While Tesoro leisurely enjoyed the spectacle of gamblers descending into madness, another storm was already approaching.
Ulti's fleet had reached the waters of the Grant Kingdom.
Standing at the bow, Ulti's long blue and pink hair swayed in the wind. Two sharp, horn-like protrusions rose from her head, giving her a fierce silhouette. Her pink eyes were fixed on the distant kingdom, her expression tense. A blue cloak hung from her shoulders, and her short dress and red heels gave her an almost playful appearance, one that sharply contrasted with the irritation written across her face.
The Grant Kingdom was no small place. Finding Tesoro within such a vast area would take time, and that alone was enough to frustrate her.
But soon, an idea crossed her mind.
"Tesoro's been operating here for a long time. The people in the kingdom must know where he is."
With that, Ulti ordered the fleet to dock at the kingdom's port and sent scouts to gather information.
Before long, one of her subordinates rushed back.
"Well? Did you find anything?" Ulti asked impatiently.
"Yes, Lady Ulti! We got information from the king. Tesoro's casino lies due west of the Grant Kingdom. It will take about two hours to reach by sea."
Her furrowed brows finally relaxed.
"Good. Call everyone back. We set sail immediately."
"Yes, Lady Ulti!"
With her command, the fleet set out once more, heading straight for Tesoro's domain.
Two hours later, a magnificent sight appeared on the horizon.
A colossal golden vessel stood before them. There was only one way to describe it: extravagant beyond belief.
Even Ulti could not help but click her tongue.
"So this is Tesoro… the power of money."
Meanwhile, aboard the golden ship, Tesoro watched from his office as the Third Prince struggled below.
The prince had only a handful of chips left.
"One hundred million Berries… and now you're down to two million," Tesoro murmured, swirling his wine.
"Lord Tesoro, should we extend him more credit?" a subordinate asked.
Tesoro shook his head. "No need. What he owes now is just enough to claim the entire Grant Kingdom as collateral."
"Understood, sir."
Just as Tesoro savored the prince's despair, another subordinate rushed in.
"Lord Tesoro! A pirate fleet is approaching!"
Tesoro raised an eyebrow. "And? It's just pirates. Why panic?"
The man swallowed nervously. "It… it's the Beasts Pirates!"
The wine glass slipped from Tesoro's hand and shattered on the floor.
"What? Are you sure?"
"I'm certain!"
Crash!
Tesoro smashed the remains of the glass in anger.
"Damn Kaido! Why now?"
His fury surged instantly.
"Take me to the port. Now!"
"Yes, sir!"
Moments later, Tesoro arrived at the harbor, and sure enough, several pirate ships bearing the Beasts Pirates' flag loomed in the distance.
"So it really is them…"
"Lord Tesoro, should we retreat?"
"Retreat?" Tesoro scoffed. "They've come straight to our doorstep. Where would we run?"
His eyes hardened.
"Prepare for battle."
"Yes, Lord Tesoro!"
Soon, the Beasts Pirates' ships docked, and Ulti stepped ashore.
Tesoro suppressed his tension and forced a smile.
"One of the Three Disasters, Ulti. A pleasure to meet you."
Ulti snorted. "Cut the act, Tesoro. You know why I'm here."
Tesoro's smile vanished instantly. His gaze turned cold.
"So Kaido really intends to push things this far…"
Ulti let out a mocking laugh. "Push things? You think you're worth that?"
"You…!"
Tesoro's temper snapped.
"Then there's nothing left to say. Attack!"
At his command, explosions erupted in the distance.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Cannons roared as hidden artillery unleashed a barrage. Using the chaos, Tesoro withdrew his forces from the encirclement.
Ulti's eyes flashed with killing intent, but she had no time to chase. The cannon fire was already upon her.
With a shout, she swung her massive spiked club.
"Ha!"
The weapon blurred through the air, leaving afterimages in its wake.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The incoming cannonballs exploded midair, shattered by her strikes.
In the distance, Tesoro cursed under his breath.
"Damn it…"
"Keep the weapons firing!" he ordered.
Meanwhile, Ulti wasted no time.
"Charge!"
Her forces surged forward.
"Attack!"
"Kill!"
The Beasts Pirates rushed in, blades raised, crashing toward Tesoro's defenses.
Realizing he could no longer hide, Tesoro moved.
In an instant, he appeared before Ulti.
"Golden Bomb!"
His fist turned into gleaming gold, hardened with Haki, as he drove it forward.
The explosion that followed was massive. Shockwaves, heat, and shards of gold blasted toward Ulti.
Her eyes sharpened. She raised her club, also coated in Haki.
Clang!
Fist and club collided with a thunderous impact.
Veins bulged along Ulti's arm as she gritted her teeth.
"Get lost!"
Boom!
The force surged, sending Tesoro flying backward.
"What?!"
Caught off guard, he crashed violently into a distant wall.
Ulti rushed forward, not giving him a moment to recover.
Tesoro pushed aside the rubble, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes.
He raised his right hand high.
"Golden Splash!"
At once, streams of liquid gold erupted from every corner of the city, shooting skyward like fountains.
The golden spray scattered into fine powder, raining down from above.
"What is this?"
"Gold dust?"
The Beasts Pirates looked at the particles in confusion, unaware that the golden powder had already begun entering their bodies.