Desperate Situation, a Shooting Star!

Chapter 144: Desperate Situation, a Shooting Star!

In the luxurious private room, everything was as it should be: beautiful women, champagne, exquisite food and wine, the best view, perfect ambiance, and impeccable service.

Seated comfortably on a sofa that seemed to engulf him, Rodney extended his thanks as a beautiful woman delivered a plate of freshly cut fruit.

"Thank you," he said.

The woman blinked in surprise; it was the first time someone had thanked her. She replied with a smile, "It's my pleasure."

Rodney inquired, "Miss Baccarat, how much time is left for Mr. Tesoro's concert?"

"Well," she responded, "going by the usual schedule, it should be starting soon." 

Onstage, Tesoro had already left, replaced by a short-haired songstress who delivered a captivating performance.

"Wow," Rodney commented.

As Rodney engaged in conversation, a well-dressed man with a flamboyant gold appearance, much like a nouveau riche, entered the private room, accompanied by several bodyguards.

"Rodney, the Seven Warlords," he exclaimed. "What an unexpected pleasure to have you visit me."

Rodney stood up with a hearty laugh and welcomed Tesoro. The other women in the room also paid their respects.

Tesoroseemed delighted and said, "Rodney, I've heard rumors about your visit, and you truly live up to your reputation as one of the world's youngest and most formidable Seven Warlords. Defeating established Warlords like Crocodile and Moria is no small feat, indeed."

Rodney laughed, "Oh, Tesoro, you're too kind. You're not only the world's richest man but also a top-tier entertainer, as I've heard. Although, there aren't many true artists in the world of pirates."

Upon hearing this, Tesor couldn't help but smile more, even though he inwardly looked down on Rodney for his greed.

"But," Rodney continued, "I've always heard that you are one of the world's top entertainers, and today I see that it's true." He knew how to flatter when needed.

Tesoro appreciated the compliments, but he also felt disdain for Rodney's greed, despite their common interest in making money.

"You respect my artistry," Tesoro said, "but you're also someone who knows how to amass wealth. So, what brings you here? I heard you want to discuss a partnership with me?"

Although Tesoro and Rodney were on opposite sides in the world of pirates, they never let money stand in their way and occasionally had business dealings.

Rodney confirmed, "That's right. This is it." He then explained the AK project. Tesoro's eyes lit up with excitement; his instincts told him that this could be a huge moneymaker, even though he was already the world's richest man. He decided to negotiate further.

"Alright, I'm in," Tesoro said. 

"But I want a 4% share! If you can push Doflamingo out of this venture, I'll even consider a 50-50 split. You know, my connections are quite extensive."

Rodney grinned and replied, "I don't want that. Both of you are ruthless and greedy. If I partnered with you two, I'd be devoured. No deal."

Tesoro smirked, thinking he had the upper hand, "Well then, Rodney, you're on my turf. Shouldn't you respect my terms?"

"Oh?" 

Rodney raised an eyebrow and suddenly began to transform into gold, starting from his toes and working its way up.

Tesoro chuckled, "You've been under my control since the moment you entered."

The golden specks in the water sprayed earlier contained gold dust that entered Rodney's body. Tesoro could manipulate any gold he touched, even within people's bodies, allowing him to slowly turn them into gold.

Rodney remained calm, "You seem quite composed. But I mentioned earlier that I never put myself in danger."

"What...?" 

Tesoro tried to understand, but an uneasy feeling crept over him. Behind him, Rodney's voice came, "As I said, I never put myself in danger."

"Is this a clone?!" Tesoro exclaimed.

He looked at the Rodney in front of him, but with a bang, that Rodney turned into a cloud of white mist.

Tesoro's face turned grim, "You've been setting a trap all along?"

Rodney, in a different spot now, reappeared and said, "Tesoro, don't waste your effort. I said I never put myself in danger."

"Crafty ability user," Tesoro muttered to himself. 

"Is this how the Shichibukai operate, hiding their true selves?"

Rodney remained nonchalant, "Well, who knows? I started as a clone from the beginning. My real self was hiding in the ship's cabin. I figured you might guess that."

"You thought you were on the third floor, but I was on the fifth floor," Rodney explained further. "So, I never saw the golden mist as a threat. Bakara and the food were my backup plan."

Tesoro was shocked; he had only considered the gold mist's threat, not Rodney's clever tricks.

"But," Rodney continued, "let's not forget, I have 20% of the world's wealth here. How about it? Do you want to be part of my operation? I can offer you anything you desire. In this world, there's nothing money can't buy."

Tesoro's demeanor shifted, and he fell into silence, staring at his glass of red wine. Rodney's words had stirred something within him, awakening distant memories and causing him great distress.

Seeing Tesoro's reaction, Rodney realized that Tesoro had likely understood what had happened.

Tesoro had once had a first love, someone named Stella.

"Desperate situation, a shooting star!" Rodney muttered to himself.