This damn man... Just like the rumors said—an unrepentant womanizer who never turns anyone down!
Stussy felt a surge of irritation.
She wasn't sure if she was angrier at her own reaction... or at this shameless Marine's sheer audacity.
But now that the game had begun, there was no way she was backing down.
Daren's smug, fearless attitude only stoked her competitive fire.
After all, as the Queen of Pleasure Street, there was no trick of seduction she didn't know.
Many of the top-tier geisha and courtesans under her had been trained by her personally. These enchanting women, who could make even the most hardened men empty their wallets and hearts, weren't just entertainers—they were also expert assassins and spies.
Because men, well… they loved to brag when a beautiful woman was in their arms and wine was in their veins.
With just a few well-placed words, a professionally trained courtesan could tease out even their most guarded secrets.
And when it came to the art of seduction, Stussy reigned supreme across the entire sea—an undisputed queen without a crown.
In this kind of game, whoever flinched first lost.
So her cherry-red lips curled into a sultry smile.
"Daren-san, you're quite the honest one... In that case, I won't hold back."
She rose from the sofa with lazy grace, each step toward him light and elegant.
Her deep red high heels clicked crisply on the floor, each note seemingly striking the heart.
Daren, no stranger to these kinds of moves, immediately recognized the sound.
Back in his previous life—before his journey across time—he knew that sound well. It usually meant one thing: temptation was close.
The closer those heels came, the more it felt like a blind box about to be opened. And usually, the moment the door to that private room swung open, he knew his paycheck was already gone.
But this was different.
Here was the most elite, most refined, and most versatile courtesan in the entire New World—coming to serve him.
Sure, it lacked the thrill of surprise, but who could really complain?
Lost in thought, he barely noticed Stussy had already reached the bedside.
She extended a pair of perfectly maintained pale hands. Her fingers, polished with crimson nail lacquer, gently traced the contours of Daren's firm chest.
"So this is the body even the legendary pirate—Big Mom Charlotte Linlin—longs to possess."
Stussy moved like a sinuous serpent, her slender waist swaying hypnotically as she leaned in close to Daren's ear.
Her lips brushed his earlobe, warm breath tinged with perfume, as she whispered with a teasing laugh,
"If Linlin knew about this, she'd be furious, wouldn't she?"
Soft whispers at his ear, a feather-light touch on his chest… but all the while, Daren was sneering inwardly.
Heh... you're playing with fire, woman.
He let his breathing quicken, his expression flickering with a flash of panic as he gritted his teeth.
"I've got no interest in that crazy hag!"
"Hehehe... But what about me, Daren-san? Interested?"
Stussy giggled as her fingers traced downward, brushing along the ridges of his defined abs.
Daren's body stiffened slightly.
"You..."
Noticing the subtle reaction, a glint of triumph sparkled in Stussy's eyes.
"My, Daren-san… your body is so honest."
Hey now, that's supposed to be my line.
Still... he had to admit, it was kind of satisfying.
He couldn't deny it—this woman's seduction game was sharp.
If he weren't such a seasoned veteran, he might've surrendered already.
With that in mind, Daren decided to play along, keeping a forced calm on his face as the dance continued.
Heh... didn't expect him to be this cute. In that case, let's keep teasing him a little more.
Stussy's eyes sparkled as her fingers continued their slow, deliberate motion. She smiled with feigned innocence.
"And I've heard that Daren-san has a stunning wife back at Marine Headquarters. Aren't you worried she might get upset if she found out about all this?"
No, you're overthinking it.
If Toki knew, not only would she not be angry—she'd probably grab your hand and ask to be best friends.
After all, if I can win you over, I might just gain access to the entire Pleasure District's resources, influence, and sprawling intelligence network.
Daren shifted slightly, feigning discomfort, and let out a cold chuckle.
"Sounds like you've done your homework."
Stussy laughed lightly, unfazed.
"Isn't that to be expected?"
"Daren-san, you're one of the most influential men on the seas. Power, prestige, a record of victories that shines like gold."
"Since your debut, you've taken down the world destroyer Byrnndi World…
Cut off Kozuki Oden's arm—Whitebeard's sworn brother…
Foiled Shiki the Golden Lion's plans over and over without breaking a sweat…
Killed three of Big Mom Charlotte Linlin's biological children with your own hands…
Even Douglas Bullet, that monster of the Roger Pirates—the Demon Heir—was crippled because of you."
"And just yesterday, you shook the world with that stunning graduation speech... and followed it up with a 'strategic deterrent' attack on Totto Land."
"Right now, you're the hottest name across the seas. You've even surpassed the three pillars of the Marines—Sengoku, Garp, and Zephyr."
As she listed off his achievements, Stussy leaned in and gently kissed the edge of Daren's ear, leaving a faint red mark.
"Do you know what they're calling you these days?"
Her lips curled, and her eyes shimmered with teasing allure.
She drew out each word slowly, with deliberate rhythm:
"The new generation's Marine monster."
"The uncrowned king of the North Blue."
"Heir to the Marine's three great pillars."
"A strategic-level deterrent weapon."
"The ender of legends."
"And..."
Her fingers brushed along Daren's sharply defined cheek, soft and intimate like a lover's caress. She leaned in, eyes locking with his, her tone tender yet electrifying.
"...the future Flying Admiral."
Daren smiled, then without hesitation, wrapped an arm around her waist. His large hand slid downward with clear intent.
"So I've racked up that many titles already? All without realizing?"
"To be honest, hearing them all together is a little embarrassing. If I had to introduce myself with that mouthful, I'd probably laugh halfway through."
Imagine reeling off that long list only for someone to respond with, 'Sorry, I don't remember that many names.' Now that'd be awkward.
He chuckled, shaking his head.
"Nicknames definitely sound better coming from someone else."
Stussy let out a soft laugh, then just as his hand was about to cross the line, she gently pushed him back with a coy smile and an air of delicate innocence.
"For someone like you, Daren-san, it's only natural that I'd be a little curious... right?"
Hah... she's good at this back-and-forth game.
Daren's eye twitched slightly.
Seeing the slight frustration on his face, Stussy looked even more pleased with herself.
"And besides," she added with a sly smile, "didn't you already investigate me, Daren-san?"
"I'm guessing you knew exactly who I was the moment I walked through that door."