When the oppressed rise, they often become even more ruthless oppressors.
This phrase perfectly encapsulates the life of the Golden Emperor, Tesoro.
The Celestial Dragons once brought him deep despair and pain. He hated the high and mighty Celestial Dragons, the nobles, the wealthy, and the world where money could control everything.
So, he took a huge risk to seize the Gold-Gold Fruit and, in less than ten years, transformed from a worthless slave into the world's richest man. However, his mind was also twisted by his past as a slave to the Celestial Dragons.
As his power grew, he gradually reached the true pinnacle of the world, only to despairingly realize that even as the world's richest man and the Golden Emperor, he was still less than a dog in the eyes of the Celestial Dragons. His strength, wealth, and status couldn't allow him to take revenge on the Celestial Dragons.
"Those without money are only fit to be controlled."
After realizing his powerlessness, he adopted this phrase as his motto and gradually became as vile as the Celestial Dragons he once despised. Having been oppressed and controlled as a slave, he began to oppress and control others when he couldn't take revenge on the Celestial Dragons. The despair of others filled his empty soul.
Over time, he became the person he once hated the most. But he didn't care. The only thing he cared about now was Stella, the woman who once brought a ray of light into his life.
When he met her again, they were happy at first, but when he heard she intended to oppose the Celestial Dragons, he became fearful. The Tesoro who once dared to confront the Celestial Dragons for the woman he loved was dead. Now, only the famous Golden Emperor remained.
Sometimes, in the dead of night, Tesoro would sit in the highest room of the Golden City, looking down at the city of debauchery, exuding a cold killing intent towards the Celestial Dragons. But only occasionally.
Now, with the appearance of Brook and the others, he understood what it meant. He was unwilling to oppose the World Government, the Celestial Dragons, or even the Navy. He didn't want to lose the status, wealth, and identity he had worked so hard to obtain.
"Lord Tesoro, you seem a bit unhappy," said a beautiful woman with short purple hair who approached Tesoro. As Tesoro's partner, Carina had a good relationship with him. As a famous singer, she brought considerable popularity to the Gran Tesoro. But before becoming a famous singer, Carina was a wandering thief, and even after becoming a singer, she often committed thefts for fun. She accepted Tesoro's invitation to perform on the Gran Tesoro for the Golden Emperor's treasure.
"Nothing, Carina. If there's nothing else, please leave," Tesoro said, not in the mood for pleasantries.
Carina's eyes flashed with cunning as she swayed her hips and left, clearly understanding her position.
After Carina left, Tesoro refocused. He liked working with smart people because they avoided unnecessary trouble. He then took out a Den Den Mushi, hesitated, and finally made a call.
"Joker, this is Gild Tesoro. How's business lately?"
Doflamingo, vacationing in a luxurious villa, was surprised to receive a call from Gild Tesoro but quickly understood.
"Fufufufu, it's Tesoro. Business is good, thanks to the funds you lent me. It's rare for you to contact me."
Although Doflamingo couldn't guess Tesoro's purpose, he knew it was necessary to be polite. Initially, he planned to kill Tesoro after he stole the Gold-Gold Fruit meant for auction. But Tesoro's rapid development, especially after awakening the Gold-Gold Fruit, made Doflamingo abandon that idea. They eventually formed a partnership, combining the strengths of the underground emperor and the financial emperor.
"Hahaha, old friends should stay in touch. But this time, I need a favor. I'll write off the last loan."
Monet, sitting beside Doflamingo, chuckled at Tesoro's words. Knowing Tesoro's obsession with money, she realized it must be a serious matter for him to offer such a deal.
"Oh? What is it? Tell me," Doflamingo asked, curious but smiling.
"The remnants of the Nicholas Pirates have appeared. I want you to contact those in the New World who have grudges against Nicholas…"
Before Tesoro could finish, Doflamingo interrupted, "Fufufufu~ Bold of you. Do you know the strength of Nicholas's crew? Are you trying to get me killed, Gild Tesoro?"
Doflamingo's voice grew cold, though his smile remained. Those who knew him understood that the more he smiled, the angrier he was. His sunglasses were meant to hide his true emotions.
Tesoro was stunned, his mouth twitching with anger. As the famous Golden Emperor and a Warlord of the Sea, he was furious that Doflamingo dared to disrespect him. But he quickly adjusted his emotions.
"Just pass a message. It won't involve you. Besides, I'll also notify the World Government and the Navy. I'm sure they'll be eager to send Nicholas's remnants to Impel Down."
"Fine, I'll pass the message," Doflamingo said, hanging up.
"Monet, do we have any recent information on the Nicholas Pirates? Bring me all the intel we've gathered."
Doflamingo lay back on his chair, looking at the sun, muttering, "So, you're coming back, huh?"
Clearly, the impression left by that man was too deep.