Under the night sky, the Grand Tesoro casino still glittered with dazzling lights. The nobles, drunk on wine and indulgence, reveled without a care, completely unaware that a storm was about to descend.
Tesoro stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, his fingertips tapping lightly against the glass, his reflection wearing a cold smile.
"Lord Tesoro, CP0 has already infiltrated the city. Estimated arrival at the casino in ten minutes," a bodyguard in black whispered.
"How many?"
"Twelve in total. Their leader is 'White Snake' Abraham."
Tesoro's pupils narrowed slightly as his fingers unconsciously rubbed the golden ring on his left hand.
"Abraham… is that so?" he murmured softly, the corners of his mouth curling into a sinister grin.
Behind him, Stella placed her slender fingers gently on his shoulder. "Lord Rett has already arrived at the viewing deck. He says he's looking forward to your performance."
Tesoro shook his head, eyes burning with icy rage.
"Good. This time… I will crush them myself."
Stella gave him a gentle embrace. "Be careful, my dear. I'll be waiting for you to come back."
Tesoro returned a tender kiss. "I will." (I wanted to write more here, but I know you readers definitely wouldn't want to see it, so… skipping.)
Twelve shadows moved like ghosts through the dark alleys of the Golden City, the white suits on their backs fluttering in the night wind.
(White suits as the standard uniform… guys, I just had a thought — I should make suits and sell them to the World Government. Instant fortune.)
"Target confirmed: Gild Tesoro, former Celestial Dragon slave. In just a few years, he's become the 'Golden Emperor' of the underworld, wielder of the Gold-Gold Fruit. Suspected of having dealings with Rett." Abraham's voice was low and raspy. "Orders from the Five Elders — eliminate him."
But the moment they stepped into the casino doors—
"Welcome, distinguished guests."
Tesoro sat at the far end of the gambling table, one leg crossed over the other, spinning a gold coin between his fingers. His smile was refined yet dangerous — he had been waiting for this moment.
Abraham narrowed his eyes. "You knew we'd come?"
Tesoro chuckled lightly. "Of course. After all, money can buy anything one desires."
"And that includes your lives. Correction — this isn't a 'deal.' You're merely part of a clumsy performance I'm presenting to my king."
Before the words had even faded, his fist clenched tight!
"Gold… Domination!"
In an instant, the floor, walls, and ceiling of the entire casino transformed into flowing gold! The ground beneath CP0 collapsed without warning, countless golden tendrils rising like venomous snakes to ensnare them!
"What?!"
"The entire building is made of gold — retreat, now!"
Tesoro rose slowly, the gold in his control condensing into a massive battle axe, which he rested on his shoulder.
"Do you really think… I'm still that slave who used to kneel and beg?"
The battle erupted in an instant!
CP0 leader "White Snake" Abraham struck first — Six Powers: Shave — appearing right in front of Tesoro, his finger spear aimed straight at Tesoro's throat!
But—
CLANG!
The golden axe blocked the strike, Tesoro swinging back in a vicious counter. Abraham leapt back, but the gold beneath his feet suddenly surged upward, forming a sharp spike that pierced through his shoulder!
"Urgh—!"
"Captain!" The other CP0 agents roared as they charged in, unleashing Tempest Kicks, Iron Body, and Paper Arts — all Six Powers at full force!
Tesoro only sneered.
"Gold… God's Judgment."
The entire casino collapsed with a deafening roar! A golden tidal wave swallowed all of CP0 whole, the molten metal seeping into their mouths, noses, veins — even their organs!
"Cough… this… this is…!"
"That gold dust from earlier?!"
Tesoro walked leisurely through the golden hell, looking down at the struggling enemies.
"You lapdogs of the Celestial Dragons love to brand slaves with 'marks,' don't you?"
He raised his hand and clenched his fist.
"Now, it's your turn."
"Aaaargh—!"
With piercing screams, golden slave brands appeared on CP0's bodies — and then—
"Burst."
From within, the gold exploded, and twelve corpses turned into dazzling golden dust, scattering into the night wind.
From the viewing platform, Rett leaned against the wall, watching the battle through the glass.
"Tch. Brutal."
Enel muttered, "Why does that look exactly like when the captain fights — wild and showy."
Rett appeared behind Enel in a flash, his voice soft yet chilling. "Young Enel… were you saying I'm handsome, or that I'm just showy?"
Enel swallowed hard. He knew if he picked the wrong answer, he'd be flying through the air soon.
"Hey, captain — Tesoro's back," Enel quickly changed the subject, spotting Tesoro like a man seeing salvation.
Tesoro emerged from the ruins, his golden axe transforming back into a ring on his hand.
"Well? Lord Rett — is my 'qualification'… enough?"
Rett studied him for a few seconds, then burst into loud laughter.
"Not bad! Your coolness in battle is still a little below mine, but I'll accept you!"
Tesoro dropped to one knee, placing his right hand over his chest.
"Then, from today onward, my gold, my power, my life — all belong to you."
Seeing Tesoro kneel, the others followed suit, kneeling on one knee to pledge their loyalty to Rett.
Rett managed to keep a serious face for three seconds before bursting out laughing.
"Why are you all suddenly acting so chuunibyou? This is a bit embarrassing."
Then he waved his hand grandly and shouted,
"Let us… overturn this world together!"
Everyone: You're not much less chuunibyou than us, captain.
At the center of the casino, on the highest spot, the Blood Dawn pirate flag was raised — marking yet another island claimed under Rett's crew.
Tesoro knelt at the front, hand on chest, his loyal subordinates behind him, and at the very top — Rett himself.
The crew exchanged glances before breaking into laughter. Moria shrugged. "Captain, you were the one being chuunibyou first."
Enel rolled his eyes. "Exactly. 'Overturn the world,' huh."
Rett shot him a glare. "Young Enel… are you looking to go flying again?"
Enel instantly shut his mouth and stood still.
At that moment, a slender figure stepped out from the crowd.
Stella.
Her steps were steady and calm as she walked toward Rett, taking a deep breath before kneeling on one knee.
"Lord Rett, I have a request."
Rett raised a brow. "Hm? Stella, you—"
Tesoro was also stunned. "Stella?"
She lifted her head, determination shining in her eyes. "Please allow me to join your crew."
The whole place went silent.
Rett stroked his chin. "Oh? And why? My crew is very dangerous — being on my ship is extremely dangerous for you."
Stella slowly opened her palm, a gentle green light emanating from it.
"I ate the Heal-Heal Fruit. I'm a healer."
"Half a year ago, Tesoro bought this fruit with gold to heal my leg injury. But its powers go far beyond that," she said softly. "I can heal wounds… and I can also… soothe hearts."
Rett narrowed his eyes. "'Soothe hearts?'"
Stella smiled faintly. "For example, I can calm you when you're feeling down, or quiet someone's spirit when they're overexcited in battle."
Rett's first thought was of Navy strategist Tsuru's Wash-Wash Fruit, which can wash away a person's fighting spirit. Damn… that's like some kind of negative-priest support class.
He was genuinely tempted — the power to manipulate hearts was terrifying — but he still looked over at Tesoro. He knew Stella was Tesoro's everything.
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