Chapter 121 : Tesoro Targeted!!

Two days later, in the morning, at the inner bay performance arena of Gran Tesoro. 

"Show time!" 

Dressed in a lavish performance outfit, Tesoro stood at the center stage, announcing the beginning of today's grand spectacle! 

One by one, stages rose from the golden sea within the bay. Elegant women, dressed in cool and revealing outfits, gracefully danced on the platforms. The audience burst into cheers, swept up in excitement! 

Another day of revelry in Gran Tesoro had officially begun! 

As the ruler of this city of entertainment, Tesoro gave the stage to the new diva, Karina, after the opening act. It had become rare for Tesoro himself to perform anymore. 

It wasn't just about his status—ordinary performances no longer sparked any joy in him. Only grand spectacles with profound meaning could entice Tesoro to personally step onto the stage. 

Standing near the entrance to the main stage, Tesoro watched as the crowd warmed up. Once satisfied, he prepared to leave. 

Those Celestial Dragons must have had their fill of fun by now. It was time to get down to business. 

But just as he was about to leave, a shadow suddenly loomed over the stage, shrouding it in darkness! 

"Huh? What's that?" 

"It looks like… a ship?" 

"You idiot! How could a ship possibly fly?" 

The crowd craned their necks to look up at the sky, only to see a vessel—resembling a sailboat—floating high above the performance arena! 

Tesoro's brows furrowed, his expression growing grim. 

From his vantage point, he could confirm that it was indeed a ship. And from the faint details he could make out, the bow was shaped like a peculiar lion's head. 

"So, this is the flagship of the New Yonko, Buggy the Star Clown..." Tesoro murmured, recalling the latest intelligence he had received. A sly grin crept across his lips as he whispered, "'The Genius Jester,' huh? Quite the flashy title." 

Despite Buggy's sudden arrival, Tesoro wasn't the least bit afraid. To him, everyone had a price. Even someone like Buggy, one of the Four Emperors, was no exception—his price was just a little higher than most. 

In fact, even if Buggy hadn't shown up today, Tesoro had planned to extend an extravagant gift to him eventually. 

After all, in this line of work, one had to maintain good relations with both sides—the legitimate and the underworlds. All the infamous pirates on the seas, one way or another, earned regular profits through Tesoro's enterprises. 

Now that Buggy had ascended to the rank of Emperor, it was only natural that he, too, was entitled to a share of the wealth. 

"Boss! This doesn't look good!" 

Baccarat rushed to Tesoro's side, her expression deadly serious. 

Tesoro shook his head and said calmly, "No problem. Go and make the necessary arrangements. I will personally greet them." 

Baccarat looked worried. "But what if they try to attack you?" 

Tesoro smiled confidently. "Anyone who can claim the title of a Yonko isn't a fool. They understand the difference between one big feast and consistent wealth. To them, I am a golden goose. No one with half a brain would kill the goose that lays golden eggs. Besides..." 

He paused briefly before continuing, "Go soothe those Celestial Dragons. They didn't just bring CP0 with them this time. Vice Admiral Tsuru and two Admiral candidates are also accompanying them. If anything unexpected happens, they could serve as a useful asset." 

Baccarat nodded, but the concern in her eyes didn't fade. After all, Tesoro was about to face one of the Yonko. 

Tesoro noticed her unease and chuckled. "Don't worry. I am the Golden Emperor. In this city of gold, I am invincible. Even the Yonko won't be able to touch me here!" 

Suddenly, a voice interrupted from behind, dripping with sarcasm. 

"Oh? Such confidence." 

Both Tesoro and Baccarat froze, their pupils constricting as they turned abruptly. A man dressed in a deep crimson suit, his face painted with clown makeup, stood silently behind them. 

It was none other than Buggy the Star Clown, the newly crowned Yonko. 

"Shuuu~~~" 

The sound of rushing wind filled the air as the Thousand Sunny plummeted from the sky, landing smoothly on the golden waters of the inner bay. The impact stirred up shimmering waves of gold. 

Buggy glanced at Baccarat and gave a playful grin. "Lovely lady, would you be so kind as to take my crew on a tour of this magnificent city? I want them to fully enjoy everything Gran Tesoro has to offer." 

Baccarat hesitated and looked to Tesoro for direction. After receiving a subtle nod from him, she bowed slightly to Buggy and left the stage, heading toward the Thousand Sunny. 

With her departure, Buggy turned his attention back to Tesoro, pretending to be troubled. "So… what should I do now?" 

Tesoro frowned slightly but kept his composure, smiling. "As the new Yonko, is there really anything troubling you?" 

Buggy nodded, his expression unchanging. "Actually, I was planning to beat you up and take everything you have. But after hearing you talk, it sounds like you're ready to hand over some money. Now I feel kinda bad about roughing you up." 

A vein popped on Tesoro's forehead as he forced a smile. What was meant to be a modest display of his financial prowess had instead convinced Buggy that he was nothing more than an easy target, a goose waiting to be plucked. 

Buggy really thought that Tesoro's ability to navigate between so many powerful forces was based solely on wealth?

Tesoro clenched his fists tightly. The ten gold rings on his fingers twisted and transformed into golden gauntlets, as if he was about to strike at any moment!

But Buggy, unfazed, continued speaking to himself. "Even if I don't fight you this time, I doubt you'll be able to keep yourself safe. And if you're gone, I won't get the money you owe me… Maybe it'd be better to just take it by force, huh?"

Tesoro froze for a moment, his brow furrowing. "What do you mean by that?"

Buggy chuckled. "Exactly what it sounds like! I'm not the only one eyeing all that money of yours."

Tesoro knew well enough that many people had their sights set on his fortune. With a treasure of that size, it would be strange if no one did. That was precisely why he regularly paid off various major factions—to keep them content.

As long as those big players were appeased, the rest were nothing more than clowns before him.

Of course, Buggy was an exception—Tesoro hadn't had the chance to negotiate with him yet.

But besides Buggy, who else could possibly take his wealth?

Tesoro racked his brain, but he couldn't think of any force with the strength to rob him that hadn't already been bought off.

Seeing Tesoro's confusion, Buggy gave a sly reminder. "Stop guessing. They're not far away—they're right under your nose."

Tesoro's eyes widened in shock as realization hit him. "You mean... the Celestial Dragons? No—are you talking about the World Government?!"

Buggy nodded, a mischievous smile curling on his lips. "Interested in working together? I've got a bit of a grudge against those Celestial Dragons myself."