Chapter 29: Into the Lion's Den

Josh was surprised by the call he had just received. Robin, also known as Miss All Sunday, was on the line, telling him she had bad news.

Mikita, lying half-naked next to Josh, glanced at the Den Den Mushi, while Josh's expression turned serious all of a sudden.

"Come on, we just barely got a break from your training," she complained. Mikita had been training with Josh for the last 15 days, increasing their strength. Now that they finally had a chance to relax, Robin had called.

"What's going on?" Josh asked, ignoring the blonde beside him.

Robin, also ignoring Mikita's remark, pressed, "Did you visit King Cobra?"

"Well, maybe," Josh replied cautiously.

"Josh, be honest with me," Robin demanded in a stern tone.

Josh admitted, "Yes, I made a deal and gave him a warning, 15 days ago. I figured if there was a spy, you'd be the first to know since you're responsible for gathering information for Crocodile."

Josh's eyes widened in realization.

"That's what you might think. But some things are out of my control. Crocodile doesn't trust me completely. How do you think Baroque Works manipulates the rebels and ruins the king's reputation?"

Robin's tone had shifted, almost like an older sibling scolding a reckless younger brother.

"Whatever," Josh muttered, half-closing his eyes. He wasn't too anxious, just a little. It was within his calculations that things might escalate to this point.

There are always spies somewhere. But it was still a mystery how someone saw him, especially since he had snuck into the palace using Shave. No one among the guards seemed like a spy. Otherwise, he would have been informed to change the delivery location.

"May I ask how you found out?" Josh inquired.

"Someone overheard Vivi screaming while talking to King Cobra."

Suppressing the urge to curse, Josh bit his tongue and furrowed his brow.

"For God's sake… that woman's mouth…"

Vivi's loud voice was the reason behind a massive arc like Alabasta's starting. Couldn't a princess speak more discreetly? Josh wanted to scold her right then.

"Kyahahaha… we've been found out," Mikita laughed, showing no worry at all.

Given the power boosts they had gotten—and the fact that she had invested her money with Josh—Mikita believed they could steal from Crocodile if necessary. Of course, there were strong agents they shouldn't underestimate, like Mr. 1 and his partner, Zala.

"Miss Valentine, you should be more aware of the situation you're in," Robin said, annoyed by Mikita's carefree attitude.

"Anyway," Josh cut in. "What happens now that we're exposed?"

Robin sighed and rubbed her temples. "First, I have to thank you for telling me about Crocodile's weakness. After some investigation, I've realised he avoids water at all costs and never leaves when it rains."

"Mmm…" Josh nodded. "Quite the weakness, isn't it?"

Robin continued, "Now, what's your plan? I assume you're not planning to fight Crocodile with just a bucket of water."

"I need to know what I'll be facing first," Josh replied. "What's Crocodile's counter-plan?"

"Good choice," Robin said approvingly. "Crocodile will send you on a mission… but it's a trap."

"Figured as much," Josh responded, completing her sentence.

"Bingo," Robin affirmed. "I knew you were smart enough to catch on."

"Not as smart as you, Nico," Josh teased, using her last name.

"Fufufu… So, what's your move? Going to run and hide?"

"Nah, I think I'll walk straight into the lion's den," Josh said calmly, while Mikita grinned widely beside him. He casually crossed one leg over the other.

Robin sighed. "Do you have a plan?"

"Do you have any green powder?" Josh asked, referring to one of the most forbidden substances.

There was a brief pause as Robin processed his question.

"Fufufu…" Robin chuckled.

"Hahaha," Josh laughed along with her.

Mikita looked confused, unsure why Josh and Robin were laughing.

"I was about to suggest the same thing. But drawing him out of his casino won't be as easy as you think," Robin said.

"He'll come once I deal with the rest," Josh said confidently. After hanging up the call, he stretched his arm and shook it out.

"Are you strong enough for that?" Robin asked.

"I'm betting my life on it," Josh replied after a brief pause.

Since this was an anime-based world, Josh instinctively looked around, half expecting some epic music to play. But, of course, that wasn't going to happen. The only music came from within—his heart, pounding rapidly, pumping adrenaline-filled blood through his veins.

Although Josh had the courage to declare his intentions, courage only exists where there's fear. And Josh was well aware of the risks he was taking.

"I'll play a requiem for you if things go south," Robin sighed, her tone returning to seriousness.

"I'd appreciate that," Josh replied without a smile.

After exchanging a few more words, the call ended.

"This is bad," Josh said, leaning back on his beach chair and looking at his beautiful partner.

"But exciting at the same time," Mikita said with a wide grin.

Josh examined her, shaking his head. He wondered if she fully understood the dangers or if she just had boundless confidence. Either way, Josh was the mastermind. He was the leader and had to stay sharp.

Comparing himself to Mikita wouldn't make things any easier.

"Yeah," Josh nodded.

Mikita stood up, lightened her weight, and sat on Josh's lap.

"You know what would be even more exciting?" she said with a sly smile.

"What?"

"Having wild sex before we screw over Baroque Works."

"Hahaha, you're crazy," Josh laughed. "But I love you."

"I know. You too."

"Huh?"

"I mean, you're crazy as well."

"Hehehe." Josh chuckled.

Mikita unzipped his shorts and pulled out his shaft. She pushed her underwear aside, revealing her womanhood, and adjusted the angle before sitting on him. She began rocking her hips.

Josh, caught between relaxing and enjoying the sensation, was nearing the edge of release.

But then, the Den Den Mushi rang again.

"Don't stop," Mikita said, continuing her movements. "It's him. Let's mess with him."

"Hahaha," Josh chuckled, thinking how insane it was to answer the call while Mikita was riding him.

"Boss, yes," Josh answered.

"Mr. 7," came Crocodile's voice.

"Yes, sir. How can I serve you?" Josh asked, watching Mikita's breasts bounce, his member sliding in and out.

"You sound quite happy. Something good happen?" Crocodile's tone was calm, with a hint of sarcasm you could barely detect.

"It's just that time of year when I'm in a good mood," Josh replied, holding back Mikita to avoid finishing too early.

"You have an urgent mission. Move out by tomorrow. Coordinates will be sent," Crocodile instructed.

"Alright."

As the call ended, Josh let out a low moan, the snail slipping from his hand. Mikita, undeterred, resumed moving her hips.

"What's going through your mind?" he asked the moaning woman, who was now fully immersed.

"More of this," she replied. Josh had gotten better in bed each time they were together, and she couldn't hold herself back.

They switched positions and continued until both were fully satisfied. Afterward, Josh felt better than he ever thought he would after receiving a call from Crocodile.

If Crocodile knew why Josh seemed so pleased, he might have sent someone to kill him on the spot.

After they dressed, Josh said, "We need to move soon. Very soon."

"I know," Mikita said, floating lightly around. "I'll be seeing the other agents, and we'll fight. I want to test myself against them," she added, kicking at the air.

Josh nodded. "Mini-bosses… We'll have to be careful."

[Ding, Task generator has a new gamble for you.]

[Mini-boss fights. Do you accept? (y/n)]

Josh noticed the quest from the system.