New World, a certain sea area.
The Rayquaza was speeding at full throttle toward a small island ahead.
That place was the infamous pirate money sink of the New World... Pleasure Quarter.
Created single-handedly by underground emperor Stussy, it was the world's largest red-light district.
Approaching the dock, ornately decorated ships came into view.
These were Pleasure Quarter's specialty... flower boats.
When business on the island was slow, they would set sail to various islands to provide services.
The Rayquaza's arrival didn't cause much of a stir.
Pleasure Quarter was already accustomed to great pirates patronizing their business.
The beautiful girls on the flower boats enthusiastically waved at everyone aboard the Rayquaza, with some generous girls even offering a bit of free eye candy.
"Ohhh, this place is literally paradise!"
Sanji's eyes instantly turned into hearts, his body going soft like cooked noodles, nearly collapsing to the ground.
He had never been as grateful for joining the Beast Pirates as he was at this moment.
In the East Blue, where could he have experienced this?
"Perverted cook, show some restraint."
Zoro looked disgusted and unconsciously stepped away from Sanji, as if afraid of catching some embarrassing disease.
"Stupid swordsman, what did you say? You bastard who doesn't know how to appreciate beauty!"
Sanji instantly regained his composure, sticking his neck out to confront Zoro head-on.
"A man's paradise, huh..." Violet said with obvious jealousy: "Seems like we can't satisfy someone anymore."
Kozuki Hiyori said nothing, only gazing at Kai with those expressive eyes, silence speaking louder than words.
Reiju gently stepped forward, straightening Kai's slightly wrinkled collar, saying meaningfully in a soft voice: "Remember to come back tonight."
Several black lines appeared on Kai's forehead: "I really do have legitimate business this time. Is my credibility rating so low in your minds?"
He wasn't lacking in beautiful women... why would he need those girls whose lips had been shared by thousands?
Violet's gaze circulated among Yamato, Kozuki Hiyori, and Reiju, finally settling back on Kai's face silently, as if saying:
What do you think?
Smooth...
Alright.
Kai admitted he was somewhat lacking in the virtue department.
But indulging in feminine charms really was quite enjoyable.
The straightforward Yamato completely missed the vinegar in the air, still enthusiastically observing those beautiful flower boats with curiosity.
Kai quickly changed the subject, looking at the quiet Kuma beside him: "Ahem, Kuma, want to go relax? My treat."
"Ah, ah? No need, I'll stay on the ship with Bonney."
Kuma's honest face instantly flushed red as he waved his hands repeatedly, becoming tongue-tied.
"Don't be shy."
Kai patted Kuma's arm with a mischievous smile: "You're not still a virgin, are you?"
These provocative words completely short-circuited pure-love advocate Kuma's brain CPU, seeming to emit steam from his head.
He frantically covered Bonney's ears: "Kai-san, please don't say such things in front of a child."
"Sorry, sorry."
Kai restrained his smile and coughed lightly: "That was just a joke, but you should still relax. Everyone can go play in the Pleasure Quarter today... on me."
"Thank you, Boss Kai!"
The pirate subordinates on the Rayquaza cheered loudly.
Company-paid entertainment opportunities didn't come every day.
"Careful though," Kai quickly added a warning: "Don't order anything too expensive!"
Pleasure Quarter's consumption level wasn't low. If they really let loose, bankrupting him wouldn't be impossible.
Then Kai looked at Ace, Sanji, and Zoro. "You three follow Kuma. No drinking or partying with women; that's adult business."
Besides the red-light district, Pleasure Quarter also had other entertainment venues.
"Aww..."
Ace deflated: "I was really looking forward to it."
Sanji was fine with it... he was lustful but not lewd, with knightly principles in his bones, and more appreciative of beauty.
Of course, this had absolutely nothing to do with Reiju pulling his ear and lecturing him.
The largest and most famous bar in the Pleasure Quarter.
As soon as Kai stepped through the door, a group of scantily clad, wealthy, and generous girls surrounded him.
"Big brother, you're so handsome."
"Daddy, want to dance?"
"Master... come play."
Sweet voices accompanied increasingly explicit terms of address as the girls pressed closer, their soft warmth nearly drowning Kai.
"You recognize me?"
Kai chuckled, embracing left and right, half-pushing, half-accepting as they escorted him to a luxurious booth.
"In all of Pleasure Quarter... no, in all the New World... who doesn't know you, Brother Kai?"
One girl giggled coquettishly, drawing circles on his chest with her finger: "You're the Pirate King's successor! Right, sisters?"
"That's right."
Delicate feminine voices responded in unison, making listeners weak in the knees.
But the girls' usually infallible flattery met its match today.
Kai's face darkened... didn't they know this was the title he least wanted to hear recently?
He immediately lost interest in playing along, his expression grim: "Is Stussy here? I need to see her."
The news quickly reached the second floor of the bar, to Stussy's exclusive private room.
"Natural Disaster wants to see me?"
The stunning blonde beauty lazily reclined on a leather sofa, elegantly holding a glass of wine as deep red as blood.
"What have they been doing since arriving?" Stussy's voice carried a trace of lazy magnetism.
Her manager immediately gave a detailed report of everything the Rayquaza crew had done since arriving at Pleasure Quarter, with precise information and clear organization.
Since its founding, Pleasure Quarter hadn't been solely about making money.
"A womanizer?"
"Bring him up."
Stussy's red lips curved up... this was her specialty. What perfect timing.
The long-term contact mission from the Five Elders could finally begin.
Soon, the manager approached Kai with Stussy's response.
"Mm, let's go then."
Kai nodded, scattered some berries, and withdrew.
He wouldn't freeload.
Second floor of the bar.
Stussy's exclusive private room.
Kai successfully met the underground emperor, the Queen of Pleasure Quarter... Stussy.
Seeing him enter, she elegantly opened a folding fan, perfectly concealing the lower half of her face, revealing only a pair of sapphire-deep, enchanting eyes.
Mm, just as handsome as in the wanted poster.
While Kai observed Stussy, she was observing him too.
This Natural Disaster was completely different from the savage Beast Pirates style.
More like a prince from some kingdom.
"I've long admired your reputation, Kai-san!"
Stussy closed her fan, instantly blooming with a brilliant, sweet smile capable of melting hearts.
Come on, boy, immerse yourself in my beauty.