Chapter 349: Kalifa, Hina: "Wait~ You Guys Won’t Have Much to Eat!"

Hina had barely taken a sip of her coffee when Luffy's announcement caused her to spray it out in shock, soaking the documents on her desk. She didn't even glance at the mess, turning instead to Luffy with wide eyes.

"Luffy, this... Are you serious?" she stammered.

Even Kujaku, usually engrossed in her work, looked up from her desk in surprise. Her pen paused mid-stroke, and she stared at Luffy as if waiting for him to explain how this wasn't a disaster waiting to happen.

Luffy, for his part, had a faint twitch in his forehead, betraying his irritation. Seriously? These government people had to show up now? And of all times, when Robin is about to arrive? What kind of timing is this?

Still, he kept his composure, giving Kalifa a curt nod. "Relay the message. Have the Marines escort the government officials here to the Flower Capital. Let them know I'll be waiting."

Kalifa exhaled in relief and quickly relayed Luffy's instructions through the Den Den Mushi. She didn't stop there. Her instincts kicking in, she immediately called Ain and Koala, who had just left, to warn them of the development.

Ain and Koala were equally dismayed when they received the news.

"This timing is ridiculous," Ain muttered, shaking her head. "Why now of all times?"

Koala sighed but nodded. "Still, we can't change it. We'll keep an eye out and adjust as needed."

Back in the office, Kalifa ended her calls and turned to Luffy with concern. "What's the plan? Should we delay Robin and her group until the government people leave?"

Luffy leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "That's not an option. Knowing the government, they're not here just to pick up a few seastone samples. They'll likely hang around to monitor operations."

Kujaku tapped her pen on the desk thoughtfully. "Exactly. They're probably here to keep tabs on us as much as the factory. The government's been wary of the Marines getting too independent, especially with someone like you leading G66."

Hina frowned. "So, they'll station themselves here long-term?"

"Most likely," Luffy confirmed, crossing his arms. "They don't trust anyone else with control over seastone production. This is too important a resource for them to leave unguarded."

The room fell silent as the weight of Luffy's words sank in. Kalifa, ever pragmatic, broke the silence. "Then what about Nico Robin? If they're here for an extended stay, we can't just keep delaying her."

Luffy thought for a moment before nodding decisively. "We'll need to be strategic. Robin's group won't stay long. We'll meet, handle our matters quickly, and send them off before the government officials can sniff anything out."

"That's cutting it close," Hina muttered, still looking uneasy. "But if we can't even keep a single person hidden on our own turf, we may as well pack up and leave."

Her sarcasm brought a smirk to Luffy's face. "Exactly. We've got this."

With the plan set, Kalifa rose to her feet. "I'll handle the reception for the government officials at the factory. Someone needs to ensure they don't wander off and start poking their noses where they shouldn't."

Luffy nodded in approval, standing to leave. "Good. I'll make arrangements on my end. Just remember, we have the advantage here. Play it smart, and this will all blow over."

Kalifa adjusted her glasses, throwing a smirk over her shoulder. "Don't worry about me. I've got this." She draped her Marine cape over her shoulders and exited the room with a confident stride.

As the sound of Kalifa's heels faded down the corridor, Kujaku slumped back in her chair, letting out a groan. "She just dumped all her unfinished work on me, didn't she?"

Hina glanced at the growing pile of documents on Kujaku's desk and chuckled dryly. "Welcome to Hina life. At least she didn't hand it to you while she was walking out."

Kujaku shot her a glare. "This is why I hate dealing with her. Always so smug."

Mimicking Kalifa's voice, Kujaku added with mock sweetness, "'Oh, sorry, Kujaku. I'm too busy to deal with the government people. Guess you'll have to handle everything else!'"

Hina stifled a laugh, her mood lightening slightly despite the looming workload. "You're just mad because she's faster at ditching work than you are."

Kujaku sighed, her frustration giving way to resigned determination. "Fine. But when she gets back, she'd better brace herself. I'll make sure she regrets leaving me with this mess."

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