Alpha did her best to prove her innocence, begging Luffy to spare her life. Her pleas were desperate, and her fear was palpable.
Khalifa, watching her sister's pitiful display, pushed her glasses up with an expressionless face. Her tone was calm but cutting as she addressed Alpha. "Our goal is to place someone within the CP0 to monitor the World Government's actions. Do you understand now?"
Alpha froze, her mind struggling to process the implications of her sister's words. She looked utterly petrified, her eyes wide and unblinking.
Luffy, observing the scene, let out an annoyed sigh. He reached out and pinched Khalifa's chin gently but firmly, tilting her face toward his. "Don't push things too far, Khalifa. I understand your intentions, but there's no need to use such extreme methods to save her. Even without this display, I wasn't planning to kill her—because of you."
Khalifa remained calm, her expression steady as she replied, "I know, but I can't take any risks. Even if the chance is infinitesimal, I want to eliminate it before it becomes a problem. Your plans are too important."
Luffy's gaze softened slightly as he regarded her. Despite her usual aloof demeanor, Khalifa's concern for him was genuine, though she masked it with practicality. He shook his head but didn't argue further.
Khalifa turned her attention back to Alpha, who was still frozen in place, a mix of confusion and apprehension etched on her face. A sly smile played on Khalifa's lips as she spoke, her voice laced with a subtle challenge. "If you want to survive, then join us. Help us obscure the truth about Wano Country and distract the Five Elders."
Alpha's forehead was instantly covered in sweat. She had a sinking feeling about what her sister was proposing. Yet, deep down, she recognized it as her only chance to live. As the pieces fell into place, she realized Khalifa was, in her own way, saving her. But the price was steep: allegiance to Luffy and defiance of the World Government.
"Death might be a kinder fate than going against the government," Alpha thought grimly. Yet, a flicker of warmth ignited in her heart. "At least my sister still cares about me in her own twisted way."
Swallowing her fear, she knelt on one knee, lowering her head as she declared, "Luffy—Master Luffy—please believe in me. I swear my loyalty to you. I'll do whatever you ask."
Her voice was firm despite the nervous quiver beneath it. She prayed silently, hoping this act of submission would be enough to spare her life.
Luffy watched her display with a bemused expression, his arms crossed. While her declaration was impressive, he wasn't easily swayed. "That sounds good," he said, his tone skeptical. "But how can I trust you?"
Alpha froze, her mind racing. Loyalty was intangible—it couldn't be seen or proven outright. The only way to earn trust was through time and actions, but she didn't have the luxury of either.
Noticing her hesitation, Luffy tilted his head slightly and glanced at Khalifa. His look silently encouraged her to bridge the gap between them.
Khalifa nodded subtly, understanding his intent. Her voice softened as she addressed him. "Put a restriction on her," she suggested. "With that, I believe she'll never dare to betray you."
"Restriction?" Alpha echoed, her voice trembling. "What's that?"
Despite her confusion, she quickly nodded in agreement. "Yes, Master Luffy! I'm willing to accept any restriction to prove my loyalty."
Luffy chuckled softly, amused by the shift in her demeanor. She was a far cry from the arrogant and domineering woman who had arrived at the base. Without another word, he stood and approached her.
Alpha's body tensed as Luffy extended his hand toward her. She fought the urge to flinch, forcing herself to remain still as his hand moved closer.
When his warm palm finally touched her chest, just above her heart, a sharp cry escaped her lips. "Acridine~!"
Her face flushed crimson, and her body temperature spiked. Her thoughts spiraled wildly. "What is he doing? Khalifa is still here! Aren't they…?"
Before she could finish the thought, a jolt of electricity surged from Luffy's hand into her body, targeting her heart. The sensation was overwhelming, causing her heart to momentarily stop. For two agonizing seconds, she felt nothing but the void.
When her heart finally resumed beating, she gasped for air, her body sagging to one side. Luffy caught her effortlessly, preventing her from collapsing. Alpha immediately placed a trembling hand over her chest, feeling for her heartbeat. Relief washed over her as the familiar rhythm reassured her she was alive.
Her relief quickly turned to dread as she looked up at Luffy, her eyes filled with fear and questions.
Luffy smirked, patting her head lightly. "Relax. I just injected a small amount of lightning into your heart. It's harmless—unless I decide otherwise."
His tone was calm, but his words sent a chill down Alpha's spine.
"If I want to, I can activate that lightning with a single thought. The heat will instantly roast your heart, killing you painlessly."
Alpha shuddered, her hand instinctively covering her chest again. She stared at Luffy, her fear palpable.
"From now on," Luffy continued, "you're forbidden from leaving Wano Country without my explicit permission. Every move you make within Wano will be under my Observation Haki. If I detect even the slightest hint of betrayal…"
He didn't finish the sentence, but the implication was clear. Alpha gulped, nodding vigorously. "Understood, Master Luffy. I won't betray you—I swear it."
Luffy turned away, his hands clasped behind his back. "Good. Make sure you don't give me a reason to doubt you."
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