The Rayquaza slowly sailed into Gran Tesoro's incredibly spacious internal harbor, her dragon figurehead cutting through the golden-tinted waters with majestic grace.
Perhaps because today's guests were too important, Tesoro had chosen not to use the golden powder rain that could secretly control visitors' bodies as his usual welcoming gesture.
"Wow! So beautiful!"
Bonney pressed herself against the ship's rail, her eyes wide as saucers, instantly captivated by the extremely luxurious, brilliantly golden scene spread before them like something from a fairy tale.
"Is all of that really gold?"
Even Violet, the former princess who had seen her share of opulent displays, couldn't help covering her mouth in genuine surprise, her eyes sparkling with wonder.
Everywhere they looked, streets, buildings, and decorations were almost entirely bathed in dazzling golden radiance, representing the very epitome of luxury and excess.
This dreamlike scene far exceeded the limits of her considerable past experience with royal wealth.
"How could it all be real gold? Most of it is just gold-plated stuff designed for show and spectacle."
Kai chuckled lightly, shattering their romantic illusions with practical reality.
Then he pointed toward the tallest, most prominent, magnificent building dominating the city center like a golden mountain.
"However, that building is a notable exception. According to that guy Doflamingo, it's the world's only eight-star hotel, called the Golden King, constructed from solid gold throughout."
Tesoro, who in the future would be said to control twenty percent of the world's berries and possess wealth enough to rival entire nations, still wasn't quite extravagant enough to pave an entire city with genuine precious metal.
As they chatted casually about the impressive sights, the Rayquaza had steadily approached and smoothly docked at the designated berth.
Kai led everyone down the gangway with confident strides.
The moment their feet touched the gleaming golden ground, a group of well-dressed, respectful staff members quickly approached with practiced efficiency.
Leading them was a man with gray-green slicked-back hair, wearing exaggerated purple sunglasses and a flashy pink suit that screamed nouveau riche. His ten fingers were almost completely adorned with golden rings, while his neck and wrists glittered with more gold jewelry, transforming him into a veritable walking treasury.
This was Gild Tesoro himself, the master of this golden domain.
"Welcome, Kai-san, and all distinguished members of the Beast Pirates."
Tesoro spread his arms wide with an enthusiastic smile that seemed genuinely pleased rather than merely professional.
Kai instinctively glanced at Tesoro's left hand and noted that his ring finger remained conspicuously empty.
Though this man's values were twisted enough to believe money could control everything in existence, when it came to matters of love, he remained genuinely obsessive enough to be called a romantic in his own way.
Kai nodded slightly in acknowledgment. "I hope today's program won't disappoint me or my crew."
"Please rest assured! I will absolutely give you all a taste of what true world-class enjoyment and revelry mean!"
Tesoro's smile remained unchanged as he confidently raised his ring-covered right hand and waved it lightly in a practiced gesture.
"Baccarat."
"Yes, Tesoro-sama."
An elegant woman with a graceful figure and brilliant rose-red hair stepped forward with fluid movements.
She wore a black and white form-fitting dress that exposed large areas of pale skin, projecting an aura that was both capable and alluring in equal measure.
Baccarat smiled warmly and bowed to everyone present, her voice carrying honey-sweet tones.
"As a welcome gesture, we've deposited one hundred million berries into each of your exclusive entertainment accounts for your enjoyment here at Gran Tesoro."
Then she turned specifically to Kai with an even brighter, more deferential smile.
"Kai-san, your personal account has been credited with three hundred million berries. May you have a truly wonderful time during your stay."
Well, well, quite the substantial investment, Kai thought to himself with amusement.
This wasn't the future era of bounty inflation where such sums would be considered modest. In the current economy, 1.2 billion berries could easily buy the heads of an entire New World pirate crew and their ship.
And this represented just the appetizer for hosting the Beast Pirates alone.
He roughly estimated that just the berries freely distributed today probably totaled tens or even hundreds of billions across all the guests.
One of Roger's treasures just vanished like that into entertainment expenses.
Of course, Tesoro definitely wouldn't end up losing money on this arrangement.
Not to mention these funds could only be spent within his territory, with actual costs far below their face value. A few rounds of high-stakes gambling could make it all evaporate like morning mist.
More importantly, once these high-rollers got properly hooked on the excitement, the subsequent endless massive spending would represent his real profit goal.
"A small token of appreciation. I wish you all a marvelous time here."
Tesoro laughed heartily, then prepared to take his leave with diplomatic grace.
"I still have some pressing business matters to handle and can't stay long. Baccarat will represent me personally in attending to all your needs."
With that polite dismissal, he departed surrounded by a phalanx of white-suited bodyguards.
Golden King Hotel, top floor's supreme suite.
Under Baccarat's personal guidance and expert attention, Kai's group settled into their luxurious accommodations smoothly.
"Alright, everyone, enjoy yourselves to the fullest. Play whatever games you want, buy whatever catches your fancy."
Kai addressed his companions with generous permission, then added a note of caution in his tone.
"But remember this important rule: playing is perfectly fine, just don't get addicted to gambling. That's how they really make their money."
"Understood completely."
Everyone nodded obediently, recognizing the wisdom in his warning.
After giving these instructions, Kai departed first to handle his own business.
He wasn't here purely for pleasure and entertainment.
In the hotel's first-floor dazzling lobby, with its crystal chandeliers and marble floors.
"Kai-sama, it's been quite a while since we last met."
A lazy, seductive voice drifted over from across the opulent space.
Stussy, who had been waiting there with practiced patience, swayed gracefully toward him. She still wore an elegant black dress that hugged her curves perfectly, accompanied by her trademark flawless smile.
"You're still as radiant as ever, Stussy."
Kai smiled lightly, naturally extending his hand to gently lift her smooth, fair chin with his fingertip in an intimate gesture.
"Has Morgans arrived yet?"
"Oh my, Kai-sama, you really know how to break a girl's heart."
Stussy pouted in feigned grievance, her slender fingers restlessly drawing small circles on Kai's firm chest through his shirt.
"The very first thing you ask about when you find me is that insufferable bird man?"
"Am I really less attractive than him in your heart?"
"Heh, tonight I'll naturally have plenty of time to deal with you properly."
Kai grinned wickedly, giving her pert rear a light but firm squeeze that made her breath catch.
"Let's see if you can still talk so tough then."
"Giggle giggle... I'm very much looking forward to it."
Stussy let out silver bell-like seductive laughter, then straightened up and returned to displaying the shrewd competence expected of an underworld queen.
"As for Morgans, he should be at the game city right now, saying something about gathering material for his next big story."
"Excellent. Let's go meet this so-called News King."
Kai grinned, showing white teeth that promised trouble.
"I can't wait to have a good chat with him about his recent journalism."
Game City, racing track.
A heated Turtle Shell Race was currently underway, drawing crowds of excited spectators.
Six teams needed to drive modified armed racing cars around the challenging city circuit, with the first to cross the finish line claiming victory and substantial prizes.
Additionally, there was a rather pirate-violence-style rule that during the race, participants could attack other racers without any restriction whatsoever.
It had quite the authentic feel of real-life Mario Kart, complete with power-ups and weapons.
Except unlike video games, where players could respawn after crashes, here the consequences were decidedly more permanent.
In the VIP viewing area, one figure stood out particularly among the well-dressed crowd.
He wore a distinctive top hat, a light blue shirt with a bright yellow bow tie, red and white checkered pants, and a dramatic black cloak.
Most eye-catching was his distinctly bird-like face and prominent long beak.
Morgans, one of the underworld emperors, president of the World Economic Journal, and Bird-Bird Fruit, Albatross form user.
Having offended too many dangerous people over the years and constantly fearing assassination attempts, he almost always maintained this beast-human hybrid form for protection.
At the moment, Morgans held a professional camera, continuously clicking shots of the six racing cars with mechanical precision, collecting material with little visible excitement. He seemed more like someone completing a tedious assignment than enjoying the spectacle.
"Morgans!" Stussy called out first in a cheerful greeting.
Morgans turned at the familiar sound, but his gaze directly bypassed the alluring Stussy, focusing instead on Kai with extremely excited and intense eyes, as if he had just discovered buried treasure.
"Natural Disaster Kai! Perfect timing!"
Morgans rushed forward with journalistic fervor, practically vibrating with enthusiasm.
"Quick! Give me five minutes for an exclusive interview! No, three minutes would be sufficient!"
"Was your recent friction with the Charlotte family preparation for another war between the Beast Pirates and Big Mom Pirates?"
"Heh, the News King's reputation for speed is well-deserved."
Kai's eyes narrowed slightly with calculating interest.
"It's only been a short while since that incident, yet you already have the complete news story."
"Hahaha! This is exactly how I make my living!"
Morgans puffed out his chest proudly, wings positioned akimbo in a display of professional pride.
When it came to intelligence gathering and rapid news distribution, aside from the World Government's vast network, few forces in the world could match his capabilities.
"Oh? You're not continuing to write Tesoro's headline story?"
Stussy raised an eyebrow with curious interest.
As she well knew, Tesoro had paid an enormous sum for one full day's front-page headline coverage in the World Economic Journal.
"That kind of commercial puff piece can easily be handled by my subordinate reporters."
Morgans waved dismissively with a contemptuous tone that revealed his true priorities.
With potential major news about Natural Disaster Kai available, who had the patience to waste time writing advertorials for that nouveau riche golden fool?
He, Morgans, was a journalist with professional integrity and standards!
If not for the "world's largest entertainment city" title having some legitimate news value in itself, even if Tesoro covered the entire News Island with berries, he couldn't have purchased the World Economic Journal's coveted front page.
"An exclusive interview... is not entirely impossible."
Kai drew out his words deliberately, watching as Morgans' face instantly bloomed with hopeful anticipation, then smoothly changed direction.
"But first, I need to settle an old score with you."
"What..." Morgans' smile hadn't fully formed when confusion replaced excitement.
Before he could react or flee, Kai grabbed his throat with lightning speed, the tremendous force instantly cutting off Morgans' air supply and making his beady bird eyes bulge comically.
Kai leaned close to Morgans' ear, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.
"Your next answer will determine whether your neck gets twisted into an interesting new shape."
Morgans' entire body instantly stiffened with terror.
The whole person, or rather the whole bird, looked exactly like a helpless chick waiting for slaughter with its neck gripped by a predator.
"Kai-kun, don't get excited, don't get excited! Stussy, help me say something!"
Morgans squeezed the words from his constricted throat with great difficulty, his wings flapping weakly twice in a pathetic attempt at escape.
Stussy merely covered her mouth with elegant laughter, clearly enjoying the entertaining spectacle before her.
"Sorry, President Morgans. Kai-sama's will isn't something I can influence or override."
"Damn it, I helped you before... gak!"
Morgans tried to argue and call in past favors, but the pressure on his neck suddenly tightened threateningly, scaring him into swallowing his words immediately.
He quickly forced out a smile more painful than crying would have been.
"Kai-kun, we don't seem to have any grudges or conflicts between us."
Heaven knows, in his extensive memory, he had never deliberately smeared any of the Emperor pirate crews.
After all, he understood perfectly the crucial difference between one satisfying meal and consistent regular meals. Smart business required repeat customers.
"Right, you didn't smear me, but you nearly killed me with excessive praise instead."
Kai leaned even closer to Morgans' ear, whispering at a volume only they could hear.
"Need me to help refresh your memory? The Pirate King's successor. Ring any bells?"
Morgans' fawning smile instantly froze like ice, his feathers seeming to stand up in alarm.
"That, that... I absolutely had no bad intentions! I was just purely admiring you! Yes! Pure professional admiration!"
Cold sweat beaded on his forehead as he frantically improvised his defense.
"How about this! From now on, from this day forward, I'll let you personally review and approve all reports about you before publication! Guaranteed satisfaction!"
Unexpectedly, Kai remained skeptical and unmoved.
"I don't believe it for a second. You're not even afraid of the World Government when a big story breaks. Would you really fear me? Next time you'll definitely hide far away where I can't find you to cause trouble."
Morgans was indeed someone who would willingly offend even the World Government for a truly major scoop.
"Shh, shh, we can't say such dangerous things."
Morgans looked terrified, frantically glancing around the area, desperately afraid these treasonous words might somehow reach World Government ears.
Fortunately, as both were heavyweight figures in their respective fields, the crowd had tactfully scattered and given them privacy after their conflict began.
It was just their first meeting, yet Kai understood him so completely and accurately?
Strangely, Morgans felt a bizarre sense of kinship with this dangerous young pirate.
"I swear to you on everything I hold dear, all future news about you and your subordinate forces... I, Morgans, swear by my sacred honor as a journalist... will absolutely contain no exaggeration whatsoever. Are you satisfied now?"
Morgans gritted his teeth and went completely all-in with his promise.
"This is the only commitment I can realistically make. If you don't believe it, then just kill me now."
At this crucial moment, he finally showed the true bearing and courage of an underworld emperor.
"Acceptable."
Kai finally nodded slightly, seemingly accepting his solemn promise, but didn't fully release his threatening grip just yet.
"However, I still require appropriate compensation for past damages."
Huh? This was Morgans' first time encountering a news subject actually demanding financial compensation for coverage.
"How about... this!"
Morgans' beady eyes rolled as inspiration struck, and he said with mysterious excitement.
"I'll give you an absolutely heavyweight exclusive tip! Absolutely major news, and closely related to your future."
"Oh?" Kai became genuinely interested, finally releasing Morgans' bruised neck. "What news could be that valuable?"
Morgans rubbed his aching throat gratefully, then leaned close to Kai with the sleazy smile of someone holding explosive secrets.
"The Red Hair Pirates are going to make their move against you," he said quietly but distinctly. "That guy Shanks seems to be preparing to use you as his stepping stone to greater power."
"Are you absolutely serious about this?"
Kai's brow furrowed immediately, his entire demeanor sharpening like a blade being drawn.
He had long been mentally prepared for an eventual confrontation with the Red Hair Pirates.
How could a new emperor ascend to true power without challenging the old guard? This was the New World's most fundamental law of the jungle.
But he had always assumed Shanks would logically choose the relatively scattered Big Mom Pirates, who had shown clear signs of decline and internal discord in recent years.
After all, the Beast Pirates' strength was clearly evident to anyone paying attention, and the Whitebeard Pirates maintained good relations with the Red Hair Pirates.
No matter how you analyzed the situation, Charlotte Linlin's fractured territory seemed like the most suitable and vulnerable target for expansion.