Cursed Seas and Slashing Tides

Heart to Heart

"Damn it...who does that bastard think he is?!" Spandam roared, slamming his fist against the table, his face flushed with rage. His clenched fists trembled, more from frustration than fury.

"You looked really scared, boss. Chapapa!" Fukurou quipped bluntly, his round face unbothered by the tension in the room.

Spandam's livid gaze snapped toward him, veins bulging in his forehead, but before he could unleash his temper, Lucci's calm, icy voice cut through.

"There's no need for anger, Director. He'll soon understand the consequences of crossing us." Though Lucci's tone remained composed, the subtle edge of simmering rage beneath his words was unmistakable.

Spandam gritted his teeth, his anger briefly tempered by Lucci's presence.

"He comes under Isgor's orders, though." Jabra muttered, leaning back with arms crossed, his usual cockiness replaced by a flicker of unease. "That's the creep even the higher-ups avoid, right?"

"Right…and Toji even had proof of it." Spandam mumbled, his bluster deflating slightly at the mention of the man backing Toji.

"So what?" Lucci's eyes narrowed, his voice dropping to a low growl. "Toji Fushiguro won't live long enough to enjoy that protection." A sharp grin crept across his face, cold and predatory. "The Straw Hats sadly managed to kill him—we'll simply claim we avenged him."

"Hahaha! I see!" Spandam's mood shifted in an instant, an eager grin spreading across his face as if he'd crafted the plan himself. "Once Yorozu and Blueno return with those brats, we'll use them to lure out Toji Fushiguro. And when he comes back for 'The Cursed Being' Ryomen…" His grin grew wider, eyes gleaming with delight. "We strike!"

Spandam's fervor blinded him to the wary glances his agents exchanged at the word "we."

"Unlikely." Lucci stated flatly, ending Spandam's premature triumph.

"Huh? Are you saying they can't handle a few measly pirates?" Spandam snapped, his pride flaring again.

"You underestimate them." Lucci shot back, his sharp gaze shifting to Kalifa and Kaku. "They've already proven capable of standing against us."

Kalifa's jaw tightened, her usual cool demeanor slipping for a moment as she glanced away. Kaku's expression mirrored hers, guilt flickering behind his stoic face.

"Do not worry, Lucci-san!" Kumadori boomed suddenly, striking an overly dramatic pose, his voice echoing with exaggerated bravado. "They cannot withstand all of us! Yoyoi!"

"We'll handle it." Kaku muttered, his voice firm.

"This time will be different." Kalifa added quietly, her eyes narrowing with determination. "We've grown stronger since our last encounter."

"Hmph. We'll see." Lucci dismissed coldly, his disinterest evident as the conversation dwindled.

Suddenly, the doors to the room burst open with a loud BANG! An officer stumbled inside, panting heavily. He clutched a Den Den Mushi tightly in his trembling hands.

"Director Spandam!" The officer gasped. "The main gate officers are trying to contact you—it's urgent!"

Spandam groaned, rubbing his temples in irritation. "What now?" He snatched the transponder snail from the officer's shaky hands. "This better be important."
…

The clash between Ryomen and Yorozu raged on, their blows echoing across the roof. 

Yorozu's breath grew heavier, her frustration mounting. 'Unbelievable…such Haki mastery. It might even rival Lucci's!' Her eyes narrowed at the dark liquid armor rippling across Ryomen's body, blocking each of her strikes.