Chapter 120 : The Richest Man in the World!!

Buggy reached out and took the so-called invitation from Gild Tesoro from Buffalo's hand, examining it closely. 

It was a palm-sized card made of some unknown material, entirely black with golden silk patterns running across it, giving it a thick and weighty feel. 

On the front, apart from the intricate golden patterns, were the large words: *Gran Tesoro*. The back of the card resembled a picture frame, with a tiny, fingernail-sized piece of *Vivre Card* enclosed beneath a transparent layer, gently trembling as if pointing in a specific direction. 

Buffalo explained, "This is a special invitation from the Golden Emperor, Tesoro. Only distinguished individuals of high status are eligible to receive one! With this invitation, you can access the entertainment city of Gran Tesoro at any time, from anywhere." 

Gild Tesoro, the Golden Emperor—world's richest man—controlled 20% of the world's total wealth in *Berries*, earning him undisputed titles as both the King of Entertainment and the King of Casinos. 

In fact, Tesoro's influence was so vast that he could bribe the World Government. As a result, Gran Tesoro, his entertainment city, was officially recognized as an independent state, far beyond the reach of the Emperors of the Underworlds. 

Gran Tesoro wasn't just an ordinary city; it was a colossal ship over ten kilometers long. Because of this, no specialized Log Pose could guide sailors to it. 

Those who wished to visit Gran Tesoro had two options: either possess one of these special invitations, like the one in Buggy's hand, or spend time searching for information on its whereabouts. Otherwise, they'd have to rely purely on luck to stumble upon it while drifting across the sea. 

Buggy's reason for wanting to go to Gran Tesoro was simple: Tesoro's immense wealth. 

Within Buggy's crew, only Crocodile and Doflamingo had any real money. The rest of them were as broke as beggars. 

Buggy considered himself relatively fortunate—he had managed to snatch a ship and some treasure from the Straw Hats. As for Blackbeard, that guy didn't even have a proper ship! When they parted ways, Blackbeard had to build a raft just to keep going. 

Honestly, it was pure luck that Blackbeard hadn't perished in some storm along the way. 

The rest of the group were even worse off—most of them had just gotten out of prison. The funds for recruiting new members and expanding territory were mostly thanks to Doflamingo's support. Buggy certainly didn't have the resources to establish the Cross Guild on his own. 

Sure, if the goal was merely to form the guild, Doflamingo and Crocodile's money would've barely been enough. But Buggy had bigger plans—he wanted to make a grand statement on the day the Cross Guild officially launched. For that, their funds were insufficient, and he needed a new, fat target to secure more capital. 

That's when Tesoro, the richest man in the world, naturally came to mind. 

Buggy casually tossed the invitation over to Domino and said, "Fly in the direction this card points to. Find Gran Tesoro as quickly as possible!" 

Domino nodded, immediately adjusting the direction of the Thousand Sunny according to the Vivre Card's guidance as indicated in the invitation. 

Buffalo hesitated for a moment, then cautiously asked, "Lord Buggy, the items you requested have been delivered... C-can we leave now?" 

"Hm?" Buggy shot Buffalo a sidelong glance and asked, "Leave? Where do you think you're going?" 

Buffalo swallowed nervously and stammered, "W-we still need to return and report back to the young master." 

Buggy wrapped his arm around Baby 5, pulling her close into his embrace, and said nonchalantly, "Baby 5 belongs to me now. Why would she go back? This is her home!" 

Baby 5's face flushed with a deep blush at Buggy's domineering declaration, her bright eyes sparkling like stars. 

*So... this is what it feels like to be needed.* 

Buffalo, realizing there was no room for argument, reluctantly gave in and mumbled, "W-well, if that's the case... I'll just take my leave." 

Buggy waved his hand dismissively. "Leave? What are you talking about? You're part of Baby 5's dowry!" 

Buffalo: "???" 

---

That night, in an unknown sea within the New World, a grand ship illuminated like an island of light sliced through the waves, carried forward by the ocean currents. 

The vessel shone as brightly as daylight, lavish and golden like a palace of the gods, a paradise where indulgence reigned supreme. This was the world's largest and most extravagant entertainment city: Gran Tesoro. 

Standing on the balcony of his office, Tesoro swirled the wine in his glass, casting a scornful gaze upon the revelers below, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. 

*Knock, knock, knock!* 

The sound of deliberate knocks echoed through the room. Without turning around, Tesoro said flatly, "Come in." 

The only one who would visit him at this hour was Baccarat. 

The office door swung open, and a woman with long, wine-red wavy hair and a stunning figure swayed in, her movements as fluid as a serpent's. She stopped beside Tesoro and stood elegantly. 

"Boss," Baccarat began, flipping through a file in her hand, "Karina has been performing excellently. Ever since she became a singer here at Gran Tesoro, our entertainment revenue has increased by 18%! Overall profits have also risen by 0.3%." 

Tesoro didn't pay much attention to what Baccarat said about the numbers and casually remarked, "If she's useful, let's keep her around. Better than nothing!"

For ordinary people, the amount of money Karina earned for Tesoro was astronomical, but to Tesoro, it was just a number!

Besides, Tesoro's most profitable business was the casino; entertainment shows were merely a hobby for him! He himself was also a first-rate performer!

Baccarat continued, "Recently, there's a songstress making a rapid rise in the sea. She's gained fame quickly by singing through the Transponder Snail, and everyone who's heard her voice feels healed!"

"In less than two years, this songstress named Uta will definitely become a world-renowned superstar!"

"I think we should recruit her and also learn from her methods, using the Transponder Snail network to cultivate a group of stars!"

Tesoro furrowed his brows and asked, "Have you heard that Uta's singing?"

Baccarat nodded with a smile, saying, "Ah, I'm a fan of hers now!"

After pondering for a moment, Tesoro replied, "I trust your judgment. You handle this matter as you see fit!"

Baccarat nodded, "Yes!"

After a pause, Tesoro seemed to remember something and inquired, "By the way, a few Celestial Dragons are coming the day after tomorrow. Make sure to prepare some money to bribe them!"

Baccarat frowned at this, saying, "They're coming again? Didn't the World Government just ask us for a large sum of money? They haven't even received that yet, and they're asking for more. What a greedy bunch!"

Tesoro shook his head, saying, "The money the World Government wanted was for the Navy's grand recruitment. I can also take this opportunity to get something from the World Government!"

"This counts as a fair trade; it's a good thing for us!"

"As for those Celestial Dragons, let's just treat them like pigs!"