The feeling clung to her like an addiction, refusing to fade.
As Stussy lingered in the moment, a soft haze rose in her eyes.
What Daren didn't know was that all her knowledge and skill in seduction and romance weren't learned through personal experience.
Stussy was a product of Vegapunk's genetic cloning technology—a clone of Buckingham Stussy, a former member of the Rocks Pirates. She was the first successful subject of MADS's cloning experiments.
To ensure she could infiltrate the World Government and take control of the Pleasure District in the New World, Vegapunk had edited her genes, embedding both physical traits and theoretical knowledge into her design.
With scientific capabilities five centuries ahead of the world, such feats were hardly difficult for Vegapunk.
So, while Stussy was well-versed in theory, she had never actually put any of it into practice—until now.
"Ahem… so, why?"
Daren finally couldn't hold back his curiosity. Trying to keep a straight face, he asked,
"Your technique and experience... they're way too good for a first time."
"And you're the Queen of the Pleasure District. Doesn't that just seem impossible?"
Stussy shot him a glare.
"With my ability, once I bite someone in my vampire form, I can put them into a deep sleep," she said.
"During that sleep, I can weave and control their dreams."
Now that Daren had leverage over her, Stussy didn't bother to hide the truth.
Dream control… wet dreams?!
Daren's face darkened with realization.
Good thing he had trained his body to the level of an Indestructible Body.
Otherwise, if he'd been pulled into a dream like that… he'd be totally screwed!
Still, he hadn't expected it to be so straightforward.
So… it really was her first time.
He… seriously lucked out.
"Well then… Daren-san, you got what you wanted," Stussy said, glancing over at him. She bit her red lip lightly.
"So please, keep this a secret."
Huh? Why does this whole setup feel so familiar...?
Even Daren found it all a bit absurd.
He was just about to agree when he paused—then smiled with obvious mischief.
"That depends on how you behave from now on, Queen of the Pleasure District."
Stussy froze.
This shameless bastard!
He was seriously planning to blackmail her with this?!
Daren chuckled, grabbed a fork, and casually stabbed a piece of steak, popping it into his mouth with clear satisfaction.
Watching the alluring woman across from him squirm in frustration felt damn good.
Stussy was no ordinary woman.
She was an Underworld Emperor, Queen of the Pleasure District.
A top agent of CP0—the World Government's highest intelligence division.
And a subordinate of the genius scientist, Vegapunk.
If used properly, she'd be a massive asset.
Her status in the Pleasure District could help him plant informants throughout the New World, gather intel, and coordinate with Doffy in the future—potentially allowing them to gain complete control over the underworld of the seas.
Her CP0 identity would be just as valuable. It could give him an inside view of the World Government. And if he ever turned against them, she'd be a hidden trump card he could play.
As for her connection to Vegapunk—Daren wasn't letting that slip by either.
If the opportunity arose, he might just be able to use Stussy to make contact with Vegapunk himself.
"What else do you want?! I've already done everything you asked!"
Stussy glared at Daren.
Daren slowly savored the premium steak and smiled.
"There's too much I want… I couldn't list it all even if I tried."
"But one thing's for sure…"
He set down his utensils, picked up a napkin, wiped his mouth, then stood up and walked toward her step by step.
"Right now… I want you."
Stussy's eyes flickered with panic as Daren approached.
Hadn't they just finished not long ago?
The memories of what had just happened surged back into her mind. Her heartbeat quickened wildly.
Daren placed a hand gently on her cheek.
Stussy made a weak, symbolic struggle, but his voice was already murmuring playfully by her ear—
"Didn't you enjoy it too?"
Her whole body trembled. She bit her lip tightly.
"That was a bit too rough earlier. This time… use all those moves of yours, alright?"
Daren grinned.
"Don't worry—I promise… this is the last time."
...
An hour later.
Feeling completely relaxed, Daren walked out the front doors of the luxurious hotel, a bright smile on his face. He casually tossed a thick wad of cash to the doorman, earning a look of unrestrained admiration from the young man.
...
Inside the hotel's shower room, Stussy stood beneath the steaming stream of water, her legs still trembling slightly.
"Damn bastard, making me pose like that…"
Her cheeks were flushed and burning. She couldn't tell whether it was from the heat of the water—or something else entirely.
She cupped her hands to scoop water and rinse her mouth, her gaze filled with silent frustration.
Despite her wealth of theoretical knowledge, this had been her first time actually applying it.
Putting it into practice personally... was more disorienting than she had expected.
"Well, it's fine. This was the last time anyway."
She consoled herself with that thought, and her mood gradually began to ease.
But as she stood there, something unspoken crossed her mind. Slowly, her eyes grew misty again.
The subtle allure between her brows... was undeniable.
...
After leaving the hotel lobby, Daren began strolling leisurely through the lively, bustling island.
Casinos, hotels, bubble baths, izakayas, kabuki theaters, slave auctions, fighting arenas… every type of illicit business imaginable could be found here.
The streets were lined with countless shops, and every dozen meters or so, another pleasure house would appear—young women in all sorts of costumes enthusiastically calling out for customers.
Slender beauties in slit cheongsams, fiery bikini-clad girls, cute and flirtatious bunny girls... whatever your tastes, this island had it all.
"It really lives up to its reputation as a world-famous money pit…"
Daren clicked his tongue in admiration. He had to admit—Stussy's business acumen and managerial talent were impressive.
To build an underground empire of this scale in the chaotic waters of the New World was no small feat.
Especially in the gray market—where behind every dazzling facade, blood often flowed unseen.
Massive profits meant brutal competition.
Staring out across the sprawling industry before him, Daren began calculating just how much advantage he could squeeze out of the support Stussy could provide.
...
"Mr. Jill, you're finally here! We've missed you so much...!"
A chorus of flirtatious voices rang out from the street corner ahead.
Daren couldn't help but chuckle.
"Mr. Jill"… Who the hell would pick a dumb name like that?
Curious, he turned toward the sound—only for the sight before him to leave him completely stunned.
He stood there, frozen, as the breeze rustled around him.
"Tokikake!?"