"Don't joke around," Tesoro said sharply. "Any one of those three conditions would destroy the Golden City. If that happens, where would we put our face?"
Perospero shrugged casually, pretending to be relaxed.
"Then how about this? Why not let your Golden City join our pirate crew? For everyone's benefit. We'll let those three go."
"That's enough," One waved his hand impatiently. "Perospero looks drunk. Take him away to rest. I'll report this to your captain later."
"Use force?" Perospero smiled. "That's what we like most."
"I'll do it," Bullet growled, clenching his fists as he stared at the guards with murderous intent.
At that moment, a terrifying aura exploded outward.
A CP agent let out a low roar as his body rapidly transformed. Muscles swelled, bones shifted, and in an instant, a massive saber-toothed tiger stood where a man had been.
His striped body radiated killing intent, and his golden eyes made everyone nearby tremble.
"You hold them back," he growled. "I'll take the three Celestial Dragons. I'll kill one first, the other two are yours."
Before anyone could react, his massive form blurred, leaving only afterimages as he appeared directly in front of the three Celestial Dragons.
Tesoro's expression changed instantly.
With a sharp wave of his right hand, golden light surged. Molten gold rose from the floor, twisting and shaping itself into massive serpents that coiled around Saint Charmaco and the others, restraining them completely.
"Enough," Tesoro said coldly. "This is my territory."
"I hope you don't refuse a toast only to drink a penalty instead. Don't make trouble here."
"I run a business," he continued grimly. "I want to make money, not bury bodies."
Inside, Tesoro cursed the three Celestial Dragons endlessly. Three brainless fools. Hopelessly arrogant. Completely useless.
At the same time, Perospero's earlier words made everything clear.
They were never here just to gamble.
They came for the Golden City.
And none of them were kind guests.
"Refuse a toast and drink a penalty?" Kaito's voice rang out calmly. "I'd like to see how you plan to make us drink."
He stepped forward through the crowd, King and Katakuri following behind him.
Tesoro turned, his pupils shrinking.
"Kaito," he said stiffly, forcing a smile. "Did you enjoy yourself today?"
"It was fine," Kaito replied casually. "Aside from running into three annoying rats."
He didn't waste time.
"Three conditions," Kaito said coldly. "Pick one. One minute."
"If you don't choose, the Golden City won't need to exist anymore."
Tesoro's face darkened.
"I have no conflict with you," he said tightly. "Why are you forcing me like this?"
"You have thirty seconds left," Kaito replied without emotion.
Tesoro clenched his fist. The calm arrogance in Kaito's eyes reminded him of the past, memories he had buried deeply.
Ten seconds.
Nine.
Eight.
Each number felt like a hammer striking his chest.
In that moment, Tesoro finally understood something he had avoided for years.
Strength was everything.
"You win," Tesoro said through clenched teeth.
With a sharp wave of his hand, the golden restraints dissolved instantly.
"Tesoro, you bastard," Saint Charmaco screamed. "How dare you attack Celestial Dragons!"
But the moment they looked up, a massive saber-toothed tiger loomed before them.
"Tigers?" Saint Shalulia stammered, her face pale. "Why is there a tiger here?"
In a blur, Who's-Who reverted to human form.
Several heavy punches landed in rapid succession.
Moments later, he dragged the three Celestial Dragons forward like sacks of meat and threw them at Kaito's feet.
"Boss Kaito," he asked eagerly. "How should we handle them?"
Kaito looked down calmly.
"Have you never slaughtered pigs before?" he said lightly. "What are you waiting for? It's almost New Year."
"Record everything," he added. "Send it across the world."
"Let everyone know that our pirate crew does not tolerate provocation. Not even from Celestial Dragons."
"Calling themselves gods," Kaito sneered. "Disgusting."
He lifted his gaze toward the stunned crowd.
"Our crew values peace," he said evenly. "If people don't provoke us, we won't provoke them."
"But if someone crosses the line, even the Five Elders won't be able to stop it."
His eyes briefly swept over Tesoro.
"Spread today's events," Kaito continued. "If any Celestial Dragons feel curious, they're welcome to come to the New World."
Not long after, Page One, Who's-Who, and Bullet returned, faint traces of blood staining their clothes.
"Boss," Page One said excitedly. "It's done."
"Good," Kaito nodded.
He turned to the crowd.
"Enjoy yourselves. Eat well. Have fun."
Tesoro stood stiffly, his face dark.
The Golden City felt like it had changed owners in that moment.
Yet he could do nothing.
Kaito was not someone like Luffy, someone fate could bend. He was a force that crushed everything directly.
"Let's talk somewhere quiet," Kaito said with a calm smile.
Tesoro swallowed and nodded.
Before leaving, Kaito glanced at Bullet.
"Enjoy yourselves," he said. "We don't cause trouble, but we don't fear it either."
"Understood, Boss," Bullet and the others replied loudly.
Under countless gazes, Kaito entered a luxurious car with Tesoro and departed.
The casino erupted instantly.
"Those three Celestial Dragons are dead?"
"As expected of the Thunder Pirate crew."
"Even Tesoro had to bow his head."
"Five Celestial Dragons now."
Phone bugs rang nonstop as news spread across the seas within minutes.
The world reacted calmly this time.
After all, people were already used to it.
---
Later, Kaito arrived at a magnificent hotel.
Calling it a hotel felt wrong. It was a palace.
Gold, marble, velvet, and priceless art filled every corner.
Kaito and Tesoro sat opposite each other on a soft leather sofa.
"Captain Kaito," Tesoro said slowly. "Why did you ask to see me alone?"
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