Amidst the lighthearted atmosphere, the Bluma Jackson continued its voyage.
Rett had left Robin in Windmill Village, leaving it entirely up to her whether she wished to stay or leave. At least now, she wouldn't have to live that kind of wandering, uncertain life anymore.
This reminded Rett of the feeling he had when leaving Roger's crew. He never hesitated to pass on what he knew, but in the end, everyone had to walk their own path.
Year 1506 of the Sea Circle Calendar. (Yes, six years have passed in the blink of an eye. Some major events have been postponed, while certain missed opportunities have been shifted forward. If you're a historian, you're not wrong consider it the "butterfly effect" from Rett's arrival in this world.)
At present, Rett was strong enough to challenge Whitebeard at his peak, defeat the young version of the three Admirals in one-on-one battles, and even manage a hard-fought victory in a three-on-one fight. But if it came to facing Vice Admiral Garp in a fair duel, Rett would turn tail and run.
Moria had now reached the power level of a Warlord of the Sea. Enel, after six grueling years of merciless training, had barely managed to scrape into the mid-tier Warlord level still a significant leap from his original portrayal.
It had been nearly six years since Rett rescued Tesoro. What was meant to be a peaceful, sunny voyage was interrupted when the Den Den Mushi Rett had left him began to ring. Tesoro was inviting Rett to come visit.
Six years earlier, Rett had saved Tesoro and Stella from the blood-soaked auction house in the Sabaody Archipelago. Now, they were no longer slaves, but the rulers of a glittering, bustling city.
Standing at the highest floor of the golden casino, Tesoro gazed down at the dazzling streets below. He idly ran his fingers along the single gold ring on his left hand, the corners of his mouth curving into a satisfied smile. Unlike in the original tale, he no longer wore nine rings this one was the symbol of his love for Stella.
"Lord Tesoro, Lord Rett's ship has docked," a servant reported respectfully.
"So he's finally here?" Tesoro's eyes flickered with anticipation before returning to a calm composure.
He turned and walked into the room where Stella sat at a grand piano, her fingers dancing gracefully over the keys.
A faint scar still marked her knee the cruel brand left by the Celestial Dragons but her eyes no longer held fear, only peace.
"Stella, the king has arrived," Tesoro said softly.
The music ceased. Stella looked up, a gentle smile on her lips. "That man? I've been looking forward to meeting him again."
Tesoro took her hand. "If it weren't for him, we wouldn't have today. I want him to see what we've become."
Stella nodded, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "Yes… he gave us a second life."
At the harbor, Rett's ship eased into port.
"Wow! This place is filthy rich! It's like Skypiea!" Perona floated in the air, her eyes sparkling. "Gold everywhere!"
Moria snorted. "Hmph. The taste of a nouveau riche."
Rett gave him a mockingly exaggerated look. "Oh~ someone's jealous. Didn't you have that thing… what was it called… the Demon Triangle Ship? Leaked water, didn't it?"
Moria bared his shark-like teeth. "Says the guy who had a ship but couldn't sail it without kidnapping innocent pirates to do the work."
The two pressed their foreheads together, glaring.
"You wanna fight, you bastard?"
"Anytime, bastard captain."
Enel crossed his arms, sneering. "Mortals are always obsessed with such petty things."
Rett shoved Moria's head aside though honestly, without going all out, Rett couldn't win in a battle of neck strength. That ridiculously long neck was cheating.
Rett smirked. "How old are you two again? So childish. Anyway, your glorious captain will introduce you to the third crew member of the Nirvana. Enel, that means you're only fourth now."
At that moment, a procession of finely dressed attendants approached in perfect formation, led by Tesoro himself.
"Lord Rett." Tesoro knelt on one knee, respectful but not servile. "Welcome to your domain."
Rett looked him up and down, smiling in amusement. "Not bad, Tesoro. Doing well for yourself."
Tesoro rose, eyes gleaming with confidence. "Thanks to you."
Stella approached and gave Rett a graceful bow. "Mr. Rett, it's been a long time."
Rett waved it off. "Long time no see, Miss Stella."
Tesoro pulled Stella down beside him, both kneeling. "Captain Rett, thank you for pulling us out of hell. Back then, I never properly thanked you."
Rett brushed it aside. "Don't start with that. You called me here because there's food, right? I'm starving."
Tesoro chuckled. "Of course. A feast is ready. Please, follow me."
Inside the banquet hall, the long table was piled high with delicacies and fine wine.
Rett sat without ceremony, grabbed a whole roast lamb leg, and tore into it. "Alright, spill it. What's this really about?"
Tesoro sat opposite, fingers steepled. "For six years, I've done as you advised building my wealth and influence."
"Oh?" Rett raised an eyebrow. "And?"
Tesoro's eyes sharpened. "I want to prove to you that I'm worthy of a place on your crew."
Rett smirked. "Just with all this gold?"
Tesoro shook his head. "No. With this."
He gestured, and an attendant handed Rett a document.
One glance, and Rett's brows lifted. It was a list of the world government's bribery network hundreds of high-ranking Marines, officials, and nobles implicated.
"Money can corrupt anything, even the Marines' so-called 'justice'," Tesoro said in a low, dangerous voice. "If you wish, I can turn part of the Navy and the government's forces into our pawns."
Rett studied him for a few seconds before bursting into laughter. "Hahaha! Not bad, Tesoro! You're more interesting than I thought!"
Tesoro's lips curled slightly. "Then… my value?"
Rett nodded. He had expected Tesoro to succeed, but not so quickly. From the look of it, Tesoro had also gained the Gold-Gold Fruit. "Alright! You're in."
A flicker of excitement crossed Tesoro's face, but he quickly regained his composure. "Before that, please enjoy the show I've prepared for you."
"Oh?"
Tesoro's smile turned cold. "CP0 has already set their sights on this place."
Rett grinned. "Perfect. I could use some exercise."
Tesoro raised a hand, stopping him from rising. "You don't need to lift a finger, Lord Rett. I've arranged for you to have the best seat in the house. I will prove my strength is worthy of joining your Crimson Dawn."
Tesoro had his own ambitions. He intended to become the second Silvers Rayleigh if Rett aimed to be Pirate King, he would be the right hand.
If Rett sought to rule the world, Tesoro would be the minister who expanded his dominion.
He would become the dagger aimed straight at the enemy's heart, all for the captain and their shared glory.
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