"Good. Do you remember I mentioned that there would be a mission for you soon?"
The three of them paused in surprise, then nodded. Shiji said, "Of course, Admiral Xu."
"The time has come," Xu continued. "However, not all three of you need to go. One is enough. Decide among yourselves who will take it."
The three exchanged glances.
Kira was the first to speak. "Brothers, my troops aren't ready yet. I'll sit this one out."
At his words, Ichi and Shiji nodded slightly. Kira's training regimen was monstrous; even he struggled to recruit enough soldiers to meet his demands. That left only Ichi and Shiji to decide who would go.
"I'll go," Ichi said to Shiji.
"Ah… I was hoping to go," Shiji said, scratching his head.
"Ichi, let me handle it this time. You can go next time. Otherwise, I won't help you train your soldiers."
Shiji could only glare and mutter, "Ichi, using that as leverage? Fine, you win."
With that settled, Ichi turned to Xu. "Admiral Xu, I'll accept the mission."
Xu nodded slightly. "Very well. I'll give you a brief on the task."
Ichi listened intently, while Shiji and Kira leaned in, curious. Xu didn't ask them to leave; instead, he explained,
"This mission is to capture Gild Tasolo in the Grant Kingdom of the North Sea. I'm sure you've all heard of him."
Xu recounted Tasolo's history and recent exploits so the three fully understood the stakes.
"You'll be going alone. No matter what happens, only you can handle it. There is a possibility of encountering the Beasts Pirates. Are you ready?"
Ichi nodded solemnly. "I'm ready."
"Then go."
"Yes, Admiral Xu."
Ichi left the office first. Shiji and Kira were sent back to continue training their troops. Once Shiji finished training Kira's soldiers, they would take their own missions. Motivated, both threw themselves into their drills with renewed vigor.
Meanwhile, Ichi headed toward his warship. Publicly, he still held the title of Vice Admiral, a prestigious but secondary role.
"Vice Admiral Fujitora!"
"Vice Admiral Fujitora, sir!"
Ichi greeted each of his soldiers with a smile. This was his code name: Fujitora.
Shiji's code name was Green Bull, and Kira's was Black Bear.
Fujitora leaned on his cane as he boarded his warship. His troops were fully assembled. Clearing his throat, he addressed them,
"This mission will be extremely challenging. Make sure your minds are prepared."
"Yes, Vice Admiral Fujitora!"
"Good. Let's depart."
"Yes, Vice Admiral Fujitora!"
The green-hulled warship set sail from the harbor, heading toward the North Sea and the Grant Kingdom.
At the same time, the scene shifted to the Grant Kingdom.
Tasolo had already built his massive flagship, GRANTESORO.
Inside a luxurious office on the ship, he sat in front of the large windows, a glass of red wine in hand. His gray-green slicked-back hair contrasted sharply with his pink suit and pants, and his purple sunglasses reflected the chaos below.
He observed the gamblers' despair as they lost everything. A delighted chuckle escaped him.
"This is the best show in the world."
Though Stussy had rescued him before, Tasolo had grown more unhinged after Kaido's manipulations. His once-dark heart now pulsed with madness. What he had once envied the "power of gold" was now his own.
With the wealthy as his stage, he would become wealthier than all, forcing them to bow before him.
In the months since leaving Stussy, Tasolo had leveraged his Gold-Gold Fruit to become the world's richest man, controlling 20% of all Berries in circulation. His ultimate dream: to make the Celestial Dragons kneel before the power of money.
"I am the god of this world! There is nothing money cannot buy!" Tasolo's favorite saying rang in his ears.
A sudden commotion erupted at the door.
"I can win! Please, give me another chance! Lend me some more money!"
The office door burst open. A man in a sharp suit stumbled inside, kneeling and begging. His face was pale, eyes glittering with greed.
"Lord Tasolo! Lend me some money! I can win!"
As he lunged forward, two bodyguards restrained him.
"Sorry to disturb you, Lord Tasolo," one said respectfully.
Tasolo raised an eyebrow and waved them off. "Release him."
The bodyguards obeyed. Surprisingly, the man seemed more obedient now. Tasolo adjusted his purple sunglasses and smiled.
"Ah! I recognize you. The Third Prince of the Grant Kingdom!"
The man nodded eagerly. "Yes, it is I, the Third Prince!"
"Do you wish to continue your game?" Tasolo asked.
The prince nodded frantically, his desire shining in his eyes.
Tasolo's smile widened.
"Very well! If you wish to continue, I will support you."
He gestured subtly to his bodyguards, who immediately understood. They retrieved a briefcase from a nearby cabinet and placed it before the prince.
"Here is 100 million Berries. You may borrow it, but it must be repaid in a single day."
The prince snatched the briefcase eagerly.
"I understand. Watch this, Tasolo! I will win! Hahaha!"
With that, he ran back to the casino, clutching the case.
Tasolo chuckled, watching him go.
"Good luck, Your Highness! Hahaha!"