Orin's words struck Tesoro's heart like a massive bell tolling in the depths of his soul.
All of this... just because I was poor?
Yes!
If he had money, his childhood wouldn't have been filled with misfortune, and he wouldn't have had to run away so young just to survive.
If he had money, he could've bought Stella sooner and stayed with her forever.
If he had money, three years later he could've saved the girl he loved.
If he had money...
"I get it!!!"
At this moment, Tesoro seemed to have made a firm decision. His eyes were filled with unwavering determination as he stared at the "World's Richest Man" before him.
"One day, I'll become the richest man in the world and bring Stella back!!!"
The young man roared, proclaiming his dream to the world. Unfortunately, there was no burst of Conqueror's Haki to accompany his declaration.
But this was exactly the answer Orin had been hoping to hear.
His smile widened brilliantly as he looked at the promising young man before him, acknowledging his ambition.
The richest man in the world, huh?
"Then... consider this your sponsorship and startup capital."
Orin once again pulled a thick wad of Belly from his coat and tossed it in front of Tesoro—likely several million Belly.
In the end,
Tesoro left.
Turning back every few steps, he made a promise with Stella to meet again. Then he took Orin's Den Den Mushi and ran off.
"You really think highly of that guy?"
Actually, when Tesoro was charging in from a distance earlier, Crocodile had already been ready to make a move, but Orin had secretly stopped her.
"He looks like a street punk who can't even get on stage. Weak as a civilian."
"In this world, as long as you have enough determination and luck, even a nobody can become somebody..."
Just having the Gold-Gold Fruit wouldn't have made Tesoro the world's richest man in the original story. If he'd stolen a Devil Fruit, Doffy probably would've skinned him alive.
But this guy had both brains and power—he just wasn't using them the right way. With some guidance later on, he might just be worthy of working for Orin.
Maybe, he'd even become Orin's number-one asset in living the high life.
"What about that woman?"
Mihawk glanced at Stella. He knew Orin wasn't the type to keep women around, even if he indulged, he usually left right after.
Cold and ruthless.
"Leave her to Sammi."
With that, Orin tugged on his chain and walked off toward the Red-Light District.
Just before leaving, as if remembering something, he turned back to the auction house manager still standing there and said:
"Oh, right. If an Admiral shows up, just tell him I'm the one who hit the Celestial Dragon. Let him come find me in the Red-Light District... Yeah, that'll do."
Having given his instructions, Orin headed toward the Red-Light District.
"Beru beru beru..."
Click.
"Fufufufufu... Good afternoon, Orin-sama."
In a high-rise room, Doflamingo, wearing a pink cape, put down his glass of red wine. Upon seeing who was calling, he was briefly stunned, then quickly regained his composure.
Hopefully this wasn't one of those fools at the auction house causing trouble...
"Nothing major, Doffy. Just a little matter to handle."
Maybe sensing Orin's relatively mild tone, Doflamingo eased up.
"Yes, your orders?"
By now, Orin and the others had instantly arrived in one of the tall buildings within the Red-Light District.
Orin pushed open a door and gestured for the shocked Sammi, along with Lina and Mei, to quiet down before plopping onto the couch.
"Keep an eye on a young man named Tesoro. I met with him this afternoon."
"Do you want me to take him out—"
"No. That Gold-Gold Fruit I've been asking you to find—get it to him when you get the chance. He's the one I've been looking for—the best candidate to wield it."
At those words, Doflamingo immediately fell silent, pondering the implications.
He, of course, knew how valuable the Gold-Gold Fruit could be. As one of the underworld kings who could turn the String-String Fruit into an art form, he was extremely sensitive to business and finance.
Looks like...
This Tesoro is truly favored by Orin-sama.
As a businessman, Doflamingo quickly understood the commercial value behind this bit of news.
Time to build rapport early.
"One more thing—gather the Devil Fruits. I want to start a collection... And don't forget about the meeting coming up."
"Understood, Orin-sama."
Click.
After Orin finished the call, Sammi and his maids respectfully stepped forward.
Clearly, they were quite happy about Orin's return.
Even though Orin had already told them he would return to Sabaody Archipelago for a meeting.
"Set Stella up here. No client visits."
Orin casually instructed. He didn't really care, but he was worried that if Tesoro's beloved girl got ruined, the kid might lose it mentally.
And that would be a waste of Orin's investment.
"Yes, Orin-sama."
Though she didn't know why this girl was receiving special treatment, Sammi was smart enough not to ask.
She simply ordered her people to take Stella away.
"Alright, next—let's get a proper setup going."
Orin led Mihawk and Crocodile toward the massage center.
The moment they entered, rows of massage therapists lined up, respectfully and eagerly staring at the three.
Not only was this man their boss, but the World's Richest Man. Anyone would want to seize such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"This'll be simple—just a basic massage. No fancy tricks."
Mihawk seemed quite familiar with the routine. He casually handed his coat to a maid and lay down shirtless on the bench.
Crocodile, however, looked completely unimpressed. She glared coldly at the muscular male masseurs prepared for female clients and refused to change.
Orin lay down comfortably. Seeing Crocodile's icy gaze, he said helplessly,
"If you're not into massages, go wander upstairs. There's good booze and great views up there."
As soon as he finished speaking,
Crocodile couldn't be bothered to reply. She turned into a gust of sand and vanished.
"So antisocial. Doesn't know how to enjoy life..."
Mihawk didn't speak. He simply closed his eyes and relaxed into the massage.
They say that relaxing and maintaining muscles helps with swordplay.
The three of them enjoyed their time there, unaware that, at the same moment, someone else was still hard at work.
"Moshi moshi~ This is Borsalino~"
"I've arrived at Sabaody Archipelago."
Less than an hour later, a battleship arrived at Sabaody Archipelago, sending countless pirates fleeing and sparking chaos.
"It's that monster Vice Admiral from the Marines!!!"
"We're screwed! It's because someone hit a Celestial Dragon!!!"
"Nani!!!???"
"Quit talking! Run!!!"
A group of newly-arrived pirates ran in a frenzy, only to find a towering Marine—three meters tall, wearing a yellow-striped suit—standing right in front of them.
"Hey... Could you tell me how to get to the biggest auction house around here?"