"Alright, I have to admit. You've convinced me."
Tanaka looked down at Kalifa, not paying attention to her breasts but instead focusing on her eyes.
This woman, whether she was in the One Piece world or the Naruto world, would undoubtedly survive well.
Perhaps she didn't have the same level of talent as Lucci, but talent wasn't just limited to physical skills or Haki.
Moreover, the Door-Door Fruit was such a useful ability—destroying it so recklessly would be a waste.
After all, compared to holding the great power of the Hyūga clan in the Naruto world, in the One Piece world, he didn't even have a single useful subordinate.
Of course, he didn't just acknowledge Kalifa's abilities—he also remembered something she had just said.
CP9 only prioritizes each other's lives above all else.
Today, she bowed her head to him alongside Blueno and Jabra. Tomorrow, she might turn around and stab him in the back with them.
So…
"As you wish. I will take you in. And your companions as well."
As soon as he finished speaking, the charming smile on Kalifa deepened, and she also seemed relieved.
After all, she was only 15 years old at the moment. Compared to her time at Enies Lobby, whether in terms of age, strength, or mental resilience, she was definitely lacking.
Having not yet experienced the life-and-death struggles and the highs and lows, it was impossible for her to remain completely calm and unaffected.
"Since I've agreed to take in CP9, I naturally have my own means of controlling you all."
"Just as you said, in your eyes, only the lives of your fellow CP9 members come first."
Tanaka's Byakugan was still activated.
With a view without blind spots, it allowed him to capture every minute change in Kalifa's facial expressions and gaze.
He saw it all clearly.
Including the fleeting sense of relief in her eyes.
"Suit yourself."
Kalifa straightened her posture, kneeling before Tanaka, naturally exuding a seductive allure that made one want to conquer her.
Whether in terms of body or beauty, she wasn't the absolute top, but her natural charm, combined with the grooming from the World Government, gave her an air of innate seduction.
The easiest way to control me must be through his fruit's ability.
As long as I survive and report everything that happened today to the World Government...
On the surface, Kalifa appeared completely submissive to Tanaka, but in her heart, she was already plotting.
In terms of knowledge and intellect, she was undoubtedly the most well-informed among her companions.
After all, coming from a CP9 family, she had been exposed to various intelligence and records from Cipher Pol since childhood.
So, from the beginning, she had already devised a survival plan—even a way to turn the tables.
First, persuade Tanaka to ensure her own safety. Then, allow him to plant some sort of Devil Fruit ability control on her to gain his initial trust. After that, she would look for an opportunity to return to Enies Lobby and report everything to the World Government.
As for whatever control Tanaka left on her, it could be solved.
If it was poison, the World Government had access to the most advanced medical systems in the world; detoxifying it would be no problem.
If it was a Devil Fruit ability, she only needed to train in Haki until it reached a sufficient level to break free from the Devil Fruit's control. At least, that what he thought.
However, what happened next made Kalifa recall a certain phrase: It was at this moment he knew he fucked up.
Maybe not the exact phrase but something with the same meaning.
"You must be thinking... Will I use poison, or will I use the power of my Devil Fruit to control you? Is that right?"
Tanaka leaned forward slightly, suddenly closing the distance between them until their noses were almost touching.
"So, tell me, do you think I should use poison? Or would the power of a Devil Fruit be better?"
Before Kalifa could answer, he asked again.
"Poison... better not."
"If you were to simply use poison on me, I would hold onto a sliver of hope, searching for a way to counteract it. In that case, it wouldn't be good for either of us."
"So, in my opinion, using your Devil Fruit ability would be the better choice. After all, the Op-Op Fruit must have abilities beyond what other Devil Fruits can achieve."
"Of course, this is just my opinion. Ultimately, everything is up to you."
Kalifa felt uneasy deep inside, but on the surface, she maintained the appearance of someone loyally considering things from Tanaka's perspective.
Refusing to answer might provoke a killing intent.
The best approach was to objectively present the pros and cons of both methods, then offer her own perspective, while ultimately leaving the decision to Tanaka himself.
"I get the final say? Alright then. I choose neither option."
Tanaka gazed deeply at Kalifa, staring at her until she broke into a nervous sweat. Then, suddenly, he raised his left hand and placed it atop Kalifa's head.
"Don't move."
Kalifa instinctively tensed up, but before she could react, an undeniable voice exploded in her ear like a thunderclap.
"You… what do you intend to do to me?"
Her unease grew stronger. Her instincts screamed that things were unfolding far beyond her expectations.
But right now, she had no choice but to force herself to remain calm, avoid any rash actions, and maintain her previous obedient and submissive demeanor.
And so…
She allowed Tanaka's hand to rest on her head, doing her best to suppress any reaction that might suggest resistance. She relaxed her body, adopting the posture of a temptress pressing herself against her captor.
"Caged Bird Seal."
Tanaka watched Kalifa's "performance," a hint of indifference flashing deep within his Byakugan. His right hand quickly formed seals.
With a series of long and complex hand signs, his fingers slightly tightened around Kalifa's head.
Then, chakra surged from his palm.
As the final seal was completed, thin, snake-like green markings emerged from his palm, wrapping around her head. These markings linked her eyes and brain together, ultimately forming a cross-shaped curse mark embedded into her forehead.