Thinking of all this, Buggy's eyes flickered with a trace of pity. He looked at Tesoro and asked:
"Tesoro, how do you see your own future?"
Buggy was testing him, trying to see if this young man had the potential or the desire to sail with them.
Tesoro shook his head slightly. "Lord Buggy, I don't really have any long-term plans right now. I just want to free Stella as soon as possible. Maybe in the future, we can just live an ordinary life together."
Buggy had introduced himself during their earlier conversation, and Tesoro's words were full of hope. His whole heart was fixed on Stella. He had no dreams of freedom, no ambitions to conquer the seas. All he wanted was a simple life with her.
Buggy nodded in understanding. "Tesoro, how much more belief do you still need? If you don't mind, I can lend you the rest. Pay me back when you're able."
It was a calculated move: build goodwill first, then slowly guide the future.
At Buggy's words, Shiryu and the others exchanged surprised glances. None of them could figure out why their captain was so invested in this young man.
"Lord Buggy, this…" Tesoro was at a loss. He didn't know how to respond. The offer was tempting—he desperately wanted Stella freed—but Buggy was practically a stranger. Why would someone with no ties to him go so far to help? Suspicion and hesitation warred in his heart.
Buggy spoke again, his tone calm and sincere:
"Tesoro, don't overthink it. For us, this amount of money is nothing. I don't have any hidden motives—I was simply moved by your devotion to Stella. I want to help you, and I'd also like to call you my friend."
Tesoro stared into Buggy's eyes. The sincerity there broke down his last hesitation. Finally, he bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Lord Buggy. Thank you for your help. I promise, I'll repay every bill as soon as I can."
His determination to free Stella outweighed everything else. He couldn't bear for her to spend another moment as a slave. Now that a chance had appeared, he refused to let it slip away. His gratitude toward Buggy was heartfelt.
Buggy smiled. "That's the right spirit. Once Jessica and the others are done, we'll go with you to bring Stella out. We'd like to meet her, too."
This was Buggy's next step. By accompanying Tesoro to redeem Stella, he could prevent any tricks from the slave traders and make sure nothing went wrong. His presence would be a deterrent—and a show of power.
Tesoro's eyes lit up. He hadn't expected Buggy to make such a firm commitment, to personally go with him. Overwhelmed, he bowed again. "Thank you, Lord Buggy. And thank you on Stella's behalf as well."
Ten minutes later, Jessica and the others returned one by one. Buggy explained Tesoro's situation. To his surprise, everyone agreed with his decision. Jessica was the most emotional—upon hearing about Stella, she burst into tears and kept urging Buggy to hurry and rescue her.
Tesoro thanked them all repeatedly, then led the group toward the slave market where Stella was held.
Meanwhile, at the Marine base on Sabaody Archipelago, a soldier was reporting to a tall, broad-shouldered officer.
"Vice Admiral Sakazuki, Buggy, and his crew have arrived."
Sakazuki's lips curled into a grim smile. "So, Buggy—you've finally come. I've waited long enough. This time, I'll make sure you can't escape."
The towering officer was none other than Vice Admiral Sakazuki. Ever since his failed clash with Buggy, he had been seething. Once his injuries healed, he immediately stationed himself here at the final stop of Paradise, waiting like a hunter at his trap.
"Where is Vice Admiral Borsalino now?" he asked coldly.
"Vice Admiral Borsalino has already returned to Marine Headquarters," the soldier reported.
"What? He went back? Damn it. Send word immediately—tell him to return at once! Buggy and his crew are here already."
Borsalino had been dispatched personally by Commander-in-Chief Kong to assist Sakazuki. The Marines regarded Buggy as an extremely dangerous threat, which was why two "monster" Vice Admirals had been assigned. Sakazuki himself did not underestimate Buggy; after their first encounter, he knew he had no guarantee of victory. To ensure success, he wanted Borsalino at his side before making his move.
Led by Tesoro, Buggy's crew soon arrived at the slave market where Stella was being kept. But the moment they reached the area, they all noticed something strange.
Normally, the slave market was noisy and bustling every day. But today, it was deathly silent. People passing by—pirates and locals alike—stole fearful glances at the market, then quickly looked away.
Tesoro froze. He came here often to see Stella, and he knew the usual atmosphere well. This oppressive silence was all wrong. His heart clenched with anxiety.
"Lord Buggy, something's not right," Tesoro said urgently. "Let me go inside first and check what's going on."
He was desperate to see Stella, but at the same time, worried about dragging Buggy's crew into danger. His instinct was to enter first, confirm the situation, and only then bring them in.
Buggy raised a hand. "Wait. Let me check first."
If there was danger inside, there was no way he'd let Tesoro rush in blindly. Closing his eyes, Buggy extended his Observation Haki, probing the interior of the slave market.
Tesoro blinked in confusion. Buggy hadn't moved at all, just stood there silently. For a moment, Tesoro didn't understand—but then his worry for Stella burned hotter than ever.