The bow of the training ship sliced through the sun-gilded waves as it slowly entered the harbor.
Before the ship had even fully docked, the trainees on deck could no longer contain their excitement.
"Wahhh—!" Luffy was the first to leap off the deck, his eyes turning into two sparkling stars.
He sprawled on the gold-paved ground and stuck out his tongue to lick it.
"Bleh! It's not made of meat!"
He jumped up in disappointment, but was immediately captivated by the dazzling sights around him.
His mouth hung open, drool nearly dripping out. "Amazing! Is this an adventurer's paradise?!"
"Idiot! The point is the gold!"
Nami followed closely behind.
The moment her feet touched the ground, her entire body froze.
Her pupils instantly transformed into two spinning Beri symbols.
"I'm Ri... rich..."
Trembling all over, she stretched out her arms as if to embrace the entire city.
"Am I dreaming? Nojiko! Pinch me quickly!"
Nojiko and Koala were also rendered speechless by the sight before them.
As far as the eye could see—the streets, buildings, street lamps, even the trash cans—everything was made of pure gold.
The air was thick with an overwhelmingly luxurious scent.
"This place is so beautiful!" Chopper circled excitedly beside Usopp.
Usopp dramatically spread his arms wide, puffing out his chest as he boasted.
"Ahem! I've seen plenty of scenes like this! Back in the day, I visited the Diamond City!"
"Oh~ What a dazzling city! What beautiful ladies!"
Sanji immediately spotted a group of curvaceous bunny girls walking in the distance.
His eyes instantly turned into hearts, and his body twisted into a corkscrew shape as he dashed toward them.
"Stupid curly brows."
Zoro grumbled under his breath, his swords resting on his shoulder.
Ace and Sabo exchanged a glance, both seeing astonishment in each other's eyes.
"Such an extravagant display," Ace whistled.
"Super!" Franky struck his signature pose. "This city is as flashy as me!"
Brook removed his top hat and bowed gracefully. "Yohohoho! What a dazzling sight! My eyeballs are about to pop out... Ah, my apologies, I don't have any eyeballs!!"
Before disembarking, Hawkins habitually drew his cards.
"Probability of death upon landing..."
He flipped a card and stared at the pattern, a flicker of surprise crossing his usually calm face.
"...Zero."
Trafalgar Law followed behind him, his hand resting on the hilt of Kikoku.
He glanced at the decadent scene before him and snorted coldly.
"What tacky taste."
"Just some shiny metal," Yonji shoved his hands in his pockets and curled his lip disdainfully. "It's nowhere near as advanced as our Germa technology."
Despite his words, his gaze was involuntarily drawn to a sleek-looking golden sports car.
Morgan didn't leave the ship.
He stood solemnly by the railing, vigilantly watching his surroundings as he carried out his duties.
Just then, Orion emerged from the cabin, arm in arm with Hancock.
He looked down at the deck where the interns were completely letting loose and smiled.
"Since we're here, feel free to enjoy yourselves. All expenses will be covered by the Marine Headquarters' budget."
"Ooooh! Long live the Fleet Admiral!"
"Headquarters is paying?! Awesome!"
"I'm going to eat the best barbecue in the world!"
"I'm heading to the casino! I'll win this whole city!"
The next second, the crowd scattered like startled birds.
Luffy dragged Usopp and Chopper straight toward the food street.
Nami, Nojiko, and Koala rushed toward the largest casino.
Sanji chased after a beautiful woman and disappeared around the street corner.
Zoro originally intended to find a bar, but after just two steps, he took a wrong turn and vanished without a trace.
Ace and Sabo exchanged a smile, slung their arms over each other's shoulders, and headed toward the colosseum from which cheers echoed.
The interns dispersed in an instant, and the once bustling pier fell silent in the blink of an eye.
At that moment, Gild Tesoro, who had been waiting for a long time, finally stepped forward with his trusted subordinates, his stride brimming with confidence.
Dressed in a flamboyant pink suit, he wore a radiant smile as if greeting an old friend reunited after years apart.
"Welcome, Fleet Admiral Orion, to Grand Tesoro!"
Tesoro's voice was resonant and magnetic.
He bowed slightly, his posture humble, but behind his sunglasses, his eyes gleamed with calculation and fervor.
As he spoke, the executives behind him, including Baccarat, straightened their backs in unison.
Raising their right hands, they placed fists over their left chests, mimicking the Marines' salute, and shouted in chorus.
"Loyalty!"
Orion waved his hand with a smile. "I am not here on official business today, only for pleasure."
His gaze then shifted past Tesoro, settling on the voluptuous, alluring red-haired woman beside him.
He beamed amiably and said, "Miss Baccarat, I trust you will provide me with a detailed introduction to the entertaining activities here. How about it?"
Baccarat's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of her name.
Though inwardly shocked, she maintained her flawless professional smile.
How did the Fleet Admiral know her?
"It would be my honor to serve you, Fleet Admiral."
Suppressing her astonishment, Baccarat stepped forward gracefully and extended her hand as if to shake Orion's.
However, before her hand could fully extend, an icy glare fell upon her.
"How dare you!"
Hancock, holding Orion's arm, took a slight step forward, her cold eyes fixed on Baccarat.
"What lowly creature dares to touch this queen's husband?"
"Step back, or die!"
An invisible pressure instantly enveloped Baccarat, freezing her outstretched hand mid-air and causing a crack in her smile.
But having weathered many storms, she quickly regained her composure.
Calmly withdrawing her hand, Baccarat placed it over her chest and bowed to Hancock, her smile once again flawless.
"My apologies for the presumption. As a mere receptionist, I am indeed unworthy of shaking hands with the esteemed Fleet Admiral."
Pausing briefly, she turned her gaze to Hancock, her tone shifting to one of perfectly measured surprise and admiration.
"I only knew you as the world's most beautiful woman, the Empress of the Kuja. I had no idea you are now the esteemed Fleet Admiral's wife."
Fleet Admiral's wife!
Those words struck Hancock like an electric shock.
Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she tightened her grip on Orion's arm, pressing herself against him.
The queenly aura she had exuded moments before vanished, replaced by the bashfulness of a young maiden.
"Hmph! Since you speak so eloquently, I shall forgive you!"
Baccarat chuckled inwardly, but maintained a respectful expression.
"Then, may this humble woman introduce the entertainment options here for the Fleet Admiral and the Fleet Admiral's wife?"
"Lead the way," Hancock said haughtily, tilting her chin upward. "If your service displeases me, I'll still have you thrown out!"
Just then, Tesoro stepped forward again, interjecting enthusiastically.
"Fleet Admiral, you must be tired after your long journey. Why not rest for a while in the VIP room on the top floor? I've arranged everything for you."
"Today, all expenses for the Fleet Admiral and all Marine trainees will be on me!"
Orion glanced at Tesoro.
Tesoro was doing his best to play the role of a warm, gentlemanly, and generous host.
But through his Observation Haki perception, Orion could sense Tesoro's heart echoing with uncontrollable, mad, and twisted laughter.
Luring the tiger out of the mountains?
Interesting.
'I wonder who will end up buried in the pit you've dug.'
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