Chapter 96: Teasing

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Under Byakuya's instructions, Iceburg and Franky arrived at Dock One the next day. 

Following Byakuya's orders, Quake brought the warship into Dock One, with a hundred-meter-long branch of the Treasure Tree Adam tied to its stern. 

Moving such a massive branch solely by manpower would have been extremely difficult, even with Quake's Devil Fruit abilities.

"Look, that's the keel," Byakuya pointed. Iceburg and Franky followed his direction and first noticed the Marine Rear Admiral's standard warship. 

They were both amazed by Byakuya's rank—such a young Marine Rear Admiral was a rare sight on the seas. 

If they had paid more attention to the news, they would have known that Byakuya was the Marine who defeated 'Drought' Jack.

However, their surprise at Byakuya's youth was quickly overshadowed by the sight of the hundred-meter-long branch of the Treasure Tree Adam. 

Their eyes gleamed with excitement, almost tangible in its intensity. 

They dashed towards the branch, running their hands over it as if caressing a new bride they hadn't touched yet. Drool nearly dripped from their mouths.

Their reaction was understandable. 

Just as every great swordsman yearns for a Supreme Grade Sword, top shipwrights like Iceburg and Franky dream of building ships from the branches of the Treasure Tree Adam. 

Years ago, their mentor, the "World's Best Shipwright" Tom, had used an Adam branch to build the Oro Jackson for Pirate King Roger. 

That ship reached Raftel with Roger, leaving a significant mark on history. 

Since then, building a ship from the Adam branch had been their long-cherished dream. 

Now, they finally had the chance to make it a reality.

Watching Iceburg and Franky's excitement, Byakuya couldn't help but smile wryly. 

He wouldn't have needed to tie them up if he had known they would react like this. 

They would have eagerly built the ship for free if he had just explained. 

However, he would have captured them to gain the World Source Energy.

While surveying the surroundings, Byakuya noticed that Iceburg had brought his secretary, Kalifa, along. 

Kalifa, frightened at the sight of Byakuya, was hiding quietly behind the crowd, so Byakuya hadn't noticed her at first. 

Now, she was peeking at Byakuya through the gaps between people, regretting not feigning illness to avoid coming to Dock One today. 

She remembered Lucci's advice not to wear overly revealing clothes in Byakuya's presence well. 

Thinking she wouldn't encounter him today, she had worn fishnet tights. But here she was, face-to-face with him again.

As Kalifa pondered this, she suddenly realized Byakuya had disappeared. "Where did he go?" she muttered. 

Just then, she heard a teasing voice in her ear, "Ya~ Kaifa-chan~" The warm breath on her cute earlobe made her shiver. 

Turning her head, she found Byakuya standing there, smiling at her.

Kalifa's translucent earlobe turned bright red after feeling the residual warmth on her ear. 

Instinctively, she lashed out at Byakuya with a kick. Byakuya caught her raised ankle, noting how smooth her leg was. 

He was about to speak when he realized he had seen something thrilling. Wow, black lace! This is intense!

Kalifa noticed Byakuya's stunned gaze and blushed deeply, knowing exactly what he had seen. 

Byakuya was firmly holding her right leg, unable to be retracted. Embarrassed and angry, Kalifa demanded, "Let me go!"

"Just a moment, I'm almost done admiring," Byakuya teased.

"You! I'm going to scream!" Kalifa threatened, but as she opened her mouth, Byakuya quickly covered it with his hand, interrupting her.

Byakuya broke into a cold sweat. If she screamed, his reputation would be in tatters. 

Luckily, Kalifa was hidden behind the crowd, and no one noticed their compromising position. 

Fearing she might scream if he let go, Byakuya adopted a threatening tone, "When I let go, if you make a sound, you're finished."

"Not even Lucci can save you, got it?" Kalifa blinked, signaling her compliance. There was no choice; their position was too awkward. 

If anyone found out, both their reputations would be ruined. "All right, I'll let go now," Byakuya said. 

Just as he was about to release her, two slightly annoyed voices called from behind him, "Byakuya-sama/senpai!"

Crap, it's Tashigi and Ain. If they saw this, my gentlemanly image would be ruined. 

Byakuya quickly let go of Kalifa, hiding his hands behind his back and pretending nothing had happened. 

Tashigi and Ain, like cats smell fish, appeared on either side of Byakuya, scrutinizing Kalifa warily.

Ain affectionately wrapped her arm around Byakuya's, asking sweetly, "Byakuya-senpai, who is she?" 

Feeling the occasional soft pressure on his arm, Byakuya struggled to maintain his composure. 

"She's the secretary to Mayor Iceburg of Water 7. I'm having him build a ship for me. I was just asking her why foreman Lucci wasn't at work today."

Tashigi, not to be outdone, hugged Byakuya's other arm, "Byakuya-sama, why don't you accompany us shopping today?"

Byakuya firmly replied, "I have matters to attend to today! Maybe another time!" 

One Ain was already almost too much to handle, and with Tashigi added, he was on the verge of losing control. 

He might have proudly declared his prowess in another time and place and taught Ain and Tashigi a thorough lesson, but not now.

With great effort, Byakuya extracted his arms from their embrace and urgently asked Kalifa, "Where is Lucci? I need to see him."

"Lucci is still recovering from his injuries, resting at home," Kalifa answered.

"I can't wait. I need to discuss something with him. I'll be on my way!" Byakuya said hurriedly before fleeing the scene. 

Only when he was out of sight of Dock One did he let out a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from his brow and reflecting, "That was a close call!"

Still, Byakuya's face turned smug. "Having beautiful women around is such fun," he mused.

I'm

<End Chapter>

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