Chapter 164: Iceberg & Kalifa

"I got the blueprint, so should we leave now?"

Robin asked. Since they had achieved their goal, there was no need to stay any longer.

"There's no need to rush. After all, this is a well-known tourist attraction. Unlike Enies Lobby, which had nothing interesting to offer, we can leave directly from here. This place is different."

"And I find it amusing to use this Pluton blueprint to stir things up with those agents, wouldn't you agree?"

Luo Ning said with a hint of mischief. Since these people were solely focused on the Pluton blueprint, he found it entertaining to dangle it just out of reach.

The Pluton blueprint materialized, but it was held by someone they wouldn't dare attack. It was easy to imagine the frustration it would cause these agents.

"You truly have a wicked sense of humor."

Robin was left speechless. She could easily picture the agents' helplessness in such a scenario. She might even collapse from the sheer misery of it all.

"What can I say? You seem bored. Let's go for a stroll first, then we can meet with this Iceberg guy. Besides him is an agent they call Lurker. Apparently, their infiltration network is quite extensive."

Luo Ning grinned. There were indeed several agents here: Rob Lucci and Kaku at the shipyard, Blueno at the bar, and Kalifa by his side. Their undercover operation seemed quite thorough.

Thankfully, Iceberg wouldn't reveal the secret to just anyone, or he would surely face severe consequences.

After their shopping spree, Luo Ning took Robin on a stroll around the capital of Seven Waters. While Luo Ning wasn't interested in the clothes, he couldn't resist the food scene. The city offered a delightful culinary experience.

Robin, despite her passion for archaeology, also enjoyed shopping – it was another facet of her personality. Having never experienced a normal life as a child, constantly being targeted and betrayed repeatedly, this was a chance for her to embrace a carefree side.

Robin even bought clothes for Nami and the others as souvenirs, presenting them upon their return. She teased Luo Ning about his complete lack of interest in shopping, calling him a "straight man of steel" – someone completely devoid of romantic inclinations. He, in turn, jokingly referred to himself as an "open school" – someone who operated differently from the norm. Shopping, in his view, lacked romantic appeal, making it a non-starter for him.

But those around him had grown accustomed to his quirks.

As dusk settled, Robin and Luo Ning, after their enriching stroll and culinary adventure, arrived at Iceberg's office. They entered without an appointment.

"Why'd you come along? Don't you think this is a little mischievous?" Luo Ning asked Robin with a chuckle, surprised by her presence.

"Even if it is a bit mischievous, I'm curious too." Robin admitted with a laugh. The prospect of witnessing the agents' expressions was too tempting to resist. The presence of a CP9 agent as Iceberg's secretary only added to the intrigue.

These two mischievous souls had arrived directly at Iceberg's office, catching him on his way out for dinner as the unexpected visitors barged through the doors.

The visitor left Iceberg momentarily stunned.

"Mr. Luo Ning?" he stammered, instantly recognizing Luo Ning. To Iceberg, Luo Ning was a colossal figure, practically on the level of the World Government's leadership.

However, after the initial shock subsided, a wave of worry washed over Iceberg. He feared Luo Ning's arrival might be connected to the Pluton blueprints.

Impel Down and Seven Waters had ongoing collaborative projects. While Zephyr had brought a significant number of Marine warships, these vessels required maintenance, repairs, and replacements after aging. This business had already been secured by Seven Waters.

But Iceberg never imagined encountering such a powerful figure as Luo Ning in his office.

"Apologies for the abrupt intrusion. Are you familiar with this?"

Luo Ning wasted no time. He cast a glance at Kalifa before directly producing the Pluton blueprint. The moment the blueprint materialized, Iceberg's pupils dilated violently.

This was no ordinary object – it was the Pluton blueprint, the very one he had personally entrusted to Franky.

"T-this... what is this?" Iceberg stammered, unsure of Franky's current situation. He knew he couldn't reveal too much, but his voice betrayed him, stuttering uncontrollably. He was utterly bewildered.

Witnessing Iceberg's flustered state, Kalifa's eyes widened. Iceberg was known for his composure; this was the first time she had seen him so disoriented.

The source of all this commotion was the stack of papers in Luo Ning's hand. But what exactly was it? Kalifa's mind raced, desperately trying to piece together the situation.

"...Mr. Iceberg should be quite familiar with this," Luo Ning said with a smile. "You entrusted the design schematics of the Pluton to your younger brother, haven't you?"

His words sent shivers down both Iceberg and Kalifa's spines. Iceberg, because his secret was exposed, and Kalifa, because the Pluton blueprint was already in Luo Ning's possession. They were utterly lost, unsure of how to proceed.

"I... I don't understand what you're talking about!" Iceberg feigned ignorance, desperately clinging to denial even though the truth was out in the open.

"How very cautious," Luo Ning remarked, turning his gaze to Kalifa. "Now, Miss Kalifa, as a member of CP9, what goes through your mind knowing this blueprint is in my hands?"

Kalifa's mind went blank. The word "finished" echoed in her head. Iceberg, bewildered, stared at Kalifa with a dawning realization.

He had never suspected Kalifa, who had been by his side. He believed she was too young to be a secret agent. But with Luo Ning's revelation, the truth became undeniable – the woman he trusted was a CP9 agent.

"Kalifa, you're with CP9!" The realization struck Iceberg like a bolt of lightning. The thought of Kalifa, a constant presence by his side, being a secret agent sent chills down his spine.

"You discovered us," Kalifa admitted, her voice heavy with defeat. "Master Luo Ning is indeed formidable. We underestimated you. How did you see through our disguise?"

Faced with Luo Ning's power and the undeniable evidence in his hand, Kalifa knew there was no point in denying it. Their mission was a failure, and all they could do was confess.