Half an hour later, when the door to Jake's office swung open, Tesoro stood there—completely different from the man who had arrived earlier.
If the Tesoro who had come before was practically indistinguishable from a walking corpse, the Tesoro now resembled the morning sun, brimming with vitality and vigor.
The life radiating from within him was a stark contrast to the lifeless shell he had been.
Jake looked at Tesoro and smiled faintly before saying.
"Looks like your conversation went well?"
Tesoro's eyes welled up again as he gazed at Jake, but remembering how Jake would tease him later, he fought back the tears and bowed deeply.
"It went incredibly well! Jake-sama, I... I truly don't know how to thank you for this opportunity! Stella told me that after her death, she became like that—and when she saw the state I was in, she was so worried that she stayed by my side. Even though she couldn't speak to me no matter what she tried, she refused to leave."
Hearing this, Jake chuckled and said to Tesoro.
"If what Miss Stella said is true, doesn't that mean she saw everything—even when you were using the toilet?!"
At this, not only did Tesoro's face burn crimson, but even Stella, still in her spectral form, flushed with embarrassment.
The young couple shouted in unison.
"No, she/i didn't see anything!"
The double denial made Jake laugh.
He turned to Tesoro with a grin and said.
"Miss Stella told me she saw everything—even how smelly it was when you used the toilet."
At this, Stella, despite being a spirit, turned an even deeper shade of red.
She looked at Jake, her eyes filled with helpless exasperation.
She had never said anything like that!
'Jake-sama might be a good person, but sometimes his sense of humor was downright mischievous!'
Meanwhile, Tesoro's face was practically glowing red, his head nearly retreating into his shoulders.
"I... I believe Stella wouldn't... wouldn't say such things. It's not like her at all."
Watching Tesoro stammer through his explanation, Jake nodded slightly before steering the conversation back on track.
"Alright, enough joking around. Since you and Miss Stella seem to be getting along well, it's time to address the remaining matters. The main reason I called you here today wasn't just to reunite you with Miss Stella—though that's certainly a pleasant bonus, wouldn't you agree?"
As Jake spoke, Tesoro's expression remained warm with gratitude.
He took a deep breath and looked at Jake with sincere eyes.
"Jake-sama, from the moment you allowed me to see Stella again, I've been prepared to accept any demand you make without resistance. If you'll just let me meet Stella a few more times, I'd willingly die for you without complaint. So in truth, today's matter was already settled long ago."
Here, Tesoro rubbed his fingers together before continuing with a slow smile.
"No matter what request you make, Jake-sama, as long as it's within my power, please don't hesitate. You may not realize just how enormous this favor is—letting me see Stella again. To repay this debt, I'm willing to offer you everything I have."
Seeing Tesoro's earnest demeanor, Jake understood that any further negotiation would be pointless—the man would refuse any advantage offered to him.
There was no need for pretense; Jake wasn't the type to feign excessive nobility through tedious refusals.
Of course, he had no intention of actually sending Tesoro to his death.
Any tasks assigned would be within the man's capabilities.
"In that case, I'll get straight to the point, Tesoro. My purpose in summoning you is simple: Do you have what it takes to take over the Donquixote Family's entire business network and all their operations?"
At this, Tesoro's pupils dilated slightly.
His head snapped up to meet Jake's calm gaze, as if verifying some unimaginable proposition.
"Jake-sama... are we talking about what I think we're talking about?"
"Clearly, you've guessed correctly, Tesoro. The Donquixote Family has been troublesome in the underworld, with complex backing. They've become a malignant presence for the Marines in many aspects. I intend to install a more compliant organization—and I've chosen you as its representative. Will you accept?"
Far from refusing Jake's blunt proposal, Tesoro's eyes burned with intensity as he replied, voice trembling slightly.
"How could I possibly refuse when you've selected me for this task, Jake-sama? I've been studying the Donquixote Family recently—their business network spans both legal and illegal enterprises, with financial channels so vast it's hard to comprehend. To be honest... the prospect of taking over all their operations... it's rather daunting."
"Take the legitimate business sector, for example. The Donquixote Family has dealings with nobles and even royalty from most World Government-affiliated nations. The reason those people are willing to work with Doflamingo is inseparable from his identity. Compared to the lowly bloodlines of ordinary merchants, that unspeakable lineage clearly holds tremendous advantage. Frankly, I can't handle the business of these high-nosed aristocrats, and this portion accounts for a significant share."
Listening to Tesoro's words, Jake simply took a sip of tea before speaking softly.
"That's nothing for you to worry about. Whatever Doflamingo can achieve in legitimate business, I can make happen for you too. If those arrogant nobles don't wish to continue business, then naturally the Marines will come asking them some questions. The winds are changing soon—the Marines' role will undergo a major transformation. If this sea were a chessboard, the Marines would soon transition from being pieces to becoming players."
At this point, Jake suddenly chuckled self-deprecatingly.
"Having been pieces for so long, when we become players, we'll naturally need to make an example of some other pieces or players."