As the two Celestial Dragons departed, the massive Hellhound dissolved into black flames and returned to Shamrock's side.
Gurd lowered his middle finger and rubbed his chin.
"A Hellhound!"
"The Celestial Dragons truly have no shortage of treasures!"
Even their swords were Mythical Zoans, and in an Awakened state at that. The word "extravagant" couldn't even begin to describe it. Having ruled the world for eight hundred years, the Celestial Dragons' accumulated wealth was simply staggering.
What was considered rare Mythical Zoans in the outside world were as common as cabbages to the Celestial Dragons. Even treasures like the Azure Dragon Fruit and Paw-Paw Fruit had originally belonged to them.
This meant that the elite among the Celestial Dragons all possessed top-tier abilities. Even if their individual fundamentals and Haki were lacking, their combat prowess wouldn't be low.
The Five Elders plus the God's Knights meant at least fifteen top-tier fighters. Add the Marines to that, along with the soon-to-be-completed Pacifistas and Seraphim...
This was the World Government's complete form.
In comparison, the Beasts Pirates' forces were severely lacking. The only real fighters were himself and Big Brother Kaido, with King and Yamato being the only other notable additions.
Not enough. Far from enough.
"Damn it, I'm getting performance anxiety!" Gurd cursed under his breath.
Hearing the commotion, his subordinates came rushing over, including a certain troublesome Empress who tagged along out of curiosity.
However, the enemies had already left.
"Lord Gurd, were there enemies?"
"Nothing major."
Gurd walked toward his subordinates, waving his hand with a smile. "Just two Celestial Dragons who needed a beating. They came to invite me to join the God's Knights, but I drove them off."
"Eh???"
He drove off Celestial Dragons?!
The subordinates were shocked.
Though they didn't know what the God's Knights were, if the Celestial Dragons themselves came to extend the invitation, it had to be something significant.
As expected of Lord Gurd!
Hancock knelt on the ground.
Having spent time in the Holy Land, she knew about the God' Knights. Joining them meant becoming a Celestial Dragon—one with even higher status than ordinary ones.
This man not only fought Celestial Dragons...
But also refused godhood?
What kind of fool existed in this world!
"Alright, everyone back to work!"
Gurd barked the order. After his subordinates dispersed, he summoned Speed.
"How long until Totto Land's Tea Party?"
"About six months."
Speed looked puzzled.
Totto Land's Tea Party was similar in nature to the Fire Festival, usually held in winter unless special circumstances arose.
"Good, no scheduling conflicts then."
Gurd did some quick calculations.
With the giants' help, the fortress construction would take at most three months. Interior decoration and other details could be handled later.
They needed to move even faster!
The thought of the World Government's military strength made him restless. The chances were slim, but what if those high-and-mighty bastards lost their minds and decided to go all out against him?
Better safe than sorry.
Gurd's gaze turned contemplative.
"Speed, send out invitations to all major forces in the New World. Inform them that in three months, the Beasts Pirates will be hosting a grand banquet. Make sure to invite Whitebeard and Big Mom too."
"Understood."
Speed nodded.
Normally, the different Emperor crews didn't interact casually—just as the Tea Party wouldn't invite the Beasts Pirates, considering each other enemies.
Gurd nodded and added, "Also, immediately send people to the Nation of Labor to recruit more workers. We need to accelerate construction progress here—the fortress must be completed within three months!"
"Yes!"
A short while later, at the Silver Inari Shrine.
Gurd sat down on a wooden bench.
"Guuji-san, give me another divination."
"Hmm?"
The Chief Priest crossed her arms, her ears twitching in displeasure.
She'd already performed today's divination!
Extra readings required extra payment!
Thud!
A gold ingot was slapped onto the table.
100 gold coins!
The Chief Priest's eyes lit up as she swiftly pocketed the coins in her sleeve, then cautiously asked, "No need for change this time, right?"
"Not if your reading's accurate!"
Gurd emphasized. The previous divination's accuracy had given him some trust in the woman's abilities—perhaps she wasn't completely a fraud.
"Now divine the location of Zou for me!"
"Certainly, my lord."
The Chief Priest happily produced her divination sticks and plucked a tuft of fur from her tail as supplementary material.
The fur would grow back yearly, but money-making opportunities were fleeting. Besides, summer was approaching—she was in her shedding season anyway.
"Vast sea of clouds, the rising sun."
"The divination points due east, but weather obstacles may delay your search."
"Good."
Gurd narrowed his eyes.
Previously in Wano Country, the reading had indicated northwest. Now it pointed east—completely opposite directions. This meant Zou was likely drifting somewhere between the two, slightly north.
He'd let Jack handle this.
Among the three All-Stars, Jack was currently the least busy—reliable and hardworking.
Observing Gurd's expression, the Chief Priest hesitantly asked, "Lord Gurd, do you intend to conquer Zou?"
"Exactly."
Gurd nodded.
As Kaido often said, more combat power was always better. The Mink Tribe was formidable—an invaluable force.
He needed to unite various factions to make the World Government think twice, while simultaneously expanding the Beasts' military strength.
A two-pronged approach!
"Do you care about Zou?"
"Not exactly, but..."
The Chief Priest fidgeted.
Born in Wano Country, she held no particular affection for Zou. Yet as someone with Mink Tribe blood, she naturally didn't wish to see it devastated.
"I understand your concerns."
Gurd smirked, making a tempting offer: "How about this—after I conquer Zou, you'll rule the Mink Tribe. You'll receive a share of all their future earnings!"
"Eh?!"
The Chief Priest's eyes sparkled with delight.
Being queen held little appeal, but profit-sharing? That was different! The collective wealth of the entire Mink Tribe—how much would that be?
And as the Chief Priest, she was the Inari God's messenger!
Swindling people was her specialty!
"Deal. I have other matters."
Gurd stood to leave.
The Celestial Dragons' one-month deadline meant no immediate war concerns, but he couldn't waste time.
Within this month, foundations must be laid. Within three months, the fortress beyond the Calm Belt must be mostly completed.
And Zou must be secured.
The order soon reached Oni Island.
Pirates urgently sought out Jack: "Captain Jack! Lord Gurd's orders—you're to locate Zou. Here are the coordinates he provided."
"..."
Jack took the nautical chart.
This was Elder Brother Gurd's first direct assignment for him!
Failure wasn't an option!
"Mobilize all available hands immediately!"
"Aye!"
By afternoon, dozens of ships from the Beasts Grand Fleet departed Wano Country, sailing eastward.
Meanwhile, in the Nation of Labor.
Recruitment notices were posted everywhere, offering quite generous benefits that attracted the interest of many laborers.
An old man seized the opportunity.
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