Rowen was here representing the mighty force of the Marines to support Fujitora, and he was also the person Fujitora wanted to leverage for influence. Now, he was causing quite a headache.
'I can't win!' Tesoro grasped the crucial point, breaking out into a cold sweat.
'But this cunning Soryu (Azure Dragon) almost made me fall for it!' Tesoro gritted his teeth, his face wearing a wry smile. "Uh... Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon), you truly have a sense of humor!"
"The tactics used against those boring wealthy folks can't be applied to someone of your distinguished status. Please don't make it difficult for me."
"Hmm?"
Baccarat looked up in astonishment.
'Is this still the Tesoro I know?!'
Rowen's actions could be considered a slap in the face. You're not even a bit angry? Where is the dignity of the Gold Emperor?
On the other hand, the guard Tanaka noticed something and stepped forward, slightly bowing. "Lord Tesoro, we've arrived. Please allow me to lead everyone inside."
Well done, Tanaka!!
Tesoro gave Tanaka a discreet thumbs-up, then ignored Rowen's provocation. He walked up to a wall made entirely of Pure Gold or perhaps it was a grand gate, and smiled. "My residence has no outwardly accessible doors. Guests must rely on Tanaka's 'Through-Through' ability to enter. Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon), Fujitora San, please!"
'Strike first!'
After Fujitora finished speaking, he had been playing the role of a spectator. Now, hearing Tesoro's words, he puzzled over them for quite some time before finally understanding the twists and turns. He couldn't help but feel genuine admiration.
To remain calm and let someone walk right into your trap, then ultimately have to accept this silent humiliation.
This level of cunning truly lives up to the title of Marine's Soryu (Azure Dragon)!
"Tch, no fun!"
Rowen looked somewhat frustrated. He released his grip and pushed the dazed Baccarat aside. "Stay away from me, woman. I don't like... black..."
Black?
Baccarat looked down in confusion, realizing that she was wearing a purple bra today. Then, she came to her senses and glanced at her wheat-colored skin. "Hehe,".
'I will remember this, you asshole!!!'
...
At this moment, in a room of a hotel building thousands of meters away from the entire group, a short and stout figure with a strange smile lowered his binoculars.
"Don't like black, huh... Soryu (Azure Dragon), you're still too young!"
"Black has its merits, just as white has its own charms..."
"Shut up, Chaton!"
A Den Den Mushi placed on the windowsill had three visible black lines on its forehead, emitting the angry roar of Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
"Heh! Men..."
Behind the disguised Chaton, also in disguise, Momousagi sneered, her right hand resting on her golden staff, a glint of sharpness flashing in her eyes.
Sensing that chill, Chaton's legs tightened, and he awkwardly said, "I... I won't say anything."
"Proceed according to plan. Momousagi, you're in charge of gathering information. Chaton, continue to monitor... Remember, once you have the information, leave immediately. Don't tip your hand!"
Hearing the business at hand, both of them focused intently.
"Understood!"
"The Gold Emperor," Gild Tesoro, is not only coveted by pirates and various criminal organizations but also feared deeply by both the World Government and the Marines. He's seen as a thorn in their sides.
It's not that the Marines suddenly decided to go after the Gold Emperor; they've always been trying to deal with him. Various factions have been vying for control since the construction of the Golden City.
CP0 and the Marines have had spies stationed in the Golden City for years, all in an effort to find Tesoro's weaknesses and ultimately eliminate this man who could "Destroy the World with Money."
This time, Rowen was invited by Fujitora to make a show of it. While it appeared that Tesoro had temporarily lifted the travel ban on the Gold Emperor's behalf in front of the World Government, Sengoku wouldn't miss out on such a golden opportunity. He had planned everything well in advance.
This was a rare chance. The Gold Emperor usually only meets with "Great Characters in Need of Money" individually, making it nearly impossible for spies to get close to him. It's not often they have an opportunity to learn the Gold Emperor's true thoughts. Naturally, Sengoku wouldn't allow Rowen to mess things up.
So...
Rowen's survival instincts kicked in!
"Haoshoku Haki... Hmph! You've grown quite capable, kid!"
After giving the orders and controlling the entire scene through a visual Den Den Mushi, in the Headquarter Fleet Admiral's office, Sengoku's glasses gleamed. Suddenly, a smile crept onto his face.
"Garp, you old rascal, you're finally showing some use!"
...
After passing through the solid gate, they entered a dimly lit luxurious chamber.
The walls on both sides were crafted from pure gold, extending over a hundred meters. Golden cabinets below, illuminated by underwater lights, sparkled brilliantly, displaying an air of extravagance.
"This is my Exhibition Room. Feel free to choose anything you fancy. Consider it a gift for our meeting."
Knowing the extent of Rowen's cunning, Tesoro put on a composed face. Any item taken from these cabinets was worth tens of millions, yet he offered them without hesitation.
"These are indeed exquisite items..."
Inside the cabinets, Rowen even spotted several Devil Fruits. These fruits, considered treasures by everyone on the sea, were placed on the shelves without any defense measures, which was particularly shocking.
However...
Just thinking about how they entered gave away the answer.
The walls of this building were over three meters thick, impervious to ordinary methods of destruction. Coming in was like inviting a monarch into an urn— it was impossible to escape Tesoro's grasp.
Furthermore, although Tanaka could easily lead people through the main gate, Rowen was willing to bet his life that, apart from the wall they entered through, the surrounding golden walls contained a large amount of Sea Stone powder. Even the Gold Emperor himself couldn't control it flexibly. It was an absolutely secure forbidden area.
"But it's too early to discuss all of this... What about the banquet?"
Rowen promptly withdrew his gaze, causing Tesoro's eyelids to twitch.
'You're putting on an act. Keep pretending!'
Suppressing the profanity that nearly slipped out, Tesoro maintained his signature wicked smile and gestured backward.
"I overlooked it. Please follow me, gentlemen."
Pressing a button, a retro-style elevator entirely made of gold descended. The rest was something not just anyone could get involved in. Tanaka and Baccarat stopped outside the elevator, bowing to the three individuals. Then, the elevator ascended, carrying them to the top floor.
"Tanaka, do you know why Lord Tesoro is trying to win over Fujitora? Isn't he our competitor?" Watching the three disappear at the end of the corridor, Baccarat, who had been forcing a smile, let out a sigh of relief.
Both Fujitora and Rowen exuded an overwhelming aura, giving her a constant feeling of impending doom.
If it weren't for her concern about Tesoro's orders, she would have fled long ago.
Tesoro was also a formidable figure and wouldn't truly trust anyone. Most of the time, he relied on Tanaka to handle things for him. Baccarat only knew that an important guest was coming today, but it wasn't until they arrived at the port together that she understood why Tesoro personally intervened.
To this, Tanaka smiled but didn't answer.
"Let's go. I'll take you out."
Revealing that their Old Boss needed to rely on external forces due to insufficient strength to stabilize their business in the New World would be too embarrassing to say out loud. Until everything settled, it was best not to say too much, even to trusted confidants.
Baccarat pouted, but she knew her boundaries. With a cold snort, she placed her hand on Tanaka's shoulder and left the building together.
(End of this chapter)
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