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"Leader of the Pokémon Alliance..." Tesoro looked up at Dak, who was descending from midair, accompanied by Darkrai.
At this moment, at least a thousand pairs of eyes in Water 7 were fixed on the commotion at the entrance of the breeding house. However, Dak had specifically singled out Tesoro in the farthest corner.
Tesoro was puzzled.
"Tell me, what is it that you must obtain?" Dak asked, observing the three individuals who appeared far more immature than they did in the movie. His eyes sparkled with excitement.
When Darkrai had informed him of the three Devil Fruit users, Dak had initially suspected they might be spies from the World Government. Instead, it turned out to be none other than the renowned 'Golden Emperor.'
Dak had always considered recruiting Tesoro into the Pokémon Alliance. Every time he used the breeding house's random teleportation feature, he hoped to encounter him by chance. After all, when it came to the top merchant in the pirate world, Gild Tesoro would be the first to come to mind.
Dak had high hopes of enlisting Tesoro to help the Pokémon Alliance make money. Now, serendipitously, Tesoro had come to him, bringing along two capable subordinates.
This was perfect. With both Tesoro and Iceburg, the Pokémon Alliance would have two commercial geniuses, a highly favorable situation. Dak struggled to keep a straight face, trying not to let his grin stretch to his ears.
"Please-" Tesoro hesitated for a moment before making up his mind.
"Is it true that there exists an item that can bring the dead back to life? And what price must one pay to obtain it?" Dak interrupted, answering before Tesoro could finish his question. Tesoro's wide eyes confirmed that Dak had guessed correctly.
"How is that possible?!" Mr. Tanaka and Baccarat exclaimed, stepping back in shock and clutching their chests.
Dak didn't bother to explain. True mind-reading might be questionable, but high-level psychic abilities could approximate it, allowing for predictions of someone's general thoughts during Pokémon battles, akin to mind-reading.
"Yes," Tesoro nodded, clenching his fists.
Unlike his subordinates, Tesoro didn't find it strange that Dak could guess his thoughts. Since the newspaper reported that the breeding house had items capable of resurrection and eternal life, many had come seeking them.
"Indeed, there is an item that can bring someone back to life," Dak confirmed, causing the three to hold their breaths, not daring to interrupt.
But Dak suddenly stopped speaking, leaving them hanging.
"?!" The three were nearly suffocating from anticipation, desperate for Dak to continue.
"You can't obtain it," Dak finally said, deliberately withholding information.
"Why?!" Tesoro, driven by a deep obsession with reviving Stella, asked urgently.
"Such items that defy the laws of nature shouldn't be casually circulated," Dak explained. "Even though I don't particularly care about that, I won't let these items spread so easily."
Dak had now landed on the ground and approached the trio. "Do you know why, for the past ten years, pirates have been born endlessly in this world?"
"One Piece," Tesoro answered instinctively.
"That's part of it. The title and status of Pirate King also contributed to the Great Pirate Era," Dak said. "But I'm aiming to create the Pokémon Era, which means an endless generation of trainers and Pokémon. Only when trainers become the norm and people can't live without Pokémon will I have succeeded."
"So, you're trying to create something that surpasses One Piece?" Tesoro seemed to understand a bit more but was still puzzled by Dak's intentions.
"Exactly. I aim to establish the Pokémon Era and have the Pokémon Alliance dominate it. Sheer force alone isn't enough. The World Government is the strongest, yet the Great Pirate Era was created by Roger."
Dak smiled. "To achieve this, I need to monopolize miraculous items, making everyone who seeks them support and uphold the Pokémon Alliance."
Tesoro nodded, fully comprehending Dak's vision. By controlling such items and giving people what the World Government couldn't, the Pokémon Alliance would ensure its dominance and bring peace.
"Without these rare items, their value diminishes. If anyone could be a Pirate King, it would become a meaningless title. The World Government lacks this; despite 800 years of strength, they haven't gained universal support."
"The Pokémon Alliance's items, unique titles, and peace offerings will make people protect the Alliance. If the Alliance falls, so does everything they value."
"Many will try to destroy the Alliance to seize these items. But when they realize they can't win, they'll have no choice but to support us," Dak explained.
Currently, all Pokémon originate from the Alliance. Future factions will rely on Pokémon for their power and status, ensuring they protect the Alliance.
"Why can't I obtain it?" Tesoro asked, looking desolate. If Dak was unwilling to release these items, what could he do? The Pokémon Alliance was beyond their capability, and the Navy's ambiguous stance complicated matters.
"If you don't let others use them, how will they know they exist? But to obtain these items, you must follow my rules. And opportunities are rare, only two or three times a year."
"Hunger marketing," Tesoro nodded, understanding Dak's strategy. "But why can't I obtain it?"
"All events and contests in the Pokémon Alliance involve Pokémon. You don't have any. Even if you bought an egg now, you might not raise it to win."
Dak was trying to intimidate Tesoro. Tesoro's chances of winning were decent because he was wealthy and resourceful. He could provide everything a Pokémon needed to grow strong and hire experts to help him.
But Dak saw no need to share this because he intended to recruit Tesoro.
"..."
Tesoro clenched his fists, contemplating his options.
"With only a few chances a year, how many more do you have?" Dak whispered, "You're being hunted by the Donquixote family. You might die at sea next year and lose all your chances."
The devil whispered in Tesoro's ear, making his pupils contract. Dak was right. He had assumed he'd live for decades but forgot his perilous situation.
"Isn't there another way?" Tesoro asked desperately.
"Would you do anything to save the person you love?"
"I would, no matter the cost," Tesoro affirmed, his eyes shining with hope.
"The previous method is the only way for outsiders. But you understand, right?" Dak revealed his true intention.
Tesoro immediately understood. "I'll join the breeding house. If it means reviving Stella, I'll even become a slave again."
Tesoro's willingness to use the term 'slave' again, after having been one for the Celestial Dragons, highlighted his deep love for Stella.
But Dak stopped him from kneeling. "Welcome, my Minister of Finance. We were meant to be partners!"
Dak's demeanor changed, cheerfully embracing Tesoro. However, Dak's thoughts turned to another matter—reviving Robin's mother, Olvia.
(End of Chapter)