Some members of the Beasts Pirates were like a tour group as they followed Tesoro and left Onigashima. Gran Tesoro hasn’t officially opened yet, so these people can be considered internal testers.
“By the way, everyone, you can freely explore the place at this stage, but on the official opening day, please bear with it for a while. You might see some annoying people.”
“Annoying people?”
“Yes, the Celestial Dragons. They will participate in the first day’s events. They are quite annoying, but we need them for now. I will send them away as soon as possible, which should take about ten minutes.”
Celestial Dragons are quite contradictory creatures. On one hand, they love to join in the fun; on the other hand, they disdain sharing the same air as ordinary people. Therefore, Tesoro built a special room for them high up, separated from the outside world by a glass dome.
This way, out of sight and out of mind. Since there’s no need to worry about them being a nuisance, it avoids risks, and they can also charge them a significant ‘intelligence tax.’
This room is claimed to have compressed air imported from Mariejois, perfectly suited to the Celestial Dragons’ needs, which naturally comes at a high cost.
To simplify matters, it’s directly deducted from the heavenly tribute. Tesoro is making money back this way.
Tesoro doesn’t know the difference between Mariejois’ air and air from other places. He only knows that this face-saving project can make money from the Celestial Dragons, as they believe in it.
He even prepared a few employees specifically for this task, collecting air from Mariejois with unknown machines.
The group accompanying him was big. Besides various exotic species Tesoro brought along, there were Cyclizar’s partners, family members of the officers like Zeraora’s two kids, Bepo and Perona looking after the kids, and Bewear looking after Perona.
Kozuki Hiyori’s attendants and retainers were also there. Although the Flower Capital palace had great amenities, prolonged confinement could drive anyone mad. No matter how luxurious, a prison remains a prison.
Kozuki Hiyori was excited to leave the Flower Capital. Her retainers, even if worried, couldn’t interfere with their lord’s decision.
While the internal testers headed to Gran Tesoro, others began booking for the “public beta.” Some nobles, wealthy merchants from various places, ordinary residents of the Red Line, and those wanting to open businesses in Gran Tesoro all started to take action.
However, the largest movement was from the Underworld.
“President Morgans, do you really need to personally lead the team for such a small matter? And is it necessary to bring so many people?”
A reporter looked at the dozens of people behind Morgans, almost the entire main force of the World Economy News Paper. They were Morgans’ top talents from various departments.
“What nonsense are you spouting? This time, a lot of important people will be gathered. Someone is bound to be interested in this. Besides, you might never get the chance to visit such a place for free in your lifetime. I’m doing this for your benefit.”
As reporters, they had certain privileges, like having access to luxurious places. Morgans took this chance to organize a team-building event for the World Economy News Paper.
“You’ve all worked with me for years. Let me remind you, you’ll see many things this time. Remember not to take random photos. If you offend the wrong people, I can’t save you.”
After the warning, these reporters embarked on their team-building journey. Other Underworld “emperors” also moved. Stussy was one of them, carrying some secret orders from the World Government.
Du Feld, Umit, and Giberson all received invitations. Seeking to expand their business networks, they also set out. However, the Major Undertaker Drug Peclo didn’t get an invite due to his ominous reputation.
Having an assassin at the opening ceremony wouldn’t be a good omen. Even the Big Mom Pirates sent some officers to Gran Tesoro. They had many business deals to discuss with so many Underworld leaders gathering.
Gran Tesoro is massive, but its accommodation capacity is limited. Those on the invitation list could board, but others needed tickets.
For ordinary people, it was just the opening of a large amusement park, whether to go or not wasn’t crucial. But for some, like Doflamingo, it was different.
At this moment, he barged into a wealthy merchant’s house on an island with his family’s officers.
“Hey, Mister, could you please hand over your ticket?”
Tesoro’s pre-launch campaign was very successful; Gran Tesoro’s tickets were all sold out. So to get a ticket, Doflamingo resorted to force.
He had previously become a regional distributor for the Beasts Pirates, but being a distributor for them is just a matter of word. If he doesn’t want to do it, there are plenty of others who would jump at the chance. Currently, Doflamingo doesn’t even have the qualification to be invited.
But he must attend it. He had already realized how many influential people would be there. This was an opportunity to integrate into the New World’s circle, which is extremely crucial for his plans.
Taking the ticket from the trembling hand of the merchant, Doflamingo left immediately. He acts entirely based on his mood, and since the other person was very cooperative, he decided not to silence them.
“Doffy, are you really going alone?”
“Fuffuffuffu, of course. Don’t worry. The Celestial Dragon’s letter isn’t forged. Since it has the Celestial Dragon’s acknowledgment, the World Government and Marines won’t act there, and pirates won’t risk causing trouble at a time like this.”
“Even if there is someone reckless, they can’t cause much chaos on the ship. Otherwise, it would be a disgrace to the Beasts Pirates.”
Doflamingo guessed right. This was why the Beasts Pirates sent several top officers on the trip. If the ship was attacked by pirates, it would be an insult to them.
The Celestial Dragons had special escorts. A team of Marines and CP also followed them to Gran Tesoro, including some odd characters like the current CP5 chief, Spandam.
Spandam’s inclusion into this group was due to Spandine’s efforts. Some World Government officials were also treating this as a free vacation.
Not to mention that some World Nobles would be gathered here. Spandine brought Spandam along to help him network with others. He has already paved the way for Spandam’s future and even pulled some strings to bring in a few new members of CP9.
You can read ahead upto 75 chapters on my patreon and I’ve also activated (date to date) subscription model on my patreon.
Become a Patron!