Chapter 12: Water 7 – The CP9 Shadow and Khalifa’s Decision

The Queen's Grace slipped into the vibrant docks of Water 7 under a clear midday sun. Compared to the chaotic storms they had weathered in the Grand Line, the city seemed calm, but Kaito knew better.

Beneath the colorful storefronts, the singing shipwrights, and the sound of carpenters hammering on half-built galleons, a shadow moved.

CP9.

One of the World Government's most secretive assassination units was stationed here.

Kaito's system had quietly warned him before they arrived.

[System Notification: CP9 Presence Detected.]

[Potential Recruit: Khalifa – Status: Loyal to CP9. Event Trigger Available.]

The system's usual cold text felt heavier this time.

Because to recruit Khalifa, Kaito wouldn't just need strength.

He would need to fracture a lifetime of loyalty.

And offer her something more valuable than orders.

Freedom.

But this wasn't something he could rush.

Like Carmen, like the others, Khalifa had to choose her own path.

For now, they had business to tend to.

Their ship needed repairs.

And Water 7 was the best place for it.

Nojiko immediately set to work, negotiating with the shipwrights and securing temporary docking.

Carmen disappeared into the market, muttering about spice stalls she had been dreaming of since Loguetown.

Kaya visited the local apothecaries, always eager to expand her stock of herbs.

Kuina, though, remained close to Kaito.

"We're being watched," she murmured as they strolled past the shipyards. "The surveillance is good. Almost too good."

Kaito nodded slightly. "CP9's specialty. They don't know who we are yet. But they will."

Kuina's hand rested near her sword. "Do we confront them?"

"Not yet," Kaito said. "We move carefully. I'm here to talk. Not to fight."

His system chimed again.

[Event Trigger: Khalifa is stationed at the Galley-La Company as a secretary. CP9 assignment in progress.]

Kaito didn't need to follow the original storyline perfectly. His presence was already a variable.

But he knew Luffy's crew was here somewhere.

They were chasing their own mission.

And soon, their paths would cross again.

Just like always.

Kaito's chance came sooner than expected.

While discussing repair details with a local shipwright, he overheard a familiar name.

"Galley-La's secretary? You mean Khalifa?" the shipwright laughed. "Sharp woman. Intimidating, really. Barely talks to anyone unless it's business."

Kaito's gaze sharpened.

"She's at Dock One?" he asked casually.

"Yeah. Always working. Rumor says she's from a powerful background, but no one really knows her."

Perfect.

Kaito thanked the shipwright and made his way to Dock One.

Kuina followed silently, her senses sharp as they weaved through the bustling crowds.

Kaito didn't hide.

He walked straight into the lion's den.

Straight into CP9's surveillance net.

And when he entered the main office, there she was.

Khalifa.

Calm. Composed. Efficient.

Her glasses glinted in the sunlight as she shuffled papers, her hair pinned back in its usual style.

She barely glanced at him. "State your business."

Kaito smiled, unbothered. "I'm interested in a shipwright."

Her eyes flicked up, assessing him. "This isn't a walk-in workshop. You need to file—"

"I'm also interested in you."

That stopped her hand mid-page.

Her gaze sharpened. "Excuse me?"

"I've heard about you," Kaito said, stepping closer. "Sharp, disciplined, excellent under pressure. But I wonder—when's the last time you made a decision for yourself?"

Her polite mask didn't crack, but the faintest flicker passed through her eyes.

Danger.

The air in the room shifted.

Without moving, Khalifa's finger tapped the desk twice—a silent signal.

CP9 was now fully aware of Kaito's presence.

But he didn't care.

He wasn't here to win a fight.

He was here to plant a seed.

"I'm not your enemy," Kaito said calmly. "But I am a man who sails free. No flags. No government. No titles."

"And why should I care about your freedom?" she asked coolly, though her voice had subtly tightened.

"Because," Kaito's voice lowered, "I think you want it."

Her hand paused, just briefly, before she resumed writing as if he hadn't spoken.

"Leave," she said. "Before you attract more attention."

Kaito smiled. "I'll be back."

He turned and left without resistance.

Kuina followed, silent until they were several streets away.

"She's on edge now," Kuina said. "Was that smart?"

"She needs to think," Kaito said. "The system said her loyalty isn't absolute yet. She just needs a reason."

Kuina's lips twitched. "And you'll give her one?"

"I'll offer it," Kaito said. "She has to choose it."

Over the next few days, Water 7's peaceful facade unraveled.

The Straw Hats, moving in parallel, were stirring the same hornet's nest.

The theft of their gold, the chase after the Franky Family, and the looming threat of CP9's operation involving the blueprints for the ancient weapon—everything was unfolding.

Kaito's crew stayed carefully on the edges, watching but not interfering.

This wasn't their fight.

But fate, as always, would not let their stories remain separate.

While scouting the docks, Nojiko reported back urgently.

"Kaito, the Straw Hats just clashed with CP9. They're going after Nico Robin. It's a full-scale pursuit."

Kaito's jaw tightened. "Which means Khalifa's mission is falling apart."

He didn't hesitate.

"Prepare to move. We're going to find her."

They found her near the rooftops, separated from the CP9 group during the chaos.

Khalifa was wounded, breathing heavily as she evaded the Straw Hats' attacks.

When she saw Kaito, her eyes flickered—not with hostility, but with something dangerously close to relief.

"You again," she said, voice low. "Why are you here?"

Kaito didn't answer.

He drew his sword and intercepted a pursuing marine with a swift strike, knocking the man unconscious.

Khalifa watched him with sharp, calculating eyes.

"You're interfering," she said.

"No," Kaito replied. "I'm offering you a door."

She hesitated.

The mission was collapsing.

Her cover was blown.

CP9's grip on Water 7 was slipping.

And somewhere deep in her chest, she realized… she didn't want to keep following orders.

Not like this.

"Come with me," Kaito said, voice steady. "Not as a tool. Not as a weapon. But as yourself."

She closed her eyes briefly.

When she opened them, her decision was made.

She walked to his side without another word.

Kaito extended his hand.

She took it.

Kuina smirked faintly. "You're building quite the collection."

Khalifa adjusted her glasses. "I haven't agreed to anything long-term."

"That's fine," Kaito said, leading them back to the ship. "Sail with us until you figure out what you really want."

Her lips twitched, the ghost of a smile.

"Don't expect me to go easy on you."

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

When they returned to the Queen's Grace, Khalifa's introduction to the rest of the crew was… tense.

Nojiko didn't trust her immediately.

Carmen openly rolled her eyes.

Kaya, ever kind, simply offered her medical aid.

Kuina watched her carefully but didn't object.

Trust would take time.

But Kaito didn't rush it.

He let Khalifa settle into her own rhythm, contributing her sharp mind and combat experience to their next journeys.

The Queen's Grace set sail from Water 7 just as the Straw Hats' battle reached its climax.

Kaito didn't interfere.

This was their story.

But his crew's presence had once again shifted the tides.

And as they sailed toward the next island, Khalifa stood at the railing, watching the sea.

"You're not what I expected," she said softly.

Kaito approached. "What did you expect?"

"Another pirate chasing the crown."

"I told you," Kaito said, "I'm not after that."

Her lips curled into a rare smile. "Good."

Because she wasn't interested in following a king.

She was interested in following a man who would let her find her own freedom.

And Kaito was exactly that.

The system chimed in Kaito's mind.

[Recruitment Complete: Khalifa – Status: Trusted Crew Member.]

[New Mission Unlocked: Sky Island Coordinates – Additional Lead Detected.]

The journey was far from over.

Their next stop: the path toward the Knock Up Stream—and the long-awaited Sky Island.