Chapter 43: The Long-Awaited Meeting with Saint Christina

Days passed in a blur since Ryoko's last meeting with Saint Christina.

In that meeting, Christina had left Ryoko with a challenge. It was a difficult offer, or so she thought. It was a mysterious test. She hinted that success would prove his worth. 

Ryoko, not one to easily miss opportunities, worked hard to complete the required tasks, even though their nature was unclear.

The true purpose of the information was vague, so he decided to study the situation before choosing which information to disclose.

Today, calm had returned to Ryoko's palace and the Long Hand building, but that calm signaled the arrival of a storm. 

Ryoko stood by his window, gazing outside at the sparkling palace under the midday sun, contemplating his next decision. 

Suddenly, the door opened, and Edward entered, announcing the arrival of Saint Christina.

Edward: Sir, Saint Christina is waiting for you in the meeting hall. Her arrival was as discreet as last time.

Ryoko nodded silently and then made his way to the hall with confident steps, ready to face the saint once more. Upon entering, he found her standing by the large window, looking at the horizon as if searching for answers to her questions.

Ryoko (smiling): Saint Christina, it seems the time has come to see the results, hasn't it?

Christina (turning to him): Yes, the deadline has passed. Do you have proof that you've passed the test?

Ryoko sat on one of the chairs, staring into Saint Christina's eyes with determination. He knew that this moment would determine much of his future, so he didn't want to rush his answer.

Ryoko: Before I answer, I'd like to understand. What was the real motive behind this test? Why did you decide to test me? And what was the purpose of the information?

Christina (with a slight sigh): Ryoko, it's not as simple as it seems. This test wasn't just a measure of your abilities. It was a test of your commitment and readiness to make difficult decisions and involved information that was hard to obtain.

Ryoko: Was your goal to see if I could make decisions in critical times? Or to test my ability to gather information and my network? But does that give an accurate picture of me and my abilities?

Christina: Exactly. Some say you are ambitious, but ambition without wisdom can be destructive. I wanted to see how you would handle a challenge when you didn't know all the details.

Ryoko: So, it was a test of trust and the ability to analyze under pressure.

Christina (smiling): Something like that. Also, to see if you could see the bigger picture, not just what's immediately in front of you.

Ryoko: I spent the past days studying every move and taking every step carefully. This wasn't just a simple test for me; it was an opportunity to prove myself in front of someone like you, someone who knows how to appreciate wisdom.

He bluffed a bit, telling her what she wanted to hear. The task was easy for him, as he already had the information and his recent actions were just a cover. Overall, he played along with her game.

Christina: Ryoko, can you build without destroying? Can you lead without trampling others?

Ryoko took a deep breath. He began to detail how he handled the test. He described the steps he took and the caution he exercised. He also mentioned his decision not to act at times when he thought it would be a mistake.

Christina nodded, as if to confirm her view of Ryoko. Then, she stepped closer to the table that separated them.

Christina: Do you know the other reason I gave you this test, Ryoko?

Ryoko (curious): What is it?

Christina: I wanted to see if you deserved your place here among the elite in Mariejois. Not just as one of the nobles, but as a true leader. Many sit in these palaces, but few truly earn the respect of authority.

Ryoko (confidently): I believe I've proven that I'm not just someone who sits on an inherited throne. I have plans, I have visions for the future, and I am ready to work hard to achieve them.

Christina: Enough, you haven't answered yet to confirm your worth and capability. So, what information did you manage to obtain? Did you find the owner of the invisibility-related fruit? Or that doctor?

Ryoko (after some thought): It was hard to find a lead that would lead to complete information on every move. After every step, I got close to the info. Then, a surprise would happen. Everything would disappear, as if someone was erasing the traces to my goal. But I managed, after much effort, to find the owner of the fruit related to invisibility.

Christina: It seems you exceeded my expectations, though I was hoping for a miracle and that you'd find the doctor's location. So, where is the fruit? It seems someone has eaten it?

After these words, Ryoko was certain that he had made the right decision by not mentioning anything about Dr. Crocus. He didn't have the luxury of knowing why they were looking for him, but he was sure it was something bad that wouldn't be in his favor.

Ryoko replied: The fruit's owner is a subordinate of a Shichibukai (Seven Warlords of the Sea), Gecko Moria. Some World Government agents were cutting the threads to his subordinate. You will find in this paper everything related to him.

Christina (holding the paper): Ryoko, you have successfully passed the test. But I want to know one thing. What drove you to continue, even when the details were unclear?

Ryoko: The motivation was simple, Saint Christina. It's the adventure and commitment to my vision, the responsibility I've placed on myself, and the hope of building something greater than just a name or title. And let's not forget that you mentioned you would pay for the information.

Christina: I see that now.Honestly, I forgot about the payment for the information. I will send you the amount when I return to my palace; I didn't bring the money with me.

Ryoko: No problem, Saint Christina. It's just a billion Beli, and I'm sure you'll pay it.

She nodded in agreement. After this, Christina felt satisfied. So, she offered Ryoko a spot in the group since he met the conditions and passed the test. She knew their group needed people like him. He could analyze, had a vast network, and made the right decisions in a crisis.

Ryoko (standing up): Thank you for the opportunity, Saint Christina. But, after passing the test, I owe you an explanation. What is the opportunity you mentioned earlier that I wouldn't regret?

Christina: Don't rush; I was going to tell you. Sit down, we have a long discussion ahead.