In this relaxed atmosphere, Perona exclaimed, "Feed me peanuts!"
Rhett already knew Robin was in Windmill Village.
The current Rhett could challenge peak Whitebeard, take on the young Admirals,
Winning 1v1 easily, barely winning 1v3, and turning tail to run when facing Marine Vice Admiral Garp.
Moriah had reached the strength of a Shichibukai, and Enel, after years of brutal training, had barely touched the mid-tier Shichibukai level, though it was a stretch, far surpassing his original storyline.
It had been nearly six years since Rhett saved Tesoro. During what seemed like a peaceful voyage, Tesoro's Den Den Mushi suddenly rang, inviting Rhett to visit.
Six years ago, Rhett rescued Tesoro and Stella from the Crimson Auction House on Sabaody Archipelago. Now, they were no longer slaves but the masters of this bustling city.
Tesoro stood on the top floor of the Golden Casino, overlooking the brightly lit streets below. His fingers lightly rubbed the golden ring on his left hand, a satisfied smile curling his lips.
Unlike the original story, he didn't wear nine rings but only one—a symbol of his love for Stella.
"Master Tesoro, Rhett's ship has docked," a servant reported respectfully.
"Finally here, huh?" A flicker of anticipation crossed Tesoro's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
He turned and walked deeper into the room, where Stella was sitting at the piano, playing something.
Her knee still bore a faint scar—a mark left by the Celestial Dragons, but her eyes no longer held fear, only peace.
"Stella, the King has arrived," Tesoro said softly.
The piano music stopped, and Stella looked up, a gentle smile on her lips. "That man? I look forward to seeing him."
Tesoro walked to her side and gently took her hand. "Without him, we wouldn't be where we are today. I can't wait to see the look on his face when he sees us now."
Stella nodded, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "Yes... he gave us a second life."
At the port, Rhett's ship slowly docked.
"Wow! This place is so rich! It's like Skypiea!" Perona floated in mid-air, excitedly looking around. "Everywhere is gold!!"
Moriah snorted. "Hmph, the taste of nouveau riche."
Rhett made a funny face. "Yo~ Seems like someone's jealous. I seem to remember someone's ship, what was it called? The Thriller Bark? Seems like it's leaking, huh?"
Moriah bared his shark-like teeth. "I wonder who it is that can't even sail his own ship and has to kidnap innocent pirates to do the dirty work."
Rhett and Moriah bumped heads.
The head-butting began.
"Want to fight, bastard?"
"Bring it on, bastard captain."
Enel stood with his arms crossed, looking disdainful. "Mortals are always obsessed with such vulgar things."
Rhett pushed Moriah's head aside. Without going all out, Rhett really couldn't outdo Moriah's long neck. How unfair.
Rhett smirked. "So childish, acting like a kid. As the captain, I'll be the bigger man and not stoop to your level. Let me introduce you to the third crew member of our Nirvana ship. Enel can only rank fourth."
Just then, a group of well-dressed servants lined up in formation, led by Tesoro.
"Master Rhett," Tesoro knelt on one knee, respectful but not subservient. "Welcome to your domain."
Rhett looked him up and down, a playful smile on his face. "Yo, doing well for yourself, Tesoro."
Tesoro stood up, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "Thanks to you."
Stella walked over slowly and bowed to Rhett. "Mr. Rhett, it's been a long time."
Rhett waved his hand. "Long time no see, Miss Stella."
Tesoro took Stella's hand and knelt on one knee. "Captain Rhett, thank you for pulling us out of hell. We were in such a hurry back then that we never truly expressed our gratitude."
Rhett waved it off casually. "Enough with the formalities. Did you call me here to prepare some food? I'm starving."
Tesoro chuckled. "Of course, I've prepared a feast. Please follow me."
In the banquet hall, a long table was laden with delicacies, and the aroma of fine wine filled the air.
Rhett sat down without ceremony, grabbing a whole roasted lamb leg and digging in. "So, what's this about?"
Tesoro sat across from him, fingers interlocked, and spoke slowly. "Over these six years, I've followed your instructions and accumulated enough wealth and influence."
"Oh?" Rhett raised an eyebrow. "And?"
Tesoro's eyes flashed with sharpness. "I want to prove to you—that I am worthy of boarding your ship."
Rhett laughed. "With all this gold?"
Tesoro shook his head. "No, with this."
He waved his hand, and a servant immediately handed him a document.
Rhett glanced at it, his brow lifting slightly—it was a list of the World Government's internal bribery network, involving hundreds of high-ranking Marine officers, government officials, and nobles.
"Money can corrupt everything, including the Marine's 'justice,'" Tesoro's voice was low and dangerous. "If you're willing, I can turn a portion of the Marines and the World Government's forces... into our pawns."
Rhett stared at him for a few seconds, then burst out laughing. "Hahaha! Not bad, Tesoro! You're more interesting than I thought!"
Tesoro's lips curled slightly. "So, my worth..."
Rhett nodded. He'd expected Tesoro to succeed, but not this quickly. It seemed Tesoro had also obtained the Gold-Gold Fruit. "Alright! You've got my approval!"
A flicker of excitement passed through Tesoro's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. "However, before that, I've prepared a performance for you."
"Hmm?"
Tesoro's smile turned icy. "CP0 has already set their sights on this place."
Rhett grinned. "Perfect, time to stretch my legs."
Tesoro bowed slightly, stopping Rhett from standing up. "Master Rhett, there's no need for you to intervene. I'll prove my strength is worthy of your Crimson Dawn."
Tesoro had his own ambitions—to become the second Silvers Rayleigh. If Rhett wanted to become the Pirate King, he would be Rhett's right-hand man.
If Rhett wanted to become the King of the World, he would be Rhett's Minister of Expansion.
I will become the sharp blade piercing the enemy's heart, for the captain and for glory.