One Piece : Winged Dragons of the Beast Pirates

"One billion?"

Solem instantly looked unimpressed.

A mere one billion Berries?

Do you even know how much money my boss has?

But Ian just smiled and held up one finger. "I offer one Berry."

"Huh?"

Solem froze.

Tesoro was completely stunned too. He couldn't help but ask, "What do you mean by that?"

Ian just smiled and looked at his good friend. "Doffy, tell me—whose offer is higher?"

Doflamingo pushed up the toad-shaped sunglasses on his nose and answered matter-of-factly, "Of course it's yours."

Without hesitation, he handed the fruit in his hand to Ian. "I declare this fruit belongs to you, my friend."

"Wait! Wait a second!"

Tesoro roared, almost on the verge of madness. "What the hell is this? Are you mocking me?!"

This guy clearly has way more money than that!

He was escorted into a private box while hiding his identity!

There's no way he brought less money than me!

"I'm just teaching you a lesson,"

Ian said with a smile, "Money isn't power. At least, in our world, only power brings money."

Tesoro was left speechless.

"Hehehehehe!"

Solem laughed maniacally, "This is indeed a vivid and insightful lesson!"

"Hehehe! Naturally!"

His good friend laughed with schadenfreude, "Don't even mention ten billion Berries, not even your one hundred billion, one thousand billion, or ten trillion could compare to Ian's one Berry."

"Weaklings can only submit to the power of the strong. That is the rule of this world!"

"Power. Only power can truly decide everything!"

Doflamingo grinned as he looked at Tesoro, whose face had stiffened. "What's wrong? You don't accept it?"

Ian couldn't help but glance at him.

How come he's acting so subservient now?

I still prefer your defiant attitude. You should get back to that.

But since you're doing a pretty good job as my supporter, I'll forgive you this time.

Tesoro stared blankly at them.

Power can decide everything?

Is it power, not money?

It really does seem that way. In front of the Pirate Emperor, money is completely meaningless.

If it's like this in front of Ian, then what about in front of the Celestial Dragons?

Tesoro suddenly felt a deep despair.

Even if I get more money, can it compete with the power of the Celestial Dragons? Can it stand up against the World Government?

How did this happen!

Why is the world like this?

What should I do now?

How can I take revenge for Stella?

Despair.

A deep, overwhelming despair enveloped Tesoro.

The goal he had been striving for all along seemed to have shattered completely.

The unprecedented confusion froze Tesoro in place.

"Yours, Solem."

Ian casually tossed the Devil Fruit he was holding to the large guy, who had been drooling with anticipation.

"Hehehehe! Boss! I will always adore you!"

Solem carefully caught the Gold Gold Fruit and eagerly opened his faceplate, throwing the fruit straight into his mouth without even chewing, swallowing it whole.

"Ohhhh!!"

The giant let out a strange shout. "The power's surging!!"

A slight smile appeared on Ian's face.

Even in the entire world, this was a rare ability—a giant with extraordinary powers had just been born.

Let's call him the Giant of Armor?

Or perhaps the Warhammer Giant?

Since Solem wielded a hammer.

"Hehehehe!!"

Solem laughed maniacally. In a few swift motions, he tore off his gauntlet and clenched his fist tightly.

His enormous fist instantly turned golden, completely transformed into gold.

"Look, boss! Look! It really turned into gold!"

Solem gazed at his hand with near obsession. "Hehe, how much is this worth?!"

"Do you want to chop off your hand and weigh it?"

Ian chuckled lightly. "Anyway, Law can help you put it back."

Solem instantly froze. "Well, never mind then."

But truth be told, Solem might be more suited for the Gold Gold Fruit than Tesoro.

After all, to fully unlock the power of the Gold Gold Fruit, a vast amount of gold is required.

Unless you're fighting a defensive battle on your own turf, to launch an external attack, you have to carry gold with you.

Could Tesoro possibly carry more gold than this giant Solem?

Doflamingo silently watched.

Damn Ian, wasn't it supposed to be one Beli?

Come on, give it to me!

You're freeloading, huh?

Regret.

At this moment, Doflamingo was filled with immense regret.

Why hadn't he listened to Trebol's advice before?

If he had, would he have ended up in such a situation now?

His subordinates kept their heads down, eyes focused, not daring to say a word.

As the leader of the Donquixote family, even he didn't dare to utter a word in front of Ian, so naturally, none of them would.

Ian turned his gaze towards Tesoro.

The man was still somewhat absent-minded, as if his worldview had been shaken to its core.

It made sense, though. This guy had always believed his tragedy was caused by a lack of money.

His greatest life goal was to amass more wealth in order to achieve his revenge.

But wasn't that laughable?

He had his priorities all wrong.

"How will you deal with us?"

Noticing Ian's gaze, Tesoro's face turned pale as he asked.

Ian smiled and spoke, "Would you like to come over to my side?"

"What?"

Tesoro froze, his face changing instantly. "What do you mean by that?"

Even Doflamingo was momentarily stunned.

"It's exactly what it sounds like," Ian said. "No one is all-powerful in this world, which is why we need companions."

"I need your strength, and you need mine."

"Become my companion. If you can't change the world on your own, I'll lend you my power."

"Come, Tesoro," Ian extended his right hand towards Tesoro. "Come to my side."

Baccarat, who had been shrinking back, was suddenly filled with excitement.

The Pirate Emperor was extending an invitation to them!

Not only would they survive, but they would also become companions of the Pirate Emperor?

Tesoro's pupils trembled.

This guy!

He knows me!

What's going on?

Where did this guy learn about me?

Tesoro felt an instinctive panic in his heart.

After all, he should have no fame in this world at all!

But after the panic, an overwhelming sense of excitement began to surface.

To be a companion of the Pirate King!

Ian wasn't joking.

Tesoro even had the feeling that this man came here just for him.

If he agreed, would he be that much closer to avenging Stella?

If money won't help, then he honestly wouldn't know how to seek revenge.

But this man... he really had the power to shock the world.

Ian only quietly stared at him.

At this moment, Tesoro probably hadn't yet transformed from a dragon slayer into a dragon, from a revenge-seeking avenger wanting to kill the Celestial Dragons into a Celestial Dragon without the title.

So, what would he decide?

Tesoro remained silent for a long moment before finally asking, "Why me?"

Ian smiled, "Because I think you're worth it."

Tesoro couldn't help but feel excited by Ian's words.

This young man, who stood at the top, recognized him.

"Then, what's your answer?"

Ian asked.

"But..."

Tesoro said seriously, "My enemy... is this world!"

"Isn't that perfect?"

Ian's lips curled up. "Let's turn this world upside down together."

Tesoro's breath immediately grew heavier.

He took a deep breath and smiled. "Then I only have one answer!"

Tesoro bowed deeply to Ian. "Lord Ian, I will serve you!"

If I can avenge Stella, I will do anything!

**********

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