After only a few steps, Tesoro witnessed a real, intense battle unfolding.
"You white-haired bastard!! How dare you go out and have fun with Ian!"
"Heh heh, the one left behind was you!"
The black-haired girl and the white-haired girl were fiercely clashing.
The aura and lightning from their battle spread like a web, blasting in all directions.
Just seeing this scene made Tesoro's scalp tingle.
Is this... another love triangle?
Should I say, as expected of the high-ranking officers on the Golden Dragon ship?
They're terrifyingly strong!
If I faced them, I'd definitely be instantly defeated.
Tesoro didn't dare to interrupt them, quietly making his way toward the beach.
Under the sunset, the shimmering sea was like a golden layer of paint, which perfectly matched Tesoro's aesthetic.
But unfortunately, it also matched another guy's aesthetic.
"Hehehe! Himir! Look! How's my ability!"
The giant stood by the shore, surrounded by a mass of gold that coiled around him like a giant snake.
"The boss gave me all the gold from the island! How about that! Spectacular, right!!"
The swirling gold occasionally gathered, sometimes dispersed, transforming into flying birds, or condensing into an even larger giant.
"Hehehe! Wait until the boss helps me collect more gold, it'll be even more powerful!"
"Oh!!"
The slightly plump giant beside him clapped, seemingly amazed by the spectacle.
Tesoro's lips twitched slightly as he silently turned and walked away.
Actually, he really liked the Gold-Gold Fruit.
He walked forward for a short while when he saw a figure.
A tall figure, wrapped in a heavy cloak that obscured their true appearance.
In his arms, he held another person, who was also cradling a baby, just like nesting dolls.
The three of them were walking along the coast, heading straight for Tesoro.
Tesoro, of course, knew him.
He was once a high-ranking officer of the Revolutionary Army, Bartholomew Kuma.
But now, he was a subordinate of Lord Ian.
As they were about to cross paths, Tesoro gave Kuma a slight nod.
From now on, they were colleagues, people he would see often.
Kuma also nodded slightly in greeting.
After they passed each other, Tesoro couldn't help but glance back at Kuma's retreating figure.
How nice.
He had rescued his lover from Mariejois.
To be able to live together so happily like this… it was really wonderful.
Stella.
If I had their kind of power back then, if I had met Lord Ian sooner, could we have been like them?
Walking together, hand in hand, along the beach.
Celestial Dragons!!
Tesoro clenched his fists.
If it weren't for those scum, I could have been with Stella, just like them!
Suddenly, Tesoro no longer had the mood to continue his walk.
If he wanted revenge, he could only rely on Lord Ian!
So, what he should do now is to do everything in his power to make Lord Ian even stronger!
Then, work hard, Tesoro!!
Work tirelessly to accomplish the tasks Lord Ian has given you!
Use your effort to enhance Lord Ian's power!
Only then can you eliminate the Celestial Dragons!
Tesoro headed straight back to his office, to work!
When Ian heard the news that Tesoro had worked through the night and finally passed out from exhaustion, he was a little confused.
This guy is really this much of a workaholic?
Ian originally thought he was already working hard enough, but it turns out there's always someone who works even harder.
No wonder this guy became the world's richest man in the movie.
When Ian found him and advised him not to push himself so hard, Tesoro firmly replied, "Lord Ian values me so much, I cannot let you down!"
Ian was almost moved to tears, and he wanted to give him an award for being one of the Top Ten Most Touching People in the Beast Pirates.
However, the results of Tesoro's hard work were very noticeable.
Within just a few days, he had officially taken over the weapon trade in the New World and was handling it very efficiently.
Ian was quite satisfied with this.
With Tesoro's help, Ian believed his days ahead would be much easier.
But this relaxation didn't last long, as Stussy brought him some news.
As an agent of CP0, Ian of course wouldn't just have her help monitor Who's-Who and Luffy.
Everything she knew about the World Government's actions would be reported to Ian in detail.
For example, right now, the World Government has focused its main attention on eradicating the Revolutionary Army.
And the message Stussy brought to Ian this time was:
"The Navy has confirmed the location of the Sun Pirates. They've contacted Foolshout Island, saying they need to return a child there."
The beautiful woman said, "Next, the Navy will begin their pursuit of them."
The Revolutionary Army made a big stir in Mariejois, and Fisher Tiger also caused chaos in Mariejois.
So, even though the government had shifted most of its focus to the Revolutionary Army, upon discovering the Sun Pirates' whereabouts, they still decided to launch an attack with no mercy.
"Is that so?"
Ian wasn't too surprised.
After all, when he invited the Sun Pirates to stay in the New World, Tiger ultimately refused.
They were still wandering in Paradise.
Was it fate that they crossed paths with Koala?
"Who's leading the team?"
If it's still Kizaru, he'd have to go himself.
"It was supposed to be Vice Admiral Borsalino, but he was reassigned to hunt down the Revolutionary Army. Instead, it's a seasoned Rear Admiral from the Navy Headquarters, Doberman."
Ian nodded lightly.
In that case, there was no need for him to go.
However, for the others, it seemed like it might be too late to rush over for support now—
If Kuma hadn't become his subordinate.
The time to officially bring the Sun Pirates under his command had arrived.
Ian took out the Den Den Mushi, chuckling lightly. Thankfully, he had kept Tiger's Den Den Mushi number from before.
Paradise, a certain sea area.
On the deck of the Sun Pirates' ship, a human little girl eagerly leaned over the ship's railing, constantly gazing into the distance at the sea.
"Kid, there's no use being in a rush," From behind, a fish-man with red skin crossed his arms and coldly snorted, "It will take at least two more days to reach your hometown."
The girl turned her head. She seemed a bit malnourished, but her hair was neatly styled in a cute bob, and she wore an adorable little dress.
Her expression looked oddly stiff, but she was trying hard to force a smile. "Two more days?"
Tiger glanced at her.
Although her smile was still stiff, it was much better than before. This kid was making an effort to remember how to truly smile.
"Just two more days. Your mom and dad are waiting for you."
Tiger turned to walk back.
"Once we get back, don't go running around everywhere."
The annoying little human was finally going to leave the ship.
Tiger walked into the cabin without noticing that, at that moment, the girl smiled at his retreating back.
It wasn't stiff at all. It was gentle.
"Mr. Tiger!"
"Thank you so much!"
"Big Brother Tiger! Phone!"
Just as Tiger entered the cabin, Jinbe came up to him, his expression a bit odd. "It's Mr. Ian!"
"Ian?"
Tiger was taken aback.
How long had it been since they'd been in contact?
He instinctively picked up the Den Den Mushi. "It's me, Tiger. Ian, what's up?"
A voice came from the other side. "Tiger, the Navy's got their eyes on you."
**********
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