CHAPTER 629: CHAPTER 148: HEADING OUT TO GREET THAT RIDICULOUS LOSER

"Alright then, brothers—I’m off." Darren grinned and waved to the two towering giants.

This trip to Little Garden had been a windfall.

He’d pushed his Strength past 90 as planned, awakened the formidable Giant’s Body, and—by a stroke of fate—sworn brotherhood with Dorry and Brogy of the Giant Warrior Pirates. A "Three Brothers’ Oath in Little Garden" worthy of legend.

Excellent.

The gains were undeniable. With Physique and Strength both beyond 90, he could stride into Wano and trade blows with Kaido without flinching.

And this giantification... it had room to grow.

If his Strength climbed higher, his giant form might stretch to thirty meters—fifty, even. At that scale, perhaps he could reenact Oars’ myth from five centuries past and heave an island by sheer force.

To reach that monstrous frame, though, he’d need at least 95 Strength—maybe even 100. At that point, Giant’s Body might evolve into the fabled Demon God’s Body, the kind of berserker titan born once in centuries.

Simple to say. Like climbing to the heavens in bare feet.

Ever since breaking 90, his bouts with Dorry and Brogy had yielded diminishing returns. The curve was flattening, the gains slowing to a crawl. He was meeting another wall.

If I want more, I’ll need a different road, he thought.

"Gegyagyagya! Give ’em hell, big brother!" Dorry whooped, waving a slab of roasted meat.

"Gababababa!" Brogy flexed a mountain of bicep. "Go claim that woman! Let her see the might of the Giants!"

—

The New World.

The Pleasure District.

Night fell, and the island only burned brighter—neon fever, wine-lit streets, and a stink of perfume and hard liquor thick as fog. Tourists packed the avenues while caravans rolled in barrels of vintage and chests of cigars. Brothels, casinos, clubs, arenas, taverns, gambling dens—every vice you could name spilled its velvet rope and greedy hand into the night. The world’s grandest den of indulgence shone like a courtesan, coaxing coin until pockets bled.

At the center of it all, a grand hotel floated like a calm island in a riotous sea.

The upper banquet hall was sealed to the public. Under a chandelier’s glacial blaze, waiters in black tie and women in sleek uniforms ferried silver trays of rare delicacies and deep-aged wine. This was a private dinner, planned down to the heartbeat by Her Majesty, the Queen.

A white-silk runner. Fresh flowers. A table as long as a ballroom. The staff worked in absolute focus. Even when a Celestial Dragon—a World Noble—had visited, the Queen hadn’t gone to such lengths.

The menu drew from all Four Blues. The cellar raided every sea. Antiques and artworks glimmered at the edges like trophies. Word was the cost of this single evening rivaled a small kingdom’s annual tax.

Whispers fluttered through the ranks of geishas, dancers, and maids:

"Did you hear? Her Majesty had a special updo done!"

"Not just hair—full spa treatment."

"The top atelier on the island sold out of evening gowns..."

"She’s taking this one seriously..."

"Who’s the honored guest...?"

"Silence."

The word slid in cold and flat. Spines straightened. A man in a black suit strode in, gaze like a blade. "Are the preparations complete?"

"Excellency, everything is ready."

He took a slow look around, then nodded. "Good. Our distinguished guest will arrive shortly. Remember—absolute secrecy."

"Yes, Excellency!"

Then came the sound of heels on marble—soft, deliberate, like rain on still water. All eyes turned.

Under the chandeliers, a pale, fine-boned foot appeared first, poised in a black, peep-toe stiletto. A royal-purple mermaid gown followed, folding and cascading like moonlit surf, cinching Stussy’s waist into a fragile line. Waves of gold hair fell in rhythm with the dress’s sheen.

The fabric breathed with each step, shimmering beneath warm light. The pearled line of her collarbones glinted; a diamond circlet at her throat caught and scattered the glow. She moved with an ease that felt rehearsed, inevitable, a small smile sitting on her crimson mouth like a secret.

The room watched, women included. A few attendants flushed and exhaled faint, heated breaths.

"So beautiful..." someone whispered, helpless.

Stussy heard it; the corner of her lips lifted.

Perfect.

Exactly the reaction I wanted.

I’ll greet that pathetic loser with this flawless, dazzling appearance.

To be continued...