"It's so beautiful," Yamato exclaimed softly, her eyes filled with wonder.
"The water is actually golden."
The other women reacted similarly.
Even those who had seen much of the world were momentarily captivated, while Yamato, who had little experience with such sights, seemed completely absorbed.
"It's incredible," Smile said with a sigh.
"The seawater itself contains gold sand. As expected of the Golden Emperor."
---
Deep within the Golden City, inside a dimly lit chamber, Tesoro sat leisurely on his golden throne.
Dressed in his usual pink suit, he gently swirled a glass filled with an unknown drink.
Suddenly, the image displayed before him shifted.
His expression changed instantly.
"It's them," Tesoro muttered.
"They actually came here?"
His fingers tightened slightly around the glass.
"Are they here just to enjoy themselves, or do they have another purpose?"
Without hesitation, he picked up a Den Den Mushi.
"Tanaka," Tesoro said calmly.
"Inform Baccarat. A true heavyweight guest is about to arrive. Make sure they are treated properly."
"Understood, Tesoro sama," Tanaka replied before hanging up.
---
On a brightly lit street, Baccarat paused as she received the call.
"Tesoro sama has informed us that an extremely important guest will be arriving," she said emotionlessly.
"We are to give them the highest level of reception."
"A big shot?" someone nearby asked with a relaxed smile.
"A World Noble? A Celestial Dragon?"
Baccarat's lips curved faintly.
"If that's all, there's nothing unusual about it."
Her confidence was unshaken.
That confidence vanished moments later.
From one of the massive sea passages, an enormous ship emerged, blotting out the light as it advanced toward the harbor.
Other pirate ships exited neighboring passages, but the difference was obvious.
The flag fluttering at the forefront froze everyone in place.
"That flag," a pirate captain whispered in shock.
"That's… that man's flag."
His face drained of color.
"Slow down. Immediately," he shouted.
"Do not sail alongside them. Stay behind them. Far behind."
"Captain," one of his crew said shakily,
"is it really him?"
"It can't be wrong," the captain replied stiffly.
"Look at the people on deck. There's no mistake."
Their ship reduced speed, falling obediently behind Kaito's vessel.
The same scene played out across every passage.
One by one, pirate ships recognized the flag and followed suit without complaint.
From the open sea all the way to the port, a surreal scene unfolded.
One massive pirate ship led the way.
Behind it, countless others followed silently.
Like students facing a teacher.
Like Marines standing before a fleet admiral.
Like pirates meeting a king.
---
At the same time, on a brightly lit stage near the harbor, a host raised his microphone, his voice echoing with excitement.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let us welcome our newest guests. You already know who they are."
He paused dramatically.
"The masters of the New World, the Thunder Pirate crew."
The distant darkness lit up instantly as neon lights illuminated Kaito's ship.
Video Den Den Mushi projected the image onto massive screens, revealing everyone aboard the Kunpeng.
Kaito.
Kaido.
Redfield.
Katakuri.
King.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"It's really them."
"That's Kaito, captain of the Thunder Pirate crew."
"This trip was worth it."
Fear turned into excitement, then into wild cheers.
The guests here were either wealthy or powerful, accustomed to stimulation, but Kaito's appearance surpassed anything they had expected.
Although other pirate crews were announced afterward, their introductions were brief and quickly forgotten.
All attention remained fixed on Kaito and his people.
None of the other pirates complained.
Some even looked proud.
After all, they had sailed alongside the Thunder Pirate crew.
That alone would become a story they would boast about for the rest of their lives.
"This feeling isn't bad," Perospero said with a satisfied smile.
"The attention suits us," Bullet agreed.
Kaito said nothing, merely observing as the Kunpeng slowly docked.
---
At the harbor, Baccarat and Tanaka were already waiting respectfully.
Only now did Baccarat fully understand why Tesoro had personally issued the warning.
This was no ordinary guest.
In some respects, even Celestial Dragons could not compare.
"Welcome, Kaito sama," Baccarat said politely.
"I am Baccarat, the chief receptionist. I will be responsible for hosting you during your stay."
"That works," Kaito replied.
"Would you like to change clothes, or keep what you're wearing?"
"Oh?" Page One asked curiously.
"Is the changing area far?"
"Not at all," Baccarat replied with a smile, pointing nearby.
"It's very close."
"Alright," Kaito said calmly.
"You handle the arrangements. Are there enough receptionists?"
"Yes, Kaito sama. Please wait a moment."
She made a quick call, and soon more than ten beautiful women arrived.
"These are all specially trained receptionists of the Golden City," Baccarat explained.
"Good," Kaito said with a smile.
"Groups of five. Split up."
He added lightly,
"And don't cause trouble."
"Understood, boss."
The pirates roared in unison, forming groups and climbing into luxury sports cars that sped off under neon lights.
In moments, only a few remained.
Kaito.
Kaido.
Redfield.
Katakuri.
King.
"Everyone else has departed," Baccarat said politely.
"Shall we proceed?"
"Yes," Kaito replied.
---
The car sped through the glowing streets as Baccarat introduced the city's attractions one by one.
Eventually, they stopped before a massive casino entrance.
"This is the largest casino in the Golden City," Baccarat explained.
"Everything inside is reinforced with seastone to prevent absolute cheating."
"Seastone," Kaito said with interest.
"That's quite the investment. Are we playing?"
"Of course," Redfield replied eagerly, a gambler's smile appearing on his face.
"Then let's enjoy ourselves," Kaito said with a faint smile.
As they entered, familiar shouting echoed from inside.
Bullet's voice was unmistakable.
Nearby, Page One could be heard yelling excitedly as well.
Kaito paused briefly, then spoke calmly.
"Tell Tesoro that whatever my crew spends here will be repaid in full later."
____
Power stones please?