10:00 AM, Fortuna Community.
Dozens of cannons atop the city walls tilted their barrels toward the sky.
"Fire!"
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The cannons roared, launching brilliant firework rounds that exploded in the skies above Hachinosu Island, as if celebrating a grand festival.
At the community entrance.
Banners fluttered, and a massive crowd had gathered.
The most eye-catching sight was the four fully armed giants standing on either side of the entrance. Their towering figures nearly matched the height of the walls, drawing gasps of astonishment.
For just a community opening, they had actually invited giants!
Looking down at the dense crowd of humans below, the four giants wore varying expressions, whispering among themselves.
"Hajrudin, our job is to guard the gate?"
"That's right!"
Hajrudin gritted his teeth, veins bulging on his furious face.
He had never imagined that Gurd had hired him to stand guard at a gate—and for a full three months at that.
All that talk about a confidential mission, about annihilating any intruders—what a load of crap!
As the Prince of the Giant Kingdom, the future King of the Giants, he was now earning money by guarding a Pirate's community gate.
This was beyond humiliating!
Hajrudin burned with rage. Right now, all he wanted was to split Earth Calamity Gurd in half with his axe to vent his fury.
The giant Road suggested,
"Should we just leave?"
"No!"
Hajrudin glared at Road.
"As warriors of Elbaf, how can we go back on our word?!"
"Ah? Sorry, I was just saying..."
Road quickly apologized, frightened.
The only woman among the four, Gerd, smiled cheerfully.
"I actually think it's quite nice. I get to see so many adorable little humans."
"Gerd, not everyone shares your love for humans!"
The other three snapped at her simultaneously.
Even in Elbaf, Gerd's preferences were considered unusual. While others were drawn to battles and such, she adored humans above all else.
Hajrudin's face darkened. He could already imagine the ridicule they'd face once word of today's events spread back in Elbaf.
But he had already taken the money—it was too late to back out now.
"Wow, giants!"
"So impressive!"
"I never thought Mr. Gurd could actually hire giants!"
"This is huge news!"
The VIPs began arriving one after another.
Upon seeing the four giants guarding the gate, they couldn't help but marvel—this wasn't something mere power could accomplish.
After all, even Enies Lobby, one of the World Government's three great institutions, only had two giants guarding its entrance.
This was next-level prestige!
"Huh? Where's Stussy?"
"She got the invitation, right?"
"Maybe she's already inside?"
The Underworld Emperors glanced around but couldn't spot Stussy, leaving them puzzled. They had agreed to come together.
"Look over there!"
Everyone turned, their hearts skipping a beat.
It was the Whitebeard Pirates!
All the division commanders had come!
"Now that's showing respect."
For just a community opening, so many big names had gathered—it was even more extravagant than Totto Land's tea parties.
The Underworld Emperors exchanged glances, their eyes gleaming with ambition. If they didn't know what to do next, they might as well retire.
This was a golden opportunity!
Even just getting a small piece of the pie would guarantee them massive profits.
"Let's head in!"
The Fortuna Community was now open, but only those with invitations could enter, as the entrance had strict security checks.
The wide central pathway was adorned with a festive red carpet stretching deep into the community, flanked by lush greenery, birds singing, and flowers blooming.
"This place is amazing!"
The big shots couldn't stop marveling, and Morgans was especially relentless, his video transponder snail flashing nonstop.
Marco, leading a group of division commanders, couldn't help but show off proudly.
"See these trees on both sides? I planted all of them!"
"No way!"
"Marco, you're incredible!"
The commanders couldn't hold back their admiration.
Being strong in a fight was nothing special—they were all used to that. But being capable of something else entirely? That was truly impressive.
Like when Ace had once woven an enormous bamboo hat for Little Oars Jr., which had left them all stunned—that had taken real effort.
And then there was Izo, who could forge swords!
"Hahaha, it's not that big a deal."
Marco grinned.
He had waited so long to finally show off in front of his comrades. Served them right for leaving him out of their fun.
Marco lowered his voice mysteriously. "There's still a big surprise later. When it happens, try to act cool—don't freak out."
"A surprise?"
The commanders exchanged puzzled glances.
A dense crowd surged toward the sales office. Aside from the Underworld Emperors and the division commanders, most were well-known Pirates.
The clean, comfortable living environment was a genuine shock to the rough-and-tumble Pirates—it was like stepping into another world. Even the legendary holy land of Mary Geoise couldn't compare.
Soon, they arrived at the dazzlingly opulent sales office, its luxurious decor making the Pirates gulp in awe.
The chandeliers looked like they were made of solid gold!
Gurd and Stussy appeared, descending slowly down the staircase.
"It's Lord Gurd!"
"And Lady Stussy!"
"Wait—Lady Stussy is holding Lord Gurd's arm?!"
The Pirates stared at the two, their eyes bulging when they saw how intimate they looked, gasping in disbelief.
That was the Pleasure Quarter Queen!
Stussy's lips curled slightly as she pressed even closer to Gurd, her ample chest visibly pressing against his arm, distorting its shape.
This gesture was as good as confirming their intimate relationship.
"Damn you, Gernica!"
Stussy cursed inwardly.
When Gurd had invited her to be CEO, such a major development naturally required her to report to her superiors. In the end, Gernica had relayed the Five Elders' orders:
Infiltrate at all costs—even if it means offering yourself to Gurd.
The command was crystal clear. She had to take the position of CEO at the Groudon Real Estate Company to gather more detailed intelligence—no matter the cost.
She couldn't refuse.
Not only that, she had to actively throw herself at him to gain greater trust and probe Gurd's intentions.
She had also realized that Gurd had never wanted to possess her from the start—he wanted to exploit her influence and abilities.
Gernica's judgment had been right.
This man was utterly cunning!
"Click! Click-click!"
The flashes never stopped!
Morgans snapped photo after photo, nearly bursting with excitement. This was huge news—what did audiences love most?
Scandal, of course!
Stussy, the Pleasure Quarter Queen—a woman who drove countless men wild, whose charm was second only to the Pirate Empress herself.
Stussy was deeply infatuated with Gurd, the Earth Calamity. Such a sensational scandal was bound to shock everyone, and he could already foresee the newspapers selling like hotcakes in the coming days!
Gurd stepped up to the podium and pushed Stussy forward. "Distinguished guests, welcome to the opening ceremony of Fortuna Community."
"Allow me to take this opportunity to formally introduce the chief president of our Groudon Real Estate Company!"
"Ms. Stussy!"
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