you are in the capital of Seven Water, you will be affected to a certain extent.

"As for me, my purpose is very simple. I can give you a suitable stage, and you, work for me and help me form a sufficiently large intelligence organization. How about that?"

Luo Ning also stated his purpose. Rob Lucci's strength and talent are beyond doubt. If it weren't for the bastard Spandam, Luffy would have been hammered into scum by Lucci.

After this latest betrayal, Lucci likely feels returning to the World Government is his only option. Refusing would mean facing their relentless pursuit.

He's not entirely without allies. Kalifa and the others haven't abandoned him, and he wouldn't abandon them in return.

"Is this what you're offering?"

Lucci and his companions couldn't deny the truth in Luo Ning's words. The World Government's upper echelons were undeniably corrupt. Their survival wasn't due to competence, but raw strength.

Might makes right, as they say. Even with resistance, the World Government's power keeps them standing tall.

Their corruption doesn't make them ideal employers, especially considering their immediate superior, Spandam, was a useless windbag. Lucci and his team have no respect for such incompetence.

Unfortunately, that's how the World Government operates. Discontent is irrelevant in the face of their power structure. While becoming a CP0 agent elevated Lucci's status, it was essentially a promotion from a low-level thug to a high-level one.

Working for Luo Ning wouldn't be much different in that regard, but at least he'd be valued for his talent. Luo Ning wouldn't waste a powerful asset like the World Government does.

Undoubtedly, the others were tempted. While loyalty might not be a top priority for secret agents, Luo Ning had effectively cut off their escape route. It wouldn't be comfortable being constantly outsmarted.

And what about Luo Ning? He possesses enough power to challenge the World Government, a power that makes Lucci and his team seriously consider his offer.

As exceptional agents, wouldn't they yearn for a true leader who recognizes their talent? The World Government failed to provide that, but here stands Luo Ning, an opportunity they can't ignore.

"I need assurances," Lucci said after some deliberation. "If we follow you, will we face the same kind of bureaucratic nonsense as with the World Government?"

"Those concerns are unfounded," Luo Ning replied. "My influence isn't as vast. While I have some control over Impel Down, other territories are more like franchises – I won't meddle in their affairs."

"It's similar to the World Government in that my power commands respect, even with a limited territory. However, you won't find incompetent trash like Spandine or Spandam in my ranks. You'll answer directly to me, with minimal interaction with others."

"Money won't be a concern. I can provide you with ample opportunities to showcase your talents. Just focus on completing your assigned tasks, and handle the rest at your discretion."

Luo Ning offered Rob Lucci a considerable degree of freedom, confident in his loyalty. Lucci's betrayal of the World Government stemmed from their own mismanagement. With such a tempting offer and Lucci's character, betrayal seems unlikely.

Even if Lucci harbored such thoughts, Luo Ning's abilities would make it impossible to hide. He possesses a keen understanding of their motivations.

"Those are excellent terms," Lucci conceded. "May I request to bring my companions from Enies Lobby with me?"

"Loyalty is paramount," Luo Ning replied. "We at Impel Down possess the power to peer into a person's heart through the Dials of Judgement, ensuring their true allegiance."

"The identity of your recruits is immaterial to me, so long as they're not another twenty-five-year-old buffoon." he added with a hint of amusement.

"Since that settles it, then it's a deal. What about you?" Lucci turned to his companions.

Lucci himself had already made his decision. Luo Ning's offer was incredibly generous, near impossible to refuse under the current circumstances.

"Of course I'm in," Kalifa declared. "We've all betrayed the World Government. There's no turning back, not after everything that's happened."

Her words elicited nods of agreement from the others. Betrayal was a serious accusation, and their former colleagues would undoubtedly suspect them of being undercover agents. Endless investigations and restrictions awaited them if they returned. Such treatment held no appeal for Kalifa and the others. Leaving with Lucci was their only viable option.

"A wise decision all around," Luo Ning remarked. "Financial matters can be handled through Morgans."

While his network is extensive, it lacks depth. Their covert operation offers a valuable source of intel, and frankly, it would be like taking candy from a baby to acquire the information.