On the docks of Sabaody Archipego, Cudius stood watg Sengoku as he hurriedly boarded a warship bound for Marineford. With a smirk, Cudius called out, "Sengoku aren't you supposed to report baariejois first?"

  Sengoku, half the gangaused and turned. "No need for that. I'm just an errand runner on this mission, after all. The real responsibility lies with you, Yhness. CP-X is spearheading this operation now. As for me, I've gent matters back at Marineford that require my attention."

  Cudius raised an eyebrow. "Urgent matters, huh?" he muttered under his breath. This guy spent all of Fish-Man Isnd talking about Whitebeard being his top priority. Now that he smells money, Whitebeard's nothing more than a minor distra. Typical.

  Still, Cudius decided not to tease him about it further. He waved a hand in casual farewell and said, "Alright then. I'll handle Mariejois. Good luck with your, ah... important matters."

  Sengoku nodded but couldn't help throwing in a subtle reminder. "And Yhness, please keep this operation discreet. You know what I mean."

  "Don't worry, it's all under trol," Cudius replied with a reassuring smile.

  "Very well. By the way, what about you? Heading baariejois as well?" Sengoku asked.

  Cudius shook his head and stroked his in thought. "Not just yet. I'll che the ges here at Sabaody Archipego first. Maybe drop by for a drink with a certain someone's wife."

  Sengoku froze, staring at Cudius with a peculiar expression. After a moment, he chuckled awkwardly and muttered, "Yhness, you make me grateful I don't have a wife." With that, he waved goodbye, adding, "Take care, Yhness. May fortune favor you... or whatever it is you're seeking."

  Cudius stood there, scratg his head as Sengoku's warship departed. "Fortune favor me? What the hell does that mean?" He shrugged, dismissing the odd ent, and turoward the illegal zone of the Archipego.

  This time, he was determio pay a visit to Rayleigh. The man had evaded him the st time, and Cudius couldn't help but feel intrigued. It wasn't about hunting him down or squeezing information about Laugh Tale—it was simple curiosity.

  Stussy, Nia, and the others had chosen to stay behind, busying themselves with shopping and sightseeing around the Archipego. Alone, Cudius wandered into the illegal zone. He noticed the ges immediately.

  The once-chaotic streets were far quieter. Sve merts were o be seen, and pirates, who used to roam freely, now seemed relut to leave their ships docked in the illegal harbors. The atmosphere was tense, and Cudius could guess why. The fallout from the head-on pikes, no doubt. It's amazing what a little dispy of brutality aplish.

  After a leisurely stroll, Cudius arrived at the infamous Shakky's Rip-Off Bar. As always, the pce stood isoted on a hill, with no activity around it. He walked up, knocked on the door, and then, without waiting for a response, pushed it open and stepped inside.

  The bar was as empty as ever. Behind the ter, Shakky stood zily leaning against the shelves, cigarette in one hand and a gss iher. She g Cudius and smiled wryly.

  "No ers, huh?" Cudius remarked, gng around the room.

  Shakky chuckled and replied, "Thanks to your efforts, my business is practically dead."

  Cudius grinned and shrugged. "Who knew pirates could be so timid these days?"

  He approached the bar and took a seat. Shakky poured him a drink without needing to ask, sliding the gss over to him. "I get the feeling that was a bit of a double entendre," she said with a smirk.

  "Hahaha, sharp as ever, Shakky. Is Rayleigh around? Or is he still in hiding?" Cudius asked, taking a sip of his drink.

  Shakky exhaled a puff of smoke and shook her head. "If you're on the isnd, you bet Rayleigh won't show his face. Seems like he's determio stay out of your way."

  "That's a shame," Cudius said, rubbing his thoughtfully. "I was hoping to run into him. Nothing serious, just curiosity."

  Shakky raised an eyebrow. "Curiosity? That's a dangerous word ing from someone in CP-X. Don't tell me you're pnning to use him to find Laugh Tale or something?"

  Cudius ughed and shook his head. "Laugh Tale? Don't be absurd. I'm not a pirate, Shakky. I have no i in the One Piece or any of that nonsense. I just think Rayleigh is an iing guy. That's all."

  Shakky studied him for a moment before shrugging. "Suit yourself. But I doubt you'll catch him. Rayleigh knows how to keep a low profile."

  After finishing his drink, Cudius asked, "How much do I owe you? I wouldn't want to leave without tributing to your struggling business."

  Shakky smiled pyfully. "200,000 Berries."

  "Still charging eous prices, I see," Cudius said, shaking his head with a grin.

  "I charge based on the er," Shakky replied with a wink.

  Cudius handed her the money without pint. As she ted the bills, she added, "Since you're my first er in two days, I'll give you some free intel. sider it a token of appreciation."

  "Oh? And what intel would that be?" Cudius asked, intrigued.

  "There are rumors of a Logia Devil Fruit appearing on Spring Isnd. Thought it might i you," Shakky said casually.

  "Logia, huh?" Cudius raised an eyebrow. Logia fruits were rare and powerful, so naturally, he was curious. "What kind of ability?"

  "They're saying it's the Smoke-Smoke Fruit. Hasn't been seen in years. If the rumors are true, it's probably legit," Shakky replied.

  Cudius's initial i faded instantly. "Smoke-Smoke Fruit? Really? Thanks for the tip, but I think I'll pass."

  Shakky looked at him, surprised. "No i? It's still a Logia."

  Cudius waved her off as he stood up to leave. "Logia or not, it doesn't appeal to me. Thanks for the drink, Shakky. Take care."

  Junkdog