On the seas of the New World, the night was as dark as ink, the stars hidden from sight.
Yet at the center of this pitch-black ocean, a dazzling "artificial sun" shone so brightly that even the moon and stars seemed dim in comparison.
That was the G-5 flagship, converted from the former "Golden Emperor" Gild Tesoro's personal vessel, an enormous mobile sea palace known as the Lullaby.
Although Admiral Renzo had ordered its exterior painted matte black to avoid "light pollution," that only applied under normal circumstances.
Tonight was the eve festival of the G-5 First Genius Efficiency Martial Arts Tournament.
And for this grand event, or more bluntly, to drain every last coin from the wealthy elites, nobles, and underground leaders who had traveled from afar, the "Lullaby" had completely disabled its "low-profile mode."
The entire ship erupted like a volcano,
Except what spewed out was not lava, but music, wine, light… and the scent of money.
....
Central Grand Theater, Beneath the Dome
Once a golden arena for deadly games, it had now been transformed into the largest concert venue in the world.
The circular stands, capable of holding 100,000 people, were completely filled.
To accommodate more, Rehn even ordered walls dismantled and used Den Den Mushi projections to broadcast the show throughout the ship.
At center stage, Spotlights converged.
Rehn, wearing his signature tight tailcoat and thick gold chain, held a golden microphone and roared excitedly:
"Distinguished guests! Wealthy elites! And warriors about to risk your lives for your dreams!!"
"Welcome, to G-5's Night of Paradise!!"
"No Marines, no pirates, no justice or evil here!"
"Only wine! Only food! And the most beautiful, most expensive voice in the world, fit only for the elite!!"
The crowd erupted like a tsunami.
Nobles, underground bosses, and desperate fighters all cheered together.
"No more nonsense!"
Rehn pointed upward at a descending platform.
"Let's welcome Lord Renzo's exclusive diva! The beloved daughter of Red-Haired Shanks! The world's songstress, "
"Uta!!!"
Fireworks exploded.
Amid dazzling lights, a girl with red-and-white hair descended like an angel.
She wore a G-5 performance uniform, blending Marine style with idol aesthetics, both heroic and charming.
"Hello, everyone!!"
Her voice, amplified by the power of her fruit, pierced straight into every soul.
"I love you all the most!!"
Music began,
Not soft, but a high-energy anthem: New Genesis.
"♪ A new era is coming ♪"
The entire ship erupted.
Colorful musical notes materialized in the air, forming a dreamlike world.
The audience felt transported,
All worries, fears, and stress vanished, leaving only pure euphoria.
...
VIP Emperor Box (Top Level)
Above it all, in the best seat, Renzo lay lazily on his floating sofa, holding a cocktail, wearing custom soundproof headphones, as he preferred a specific volume.
"Tch… this girl's getting better at controlling the crowd."
Beside him, Monet peeled lychees gracefully.
"Miss Uta practiced for three days straight," she said softly.
"She didn't want to embarrass G-5."
"Not bad."
Renzo ate the fruit lazily.
"A bit noisy… but perfect for making money."
VIP Auction Frenzy
Meanwhile, a silent war raged among the rich.
"I bid 100 million Berries for Uta's autographed golden microphone!"
"100 million? Pathetic!"
"200 million! Plus three ships of ammunition!"
Lina, G-5's accountant, elegantly navigated the chaos.
"We also have Uta's headphones, Renzo's sleep mask…"
She revealed a small bottle.
"And this, concert air from Uta's performance! Limited edition!"
"I'll take ten!"
"50 million!!"
Under Uta's voice and the atmosphere, even the smartest elites lost their minds.
Backstage, Rehn trembled with excitement watching profits rise.
"We're rich… truly rich…"
Contestant Buffet Area
A completely different scene.
No elegance, only primal hunger.
"MEAT!! THIS IS AMAZING!!"
A giant devoured roasted dinosaur leg.
"This is Black Leg Sanji's cooking?!"
"Even if I die tomorrow, it's worth it!"
Dozens of tables were filled with gourmet dishes,
Sea King sashimi, sky island desserts, Dressrosa seafood,
All free.
This was Renzo's "carrot."
Despite the feast, tension lingered.
"Eat well," a swordsman muttered.
"So you'll have strength to die by my blade tomorrow."
Others whispered:
"Top 100 gets 50 million…"
"And the Dark-Dark Fruit…"
"But look, Donquixote family members are here… monsters everywhere."
This was both celebration… and calm before slaughter.
A Quiet Corner
Amid the chaos, a single man sat alone.
A blind, middle-aged man in a purple robe.
On his table, just a simple bowl of noodles.
He ate calmly, unaffected by music or luxury.
"Slurp…"
"…Delicious."
"The noodles are firm, the broth rich… simple, yet pure."
He turned slightly toward the kitchen.
"The chef must be a man of character."
Suddenly, "Hey, blind old man!"
Drunken pirates approached.
"This table's ours! Get lost!"
The man sighed softly.
"Apologies… the soup is hot. It may spill."
"Shut up!"
A pirate reached for the bowl, Buzz
A subtle, crushing force descended.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
The pirates slammed face-first into the ground,
Completely immobilized.
"C-can't move…"
The blind man stood calmly, holding his bowl.
"You've had too much to drink."
"The floor is cold, be careful."
He walked away as if nothing happened.
No one noticed.
In a crowd of tens of thousands, it was nothing.
In the shadows, he sat again, quietly eating.
A breeze lifted his robe slightly, revealing a crumpled document.
A G-5 tournament registration form.
Steam from the noodles rose, obscuring his weathered face.
....
30 Chapter, [email protected]/DaoistJinzu