You Chose the Worst Possible Way

Gran Tesoro has long been famous in the New World. Normally, with such a large piece of meat right under their noses, it would be impossible for Yonko to remain indifferent.

But why didn't these people make a move?

The reason is simple: they can't stomach this Gran Tesoro.

Gild Tesoro's background is too complicated.

While Gild Tesoro may not seem like much on his own, his entanglements with the World Government and the Celestial Dragons mean that any attack on the Gran Tesoro would attract the World Government's attention. Although the Navy's strength in the New World is weak, far inferior to that of the first half of the Grand Line, it's not nonexistent.

The New World also has a large number of naval bases and islands... These forces can arrive to provide support at the fastest speed.

That's one aspect. Another is that Gild Tesoro has connections with numerous One Piece factions in the New World; many are regulars at his casinos, and he's even a creditor to some. The saying "money can buy any relationship and build connections" couldn't be more fitting for Gild Tesoro.

Whether it's charity, sponsorship, or trade, whatever the form... if he falls, it will affect a large number of One Piece and various forces.

Many people rely on earning money from him to make a living.

Because of his wealth, the armed forces and manpower on his giant ship were also considerable... and in conjunction with his Devil Fruit ability, he created many systems for fighting enemies. For example, Gran Tesoro could spray gold dust across the entire country through a launcher, allowing Gild Tesoro to instantly control the situation of the entire country using the Gold-Gold Fruit.

This is his territory... He has the absolute advantage of 'favorable timing, geographical location, and popular support'.

Even the Yonko weren't confident they could devour him, let alone the newly risen Hell Pirates...

Yes, Whitebeard is dead. The God Slayer destroyed Marineford and fought a great battle with Shanks... He also destroyed Impel Down, causing the largest and most serious prison break in history. These things sound unbelievable and hard to believe.

The problem is that Marineford was already devastated by the Marineford Summit War before the God Slayer even made their move... The reason they were able to fight the Red Hair Pirates so fiercely was because the situation was too chaotic and it wasn't a pure one-on-one fight.

Needless to say, Impel Down is another story. Outsiders may not know, but Gild Tesoro found out the inside information from the Celestial Dragons... Straw Hat and Blackbeard were the culprits behind this incident. In other words, the Hell Pirates were not the only driving force, but they enjoyed the greatest 'results', which is to say, empty fame.

Taking all of this into account, Gild Tesoro admits that the Hell Pirates are dangerous, and the God Slayer also very powerful.

But... he didn't take it seriously.

"You think you can convince me just because you found the Joker as a middleman?"

Gild Tesoro chuckled and slowly stood up.

"Go back and tell him... I had some expectations for this collaboration. But I'm not very satisfied with the result... It's fine to help them create a territory in the New World where the Yonko can establish themselves, but they must show sincerity."

"Whether it's a city or a region, it's fine."

"But... no matter how rich I am, I won't just throw money at beggars... unless they can make me happy."

Gild Tesoro downed his drink in one gulp, put down his glass, and said, "What I want is not an alliance, much less a verbal agreement."

"Fufufu... Hey hey hey... You're going a bit too far, Gild Tesoro."

Dover understood the implication in his words: "You want him to submit to you?"

"In this world, money is everything, it's omnipotent! Otherwise, why would he send you to negotiate? Because he needs my help, and since he needs me... he has to lower his stance a bit, that's perfectly normal." Gild Tesoro raised a hand to run his hand through his slick, green hair, and sneered, "I didn't force them to cooperate, and they could refuse... If they need money, they can find their own way, just rob it... Aren't they One Piece..."

"However, I believe that no matter how capable they are, it is impossible for them to acquire such a huge sum of money in a short period of time."

Having said that, Gild Tesoro stopped rambling.

They walked away with Baccarat and Mr. Tanaka.

"Fufufufufu..."

However, after walking only ten meters or so, Gild Tesoro heard Doflamingo's eerie laughter behind him.

The two of them knew each other too well.

Gild Tesoro stopped in his tracks, a bad feeling creeping into his heart.

"Golden Emperor...you seem to have misunderstood. I am neither a middleman nor a matchmaker...I'm just here to inform you. Whether you cooperate or not is your business." Dover spread his arms and put them on the sofa, a pleased expression on his face, his fingers still twitching, showing some excitement. "I don't care about your answer...and it's even less important to him."

After saying this, Doflamingo noticed a slight change in Gild Tesoro's expression and stuck out his tongue. "Don't you understand? This cooperation has been one-sided from the beginning... I'm just here to remind you out of our friendship."

"Fufufu... Hahahaha..."

Dover laughed unrestrainedly.

"Joker... what did you do?"

Gild Tesoro's expression darkened.

Dover stopped laughing, held up a finger in front of him, and flicked it slightly. "If I don't have enough face, then of course he'll come and talk to you in person... but the way he does it might not be as gentle as mine."

"Compared to him, I'm a real honest person... that guy is the real madman."

"There's nothing in this world he's incapable of doing..."

"Didn't you say you wanted them to rob people?"

"Yes, they're robbing..."

Dover said a few words in a whimsical manner.

As if to echo his words, the building where everyone was standing shook violently as soon as he finished speaking, and even the ceiling above their heads showed a crack.

Dust and gravel rolled down.

"Doflamingo!"

Gild Tesoro instantly understood, his anger flaring, and he shouted through gritted teeth.

"Fufufufu... you don't understand him at all."

"He is something even more terrifying than the Yonko ... He even guessed your answer long ago."

"I'm just here to stall you..."

"Gild Tesoro ...a new era has begun. Open your arms and prepare to embrace it."

Dover's smile and voice turned manic. "Just as I predicted, you chose the worst way... Fufufufu!"

Ding! Dover had just stood up from the sofa when he shouted loudly.

A golden ring between Gild Tesoro's fingers was flicked up and instantly transformed from hard metal into a golden liquid, shooting towards Dover.

A red thread was pulled open.

The molten metal splashed up and exploded.

But the molten gold continued to change shape in mid-air, flying forward, and just before it touched Doflamingo, it turned into spikes again, piercing him down.

Wearing a pink cloak, Dover instantly flashed to a nearby stone pillar, standing at a ninety-degree angle to the ground, hands in his pockets, unhurried and composed.

Meanwhile, on the Donquixote Family side, Trebol and his two companions also assumed a fighting stance.

A major battle is imminent between the two sides, and tensions are running high.

"The Summit War happened some time ago... Have you ever wondered why he and I are only arriving now?"

The palace was still trembling, clearly indicating that some great event had occurred outside.

Doflamingo paced back and forth on the stone pillar, speaking slowly and deliberately, "Today is the day of your grand performance, which is held regularly in the Gran Tesoro. You yourself will be making an appearance, and... at such a lively time, a large number of Celestial Dragons and high-ranking officials from the World Government will also be present... Have you calculated the number?"

"Tell me... if all these people die here, even if you, Gran Tesoro, are very important to the Celestial Dragons, will they still remain friendly towards you?"

"Fufufufu..."

Upon hearing this, Gild Tesoro's pupils shrank to pinpoints. "Doflamingo!!!!"

"Fufufu... Hahahahahaha!"