CHAPTER 256 UTA
With Pluton secured, Brett finally allowed himself to relax. Knowing there was something terrifying hidden in Mariejois, accumulating additional power in his own hands was undeniably worthwhile.
Ideally, he'd have Tom construct multiple Plutons. With blueprints already acquired, producing just one seemed wasteful. Quantity production would maximize the technology's value.
Before leaving the Forest of the Sea, Brett gave Tom strict instructions. Wapol couldn't be trusted. Outside work hours, he must wear Seastone shackles, and someone needed to watch him constantly during labor. Otherwise, the man would inevitably cause trouble.
Only then did Tom realize Wapol's cooperation wasn't voluntary.
He said nothing in response. All he could do now—all he would do—was place his complete faith in Brett.
As Brett left the Forest of the Sea, he considered where to relocate the shipyard for maximum security. Placing it directly on Fish-Man Island proper was impossible. So long as Fish-Man Island maintained open-border policies and allowed human traffic, government spies would never stop infiltrating. Tom would remain perpetually vulnerable.
The solution was clear: construct it elsewhere. Deep beneath the ocean where humans couldn't reach, using bubble technology to create an isolated island in the abyss. Perhaps station some Sea Kings nearby as guardians, preventing any human from approaching.
Lost in thought, Brett was heading toward the Mermaid Café for dinner when Tesoro's call came through.
"Get over here. My new headquarters is finished," Tesoro said on the line. "Besides, weren't we supposed to meet Uta? Everyone else wants to see the great Deep Sea Emperor too."
Already complete? Brett was genuinely surprised. Had barely two hours passed since they'd parted ways?
This man had constructed his entire headquarters that quickly?
Skeptical, Brett decided to see for himself.
What greeted him at the barren plot designated for Tesoro near the Forest of the Sea left him momentarily speechless.
A magnificent golden palace stood where wasteland had been moments before.
Literally golden—brilliantly, thoroughly golden, appearing as though forged entirely from the precious metal. And truthfully, it was. Every bit constructed from solid gold.
Tesoro's employees, who'd relocated with him from Dressrosa, bustled about transporting furnishings into the palace.
"How does it look? Not bad for my design, eh?" Tesoro noticed Brett's arrival. He barked a few orders at Baccarat—probably instructing her to take command—then walked over.
"You're wasting your talent not becoming an architect," Brett remarked with a smile.
"Hmph. The world doesn't have enough gold," Tesoro replied smugly.
An awakened Devil Fruit user really was unreasonable. With his ability to manipulate any gold he'd contacted, Tesoro's construction and demolition speed bordered on the miraculous. Even such a lavish, sprawling palace took mere moments to complete.
No wonder the original timeline version had constructed a ship-city of such massive scale.
Of course, it required sufficient quantities of gold.
Tesoro could only manipulate that one material.
"Come on, let me introduce you to the red-haired beauty," Tesoro said, gesturing toward the palace interior. Brett followed.
Stepping inside revealed Tesoro's true artistry. The palace wasn't merely externally resplendent—the interior showcased intricate carved beams and decorative sculptures throughout. Every element had been fashioned as a single, unified piece. Without genuine architectural mastery, such work would have been impossible.
"Hahahaha! Impressed by my masterpiece, right?" Tesoro preened.
Brett's lip twitched slightly but offered no verbal response.
'I should get one of these built for myself sometime.'
He wanted to say exactly that, but unfortunately lacked sufficient gold reserves. The Deep Sea Emperor, for all his unmatched power, had practically no personal wealth—he was even poorer than Sharly, who ran a café.
The sound of music and voices drifted toward them before they'd traveled far. Beautiful melodies mixed with unfamiliar voices—some recognizable, most not.
They reached a grand doorway. Tesoro pushed it open.
The chamber inside was absurdly spacious. Currently, a giantess bounced around its center. Compared to her scale, the musicians and singers surrounding her—performing with dance, instrument, and voice—seemed insignificant.
Yet in the next instant, Brett's attention shifted entirely.
Queen Otohime sang with radiant brilliance. Her voice pierced directly into the heart—even Brett couldn't help but feel moved.
Singing with her was Uta , her voice as heavenly as divine music, capable of entrancing anyone within earshot.
Tesoro nodded rhythmically, moving to the beat. With his back to Brett, his expression remained hidden, though he was likely beaming with pride.
"What do you think? Not everyone gets to see this up close—the world's premiere entertainment group!" he said.
That wasn't exaggeration. Their pre-Reverie performance had genuinely captivated the entire world. The charisma radiating from diverse peoples gathering together had enchanted everyone watching.
All Stars—a name now renowned globally.
The song concluded.
"Oh! Brett!" Queen Otohime noticed him immediately, smiling brightly. "How is it? My singing has grown more beautiful, hasn't it?"
Brett nodded genuinely. It had. The intensive training Tesoro had provided recently had borne fruit. Otohime had finally transcended relying purely on innate talent.
"This is the Deep Sea Emperor!" someone whispered.
Though Brett had visited every racial community present, few had actually met him face-to-face. Most marveled at their first encounter with him.
"Lord Brett" Apoo greeted respectfully, smiling. He was apparently second-most acquainted with this emperor among his colleagues.
"Hello Lord Brett!" others echoed the greeting.
Uta watched him intently while greeting him, with the rest.
"Don't be so formal," Otohime laughed cheerfully. "Brett's a good kid. Always has been!"
'Please don't bring up childhood memories. I'd rather not recall getting entertained by a handful of candies from you.'
"That's right," Tesoro agreed with a smile. "Relax. Brett's my most reliable partner."
"You should feel honored. The world's strongest man is backing us," Tesoro continued.
'Strongest in the world? You're exaggerating worse than I ever could.'
Brett shot Tesoro a sidelong glance.
"Strongest?" Uta interjected, her tone carrying unmistakable dissatisfaction.
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