"Is that Caesar Clown, the scientist who possesses the artificial Devil Fruit technology?"

Ochoku's eyes burned as he looked at Tesoro and Caesar.

His target was also Caesar Clown. Artificial Devil Fruit technology was a miracle that even an old pirate like him could not resist.

In other words, just like when he followed Rocks, he could not resist the allure of the artificial Devil Fruit.

Compared to the days of roaming the seas freely, life now felt far too stifling.

Not only were they being suppressed by the Navy and the World Government, but now there was also a so-called God Slayer meddling in their affairs.

"He is just a newbie. Why should he be the one to act like that?"

Ochoku looked at the arrogant Caelan with mixed feelings.

Although he did not want to admit it, he knew Caelan's legend and understood just how terrifying this young man was.

This was an ambitious man who, like Rocks, aimed to rebel against the World Government, and like Roger, was someone who could usher in a new era.

But deep down, Ochoku was unwilling to admit that his own era was over.

Hiding on Hachinosu Island and occupying the Rocks Pirates' former base showed his reluctance and nostalgia for the old days.

"I have a dream… to make pirates great again!"

Ochoku muttered to himself, solidifying his resolve to act.

If he could capture Caesar and build an army of artificial Devil Fruit users, he could recreate the glory of the Rocks era.

The Caesar Clown in front of him was unquestionably the real one, with no possibility of being a fake.

And Tesoro, having just completed the transaction, was still within Caelan's sphere of influence, making this his most unguarded moment.

"The only one to watch out for is the God Slayer."

Ochoku glanced at Caelan once more, but this time without hesitation.

As the user of the Teleportation Fruit, even if Roger and the Navy had joined forces back then, they would not have been able to catch him.

This time, he believed Caelan could do nothing to him.

"Wait for the right moment."

He muttered to himself, quietly observing the scene.

On the other side, Tesoro was still trading words with Lu Feld and Peclo, while Caesar remained in the custody of Tesoro's men.

"I wonder how the Golden Emperor plans to take Caesar away?"

Peclo asked with a faint smirk.

"If you don't have the means, we could help you," Feld added with a smile.

If Tesoro was willing to share the artificial Devil Fruit technology, they would not need to act.

"Don't concern yourselves. I have my own way."

Tesoro snorted, speaking with confidence.

Why should he share the artificial Devil Fruit technology he had paid such a high price to obtain?

Right now, they were still in Dressrosa, under Caelan's nose. He did not believe they would dare act here.

If he waited a few days and coordinated with Umit, he could take Caesar away successfully.

Peclo and Feld's expressions darkened.

They knew that once Caesar was out of sight, many variables could come into play.

But this was Dressrosa, under Caelan's protection, and they dared not ignore his warning.

"Haha, look at how cowardly you are!"

Tesoro pointed at Peclo and Feld, mocking them without restraint.

If they acted here and Caelan eliminated them, it would save him the trouble.

"Just wait."

Peclo and Feld were not foolish. They had no intention of fighting in front of Caelan.

Once outside Dressrosa, Tesoro would have no chance.

"Pity."

Tesoro shook his head in mock regret, then faced the crowd and arrogantly declared, "You trash, if you want to rob Caesar Clown, do it now! If you wait too long, you won't get the chance!"

The audience erupted in anger.

Tesoro's words were a blatant insult to their faces.

Katakuri and his group, Aokiji, Borsalino, and even Kaido, who was watching from the shadows, all clenched their fists in displeasure.

But none of them acted. Striking now would only play into Tesoro's hands, forcing a confrontation with Caelan.

Whether they could win or not, it would complicate their plans to seize Caesar.

"Hahaha, what a bunch of cowards!"

Tesoro laughed recklessly.

He enjoyed nothing more than seeing others seethe in frustration, unable to touch him.

At that moment, a cold, commanding voice rang out. "Tesoro."

Tesoro turned toward the voice and met Caelan's deep gaze from the podium.

He froze, suddenly realizing he had gotten too carried away.

What he had just said was clearly an attempt to use Caelan as a shield, so it was no surprise that Caelan was displeased.

"What are your orders?"

Tesoro immediately dropped his arrogance and addressed Caelan with respect.

"No one is permitted to act recklessly in Dressrosa or in any member country of the Illuminati," Caelan said, not to Tesoro, but to everyone present.

"Is he going to protect me?" Tesoro thought, a flicker of disbelief and joy crossing his mind.

With Caelan's protection, his current troubles would vanish.

"However, troublemakers like the kings of the underworld are not welcome here. Leave by tomorrow.

"During this time, if there are grudges to settle, they can be resolved in the arena."

Caelan's expression remained neutral as he glanced at Tesoro.

They had only a simple business relationship. Tesoro should not think to use his name to bully others.

"I understand."

Tesoro lowered his head obediently.

He had just given Caelan a huge sum of money, yet the man turned on him immediately.

When he built his own army of ability users, he would make sure Caelan regretted this.

"Good. For the sake of the 7.7 billion Berries, you have two days to prepare."

Caelan gave a small nod.

If Tesoro had not tried to use him earlier, he might have allowed more time.

But now, he wanted him gone as soon as possible.

He wanted to see how Tesoro planned to get Caesar past two Admirals and Kaido-sama. Even people like Katakuri and Feld would be enough to give him a hard time.

With that thought, Caelan looked at Tesoro with faint pity, deciding not to involve himself further.

"Thank you."

Tesoro's voice was strained, but he still gave thanks.

Such was the privilege of the strong.

With Caelan's word, he could relax.

For two days, at least for two days, he and Caesar would be safe.

Two days was enough to prepare, though it was a bit rushed.

"Two days? Then we'll wait two days."

The kings of the underworld and Katakuri were in no rush to act now.

Two days was nothing. They could bide their time while keeping a close watch on Tesoro.

Even Kaido calmed down, deciding it was better to fight Caelan after taking Caesar Clown.

With the deadline set, the tense atmosphere in the hall eased considerably.

Except for Ochoku.

"Caelan is feeling proud, Tesoro is relaxed, and the others have shifted their focus to the next two days."

Ochoku scanned the entire scene.

Now was the perfect time.

"Now!"

He locked onto Caesar's position and activated his Devil Fruit ability.

In an instant, he vanished from sight.

(To be continued.)

***

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