Wano Country, Oni Island.
"Lord Gurd has returned!"
"What?!"
"Quick, go welcome him!"
The news of Gurd's return spread rapidly across Oni Island. Even Queen, who had been dancing at the Prisoner Quarry, dropped everything and rushed back upon hearing the news.
During the months Gurd had been away, the pirates would regularly see major headlines about him in the newspapers. From initial shock to near numbness, they had grown accustomed to his exploits.
In just half a year of his expedition, Gurd had stirred up more chaos than the entire Beasts Pirates had in years.
The pride of the village—no, the entire crew!
The port of Oni Island was packed with pirates, all eagerly awaiting his arrival. When the Groudon Ship came into view, the pirates erupted into cheers.
"Gurd! Gurd! Gurd!"
"Yo, such enthusiasm."
Gurd stood at the bow, wrapping an arm around Speed's waist. In the next instant, the two teleported to the port.
"Eh?!"
The pirates were startled.
How had Lord Gurd suddenly appeared at the port?
He had just been on the ship!
Only the higher-ranking members noticed something unusual.
"That wasn't just speed!"
"Some kind of special ability?"
"It looks more like Speed used her powers."
They speculated silently, and their guesses were soon confirmed.
Ulti, Page One, and a timid young girl didn't wait for the ship to dock. With Speed's ability, the three of them teleported straight to the port.
Many Headliners burned with envy.
Speed had only recently been promoted and was considered among the weakest of the Headliners. Yet now, she had gained the power of a Devil Fruit.
How could they not be jealous?
There was no doubt—Speed's Devil Fruit had come from Lord Gurd. They could only regret not boarding his ship back then.
Third floor of the castle, grand banquet hall.
Fine wine and delicacies were already prepared.
"Wororororo!!!"
Kaido laughed heartily as he saw Gurd return.
"Finally decided to come back, eh, brat?!"
"Big Brother Kaido."
Gurd grinned, picking up a wine jug larger than himself.
"I brought you some fine liquor!"
"Worororo, you've got a good heart."
Kaido was even more delighted, raising his right arm.
"Men, let the feast begin!"
"Ooooh!!!"
A banquet to welcome Lord Gurd's return!
The officers gazed at Gurd with fiery admiration.
Clashing with Admiral Kizaru on Hachinosu Island, defeating Katakuri in the Champion Island tournament, even being hailed by Whitebeard as the "Strongest Rookie"!
The man before them had become a legend in his own right.
The star of the banquet was none other than Lord Gurd!
"Lord Gurd, we toast to you!"
"Cheers!"
Gurd drank with everyone, setting his cup down only after a full round. After some casual conversation, he clapped his hands.
The banquet hall fell silent instantly.
"Speed, bring it in."
"Yes!"
Speed murmured "move," and her body vanished from the room. In less than three seconds, she reappeared at the center of the hall.
With her was a large, square object taller than her, covered in burlap, its contents hidden from view.
Gurd walked to the center and pulled the cloth away.
Neatly stacked Berries bills captured everyone's attention, gasps of astonishment rippling through the crowd.
It was all money!
"Here's 10 billion Berries !"
Gurd spoke calmly, "You must have heard about the Fortuna Community I built on Hachinosu Island. These 10 billion Berries are part of the profits I earned this time."
"What?!"
The officers were stunned.
Just by constructing a few buildings, he earned 10 billion Berries ? And that was only part of it? That's even more outrageous than Ebisu City!
Kaido's hand trembled as he held his drink, turning his head to look at King beside him. "King, how much do we make from selling weapons each year?"
"6 billion Berries ."
King took a deep breath.
Gurd's money-making ability had once again shattered his expectations. He had thought the New City projects across the regions were Gurd's limit, but there was something even more impressive.
10 billion Berries in just three months!
Their weapons trade only netted 6 billion Berries in profit annually—less than what Gurd earned alone.
Selling properties was a one-time deal, which could be considered a special case. But now, the New City projects across the regions guaranteed Gurd at least 5 billion Berries in rent each year, not to mention the Fortuna Community on Hachinosu Island.
In other words, Gurd's rental income alone far surpassed the total revenue of the entire Beasts Pirates.
And this was just the beginning.
If they had known renting out properties was this profitable, why would they have gone through all the trouble manufacturing weapons? Wouldn't it have been better to just collect rent?
Come to think of it, many officers in the crew had already bought villages in Wano Country, making easy money from rent. It wasn't much, but enough for personal indulgence.
Gurd patted the money beside him.
"These 10 billion Berries are a gift for Big Brother Kaido!"
"A gift?!"
The officers' eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.
A full 10 billion Berries , just handed over to Kaido like that? That was beyond generous!
Even Kaido was startled by Gurd's grand gesture. He stared at Gurd with burning intensity before finally bursting into laughter.
"Wororororo, kid, I don't even know what to say to you."
10 billion Berries .
Even holding it felt scalding!
Gurd hadn't even blinked before giving him this money. Anyone else would have been too reluctant to part with it.
Kaido didn't even know how to repay Gurd.
If only he had two daughters!
Gurd crossed his arms.
A mere 10 billion Berries meant nothing to him. Right now, the most important thing was developing the company.
He needed Big Brother Kaido's full support.
"Big Brother Kaido, shall we move next door?"
"Sure!"
They moved to a smaller banquet hall.
Aside from Kaido, the All-Stars and Flying Six were also present, all looking at Gurd with blazing admiration.
The money was also moved there.
Gurd sat cross-legged and addressed the group.
"Big Brother Kaido, you're aware of my real estate plan, right?"
"Yes, Ulti already reported it."
Kaido's expression grew more serious.
He had never imagined such a method for expanding influence. Gurd's ingenious ideas were so impressive that even he couldn't help but marvel.
Who's Who and the others were confused.
"Boss Kaido, what plan?"
"Better let Gurd explain. I only have a rough understanding myself."
Kaido shook his head and looked at Gurd.
Gurd nodded and turned to the group.
"Not long ago, I established the Groudon Real Estate Company and built the first pilot community on Hachinosu Island."
"The results have been very successful."
"I have now reached agreements with several Underworld Emperors, including [Loan Shark King] Du Feld and [Shipping King] Umit, to establish communities in their territories."
"After that, my Groudon Company will continue expanding into the New World until the Fortuna Community spreads to every island there."
Gurd explained his plan.
"On the surface, we're building communities, but in reality, these will serve as our Beasts' strongholds—stocked with vast numbers of troops and weapons!"
The expressions of those present gradually shifted, from initial confusion to cold sweat. If Gurd's vision truly came to pass, the Beasts' sphere of influence would encompass the entire New World!
"Two years—two years at most!"
Gurd held up two fingers.
"Pirates are multiplying by the day, and formidable rookies are emerging across all seas—Trafalgar Law and Hawkins in the North, Kid and Killer in the South, Capone Bege in the West, and others."
"In less than two years, these rookies will inevitably flood into the Grand Line, stirring up unimaginable chaos."
"Individually, they pose little threat to our Beasts, but quantity has a quality of its own. They will undoubtedly shift the world's balance, perhaps even triggering a race for the Pirate King's throne!"
"That's why we must conquer the New World within two years!"