"Germa?!"
No matter how hard he tried, Tesoro couldn't comprehend how Wright, a Vice Admiral of the Navy Headquarters, could have any ties with the infamous mercenary kingdom of the North Blue, Germa.
"King Judge of Germa is one of my collaborators. As for his children, I've personally taught them before."
Wright gestured for Tesoro to sit down for a detailed discussion, then took a sip of tea himself.
"Golden Emperor, you're both a businessman and a gambler..."
"I can tell the truth in your words. However, for someone like you—a world-class tycoon—to invest in my ideals seems almost surreal."
Tesoro let out an awkward laugh. "I nearly forgot that Vice Admiral Wright possesses a knack for seeing through people."
"But, if we approach this as a business investment or a gamble, I think it makes sense!"
Wright raised his eyebrows in slight surprise at Tesoro.
"That's quite true... but I'm afraid I still don't fully trust you. Especially since your 'Gold Power' is something that can corrupt the hearts of men so easily."
Spreading his hands with a smile, Wright added, "I can't exactly drop by every now and then just to beat some sense into you, can I?"
"Hahaha… Vice Admiral Wright, you jest!"
Cold sweat appeared on Tesoro's forehead. If he had failed Wright's ability to sense one's true nature just now, he would likely be fighting for his life at this moment.
"That's why a commercial partnership is the most appropriate form of cooperation for both of us right now.
"As you've said, while you may be cunning and ruthless in the gambling halls, your reputation in business dealings is nothing short of impeccable.
"Germa Kingdom is gradually transitioning—from a mercenary state to a nation focused on scientific research and development.
"King Judge, who once collaborated with the world's foremost scientific genius, Dr. Vegapunk, is an exceptional scientist. Some of their technologies have even been praised by Vegapunk himself."
"So, you want Germa and me to collaborate on marketing technological products?"
Tesoro's interest piqued as the conversation turned to business.
"Exactly. In recent years, Germa has been researching medical technologies. You've seen my abilities; Germa greatly admires my healing capabilities and is striving to apply scientific methods to treat injuries and illnesses. They've already achieved some remarkable results."
"Germa's cybernetic modification technology is highly coveted in the Underworld… Who would've thought they've shifted focus to medical advancements in recent years!"
Tesoro marveled. "No problem! Medical technology is a globally scarce resource. If commercialized, it could save countless lives at lower costs!"
"And for me... it's a chance to atone for the sins of my past!"
Wright gave Tesoro a long, thoughtful look—those words were sincere.
People really could change. The nature of humanity was truly unpredictable.
"Very well. I look forward to seeing what you can achieve.
"Now that we've discussed business, let's move on to gambling.
"Coincidentally, I know an older gentleman who's very fond of gambling. This man... is slightly stronger than me."
"!"
Tesoro's eyes widened. "Stronger than you? One of the Admirals?"
"No, but his combat power is indeed at an Admiral level."
Wright's expression turned somewhat peculiar as he looked at Tesoro. "This gentleman has already defeated everyone he knows in gambling. His skill is unparalleled—your Golden City may be the only place that could satisfy him.
"Don't worry; he won't bankrupt you. For him, gambling is just a hobby, not a goal. He's not part of the Navy, so he's perfectly suited to your establishment.
"His strong sense of justice is something I deeply admire. Learning from him might give you insights into things you've never encountered before."
"I understand..."
Tesoro smiled, his demeanor calm. "In that case, we can cooperate with full confidence and work toward achieving our goals to the best of our abilities."
"Exactly." Wright tapped the table and paused briefly.
"By the way, about Doflamingo...
"I need information on him. All the intel you have—everything, as detailed as possible!
"Do you know about Doflamingo's true identity?"
"Identity?" Tesoro frowned. "He's one of the Underworld's Dark Brokers, codenamed 'Joker.' He controls a massive weapons trafficking network—and recently got involved with seastone!
"Yes... and it seems the royal family of Dressrosa is collaborating with him. Is there more to his identity?"
Wright shook his head. "That's just on the surface…"
"The name Donquixote is one of the surnames of the Celestial Dragons!
"Doflamingo is a Celestial Dragon—or, more accurately, an 'ex'-Celestial Dragon!"
"What?!"
Tesoro froze as if struck by lightning. "An 'ex'-Celestial Dragon?!
"No wonder... no wonder he has access to channels even I can't infiltrate!"
Gritting his teeth, Tesoro growled, "I've been collaborating with a Celestial Dragon all this time?!"
"He's not an ordinary Celestial Dragon. As a pirate, he's even more dangerous. Dressrosa isn't cooperating with him—they're secretly under his control!
"That's why I need solid evidence to take him down!"
Though overwhelmed by the flood of revelations, Tesoro quickly steadied himself.
"Understood, Vice Admiral Wright. I'll do my best to gather intel on this man!"
Wright smiled. "Pleasure doing business... Oh, and there's a small favor I need as well."
"Please, just say the word."
"There's a CP1 agent… who's been unconscious in his room for several days now."
"CP?!"
Tesoro's expression darkened. "A CP1 agent? The World Government just doesn't give up, do they!"
"Don't worry. He's not here for you... but his presence could stir up unnecessary trouble. If he's killed, though, it'll cause even bigger problems."
Wright lowered his voice. "I hear your secretary, Miss Baccarat, has quite the unique ability?"
Raising an eyebrow, Tesoro smirked knowingly. "Heh… I've used her ability for this purpose before."
"Oh? Then that makes things much easier."
"That agent's Den Den Mushi is missing; I imagine he's eager to report back soon?"
Tesoro chuckled darkly. "The New World is full of… unfortunate accidents!"
"Good, then I'll leave this matter to you. Germa's partnership and the gambler gentleman will arrive in due time. For now, I must take my leave—other matters await me."
"Looking forward to it… And of course, you've never been here these past few days."
"Naturally."
In a flash of golden light, Wright vanished from the spot, leaving Tesoro frozen mid-motion, his hand halfway to summoning Tanaka.
"So… it wasn't just uncertainty. Even with the full power of the Golden City, I wouldn't have been able to keep Vice Admiral Wright here…
"But this path… brings me closer to my vengeance, doesn't it?
"What an exciting future awaits!"
…
In the New World, at the Navy's G-5 Branch.
In Wright's office, a beam of golden light from his Holy Light Marker signaled his return.
After tidying up, Wright, the G-5 Branch's base commander and Vice Admiral of the Navy Headquarters, who had been "missing" for days, was officially back online.
He dialed his Den Den Mushi. "Ain? If you're not busy, come to my office."
Moments later, Ain appeared in Wright's office.
"Vice Admiral Wright! You…"
"Yes, I called you here to let you know that what you were worried about won't happen."
Wright shifted back to his "Ashes" persona. "He left without hesitation."
"That's… that's wonderful..."
Ain covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face. She was the only one in the entire base who knew what Wright had been up to over the past few days.
"Over these past few days, I've been in my office training."
"Of course. I came by every day to bring you food... I can vouch for that!"
"Good. Call Issho. There's a new mission waiting."
"Understood, Vice Admiral Wright!"
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