While the entire world was still buzzing over the shocking deaths of Jack the Drought and Charlotte Cracker, the man responsible for it all, Lance, continued to sail leisurely across the New World aboard the Nine Dragons.

It had already been a full month since those two monsters fell.

And in that time, Lance had constantly received reports from various news outlets, all filled with speculation. Some claimed another Yonko was behind it. Others insisted it was the Navy. And a few even suggested it was some unknown, nameless powerhouse.

That last one… was right.

But no one could confirm it. No one had seen their corpses. No one could point a finger at the true culprit. To identify the killer was nothing short of a fantasy.

"Lance, where are we going?"

On deck, Baby-5 sat in Lance's lap, dressed in an orange bikini, cheeks flushed, her breath warm as she leaned softly against his chest.

"Baby-5 onee-chan, that's the 302nd time you've asked already!"

Rebecca, lying beside him in a cute pink bikini and wide-brimmed hat, giggled playfully.

"It's been long enough, Lance. You should tell us by now, don't you think?"

Behind him, Monet, wearing a green bikini, gently massaged his shoulders, her curiosity no less than the others.

It had already been a month since Jack and Cracker's deaths, but Lance had never once revealed their destination.

He had only given them a few hints:

—That the place was richer than a kingdom.

—That gold itself was its symbol.

—That it held the greatest treasure hoard in the world.

Yet, even with those hints, none of them could guess it.

"Tonight, we'll arrive. You'll see it with your own eyes."

Lance raised a glass of red wine and downed it in a single motion, the corners of his mouth curling into a mysterious smile.

Night fell. The sea lay calm under a sky blanketed with stars, stretching endlessly as though embracing the whole universe.

And beneath that silent starlit canvas, a colossal ship—so vast it dwarfed small islands—sailed slowly across the waters.

"Baby-5 onee-chan! Monet onee-chan! Look over there!"

Rebecca was the first to spot it, pointing at the distant glow that lit the horizon like a golden island.

"Wow! What a beautiful ship!!"

Baby-5's eyes sparkled as she clasped her hands together in excitement.

Women loved glittering things, and this ship practically radiated gold from bow to stern.

"So… this is the place? Dressrosa?" Monet's expression softened as realization dawned, her lips curling faintly. "I didn't think you'd ever come here."

The Gran Tesoro.

The largest entertainment city in the world. A mobile fortress of gold and excess. Recognized by the World Government as an independent nation and a neutral, weapon-free zone.

Over ten kilometers in length, pulled by two gargantuan turtles, the ship ignored ocean currents and winds entirely, sailing wherever its owner pleased.

At its core: the grand casino. But it also boasted racetracks, battle arenas, shopping districts, even golf courses. There was nothing else like it.

And only the most infamous pirates of the New World had the privilege of stepping aboard.

"There's no place I can't go."

"Didn't you say it yourself? With enough money, the whole world steps aside."

Lance's eyes narrowed. "Inside this golden city lies the Tesoro Treasure… worth over 500 billion berries. Not to mention more gold than one can ever count."

He glanced at Monet, smirking faintly. "With wealth like that, won't you finally feel secure?"

Monet's cheeks reddened as she turned away. "Hmph. I only worry about your dream of ruling the world…"

"Alright then. Get ready to enter the Gran Tesoro. Enjoy yourselves. This is the greatest entertainment city in the world."

At his command, the Nine Dragons sailed straight into the front channel of the massive golden ship.

Rebecca gasped as golden dust rained down from above. "So beautiful…! Is this all gold?"

Baby-5 twirled with her arms wide open, laughing under the golden rain. "Amazing! Only here could you see something like this!"

Monet extended her hand, catching glittering flakes in her palm, their glow reflecting in her emerald eyes.

Lance, however, stayed silent. He knew the truth. This golden rain was more than just decoration. It was dangerous. Fatal, even, if one wasn't careful. But he allowed the women to enjoy themselves, keeping the warning to himself.

Soon, lively music and deafening cheers filled the air. The entrance opened up, revealing a massive pool shimmering in gold.

And at its center, standing atop a grand star-shaped platform, was the man of the hour. Dressed in flamboyant golden attire, he basked in the worship of the crowd.

"It's him."

Lance's gaze sharpened. He recognized the figure instantly.

The ruler of this floating golden empire.

The man who had turned the Gold-Gold Fruit into a weapon of monstrous power.

The awakened monster himself—Gild Tesoro.

Boom!

Without warning, the Nine Dragons shuddered violently as a cannonball smashed into the water beside it, sending waves crashing.

If not for Kuro's quick defense, the ship might have split in half from the blast alone.

From the shadows, another pirate ship emerged.

"Hahaha! You no-name pirates! I lost all my money gambling in there! If you don't want to die, hand over every last berry you've got!"

The voice rang out across the water, arrogant and demanding.

But Lance's eyes didn't waver. He was here for Tesoro. And he had already prepared for everything.

(End of Chapter)

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