Hearing Jake's words, a thoughtful expression crossed Tesoro's face.
He was no fool—in fact, Tesoro was far more intelligent than most.
The implications hidden in Jake's words alone were enough to send chills down Tesoro's spine.
Looking at Jake, he suddenly bowed deeply again with sincere gratitude.
"Jake-sama, thank you for your guidance today! I truly don't know how to express my gratitude. All profits I earn hereafter will be delivered to you immediately—this is the only way I can repay your kindness."
"There's no need for that, Tesoro. I merely arranged your reunion with Stella. What followed wasn't guidance, just cooperation. You needn't position yourself so humbly."
Tesoro firmly shook his head in response.
"No, Jake-sama, I'm not foolish. Had you not summoned me today to take over the Donquixote Family's various businesses, I can guarantee that with my Gold-Gold Fruit abilities, I would undoubtedly be captured by various factions in the future, becoming their lifelong slave."
"Your abilities aren't lacking. You might even become a regional powerhouse—no need for such pessimism."
"Jake-sama, I have full awareness of my capabilities and know exactly where I stand. Your earlier words already revealed what tremendous changes are coming. In the face of such terrifying storms, individual strength will no longer determine success or failure."
At this point, Tesoro's face flushed slightly, his emotions visibly stirring.
"You just said that the Marines wants to be a player on the world's chessboard, not a piece to be used at will by the World Government—even if that piece is one the World Government absolutely cannot discard. But a piece is still a piece. No matter how important it is now, once the Great Pirate Era is brought to an end, the Marines will become a thorn in the World Government's side!"
"Although it's only been a few years since the Great Pirate Era began, I can say with certainty that such a chaotic and lawless era won't last many more years. Especially with someone like you emerging within the Marines, I'm confident that within the next decade or so, the Great Pirate Era will be completely ended by you, Jake-sama!"
"And when that time comes, the relationship between the Marines and the World Government will inevitably fracture, even turning hostile. I may not fully understand the Marines's political workings, but I know that no one who gains real power is willing to let it go easily—not even the Marines, which represents justice."
"Moreover, from my personal perspective, if the Great Pirate Era is truly ended, there will be no force left in the world capable of opposing the World Government's bloody rule. Honestly, if it weren't for your presence in the Marines, Jake-sama, I'd almost wish for the Great Pirate Era to continue indefinitely. At least then, I might live to see the day the Celestial Dragons' rule is overthrown."
Jake looked at Tesoro, observing his impassioned speech, and didn't interrupt.
He continued listening to Tesoro's analysis.
"But after someone like you, Jake-sama, emerged in the Marines, my outlook on the future completely changed. In this world, if there's one person who can bring light to the people, it's you! I'm not flattering you—this is my genuine belief!"
"Once you end the Great Pirate Era, the Marines will inevitably clash head-on with the World Government. The storm that follows will completely overturn all commerce. By then, it won't be a question of whether to take sides or which side to take—it'll be a necessity to pick the right side, or face annihilation!"
"Though I've consumed the Gold-Gold Fruit, I have nothing else. If I hadn't met you today, Jake-sama, I'm certain I wouldn't even survive until the post-Pirate Era showdown. I'd likely be captured and enslaved long before then. In the end, connections and information gaps are the biggest factors in determining success or failure!"
Jake nodded at Tesoro's analysis.
Truthfully, he hadn't even considered some of these points himself.
Recruiting Tesoro had clearly been the right choice.
After further discussing how to seamlessly take over the Donquixote Family's business operations, Jake concluded their conversation and instructed Tesoro to begin preparations immediately.
Meanwhile, he would leverage his influence with Sengoku to ensure Tesoro's path forward was unimpeded.
Before leaving, Tesoro stood hesitantly at the door of Jake's office, his face flushed as his voice carried a hint of pleading.
"Um, Jake-sama, may I ask... when can I see Stella again?"
Hearing Tesoro's words, Jake chuckled and gave him a helpless look.
"Once we've completely taken over the Doflamingo Family, I'll let you see Stella every day for a month. But until then, focus on your work. If anything goes wrong, the only way we'll be seeing Stella is in the afterlife."
Tesoro scratched his head at this, made a few promises to Jake, and turned to leave.
But just then, Jake suddenly spoke to Tesoro in a calm voice.
"Tesoro, I hope you can grow stronger as quickly as possible. Your Devil Fruit abilities and business acumen are tremendous assets—both for the Marines and for me. Let me tell you something else... I have a premonition that once my Devil Fruit awakens, I might truly be able to bring Miss Stella back to life."
At these words, Tesoro froze completely.
After a moment, he turned to look at Jake, who was still handling official documents, took a deep breath, and declared.
"Jake-sama, as long as I draw breath, no one in this world will ever harm you. I'll assist you in becoming the true king of this world!"
"And when that day comes... when you marry Miss Stella, I must be the officiant."
"It will happen!"