"Y..y..you!"

The Celestial Dragon's voice trembled, the name Rhett Vane erupting in his mind like thunder.

They were supposed to be the gods of this world—descendants of those who created everything. Born with so-called noble blood, they never even glanced at mortals, let alone remembered any of them.

But one name they all remembered deeply...

Vane.

The man who had killed three Celestial Dragons and vanished without consequence. Not long ago, the Five Elders had warned all Celestial Dragons to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. If any of them encountered Vane outside, they'd be responsible for the consequences.

Because unlike the rest of the world, Vane didn't care who they were.

"You… killed my… son?"

The Celestial Dragon's voice trembled again.

But Vane had already ended the call. Speaking to pig-like Celestial Dragons was beneath him. Just as gods wouldn't waste breath on mortals, and mortals wouldn't bother with ants.

These so-called gods weren't gods at all—just pigs in gilded cages in Mary Geoise.

One day, I would raze it to the ground.

Even if a few Celestial Dragons showed glimmers of kindness, none of them were truly innocent with that bloodline.

It was fate.

---

"Did you really kill that Celestial Dragon?" Tesoro asked, genuinely curious. For the first time, he didn't speak down to someone. He no longer looked at Vane with his usual superiority. This was no ordinary pirate—this was the fifth Pirate Emperor.

And he deserved respect.

"I killed one a few days ago. He was on his way to the Golden City. It was probably him."

Vane set down the Den Den Mushi. In front of him, gold rippled across the table, rising into the shape of a wine glass.

In the Golden City, Tesoro could create gold anywhere, anytime. Every corner was under his control.

As the glass solidified, Baccarat silently poured red wine into it, sensing the mood.

Tesoro gave a charming smile. "The most prestigious red wine in the New World. Please, enjoy."

Vane took the glass. The ruby liquid released a rich, fragrant aroma. While wine connoisseurs might have savored its depth, to Vane, it was just a drink. He downed it in one go—but even he had to admit—it tasted good.

"The fifth Pirate Emperor rising in the New World… it's truly shocking," Tesoro remarked.

Vane didn't respond.

Only today did he realize the Golden Lion's recent actions had indirectly helped raise his status. Coupled with the aftermath of the Big Mom incident, he was now being called the fifth Pirate Emperor.

And that worked just fine for him.

Baccarat moved to pour him another drink, but Vane raised a hand.

"You must hate the Celestial Dragons, Golden Emperor Tesoro."

Tesoro's face darkened. "I do."

The hatred ran deep.

Despite that, as the ruler of the Golden City, Tesoro had relied on the Celestial Dragons to protect himself. Without their backing, he would've been destroyed long ago. Even though he was a monster in the eyes of the New World, true monsters wouldn't waste time on someone like him.

The World Government had long wanted to eliminate him. The only things stopping them were his vast wealth and his ties to the Celestial Dragons.

Still, many powerful people considered him an eyesore. And with his awakened Devil Fruit, he could manipulate all the gold within the Golden City.

But even so…

"Join me, and you won't need to rely on the Celestial Dragons anymore."

That was Vane's goal—to bring Tesoro into his camp. A Pirate Emperor wasn't defined just by strength, but by the vast forces they commanded. Each Emperor could launch war against the entire naval system. If they ever united—though they never would—the world would tremble.

"Become your force?" Tesoro studied him carefully.

Vane was young, while Tesoro was nearly forty. But in this world where strength ruled, age didn't mean anything.

This boy... no, this man—was terrifying.

"That's right. Join me."

Baccarat, standing nearby, tensed. She knew how cruel and unpredictable Tesoro could be. And now, Vane was trying to make him submit.

Tesoro. Submit.

Unthinkable.

"You're bold," Tesoro said, chuckling.

"Life itself is an investment. It's about being on the right team."

Vane grinned.

"Team?" Tesoro repeated, tasting the word.

It wasn't just a suggestion. It was a warning.

Vane was telling him to abandon the Celestial Dragons.

And Tesoro understood that instantly.

"How did you get the Golden Lion to yield? He's a legend from the old era. He wouldn't join any alliance willingly."

"I used my own strength."

"You defeated the Golden Lion?"

"Is that hard to believe?"

Tesoro chuckled. "You already beat Big Mom, so I guess the Golden Lion isn't that much of a surprise."

He paused, thinking.

"I'll join you. I'll become one of your forces. But I have one question."

"Go ahead."

"What will you do about the Celestial Dragons?"

Tesoro asked seriously, locking eyes with Vane.

Vane's smile deepened.

"What do you think?"

And Tesoro understood perfectly.

---

100 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter

200 Power Stones = 3 Bonus Chapters

Sounds like a fair trade, a real win-win if you ask me.