800 years ago, descendants of 19 out of the 20 kings who formed the World Government claimed themselves to be "descendants of the Creator," becoming what we know today as the Heavenly Celestial Dragons.
The Heavenly Celestial Dragons are not individuals but rather these 19 families, with the Donquixote Clan being one of many with numerous exceptions.
Dad once said, use magic to defeat magic, so use Heavenly Celestial Dragons to deal with Heavenly Celestial Dragons.
The Heavenly Celestial Dragons are the pinnacle of privilege in this world. For the sake of current development, Tesoro has had to put on a false front with these Heavenly Celestial Dragons and feed those mad dogs in order to act freely.
But the Heavenly Celestial Dragons aren't easy to approach. They look down on everything outside of Heavenly Celestial Dragons, and over many years, Tesoro has only been able to connect with one family.
The development of Hundred Beasts Fruit was somewhat facilitated by them because they were the sole choice, and so this family has always maintained an arrogant attitude towards Tesoro.
However, the Heavenly Celestial Dragons are not merely useless; they have elites among them too. These elite individuals steer the family's future, and the emergence of the Fland Family has made them feel uneasy. This signifies more options for Tesoro.
Tesoro has brought them great benefits. To prevent the opposing family from taking Tesoro away, they altered some methods, yet this family also didn't understand why the Fland Family suddenly intervened.
With the tacit approval of two Heavenly Celestial Dragon families, the Grand Tesoro not only became an independent nation recognized by the government but also a "non-armament zone" that the World Government couldn't enter at will, known as the "Absolute Sanctuary."
This ensures that it will become the economic center of the gray area.
Here, without Tesoro's consent, it's illegal even for the Navy to enter with arms. This is the absolute privilege that Tesoro secured.
Some Non-Adhering Countries tried everything to establish contact with the World Government, but they couldn't, yet Tesoro achieved their unattainable goal in just a few short days.
"Fland... Tesoro, could there be some conspiracy behind this?"
"Who cares, even if it's a bait, it's worth taking for us. If someone really is fishing, they'll realize that fish can eat people too. Oh, Uta, how's your song preparation?"
"It's alright, why?"
"Your debut performance is coming up, the whole world will watch, and Shanks can see your performance. Get ready,"
"Really?! Can I invite Shanks to come?"
"If he's willing to come, I don't mind, but that's up to you. The debut is still some time away. I need to go back to Wano Kuni to discuss some matters with Lord Arceus."
The approval procedures are done, recruitment, equipment adjustments, many things are still in experimental stages. It'll take time to steer this giant ship to its intended location, especially since some matters still need to be finalized with Ghost Island.
While he planned the ship, Uta excitedly made a phone call but returned disappointed not long after.
Tesoro had already left by then, leaving only Stella there.
"Little Uta, what's wrong?"
"Shanks said no, he said it's not the right time."
"Don't worry, believe in yourself, and remember, you both have an agreement. The world's number one songstress needs time."
...
Aboard the Red Force, Beckman lit his cigarette and looked at Shanks in front of him.
"Really not going? It wouldn't hurt to see her occasionally."
"No, seeing me like this would sadden her."
He pointed to his severed left arm, giving his explanation. Since Ellegia, Shanks hadn't taken any large actions.
Back then, he was called the closest person to becoming a Sea Emperor, but afterward, he seemed to vanish from public sight; his name rarely appeared in newspapers. At least the news of his lost arm hadn't spread, known only to a few close ones.
These people were all shocked by him losing an arm in the East Sea, whether enemies or friends.
"By the way, what have you been up to these past few days, all mysteriously?"
"Nothing much, just some small matters."
After the Rubber-Rubber Fruit was seized, Shanks started to gain attention in higher circles. Post-Ellegia, he caught more eyes, including those of the World Government; he just did some small things.
...
Meanwhile, in the Underworld of the New World, the completion of the Grand Tesoro almost caused an upheaval. Recognized by the government as a "non-armament zone," it's practically a trader's paradise, ensuring that the future underground economic center will inevitably shift here.
Hundred Beasts Fruit was already an Underworld king, and with this ship, their leadership among the underworld kings is now unshakable.
There's still some time until the ship's official launch, but reporters sent by Morgans have already boarded the Grand Tesoro, spreading the news of this entertainment city.
The announcement of everything being free on opening day except for the casino attracted quite some attention. On his return to Ghost Island, Tesoro was not only setting relevant details but also inquiring if anyone on Ghost Island wanted to join the opening ceremony.
"Is it okay for pirates to go to such a place?"
"Of course it is. On this ship, there's no distinction between pirates and the Navy, only guests. Miss Yamato, my years of effort haven't been in vain."
As long as the World Government hasn't severed ties with them, the ship's stability remains unbreakable. Based on the intel received, the opening ceremony can truly be called a motley crowd, encompassing nearly all Underworld forces, many of whom have connections with the World Government.
Unless the World Government wants to reshape the entire Underworld, they definitely won't make any moves now. According to the list, even members directly affiliated with the World Government are on it.
"Father, can I play there?"
"If you want to go, then go. You must familiarize yourself with the industries under us. However, Tesoro, are there any combat-related projects on the ship?"
"Uh... not yet, but Governor Kaido, such battles wouldn't interest you, and considering your status..."
Ordinary pirates showing up is one thing, but if a Sea Emperor like Kaido appeared, it would cause turmoil.
"Wu ra ra ra, don't worry, I'm not interested. If there's any deathmatch project, be sure to send Yamato up."
"...."
The little bit of emotion Yamato felt was suddenly wiped away. She knew for sure that Kaido, as her dad, wouldn't say anything nice.
"Alright, anyone who wants to go, you can take them when the time comes. You can discuss the rest with Arceus; meanwhile, I'll go drink."
This type of entertainment ship doesn't interest Kaido. He was just coincidentally training Yamato, therefore he overheard the plan, while Tesoro, with a few turtles, found Arceus, which was a new species he discovered on an island.