Tesoro stared blankly at Kai, the words hitting him like a physical blow.
Absolute power was what could dominate everything.
If he still harbored illusions five years ago when he first obtained the Gold-Gold Fruit, how could he not understand this fundamental principle now?
It was precisely because of this despairing, vast gap in strength that he had no choice but to forget his original purpose.
The closer he got to this world's center of power, the more he could feel that suffocating pressure weighing down on him.
Not to mention the Navy's top-tier lineup of three Admirals plus Fleet Admiral, even the World Government possessed CP0, known as the Celestial Dragons' strongest shield, and the unfathomable God's Knights.
What could he possibly do against such overwhelming forces?
Tesoro fell into deep despair, his shoulders sagging under the weight of reality.
Just then, a hand suddenly extended before him.
Tesoro looked up along that outstretched arm in surprise, meeting eyes full of unwavering confidence.
Kai's lips curved into a determined arc. "Join me."
"What?"
Tesoro was stunned, then let out a bitter laugh. "Heh, so this was your purpose all along?"
"That's right."
Kai's answer was shockingly frank, without any pretense or manipulation. "Overthrowing the World Government is something you can't accomplish alone, and I can't accomplish alone either. So why not unite our strengths?"
"You have a brilliant commercial mind; I have the power to change the world. We need each other. Isn't that the truth?"
This man was displaying his ambition so nakedly before him!
What incredible confidence and audacity!
Tesoro stared intently at Kai's face, trying desperately to find traces of falsehood or hidden calculation, but all he saw was frank ambition and powerful confidence that seemed unshakeable.
He fell silent for a long while, lost in thought.
Stella, is this the direction you're guiding me from heaven? Before I completely fell into corruption and lost myself, you sent such a man to save my rotting life.
Tesoro suddenly smiled with relief, that smile carrying a trace of liberation and dangerous madness.
"It seems I have no other choice, do I?"
He extended his hand, gripping Kai's firmly and forcefully with renewed purpose.
"Let's drag those self-proclaimed gods completely down from their pedestals and trample them into the mud!" Kai grinned broadly, his enthusiasm infectious.
"An auction?"
As soon as Kai returned to the Golden King Hotel's luxurious suite, he saw Ace approaching him with obvious awkwardness in his posture.
"Kai-aniki, I... I want this fruit."
Ace clutched an exquisite promotional booklet tightly in his hands, his earlobes flushed red with embarrassment. He was clearly unaccustomed to asking for favors and felt extremely uncomfortable.
He really had no choice in the matter. The moment he saw that fruit's distinctive pattern in the booklet, he felt an inexplicable, strong desire to eat it.
To create publicity for today's grand opening, besides promoting various entertainment activities, Tesoro had spent heavily collecting a batch of rare treasures for auction to attract truly important figures from across the seas.
Devil Fruits were naturally indispensable finale items for such an event.
Among the five announced Devil Fruits, the most eye-catching was undoubtedly a Logia-type specimen.
"Flame-Flame Fruit?"
Kai took the booklet and couldn't help raising an eyebrow when he saw that distinctive flame-like spiral pattern illustrated on the page.
Ace, are you truly bound to this fruit by fate?
Even after coming to the New World, you can still encounter it in this unexpected way?
However, letting Ace eat the Flame-Flame Fruit seemed perfectly fine to Kai's strategic thinking.
Despite past jokes about "even dogs wouldn't eat the Flame-Flame Fruit," objectively speaking, the Flame-Flame Fruit was definitely upper-tier among Logia types, with extremely strong potential and versatility. It was absolutely a sub-top-tier fruit in terms of combat effectiveness.
If not for the existence of the Magma-Magma Fruit that completely countered it, the Flame-Flame Fruit could barely claim top-tier status among Devil Fruits.
More importantly, Devil Fruit performance greatly depended on the user's natural compatibility and affinity.
The more compatible the user, the more efficient the development and mastery process.
"Don't worry, I'll help you win it." Kai smiled warmly and patted Ace's shoulder firmly in reassurance.
If not for the booklet already publicly announcing the Flame-Flame Fruit's inclusion, he would have even considered asking Tesoro for under-the-table dealings to acquire the fruit early.
"Thank you, Kai-aniki."
Ace felt a wave of relief wash over him, nodding heavily with genuine gratitude shining in his eyes.
"Don't worry about it; it's just one Devil Fruit." Kai's smile was hearty and generous. "We're comrades, after all."
Night quietly fell across the golden city, draping this maritime paradise in a hazy yet luxurious black veil.
Countless neon lights and golden reflections illuminated the sky like artificial daylight, yet with more intoxicating allure than natural sunlight could ever possess.
The auction hall buzzed with anticipation.
Before the formal auction began, guests mingled and socialized in an elegant banquet hall.
As tonight's most anticipated event, almost all prominent figures had gathered here in their finest attire.
Naturally, this became a crucial social venue for influential guests to network and establish connections.
However, besides the Charlotte family contingent, only the Warlords were worth Kai's direct attention.
Crocodile stood out among the crowd.
Enthusiastic about collecting Zoan Devil Fruits, he was obviously attracted by the Ancient Zoan Tyrannosaurus fruit featured at tonight's auction.
"Shipping King Gibson, Loan Shark King Du Feld, Warehousing King Umit, Funeral Parlor King Drag Piecro..."
Stussy led several underworld giants to pay their respects to Kai, approaching with careful deference.
Kai merely nodded reservedly, his gaze sweeping over them lightly as minimal acknowledgment.
His attitude was notably cold and distant.
Yet even with such dismissive bearing, these underground emperors who were usually fawned over by countless people dared not show the slightest dissatisfaction, only wearing forced smiles and speaking meaningless flattery.
As a major figure of the Beast Pirates, Kai possessed sufficient standing to act this way without consequence.
These so-called underworld emperors were merely hyenas surviving in the world's gray areas, relying on specific industries and backing forces for their power.
Except for Morgans who controlled significant media influence, none of these people were worth Kai's recruitment efforts.
"Kai-sama, if there's anything you need from us in the future, please don't hesitate to contact us."
The assembled big shots respectfully handed over gold-trimmed business cards, then tactfully bowed and withdrew without overstaying their welcome.
"Mm, I will keep that in mind." Kai smiled faintly, signaling Robin beside him to collect the cards efficiently.
Morgans had been watching like an interested spectator. When his peripheral vision inadvertently swept across Robin's beautiful, intellectual face, his beak dropped open as he froze completely in recognition.
Then his expression erupted with indescribable excitement and journalistic fervor.
"Kai-kun." Morgans approached carefully, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "You're really bold, taking in Nico Robin without even attempting to disguise her identity?"
Robin's body stiffened slightly, her face paling instantly with alarm.
She hadn't expected someone to recognize her so quickly and speak about it so openly in public.
She somewhat regretted not following her instincts to disguise herself as Kai had originally suggested.
"It doesn't matter. The World Government won't care about such things." Kai shrugged casually, completely unbothered.
He possessed this confidence for good reason.
The World Government existed in a position of both valuing and not valuing Robin simultaneously.
Not valuing her, yet eight-year-old Robin had been branded the Devil Child with a 79 million berry bounty, something historically rare.
Valuing her, yet despite knowing Robin was traveling with Luffy's crew, aside from CP9 coincidentally encountering her at Water 7, they never sent dedicated CP agents for active pursuit, only periodically increasing the bounty amount.
Kai suspected the World Government only suspected Robin might possess the ability to read Poneglyphs, issuing the warrant on a "better safe than sorry" principle.
After all, an eight-year-old child reading ancient Poneglyphs was somewhat difficult to imagine or believe.
"Hehe, I'd rather the World Government pay much more attention to her. That would make explosive news!" Morgans grinned sleazily, not hiding his desire for sensational stories.
Kai rolled his eyes at him with mild annoyance.
Just then, an enthusiastic voice cut through their conversation.
"Kai, come try this!"
Yamato ran back excitedly from the elaborate food area, carrying a plate laden with delicacies.
She forked a piece of perfectly cut, still-sizzling steak and naturally offered it to Kai's mouth with casual intimacy.
Kai bit down without hesitation. The steak was perfectly seared on the outside and tender on the inside.
With a gentle bite, delicious juices burst in his mouth, mixed with rich black pepper and herb aromas that lingered wonderfully on his palate.
"Mm, really good, very tasty." Kai nodded approvingly.
"Right? I knew you'd like it." Praised by Kai, Yamato immediately beamed, her eyes curving into cute crescents of happiness.
"Fufufufufu, you two are so intimately close, quite enviable indeed."
The characteristic strange laugh suddenly interjected from nearby.
Doflamingo walked over with his signature swagger and unmistakable presence.
"Long time no see, Kai."
"Indeed, it's been quite a while, Joker."
Kai nodded slightly as the two chatted like old friends despite their complex relationship.
"How do you find this place? I hope it didn't disappoint your expectations?" Doflamingo asked with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Not bad; my companions are enjoying themselves thoroughly." Kai admitted frankly.
This entertainment city contained almost every possible entertainment activity in the world, truly offering something for all ages and preferences.
Doflamingo's smile became even more smugly satisfied at this response.
As Tesoro's important business partner, this golden city naturally included substantial shares of his investment.
After chatting briefly about various topics, the melodious bell signaling the auction's official start rang out across the venue.
The entire auction venue was designed like a massive fan-shaped theater, with the brilliantly spotlit auction stage positioned at the front and tiered ordinary seating arranged behind.
Above all the regular seats floated twenty-plus luxuriously decorated huge private boxes reserved for the most distinguished guests.
Under guidance from graceful hostesses dressed in high-slit qipaos, Kai's group was escorted to the best-positioned Box No. 1.
The Charlotte family was led to the adjacent Box No. 2.
"Perospero-nii-san, why do they get Box No. 1?!" Oven glared at Kai's group's backs, growling angrily with obvious resentment.
Other Charlotte family members also looked visibly displeased, directing hostile glares at Kai's group.
Though the boxes were equally luxurious in terms of amenities, the meaning and status represented by No. 1 couldn't compare to No. 2.
Perospero frowned deeply, clearly also extremely displeased with the arrangement, but took a deep breath and forcibly suppressed his anger. "Enough! Don't forget our most important mission here. As for today's slight, we'll have plenty of chances to get even later!"
He clearly understood that whoever possessed the bigger fist had the right to make the rules.
Unable to defeat Kai in direct confrontation, fighting over this symbolic issue would only bring further humiliation.
The urgent task was completing Mama's mission by winning the Paramecia Butter-Butter Fruit.
With Perospero's authoritative word, though Oven and the others remained deeply unwilling, they could only temporarily swallow this bitter insult.
Meanwhile, Kai entered Box No. 1, scanning the interior furnishings and nodding with satisfaction.
The front featured a massive one-way glass wall that ensured complete privacy while allowing a commanding view of the auction floor far below.
From within, one felt elevated above all beings, with the masses below appearing like ants.
Kai could only say Tesoro's understanding of guest psychology was absolutely top-tier.
For bidding convenience, Tesoro had even equipped each box with a Visual Den Den Mushi, clearly broadcasting auction stage details to box screens in real-time, ensuring guests could observe everything even while lounging comfortably on sofas.
Through the box's sophisticated Den Den Mushi system, guests could bid easily without moving a finger.
The auction quickly found its rhythm and momentum.
A formally dressed auctioneer took the stage as items considered treasures by ordinary guests flowed past in steady succession, but the top-tier box guests remained largely silent, rarely participating in the bidding.
Those precious jewels and ornate artworks completely failed to attract their sophisticated attention.
Only when several famous swords appeared did sparse bidding voices finally emerge from the exclusive boxes.
What could truly ignite all bidders' passion was undoubtedly the Devil Fruits.
To keep momentum and excitement high, Tesoro had strategically interspersed several relatively ordinary Devil Fruits among other auction items throughout the evening.
"Paramecia Long-Long Fruit! 450 million berries. Sold!"
"Zoan Dog-Dog Fruit, Dachshund form! 510 million berries. Sold!"
The auctioneer's excited voice rang out repeatedly as record prices continued to climb.
Though Devil Fruits supposedly started at 100 million berries according to market standards, that often only applied to the most unwanted, inferior fruits, and even that was practically a steal.
Any decent Devil Fruit could fetch astronomical prices at auction.
As record-breaking prices continued to shatter expectations, the atmosphere was fully ignited with competitive fervor.
Even spectators who knew they couldn't participate began eagerly anticipating what shocking prices the finale Devil Fruits might ultimately reach.
Soon, the third-to-last item was solemnly brought onto the stage with great ceremony.
"Paramecia Butter-Butter Fruit."
"According to Devil Fruit encyclopedias, eating it allows the user to freely produce and control butter..."
The auctioneer introduced the fruit's capabilities while occasionally glancing meaningfully toward Box No. 2.
He knew exactly who the intended target buyer was for this particular item.
Sure enough, before long, the expected bid came.
The auctioneer listened to his earpiece, then announced loudly with practiced enthusiasm, "Box No. 2 bids! 101 million berries."
"Hmph, how petty. That's the extent of their vision."
Kai curled his lips disdainfully at the conservative opening bid.
But he was too lazy to engage in meaningless bidding games with the Charlotte family over such trivial items.
He still needed to conserve resources for bidding on the Flame-Flame Fruit that would appear next.