Issho sat casually on the deck, a large bowl of ramen in his hands as he slurped away without restraint.
"Slurp… ah… slurp… wow…"
Every now and then, he let out satisfied sighs.
"This ramen shop is incredible!"
The soldiers nearby were already used to it. Their vice admiral always seemed to enjoy a good meal right when everyone else was starving.
Growl…
The sound of multiple stomachs rumbling reached his ears.
A faint smile appeared on Issho's face as he quickly finished the last of his noodles.
"Ah, full at last."
He chuckled lightly.
"Now you won't feel hungry anymore, right?"
The soldiers stared at him in silence.
Then laughter broke out.
Yeah… that did not help at all.
At that moment, a lookout called out:
"Vice Admiral Fujitora! We've entered the waters of the Grant Kingdom!"
Issho nodded.
"Good. You still remember Tesoro's location?"
"Of course, Vice Admiral!"
"Then how long will it take if we move at full speed?"
"About two hours at most!"
Issho gave a satisfied nod.
"Then let's not waste time. Prepare for combat."
"Yes, sir!"
With his command, the soldiers began checking their equipment, tension quietly building.
Two hours passed quickly.
On the massive golden ship, the bodies of the Beast Pirates had nearly all been cleared away.
Tesoro had already returned to his casino.
Despite the chaos earlier, the gambling hall remained lively. Every table was packed.
Some cursed their bad luck.
Some grinned wildly in triumph.
Others clung to their last chips, desperate for one final turn.
But none of it interested Tesoro anymore.
Right now, he only wanted to leave.
"Oh, right. How's the third prince doing?"
He turned to one of his subordinates.
"Lord Tesoro, the third prince just hit a winning streak! Not only did he recover his hundred million Berries, he's up another fifty million!"
Tesoro raised an eyebrow, a smile forming.
"Impressive. To think he turned a few million into that much."
"Should we have him eliminated?" a subordinate asked quietly.
Tesoro waved his hand and poured himself a glass of wine.
"Use your head. He's a guest."
He took a slow sip, savoring it.
"Do you really think he'll stop now that he's winning?"
A grin spread across his face.
"Watch closely. He'll lose everything, with interest."
Just as he was beginning to relax, the same subordinate who had reported Ulti earlier rushed in again, stumbling in panic.
Tesoro's grip tightened around his glass.
"Don't tell me…"
The man gasped.
"Lord Tesoro, something's wrong!"
"Another Beast Pirates fleet?"
Tesoro asked sharply.
But then he paused.
No… that was too fast.
Sure enough, the man shook his head.
"No! It's the Navy! A warship has entered the harbor!"
Tesoro relaxed slightly, though his brows still furrowed.
"The Navy? What are they doing here?"
He narrowed his eyes.
"Did you see who's leading them?"
"I'm sorry, sir. I've never seen him before. But judging by his insignia… he's a Vice Admiral."
Tesoro let out a quiet breath.
A vice admiral was manageable.
"Should we leave immediately?" the subordinate asked.
Tesoro's eye twitched.
"They're already docked. Where exactly do you think we're going to run?"
He set down his glass and stood up.
"Come on. Let's go greet our guest."
"Yes, Lord Tesoro!"
At the harbor, Issho stepped off the warship with his men.
He paused, tilting his head slightly toward the grand casino before him.
"Even though I cannot see… I can feel how prosperous this place is."
Then his expression shifted.
"…Hmm. There's a faint smell of blood in the air."
His hand moved lightly through the air, catching a trace of golden dust between his fingers.
"This… is gold."
His Observation Haki spread outward, enveloping the entire ship.
He sensed it immediately.
There was gold inside everyone here.
His brows tightened.
"Pass the order. Everyone prepare face coverings. Do not inhale the gold dust without my command."
"Yes, Vice Admiral Fujitora!"
The soldiers quickly complied.
Issho adjusted the scarf around his neck slightly.
This would have to do.
With that, they made their way toward the casino.
Just as they reached the entrance, a figure approached with a warm smile.
It was Tesoro.
"Ah, a Navy officer! What a rare guest. What brings you here today?"
He extended his hand in greeting.
Issho smiled calmly and shook it.
"I was passing through on patrol and happened to notice this casino. I felt a sudden itch to try my luck, so I thought I'd take a look."
Tesoro's tension eased.
So that was all.
"Hahaha! I see! Please, come in. May I have your name, Vice Admiral?"
Issho inclined his head slightly.
"You're too kind. I am but a humble officer, hardly worthy of such formality."
He smiled.
"My name is Issho. And you are?"
Tesoro's confidence grew.
He doesn't even recognize me. Good.
"I am the owner of this establishment. Gild Tesoro."
He gestured grandly toward the casino.
"Vice Admiral Issho, feel free to enjoy yourself. Everything today is on me."
Issho chuckled.
"Oh? That's quite generous."
"No need to be polite. Please, come in!"
Issho nodded.
"Then I shall accept your hospitality."