Chapter 37: Smart World Government!

The estate was quite large, with bright lights illuminating the area. On both sides of the road, vast green lawns dotted with various panda-shaped trees added a touch of vitality to the surroundings.

"Look, it's a panda!" Kuina exclaimed in surprise.

Leno turned to look.

To the right, under a glass cover, was a small zoo where two black-and-white pandas played.

"They are the origin of the DOSKOIPANDA logo, and they are rare animals beloved by the world!" the beautiful maid introduced.

Inside the mansion, the grandeur was evident. A gorgeous dome, bright chandeliers, expensive furniture, and cashmere carpets all spoke of luxury.

Leno, Kuina, Luwell, Kuro, and the owner of the manor, fashion queen Carl, were all present.

"Excellent young man, thank you for protecting the island!" Mrs. Carl smiled.

Though she was older, her calm demeanor and amazing charm remained.

"This is 100 million Belly, as a reward for you," she said. "In addition, you will become permanent VIPs of DOSKOIPANDA and receive exclusive custom-made clothing!"

As they left the manor, Luwell sighed. "Glass Ball Island is the base camp of DOSKOIPANDA. The chair of the Fashion Council will always belong to Carl Hayworth, who created it."

"The two sayings that have circulated on Glass Ball Island show the influence this lady has on the island!" Leno smiled.

Yes, they had just finished fighting, and Mrs. Carl's people were already waiting at the Spider's Voice Casino, as if expecting their return.

"Does Mrs. Carl have a pair of eyes that see everything?" Leno asked Kuro.

Kuro habitually pushed his glasses and said, "Does it make sense?"

Indeed, whether Mrs. Carl knew or not was irrelevant. As long as she lived, Glass Ball Island would continue to prosper. She was the symbol here, and those who protected her thought so too.

In a quiet alley, the creak of a mouse's footsteps broke the silence. A white-robed man leaning against the wall suddenly opened his eyes. His gaze, tinged with a faint blood-red hue, frightened the mouse away.

"What happened?" he muttered to himself. His body felt heavy, his consciousness trapped, his memories fragmented. It seemed as though he'd been struck from behind.

"The sword of immortality, a duel, a young man..." Flashbacks flickered through his mind but vanished at the critical moment.

"Was I defeated?!" he wondered aloud, rubbing his forehead as he stood up. A sharp pain coursed through his chest, as if he'd been punched to pieces—a disgrace he couldn't allow anyone to know about.

Depressed, he shook his head. Failing would lead to ridicule, and possibly death. The temperament of Celestial Dragons was capricious, after all. Clutching his chest, he staggered away.

At the Spider's Voice Casino, Luwell handed a ledger to Leno. "This is the record of our operations for more than half a year, including the casino, streets, and a small portion of arms transactions."

Yes, Luwell and Kuro had returned to Glass Ball Island, supported by Leno. The money they took from the Spider's Voice Casino became their startup capital, with Leno investing 200 million Belly.

This was why Luwell said, "We're in trouble" instead of "I'm in trouble" when using the Den Den Mushi.

Of course, part of their proceeds went to the Island Manager, the Fashion Council, and the Marines. A large portion of this money was also given to the Celestial Dragons as "Heavenly Tribute." Countries and islands that couldn't pay were removed from the World Government and lost the protection of both the World Government and the Marines.

Given the current environment, with pirates and bandits everywhere, any country or island removed from the World Government would immediately attract careerists seeking to change its leadership. The Age of Pirates wasn't entirely bad for the Celestial Dragons, World Government, and Marines. In fact, many were pleased with the situation, finding it easier to accumulate wealth. The plight of the common people mattered little to them.

To share in the pirates' spoils, the World Government created the "Seven Warlords of the Sea" system. Officially, it was to check and balance the Four Emperors, but it was clear that the Warlords, with their legal right to plunder, were used to deal with disobedient countries and islands.

For instance, Alabasta and Dressrosa often irritated the Five Elders at the World Summit. So, they were given tasks to keep them occupied. Many people considered the Five Elders incompetent, not realizing this was just a grand strategy. The government raised pirates to maintain power, using them to control other pirates.

Before Roger became the Pirate King, the World Government's control over the New World was weak. The harsh environment bred many powerful and rugged races. But now, with the influx of pirates, the World Government had established Marine Bases and acquired large islands. However, playing with fire sometimes leads to getting burned, which explained the World Government's ambiguous attitude toward pirates.

Public opinion of pirates was generally negative. These realities, Leno deduced from newspapers, painted a clear picture of the Pirate World. Pirates were vile, the scourge of the seas. The Luffy crew might seem like a grand adventure, but Doflamingo, Blackbeard, and others were what pirates truly were—burning, killing, looting, and committing all sorts of evil.

Leno reviewed the books. After more than half a year of operations, his investment had returned its capital. Glass Ball Island, a global trendsetter, had always been popular with celebrities and nobles, ensuring the casino's success.

"This will be our resting place," Leno declared. He planned to continue operating the Spider's Voice Casino and Arms Street.

In addition to training in Shimotsuki Village, Leno often pondered what path he should take. Revolutionary Army? Pirates? Marines? No, he wanted to create his own organization.

"Let's start with East Blue!"

"I'll spend a year making East Blue resound with our name!"

Kuina, Kuro, and Luwell looked at him expectantly.

"Hunter's Guild!" Leno announced.

"Bounties, pirates, Marines, wealth, fame, treasures—whatever your goal, go hunting!"

"Everything is there, go get it yourself!"

"Be a hunter and hunt your dreams!"

And so, the Hunter's Guild was officially established on Glass Ball Island, quietly marking its beginning.

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