In the G-10 branch, at Base Head's office, after a brief discussion about Dante's situation, Fujitora took a sip of tea and began discussing the main matter, "Rowen San, it seems that Tesoro, the 'Gold Emperor,' has already reached an understanding with the World Government. The official orders will probably come down in a few days... Before that happens, should we discuss in advance and plan for what we need to gain the initiative?"
Fujitora had informed Rowen about Tesoro's intention to invest in Century City a few months ago when they were still in the New World.
However, Rowen was restricted, and he needed to rely on Tesoro's connections and influence within the government to temporarily leave. This investment was mutually beneficial, and Fujitora had no choice but to agree.
Gold Emperor needed Fujitora to provide top-tier combat power to ensure that his business wouldn't suffer too much. In return, Fujitora needed Tesoro's connections to facilitate the development of Century City and to protect his territory from various underhanded dealings.
However, exchanging shares wasn't entirely favorable for Fujitora. Gold Emperor was wealthy and influential, and he had means that Fujitora couldn't easily contend with. He might even use his methods to strip Fujitora of his title as a Shichibukai. In that scenario, Century City might end up in a state that left Fujitora feeling powerless.
Considering this, they needed to establish clear terms in advance. However, faced with the Gold Emperor, who had influence over both the Celestial Dragons and the World Government, Fujitora alone lacked confidence.
He needed the support of a force that could make the Gold Emperor wary and put them on equal footing for discussions. That force was the Marines!
But...
"Did Tesoro really agree to your request so easily?" Rowen asked with a puzzled expression. "My appearance shouldn't be a good thing for him, right?"
If Rowen couldn't leave, then Fujitora would have to go negotiate with the cunning old fox, Sengoku. The initiative would still end up in someone else's hands, but at least there would be less risk of being sidelined. Rowen couldn't believe that Tesoro wouldn't see this.
"Well... Rowen San, have you forgotten about the current situation in the New World?" Fujitora paused for a moment, his face showing a hint of confusion. He was almost at the point of doubting whether the person in front of him was real or an illusion.
Upon hearing this, Rowen's mouth twitched.
Alright, he had indeed forgotten.
The current New World was nothing like the stagnant, motionless waters depicted in the original work. If you counted the years and months, all the current Yonko had been challenged at least once!
They had turned the once stagnant waters of the New World into turbulent seas, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the tension during the Cold War.
For the World Government, this situation was a welcome development. Pirates and criminals were engaged in a Cold War of mutual suspicion, allowing them to conduct meetings with peace of mind.
However, for the Gold Emperor, who had set up shop in the New World, the mess left by Rowen would have a huge impact on him! In the current New World, in order to thrive, Golden City needed top-level combat power to stand guard.
Compared to the potential losses from negotiating clear terms with Fujitora, the losses from being targeted by an unsatisfied Yonko would be unbearable.
Furthermore, once Rowen appeared in Golden City, it would not only give Fujitora the confidence to negotiate terms, but it would also serve as a warning to those envious pirates eyeing Golden City. It would make it clear that the Soryu (Azure Dragon) stood with Golden City.
Just based on his influence alone, Tesoro was willing to give up a significant share to recruit Rowen.
"Hiss... When I think about it this way, I really owe you a big favor, Fujitora!"
Having grasped the key point, Rowen took in a sharp breath of cool air.
Indeed, he was a savvy businessman!
Besides his Devil Fruit ability, the Gold Emperor's own business acumen was not to be underestimated.
Much like an old horse, it may seem like a loss on the surface, putting in effort without much appreciation. But in reality, it turns into the wealthiest entity in the world...
New World, an unknown sea.
The Gran Tesoro was a colossal golden ship, measuring ten thousand meters in length. It was propelled forward by two giant-scale island turtles, resembling a moving continent. On the ship stood a city, the largest entertainment city in the world - Golden City.
The head of Golden City was a man named Gild Tezoro. His life story was truly legendary. He grew up in poverty and was even captured and enslaved by the Celestial Dragons. It wasn't until he was 26 years old, during Fisher Tiger's slave liberation event, that he managed to escape to the sea.
However, in less than a decade after that, he managed to raise funds through various means and construct this enormous ship, becoming the world-renowned Gold Emperor. At the age of 39, Tesoro already controlled 20% of the world's Belly, establishing himself as a true giant in every sense of the word!
Even Doflamingo, who was previously known as the "source of wickedness," was nothing more than an arms dealer in his eyes.
However...
For all his power, Tesoro's actual combat abilities were relatively lacking. If not for his home advantage, any random Vice Admiral could handle him as long as they were cautious of his ability to infiltrate the body with gold dust.
For Rowen, a user of the Goro Goro no Mi (Thunder Thunder Fruit), who had challenged him directly after graduating from the recruit camp, dealing with Tesoro was a piece of cake.
This was also Tesoro's Achilles' heel, forcing him to seek external assistance.
"Welcome to Golden City, Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon), Fujitora San!"
The battleship sailed through a brilliantly illuminated passage, finally docking at a harbor filled with various types of ships. People had been waiting on the shore for quite some time. Tesoro, with his grey-green hair, personally greeted the two, leading his subordinates to welcome them.
"Your Excellency's arrival truly honors the name of Gild Tezoro!"
A wicked smile hung on Tesoro's face. His entirely pink suit added a touch of strange and dangerous aura to him. However, in the eyes of Rowen and Fujitora, someone of this level was not a cause for concern.
Click... Clack...
The leather shoes stepped on colorful tiles at the harbor, their faces reflected on the surface. Rowen calmly scanned the harbor, then suddenly grinned.
"It seems I'm interrupting your business, Tesoro."
Golden City had only one entrance, and at its center was a massive sea arena. Therefore, there was only one harbor behind the passage.
Now, many ships were anchored here, including battleships, merchant ships, and most notably, pirate ships.
When Tesoro was waiting for them, many onlookers were still curious, wondering who this great figure was that prompted the head of Golden City to personally welcome them.
But when Rowen disembarked, the pirates' faces turned pale. They abandoned their drinks and card games, scrambling back onto their ships, quickly pulling up their anchors, and steering away.
To the current "Soryu (Azure Dragon)" Rowen, this was how ordinary soldiers felt when they saw a Yonko, and how ordinary pirates felt when they saw him.
If you don't want to die, then run as fast as you can!
Seeing the chaos in the harbor, Tesoro's mouth twitched. He forced a smile and said, "Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon), you jest. I'm here to conduct business. Guests are welcome to come and go. How could I blame anyone else?"
After speaking, Tesoro nodded to Fujitora, who was in a black suit, robust in stature and exuding a formidable presence, signaling him to follow. He extended his hand backward.
"Please, both of you!"
"I have prepared a feast on the top floor. I hope you will enjoy it."
...
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