Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari
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"10 billion Berries?"
Daichi stared at Stussy, his eyes full of possessiveness.
When Doflamingo invaded Dressrosa, King Riku only managed to gather 10 billion Berries with the entire nation's strength. For ordinary forces, 10 billion is indeed an unimaginably huge sum.
Even the Four Emperors would find it difficult to produce so much money at once, let alone spend it all on a woman. Who would be so wasteful?
But the woman before him was one of the New World's Underground Emperors, the Queen of the Pleasure District, a prominent figure combining beauty and status, second only to the Pirate Empress among women.
Isn't it just 10 billion Berries? There will always be money. The pirate business is all about face and extravagance. What could be more prestigious than keeping the Queen of the Pleasure District?
Alright, alright, this price is very fair!
It's not about the high price, it's about having a price!
This money must be spent!
Since he came to Pleasure District, he naturally came for revelry. If he doesn't spend money to physically interact with the girls, can he really talk about feelings?
Moreover, he had a bold idea!
Stussy felt a chill run down her spine from his gaze. His naked stare seemed to want to devour her; it was quite frightening.
This brute wouldn't actually take it seriously, would he?
Stussy suppressed her unease and said with a smile, "Talking so directly to girls won't make you popular, you know!"
"Girl?"
Daichi scrutinized the woman.
If he remembered correctly, this woman was probably in her early thirties. Although not very old, she couldn't really be called a girl, could she?
Seeing Daichi's skepticism, Stussy narrowed her eyes, a hint of threat in her sweet smile, "Is there a problem?"
"No!"
Daichi complied decisively, chuckling.
"Miss Stussy, what can I do for you?"
"Mr. Daichi, last night, my losses were quite significant."
Stussy suppressed her emotions, propped her chin with one hand, and smilingly handed a bill to Daichi.
"Hmm?"
Daichi picked up the bill, looking at the list of losses and a long string of numbers, his eyebrow involuntarily raised.
It was the losses from last night's battle.
"Small problem."
Daichi reached into his pocket, felt his dry wallet, and his movements stiffened.
Damn it, no money.
He had been spending lavishly recently, almost all the money he earned was gone. There should be some left on the ship, but definitely not much.
The upcoming journey would require a lot of money, especially for recruiting strong individuals, otherwise, what would they gain?
He also needed to gather 10 billion Berries for the upkeep fee.
Stussy's lips curved, her eyes full of amusement as she looked at Daichi: "If you don't have money, you don't have to pay it back. It's just a bar, nothing significant."
"No, this money must be compensated!"
Daichi's brow furrowed, radiating an intimidating aura without anger.
How could he not compensate for damaging someone else's property!
This was a matter of principle!
As for the houses on Hachinosu, that was a tragedy caused by Kizaru. The debt should be sought from Kizaru, it had nothing to do with him.
Stussy was startled by Daichi's serious reaction. She had not expected the man, who had just been so playful, to react with such seriousness when the bill was mentioned.
She didn't care at all about the loss of just one bar; she brought it up merely to gain the upper hand in the conversation.
Not bad at all.
She was also in business, so she naturally preferred reliable partners.
Daichi pondered for several seconds.
"How about this, I'll owe it for now, and the interest will be calculated at 30%. In two months, I'll have my subordinates send the money back."
"Alright."
Stussy nodded, not wanting to waste time on this minor issue. There were important matters to discuss next.
The woman took out another letter.
"Mr. Daichi, I wonder if you're interested in this."
"This is..."
Daichi opened the letter.
It was an invitation, and a VIP seat at that.
"Central Fighting Tournament?"
"That's right."
Stussy stirred her orange juice, her seductive red lips slightly parting, "I'd like to invite Mr. Daichi to come with me, if that's alright?"
"Well, about that."
Daichi frowned in thought.
The Central Fighting Tournament is an annual grand event held in the New World.
Not only are the prizes very generous, but it's also a great opportunity for contestants to become famous. Moreover, major powers are invited to watch the matches and recruit their preferred contestants.
In short, it's a talent show.
It's suitable for newcomers who have just debuted, and also for those veterans who have some fame but not much, and whose strength is neither top nor bottom.
He did want to recruit a Tobi Roppo member, so he could indeed go and join the fun, but the hope wasn't very high. Even if there were good prospects, they would need a few years of training.
Daichi became a little interested.
"Why invite me?"
"It's all your fault."
Stussy glared at him resentfully, like a lover's playful scolding, almost captivating Daichi's soul.
Heh, this woman definitely likes him!
Stussy pointed a finger at Daichi, scolding him quite angrily, "When you Four Emperors fight, we little people suffer along with you."
"Totto Land has already dispatched a fleet, and it will arrive at Pleasure District soon. If a war breaks out here, my Pleasure District will be finished!"
"If you want to fight, go somewhere else, don't cause trouble for me!"
When the Four Emperors fight, even the aftermath alone can destroy a country, let alone a small Pleasure District.
"I see."
Daichi nodded, indicating understanding.
He would be panicked too if he were in her shoes.
But that wasn't the main point. The main point was that Totto Land had dispatched a fleet, and he didn't think Stussy would easily tell him such information.
It would offend Big Mom.
There were many ways to make him leave, and he wasn't clinging on. Stussy didn't need to risk offending Big Mom.
Offering courtesy without reason means treachery or theft!
Daichi's mind stirred.
This woman invited him to go with her, could it be that she wanted to see him fight a Sweet Commander?
He knew Stussy's true identity; she was a senior agent of CP0. From the World Government's perspective, a war between the Four Emperors was indeed a good thing.
But that was all.
When the Four Emperors meet, they stop at a certain point.
They all have families and subordinates, so unless absolutely necessary, they wouldn't truly go to war. A sky-splitting clash to show friendliness would be enough.
Unless he really killed Oven.
He was 100% certain that Big Mom would definitely not personally seek revenge on him. At most, she would send Katakuri, and even the probability of Katakuri leading the team was not high.
Big Mom would only likely send Katakuri to face King, the second-in-command of the Beast Pirates. There's a specific dynamic at play here.
However, Totto Land is maintained by blood ties, and there are many doting siblings there. Katakuri and Oven are full brothers, so it's possible he would stand up for Oven.
Even so, at most, it would just be a fight with him to regain face; they wouldn't truly fight to the death.
It was just normal friction between the Four Emperors.
So, was Stussy doing this for him?
Daichi was a little amused.
CP0 is an intelligence department, and their job is intelligence work. He, as the new All-Star, was indeed a key target of their attention.
Having a beautiful woman accompany him wasn't bad either.
Stussy had ideas about him, and he also had ideas about Stussy, not just physically, but also about the hidden background behind the woman.
Vegapunk!
Pacifista, Seraphim, artificial Devil Fruit, and a bunch of strange high-tech products.
Even... Mother Flame!
There were countless things worth coveting.
It's decided, save money first!
Physical intimacy can enhance feelings!
Daichi's smile bloomed.
"Alright, I'll go with you!"
"Hmph, at least you're sensible."
Stussy snorted lightly, giving Daichi a charming and alluring roll of her eyes.