The staggering price of 1 billion Berries instantly elevated Fortuna Community to a whole new level, putting immense pressure on Pirates with shallower pockets.
They truly wanted to live here!
"Now, I announce—"
Gurd clapped his hands.
Two enormous banners unfurled from the ceiling above both sides of the podium, displaying Fortuna Community's launch prices!
"Villa Zone: 100 million Berries per unit!"
"Commodity Housing: 10 million Berries per household!"
A super explosive deal!
The Pirates felt their wallets tighten.
Such exorbitant prices clearly exceeded their expectations.
Outside, a two-story residential building would cost around 1 million Berries , and standalone housing units would be even cheaper.
Yet, they didn't find this unreasonable.
The issue wasn't the price—it was their own lack of funds!
The gates of Fortuna Community bore the emblems of the Beasts and the Whitebeard Pirates. Under the protection of these two Four Emperors crews, safety was guaranteed for anyone who lived here.
Safety—the most luxurious commodity in the world!
The comfortable living environment also filled them with longing.
But that wasn't all!
Whitebeard! Underworld Emperors!
What an honor it would be to live alongside such towering figures! Given their status, they could hardly even catch a glimpse of these legends under normal circumstances.
Living here would elevate them above the masses!
They weren't just buying property—they were buying security and prestige!
"I want one!"
A Pirate stood up in excitement!
Even if he had to sell his Pirate Ship, he was determined to move in!
"I'll take a villa!"
"Me too!"
Among the assembled Pirates, many were well-known captains who could easily spare 10 million Berries .
After all, receiving an invitation in the first place was proof of their standing.
In the blink of an eye, the Pirates scrambled to buy.
Villas were beyond their means—or at least, too painful to splurge on—but Commodity Housing was within reach if they gritted their teeth. With everyone rushing to purchase, hesitation would only lead to regret!
"No pushing! Form an orderly line!"
"One unit per person!"
"A 500,000 Berries deposit is required for pre-orders!"
Gurd maintained order through the microphone, inwardly overjoyed.
Fortuna Community had 1,000 units in total, but only 500 people had been invited this time, and only 500 units were being released in this batch.
After a month or two, once word spread through these Pirates, the remaining half would be sold at a markup!
A 30% increase? No—70%!
And the Property Fee wouldn't be skimped on either!
Keh-keh-keh~~
He was downright wicked!
"Stussy, let's go."
Gurd wrapped an arm around Stussy's waist and headed toward the Underworld Emperors' table. The buying frenzy in the hall was too chaotic—they needed a quieter place to discuss business.
Moments later, in the VIP lounge.
"Gahaha! Mr. Gurd, I'll take a villa. I might retire here someday."
"Us too."
The big shots opened their wallets generously, each purchasing a villa—though not for residence, but as a gesture of goodwill.
100 million Berries was a lot, but to them, it was pocket change.
Forging connections was the real goal.
Only Morgans was a genuine buyer. His headquarters was a mobile ship, and he had no territory to speak of—this wasn't about cooperation.
He wanted a vacation home.
Hachinosu Island was a Pirate Paradise, never short on news. With a safe residence here, he could visit often.
"You're too kind, everyone."
Gurd beamed with a smile.
Including the Villa Zone, his first wave of profits would reach 7 billion Berries , with nearly 10 billion more to come from subsequent property sales.
There was also the endless stream of Property Fees and rental income from commercial streets and other facilities, ensuring a steady annual revenue.
Meanwhile, the total cost was less than 2 billion Berries —mostly spent on construction materials, transportation, and furnishings.
And this was just one Fortuna Community !
Of course, Hachinosu Island's special status meant higher profits. Other islands wouldn't fetch such premium prices—just two or three times the normal rate would be the limit.
Even so, it was an enormous profit.
Moreover, he could feel his Haki growing continuously. The success of Fortuna Community was undoubtedly a strong start, reinforcing his confidence in the path he had chosen.
He could already foresee the future—it wouldn't be long before he became the real estate king of the New World.
And then, he would expand worldwide!
Umit was the first to speak up: "Mr. Gurd, I'd like to invite you to build a Fortuna Community on my island as well."
"Of course!"
Gurd nodded with a smile.
"Mr. Umit, I also have some business I'd like to discuss with you."
Umit, the "Deep Sea Current," was the unrivaled king of marine transport, capable of navigating the treacherous New World with ease—a testament to his formidable strength.
Not even the Four Emperors could match that!
Specialized tasks should be left to the experts.
The real estate industry heavily relied on transportation. Not every island was like Wano Country, self-sufficient in resources.
Timber, stone, steel—these were the bulk of transport needs.
And as his real estate ventures expanded, inter-island logistics would also require professional handling.
It wasn't just Umit—everyone present was a ruler in their respective fields. That was the key reason they had thrived despite the pressure from the Four Emperors.
The Four Emperors couldn't replace them.
Gurd checked the time and stood up. "I have some matters to attend to. For specific cooperation details, you can discuss them with Stussy—she currently oversees all operations at Groudon Company."
"Understood."
The Underworld Emperors nodded in agreement.
Compared to Gurd, negotiating with the familiar—though ruthless—Stussy would be much easier.
Establishing Fortuna Communities on their own territories would benefit them greatly, primarily by ensuring the safety of high-profile individuals and assets, and secondly by forging ties with the Beasts.
Though they were Underworld Emperors, they lacked the sheer deterrence needed to suppress the increasingly reckless Pirates, making the Beasts' and Whitebeard's influence invaluable.
It was the same with Big Mom.
They enthusiastically attended her Tea Party every year.
In the end, they still needed the Four Emperors' protection.
Gurd stepped into the adjacent room and greeted the division commanders.
"Marco, Ace, and all the commanders."
"Mr. Gurd."
They returned the greeting in unison.
Noticing their curious gazes, Gurd chuckled and pulled out a set of keys. "Marco hasn't told you yet, has he? Not just for Whitebeard—I've prepared a villa for each of you as well."
"A villa?"
The commanders were stunned, their expressions tense.
They couldn't possibly afford that!
"Relax, they're free!"
Gurd laughed heartily and tossed the keys to them.
"You're shareholders now. Not only do you each get a villa, but also a share from this property sale. Let me calculate... Hmm, roughly 2 billion Berries !"
"2 billion Berries ?!!!"
The commanders' jaws dropped in shock.
How much money was 2 billion Berries ?!
They couldn't scrape together that much in a whole year!
Gurd narrowed his eyes.
"And there's more. Every year, you'll receive dividends—not too much, just around 500 to 600 million Berries ."
"500 to 600 million!!!"
And that's considered not much?
The commanders' minds went blank.
A massive 2 billion Berries , plus a villa worth 100 million Berries each, and annual dividends of 500 to 600 million.
Were they dreaming?
They'd never been this rich in their lives!
Jozu steadied his pointed head.
"Marco, I feel a bit dizzy. Quick, check on me!"
"No need, I'm dizzy too."
Marco was equally lightheaded.
He never expected to receive so much money. Even after a year of plundering enemy ships, the Whitebeard Pirates couldn't seize 2 billion Berries !
How were they supposed to spend all this?!
Gurd shook his head in amusement.
Such a small sum, and they're already this overwhelmed. What a bunch of country bumpkins who've never seen real wealth.
Heh, welcome to the world of the rich.
"Oh, Marco."
Gurd turned to Marco.
"I'd like to meet with old man Whitebeard to discuss something!"
"We can meet in Fortuna Community."
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