Just as the two were lost in their beautiful vision of the future, a hoarse and impatient voice shattered the warmth of the moment.
"Hey! You pauper! How many times do I have to tell you? If you can't afford her, then get lost! Stop being an eyesore in front of my shop!"
A man in a wrinkled, oil-stained suit and a comical top hat walked over arrogantly. He had a carefully trimmed goatee and was followed by a large, brutish thug. This was Gollier, the owner of the slave shop.
Tesoro's smile vanished instantly, but he quickly forced the most polite expression he could manage. "Good morning, Boss Gollier. You're looking… radiant today." A life spent at the bottom had taught Tesoro the necessity of such false pleasantries.
Gollier scoffed at the compliment, his nostrils flaring. His tone was sharp and cruel. "Cut the act! You damned pauper, didn't I warn you? If you bothered my merchandise again, I'd have someone break your legs!"
Normally, Tesoro would have wisely backed away. But today was different. He straightened his back, pushing down the disgust and fear in his heart, and spoke with undeniable resolve. "Boss Gollier, I'm here to do real business today. I want to buy Stella."
"Hm?" Gollier raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise in his beady eyes. "You… saved up enough money?" He looked Tesoro's tattered clothes up and down, his voice full of suspicion.
Tesoro took a deep breath, a confident smile spreading across his face. It felt as if the hardships of the last three years were finally turning into light. "Yes! As soon as I finish my last job this afternoon, I'll have enough! So, please, Boss Gollier, get the paperwork ready in advance. I'll be back this afternoon to finalize everything!"
Gollier was stunned into silence for a few seconds. He truly never expected that this poor boy, who he saw as nothing more than an ant, could actually save up Stella's enormous ransom through sheer hard work. A hint of cruelty and calculation flashed in his eyes, but the old fox quickly hid it behind a fake smile.
"Oh? Good! Very good! Tesoro, I knew I didn't misjudge you!" Gollier patted Tesoro's shoulder with exaggerated praise, as if he were commending a prized employee. "Your dedication is truly admirable! Alright, I'll have someone prepare the papers right away. This afternoon… I'll be waiting for you!" He drew out his last words with a deliberate, unsettling slowness.
"It's a deal, Boss Gollier!" An overwhelming joy washed over Tesoro, and his voice trembled with excitement. He turned and shouted to Stella in the cage, "Stella, wait for me! I'll see you this afternoon!"
"Mm!" Stella nodded eagerly, her beautiful face breaking into a brilliant smile. Her eyes shone with the light of freedom, which was now so close.
As he watched the young couple celebrate, Gollier's fake smile slowly twisted into a cold, cruel sneer. The thug beside him leaned in and whispered hesitantly, "Boss, hasn't that girl… already been reserved by that 'distinguished person'? Are you sure about this?"
"Idiot!" Gollier hissed, his voice low and sinister. "Of course Stella is for that person! As for this kid…"
He glanced at Tesoro's hopeful, retreating back, his voice turning ruthless. "He's just a worthless orphan. After he brings me all his hard-earned money this afternoon… you know what to do. Make it clean."
The thug's face split into a fawning grin as he understood. He gave his boss a thumbs-up. "Heh heh, brilliant, Boss! That's a brilliant move! We get the money for free, and that kid…"
"Hmph…" Gollier proudly stroked his goatee, a greedy and cruel smile on his face. He could already picture Tesoro's face, filled with despair, when his hope was crushed the moment he arrived with the money. A low, chilling chuckle rumbled in his throat.
The Red Force docked slowly at the bustling port of Ambri Island. Takero followed the Red Hair Pirates as they stepped onto the stone pier. The port was alive with activity; porters shouted as they worked, and the cries of vendors filled the air. A few people glanced at the group of pirates, but they simply looked for a second before continuing on their way without any surprise or fear.
On most islands, the arrival of pirates would cause a panic, but on Ambri Island, it was perfectly normal. This was, after all, the territory of Donquixote Doflamingo, one of the "Ten Yasha." Any pirate who dared cause trouble here would be lucky to just end up as fish food.
"We need to get some supplies," Shanks said, holding the small baby, Uta, in his arms. "Takero, you want to come with us?" Uta babbled in agreement, her eyes wide as she curiously looked around the unfamiliar port.
Takero shook his head without a second thought. "No, I'm going to go explore the island by myself." His eyes gleamed with excitement. This was the first city he had seen in this world, and he was eager to find some adventure. Bringing a baby along would just slow him down.
As if she could sense his thoughts, little Uta immediately got upset. She reached her chubby hands out toward Takero and made louder "Ah ya" sounds. Her little mouth puckered, and her violet eyes quickly filled with tears that threatened to spill over.
"Waaah!" The next second, a loud cry erupted from her.
Takero's scalp tingled. This is bad! he thought.
That crying is my cue to leave!
He moved instantly, spinning around and speaking in a rapid-fire burst. "Great, it's settled then, Shanks! You guys take care of Uta! I'm off!" Before he even finished his sentence, he shot off like an arrow and disappeared into the crowd, leaving only a hasty glimpse of his back.
"Hey! Takero! You get back here! I—!" Shanks's shout was cut short.
He looked down at Uta, whose face was red from crying as she gasped for breath in his arms. Then he looked in the direction Takero had vanished, so angry that the veins on his forehead throbbed. He cursed under his breath, "That scoundrel! He's always causing me trouble!"
Despite his frustration, he looked at the little angel sobbing in his arms and could only sigh with resignation. He began to sway clumsily, trying his best to comfort her.
"Oh, oh, don't cry, Uta, be a good girl. Uncle Shanks will take you to see something fun, okay? We'll just ignore that heartless guy…"
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