36 Chapter 35: One piece:Gold
(a/n: Thank you, readers! We achieved the goal haha~ So, here's the chapter for this weekend. Also, I won't issue a challenge for now since I need to stockpile some chapters. Hope you still vote powerstones in the future~!)
◇New World, Dressrosa◇
The Straw hat grand fleet is formed.
It is now 8 instead of 7 ships. The addition to the group is the Undead pirate crew.
Headed by the headless pirate captain, Dulhallan.
The Undead pirates are infamous for hunting and looting other pirates.
Due to how bizarre they are, They couldn't step into normal human settlements. Luckily enough, Dressrosa is different.
They have toys so they wouldn't be that unique.
They joined the Straw hats grand fleet and became friends with their other colleagues.
Currently, The fleet is now leaving Dressrosa. The Straw hats would head to the place where the other group called Curly hats is.
While the others would do their own for now and would reunite if there's any summons or events.
The Straw hats took a hitch ride to the Going Luffy-Go. The ship of their number one fan group, The Bartolomeo pirates!
The Straw hats also have new bounties on their names.
And so, The sailing continues for days.
◇New World, On the sea, Black Pearl◇
◆Shikage's POV◆
It's currently the 3rd day after we heard the report of Sabo.
We have learned what happened to Dressrosa. There's no major deviation from my Shikadiary.
My hunters have already informed me that the people I wanted to recruit are now at the Guild hub of an island close to Dressrosa.
I really need a different headquarters in the New World! I don't think Thriller Bark is sufficient in holding the hunters all over the world.
That's not the only problem we are dealing with, We have a shortage of funds due to the preparation for the war. We needed to arm the Revolutionary Army, ACE pirates, and the Hunters Guild!
So we really need to make and buy weapons!
Luckily, The war is not instant. Blackbeard would also need to arm themselves and call all his associates to join him in the war.
And for some dumb luck, We have found a way to resolve all those problems in one go.
Some of our hunters have looted an extremely fortunate envelope that has a vivre card inside it.
It is an invitation to the World's greatest casino! A city-ship filled with money and its mobile city.
"It's perfect! There's no mistake, This is made for us!" (Shikage)
"Hmm... What was that Guildmaster?" (Kalifa)
"Don't mind it, I'm just thinking out loud." (Shikage)
Currently aboard the Black Pearl is my main group. The first hunters!
Blueno, Kalifa, Kaku.
We also have foot soldiers on the ship. They are either D-rank or E-rank.
We are now on our way to the Gran Tesoro, the city-ship.
Unfortunately for me, That place is not illegal so we can't do anything. It is affiliated with the World Government.
So we need to come up with a plan to get the city-ship to our Guild.
Once we reached Gran Tesoro, We exclaimed at how big it is and how it is visited by a lot of people.
The falling gold dust felt wrong, so I didn't let it drop into my body and my hunters. I used my shadow to make a cover.
Then we entered the port and marvels at how large the city-ship is.
"This is... More advance than our Thriller Bark!!" (Kaku)
"Damn right it is... Now then, I'm sorry Blueno, but please dig up some information. Kalifa, Go and enjoy the vacation along with your husband." (Shikage)
"Ara~ How considerate of you, Shikage. Very well, Let's go~!" (Kalifa)
"Hai hai, Coming!" (Kaku)
"Riajuu~ explode!" (Blueno)
Yep, these two are married. they have a wedding ceremony before the reunion of the Straw hats.
I'm really sorry Blueno but you're the best at gathering information and you're also single in the meantime so... Please?!
Blueno kept mumbling while walking away from us. He took in charge the hunters who came with us.
As for me, I'll be using this chance to relax and enjoy a rich life.
I'm rich! As the Guildmaster and an S-rank hunter, There's no shortage of money.
And now I can finally use all the money in this gambling city.
It's also called the World's most entertaining city!
So there's really a lot of people who came to this city-ship. And whenever there's a lot of people, there will be exposure!
I may be conceited of saying this, But I am fairly famous and popular.
It's because of my job as a hunter, a warlord, and a Guildmaster.
Didn't I become part of the Worst generation because I am always on the news? The people around the world have to know my face, Including the people here in Gran Tesoro.
I was surrounded quickly when I went to a store. Being famous is really tiring.
After a short while, I was free. I roamed around the plaza and visited a lot of stores.
"Uhm... Oniichan, Are you a hero?"
Suddenly, A teary little girl tugs my legs and looks up at me.
I have noticed the shop workers and these children a while ago. They looked like they're suppressing something.
"Hero? I'm afraid I'm not, little girl. But tell me what's wrong?" (Shikage)
The girl and the boys who are together with her talked about how they are suffering from Tesoro's tyranny.
This is it... My chance to overthrow that guy!
I calmed the children and looked at the shop workers who are looking down. They're clearly afraid of going up against Tesoro.
But not me, I quickly assured the children and told them that I'll deal with this.
We need to regroup. I'll be waiting for them at the restaurant.
Just as I was walking around, I sense a person following me.
*Ting*
Using my Observation Haki, I discovered the person and confronted him.
It turns out that it is a woman. A lady came to invite me to the casino.
And she is a ravishing beauty. During our travel, She introduced herself as Baccarat and she is the guide for the Gran Tesoro. Also, I was invited by the owner of this ship to the VIP area.
Being a warlord is like being an important person in all places.
In just a few minutes, We have arrived. I changed my hunters' clothes to a white suit and formal attire.
I'll be staying here to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle first to let their guard down and I'll overthrow Gild Tesoro if the time is right.
And so, The luxurious vacation began!
◇3 days later◇
I've just finished a fancy breakfast in a luxurious hotel room.
I feel like a king here!
I'm reading the news. The headline is the alliance of the Straw hats and the Heart pirates. There's also the defeat of Donquixote Doflamingo.
As I said, Luffy would really shake the New World. In just a few days from reuniting, He has dealt massive waves in the sea.
Defeating Doflamingo would also mean defeating Joker. The biggest broker in the Underworld.
A lot of dealings would pause because of Joker's defeat.
Including the production of SMILE that the Beast pirates want.
There's no news about the destination of the Straw hats but I know that they're going to Zou.
Speaking of that place, I wonder if Marco would join the war in the future.
Anyways, I'll finish my objective here and bring back the gold that we need for the war.
I left the hotel after dressing up well and heads to the casino.
I've lost and earned money in the last few days. So I can confirm that I'm not a good gambler. I wanted to cheat but my conscience prevented me from doing it.
At the entrance of the casino lies a purple-haired beauty. Her name is Carina. A songstress at Gran Tesoro.
"Good morning Shika~" (Carina)
"Yo~ Tesoro didn't keep you for himself all night?" (Shikage)
I know about their relationship. Carina is the one who always complains about that guy whenever we drink alcohol.
We met at the bar and we got along naturally after one night.
"Shika you meanie! More importantly, Are you really doing it? Are you sure you can beat him?" (Carina)
I really messed up when I told her my plan. But I'm not afraid, Kalifa-san would be on guard against her if she does something.
Also, it doesn't matter if the enemy knew my plans. The strategy is almost done anyway.
"That's why I'll be gambling with him. Carina, It's time for you to pick sides... I recommend to stay away from us. We're not ordinary people." (Shikage)
My words made the purple-haired beauty pause. I entered the casino and met up with my core hunters.
We quickly went to the elevator and used it. After reaching the bottom, Someone phased through the elevator. It is Tanaka, the head security of the Gran Tesoro.
"Shururu, Now then, hold on to me." (Tanaka)
We hold on to each other and phased through the elevator.
We arrived at the VIP lounge where a lot of wealthy customers and gamblers are staying.
And the one who welcomed us is none other than the man I'm challenging.
"My my, We finally met each other. I am Gild Tesoro, The owner of this ship. A pleasure to meet you." (Tesoro)
"The pleasure is mine... Why don't we skip right away to business." (Shikage)
"What a hasty young man. Very well, Follow me." (Tesoro)
I followed him to the center of the lounge and proceeds to get ready for gambling.
Tesoro explained the rules to me and how to win. He is also surrounded by his officers and goons.
"So... What should we bet." (Tesoro)
"..." (Shikage)
I did a thinking pose and finally decided what to bet.
"City-ship to City-ship!" (Shikage)
*Gasps*
All the people there didn't expect my words. Even my Nakama was worried.
"Can you accept it?" (Shikage)
I challenged the man in front of me. If I'm going to bet everything, He will also need to bet something in that value. Although Thriller Bark isn't as wealthy as Gran Tesoro, It's still a city-ship. Tesoro can use his ability to form another Gran Tesoro.
"Fine. This time, the gamble is really exciting! You see, I'm simply disgustingly rich. It doesn't rustle any excitement if the stakes aren't high." (Tesoro)
We picked our choices and the dealer, Dice, started to spin and will bang his head to the bell.
Suddenly, Baccarat came and removed her gloves. Only Kalifa had a bad feeling.
*Ting*
A flash of 5 seconds in the future was shown to me. My Observation Haki detected a crisis.
If I would be touched by Baccarat then I will lose. I [Susbtitute] a part of my shoulders that's going to be touched by the guide and sure enough, the crisis was averted.
I won the gamble.
Baccarat and the other were shocked that her powers didn't work. Tesoro would have to pay the equivalent price of my Thriller Bark Which is the Gran Tesoro!
But it looks like it won't get to that.
"Haha... Hahahaha.... HAHAHAHA!" (Tesoro)
Tesoro laughed! I don't know what's funny but the atmosphere is cold. A fight would likely break out.
"Young man, I am curious about one thing... What made you bet your ship?" (Tesoro)
"Isn't this how gambling works? The only one who can decide your worth.. is you. If you want to earn something, you need to reach out for it. To make your ambitions come true, you have to take risks. The larger the ambition the greater the risk." (Shikage)
Tesoro looked as if he was moved by my words. As well as everyone there.
"I... I want your ship, Tesoro! If it works, even your loyalty would be nice!" (Shikage)
Tesoro now looked as if I'm his worst enemy.
"What a foolish thing to say!! You... You don't know me! My loyalty is only for GOLD!!!" (Tesoro)
The normal people ran away when they felt that there will be a fight. My hunters also prepared themselves.
"I see... It's too bad. I have wanted for you to join the Revolutionary Army because of your goal... It seems that instead of punishing the World Nobles, you instead become something like them. I feel sorry for Stella." (Shikage)
I shook my head, I have given him a chance already. If he doesn't change then there's nothing I could do.
"S-s-Stella?.. H-h-how? How did you know that name?!" (Tesoro)
Tesoro broke down. I've mentioned the name of the very special person for Tesoro. Sadly, That person is long dead. By the hands of the World Nobles. That poor woman suffered greatly from being a slave to the World Nobles So I really don't understand why this piece of shit is doing the same to everyone here.
Blueno had dug up some very important information. I also received a lot of information from the shop workers who have many debts to Tesoro.
"Anyways, Your tyranny ends here. We have plenty evidence of your wrongdoings. Even the WG won't protect you anymore. The Hunters Guild will now hunt you, Monster of the New World." (Shikage)
Due to the bad blood between the people here and Tesoro, We quickly got evidence of everything that Tesoro did.
"So... It's checkmate huh? Idiot! I would never lose in this city! Everything is in this city is under my control! Become gold and DIEEE!!" (Tesoro)
Tesoro used his trump card to control the gold dust and cover us in gold.
"..."
But nothing happened.
I'm glad I made the right choice to cover from those gold dust.
"Impossible! This is unbelievable!" (Tesoro)
The officers of Tesoro were on guard. Only one of them is itching for battle. It's the dealer of the Casino. He's looking toward the man that has a long squared nose.
Meanwhile, The hunters have already chosen their opponents. Blueno and Kalifa chose the guide and the head of security. Kaku didn't complain since he was chosen by that dealer.
"Now... Gild Tesoro! What will you do?" (Shikage)
"Shadow hunter... You are one frightening young man. But I'll take my chances! You are gonna die by my hands!" (Tesoro)
And that's it. The Revolution in Gran Tesoro began!
The shop workers rioted while being protected by lower-ranked hunters!
The VIP Lounge exploded in gold!
My hunters quickly retreated and head to separate battlefields.
I'll be facing Tesoro myself!
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