You Actually Know Him?

"Is Smile! You actually know him?" Baboon King Burns stared wide-eyed at the person in front of him, his face full of surprise. You see, Is Smile's reputation is not well-known at all; he can be said to be a complete nobody... He really couldn't understand where his captain had heard of such a person.

"Hahaha..." Upon hearing this, Moke could no longer contain his joy and burst into laughter. "It truly proves the old saying—'What you seek is often found without effort!' I originally only unexpectedly took in such a powerful expert as you Baboon King Burns, but I never expected such an unexpected bonus. This is truly a windfall, a blessing from heaven!"

Upon hearing this, Baboon King Burns raised an eyebrow slightly and asked curiously, "Captain, do you mean you've taken a liking to Yixiao? Could it be that he also possesses some extraordinary strength?"

Moke's previously calm face suddenly showed a look of surprise, like ripples spreading across a still lake after a pebble has been thrown in. He slowly turned his head, his gaze sharp and piercing, directly at the Baboon King, Burns, standing to the side. He frowned slightly, his tone filled with doubt and confusion, and asked, "Didn't you always call him brother and be his gambling buddy? Logically speaking, you two should be quite familiar with each other! But why is it that you don't even know how strong he is or what his true strength is? This is truly baffling!"

Moke's question made Baboon King Burns feel a little embarrassed. He touched his nose and chuckled, "Hehe, Captain, you don't know this. This guy is like he's possessed by the god of bad luck. Every time he gambles, his luck is terrible. So as long as you bet against him, it's easy and effortless... and you're guaranteed to win a fortune. Who wouldn't like a gambling buddy like that?"

"Uh..." Moke was speechless for a moment, unable to find the right words to refute. However, he quickly composed himself and a smile returned to his face, "In that case, let's go and meet this mysterious figure together. After all, who would want to be enemies with Beli?" With that, he threw his head back and laughed loudly.

"Hahaha..." Accompanied by this hearty and loud laughter, it was as if a ray of brilliant sunlight pierced through the thick clouds, suddenly illuminating the entire space. The laughter was crisp and melodious, just like the most beautiful flower blooming in spring. Every note was full of endless joy and vitality, like a clear spring flowing by, instantly immersing everything around it.

The others were initially taken aback, but then, seemingly infected by the joyful mood, they all burst into laughter. In an instant, various kinds of laughter mingled together, rising and falling in a continuous, unbroken chorus. Some laughter was deep and mellow, like the steady sound of a cello; some was high-pitched and sharp, like the lively notes of a flute; and others were clear and melodious, like the song of a nightingale. These different timbres of laughter converged into a magnificent symphony, resonating and echoing in the air, like wave after wave of surging ocean currents, constantly assaulting people's eardrums.

Amidst this sea of jubilation, a peculiar, strange laugh suddenly rang out, "Yohohohoho..." The laughter sounded somewhat exaggerated, like the joyful cry of a playful monkey leaping and frolicking nimbly among the dense branches. The sound rose and fell, sometimes rapid, sometimes slow, full of variation and surprise, making everyone chuckle. Although the laughter was slightly odd, the indescribable atmosphere of joy it contained was so intense that everyone couldn't help but turn their heads, their faces breaking into knowing smiles.

"Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho..." Immediately afterwards, another burst of unrestrained laughter joined the joyful symphony. Unlike the strange laughter before, this laughter was more rugged and bold, as if it was releasing all the joy that had been pent up deep inside.

At this moment, everyone present was deeply immersed in the joyous atmosphere, their faces involuntarily beaming with bright smiles. Those smiling faces were like twinkling stars in the night sky, dazzling and heartwarming. Especially when someone mentioned Beli's name, the laughter burst forth like a flood, unstoppable, with everyone laughing so hard they were doubled over and couldn't stop.

It turns out that Beli holds an extremely high position and enjoys immense popularity among everyone. Not only is he cheerful and optimistic, but he also always brings endless joy and surprises to those around him, so almost no one dislikes him. Whether it's his humorous and witty remarks or his kind and pure heart, he has become the most popular and sought-after figure in everyone's eyes.

Even the notoriously fierce Baboon King, Burns, couldn't help but grin. He had originally come to Golden Island with the idea of making a fortune. However, when he thought about how everyone could go together and everyone could achieve great success, his brows suddenly furrowed.

Indeed... he truly longed to win big on this adventure. However, if all seven of them—including Moke, Gizas Jesus Burgess, Weevil, Brook, Perona, Ata, and himself—returned laden with spoils, it would be difficult to avoid alarming the master of Golden Island —the fearsome Gild Tesoro. This guy was not someone to be trifled with; if he were angered, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Therefore, he couldn't help but show a hint of hesitation, frowning as he said, "Captain, Gild Tesoro, the master of Golden Island, is no ordinary person! He's a very famous figure in the Underworld. We're already dealing with that troublesome opponent, Doflamingo, and if we provoke him too, things could get very complicated!" Hearing this, Moke narrowed his eyes slightly, but a strange light flickered within them.

Speaking of Gild Tesoro, who wouldn't know him if they knew even a little about maritime affairs? He's revered as the "Gild Tesoro." Thinking about it, his story is truly legendary. With his extraordinary wisdom and methods, he successfully built the world's largest entertainment metropolis—"Grand Tesoro"—and even gained official recognition from the World Government, becoming an independent kingdom.

Moreover, Gild Tesoro is also a business genius with exceptional acumen. He skillfully controls numerous industries around the world, making his businesses incredibly successful. According to incomplete statistics, his enormous wealth accounts for as much as 20% of the world's total! Whether in the legitimate world or the shadowy underworld, his influence is everywhere. It is no exaggeration to say that in that mysterious and profound Underworld, which is like a bottomless Black Hole, he is undoubtedly the absolute ruler who controls endless wealth and uses it to manipulate all dark forces— the Gild Tesoro! His influence is like a boundless net, extending to every corner of the world, and no place, no matter how remote or isolated, can escape its reach.

Under the bright, sunny sky, everyone knows that he is the noble monarch of an independent kingdom that has been publicly recognized and legally permitted by the World Government. This person, relying on his exceptionally vast wealth, can arbitrarily control those Celestial Dragons are usually arrogant, disdainful, and self-important. What is even more astonishing is that even the World Government, with its terrifyingly powerful force, willingly becomes a tool in his hands, which he can use and manipulate at will.

However, when we look back to that distant time, he was merely a destitute and impoverished slave, his home practically bare. Every day, he had to endure the torment of hunger-induced stomach cramps and the shivering from the cold, living a miserable life of uncertainty, barely clothed and vulnerable to the elements. In those long days, he suffered all kinds of humiliation and exploitation, as if he were trapped in an endless, dark abyss, surrounded by a heavy atmosphere of despair, with not even a glimmer of hope in sight.

However, this seemingly ordinary man harbored a burning fire within him—a spirit of resistance against fate. Thus, he resolutely embarked on a arduous and perilous journey, overcoming obstacles and forging ahead. He endured countless trials and tribulations, suffering hardships and setbacks unimaginable to most, yet he always gritted his teeth and never gave up easily.

Finally, perseverance paid off. After years of tireless effort and relentless struggle, he rose from the ashes like a phoenix, achieving a magnificent transformation. He was no longer the impoverished slave he once was, but a globally renowned super-rich man—the world's richest man! Moreover, with his exceptional wisdom and extraordinary courage, he successfully ascended to the pinnacle of the intricate and mysterious underground forces, becoming an undisputed overlord!

This legendary figure wields influence far beyond imagination. He can command the arrogant and powerful Celestial Dragons at will, and even easily mobilize the mighty forces of the World Government. Who in this world dares to challenge him? Probably no one else! He's simply too formidable! So formidable that it leaves one speechless and utterly astonished!

What people talk about even more is his widely circulated wise saying, "Those penniless wretches are destined to be mediocre and will only ever be pawns manipulated by others!" At first glance, this statement seems extremely cold and ruthless, but upon closer examination, it is like an incomparably sharp sword, mercilessly piercing through the unknown truth hidden behind this world.

However, if one were fortunate enough to recruit such an unparalleled expert to their ranks, it would undoubtedly be like adding wings to a tiger, greatly increasing their strength and making them unstoppable. Even if, in the end, they could not successfully recruit him, but if they could conquer the "Grand Tesoro" he controlled and seize its enormous wealth, that would still be an incredibly lucrative gain.

Indeed, Gild Tesoro is a truly remarkable figure. He possesses not only extraordinary personal strength but also commands an extremely powerful force. To defeat him and claim his prized Grand Tesoro for ourselves, we would need formidable strength to rival him. With our current manpower, achieving this goal would be quite difficult... Therefore, you go ahead. I will seek out a capable ally... When the time is right, we will surely stir up a storm here.

Upon hearing this, Burns, known as the "Baboon King," widened his eyes in disbelief and exclaimed, "You actually intend to challenge Grand Tesoro?" Immediately afterward, a hearty laugh rang out. It was Moke, unable to contain his excitement any longer, who burst into laughter. "Hahahaha... Our pirate crew has weathered many storms and wandered far and wide; it's time we had our own territory! In my opinion, Gild Tesoro's magnificent entertainment city, the largest in the world, is undoubtedly the perfect choice!"

However, Moke was also well aware that if he were to forcibly occupy that place, neither the lofty World Government nor the pampered and self-important Celestial Dragons would remain indifferent or stand idly by. Nevertheless, Moke still had great confidence and assurance in his own strength.

However, although they have achieved some remarkable successes, they are still far from being arrogant and self-important, believing that they can confidently claim that they can successfully defend the territory they have worked so hard to gain in the face of the World Government and the Celestial Dragons' highly targeted actions.

Conquering a place might not be an insurmountable challenge, but the truly troublesome and intractable problem lies in achieving long-term, effective control and management. Therefore, to ensure everything is foolproof and absolutely safe, they must once again exert all their efforts to recruit at least two exceptionally capable allies into their ranks... Just at this critical juncture, Moke suddenly seemed to recall something extremely important, abruptly turning his head without warning. His gaze, sharp as Inazuma, shot directly at the Baboon King — Burns —and, unable to contain his urgency, quickly asked, "Oh dear, Burns! I suddenly remembered something I need to ask you. Do you have anything like rubber here? Or anything like ceramics?"

Upon hearing this, Baboon King Burns looked completely bewildered, his mouth agape as he uttered a series of questions. "Huh????? What's all this about? Why are you suddenly asking these questions?" For a moment, he was utterly confused, not understanding why Moke would make such a strange request.

At the same time, in the remote and seemingly isolated Mock Town, Blackbeard, Doc Q, and Lafitte, three fearsome figures, had just set foot on the land of this mysterious island. They were leisurely making their way along the winding road that led directly to the center of Mock Town.

At this moment, Blackbeard was overjoyed, and a smug smile unconsciously appeared on his face, which was mostly hidden by his black beard. The reason for this was that not long ago, he had been fortunate enough to successfully recruit a new crew member with exceptional strength and ability in the vast West Blue region. The addition of this new member undoubtedly gave the already ambitious Blackbeard wings and boosted his confidence even more.

However, what truly excited Blackbeard to the point of near-jumping was the grand plan Lafitte had proposed to him—a plan capable of shaking the entire world. Whenever the immense wealth, immense power, and unparalleled influence this plan could create flashed through his mind, Blackbeard's restless heart surged like a turbulent sea, unable to find peace. He was completely immersed in boundless daydreams and fervent anticipation of a bright future, and even his steps became lighter.

At this moment, for Blackbeard, the most crucial step was finding a target with a substantial bounty. If he could successfully capture this person and place him, like an incomparably precious gift, respectfully on the broad and solemn desk of the highly respected Fleet Admiral Sengoku at Marine Headquarters, then the operation would be half successful! Thinking of this, a greedy and fierce light gleamed in Blackbeard's eyes, hidden beneath his thick eyebrows, as if he could already see himself standing at the pinnacle of the world, looking down upon all living beings.

Thinking of this, Blackbeard couldn't help but laugh triumphantly, "Zehahaha..." However, in the next second, the arrogant smile on his face suddenly froze. This was because his extremely keen Observation Haki detected a powerful and chilling aura gradually approaching. This aura was so terrifying that even someone as unfathomably strong and arrogant as Blackbeard couldn't help but instantly become extremely alert and on full alert.

He abruptly turned his head, his gaze sharp as a hawk's as he looked towards the sky. Immediately afterward, a dazzling beam of light streaked across the sky like a meteor, descending with unparalleled power and landing directly in the Mock Town not far ahead. "Light?" Blackbeard frowned slightly upon seeing this, inwardly surprised.

Just then, a mysterious light flashed, instantly conjuring up two figures in his mind. One was the renowned Might-Shaker Marine Admiral, Four Seas, who possessed the Devil Fruit Ability Kizaru. The other was the newly appointed Shichibukai, Moke, who had only recently begun to rise to prominence and show his true strength, yet whose power should not be underestimated! This enigmatic figure, possessing a variety of incredible and unbelievable abilities, attracted everyone's attention like a dazzling star suddenly Shine in the night sky.

It's important to understand that the appearance of either of these two would be like throwing a boulder into a calm lake, creating ripples and causing a huge uproar. Faced with such a powerful being, people would certainly not dare to be careless and must be fully focused and extremely vigilant in dealing with the situation.

He couldn't help Dark-Dark Fruit ponder to himself, "Who among them could it be? Why would they choose to come here at this time? Could it be that they came specifically for me? Or are they hiding some unknown secrets and schemes?" In an instant, countless possibilities flashed through his mind, and all sorts of guesses and doubts surged into his heart like a tide, gradually making him feel uneasy.

At the same time, on the other side of the island, a group of people wearing their iconic Straw Hat successfully stepped ashore. Yes, they were none other than the famous and legendary Straw Hat Crew! At this moment, each of them radiated confidence and determination, striding with steady, powerful steps, resolutely heading towards Mock Town...

Moke, who had already arrived in Mock Town, stood quietly on the bustling street. His posture was as upright as a pine tree, his eyes deep and sharp, as if he could see through everything. A slight smile played on his lips, revealing a meaningful yet slightly mocking expression. He murmured softly, "Mock Town... I never imagined it would be such a place full of special significance!"

It should be noted that before this, the renowned Robin had already been recruited by him and become his capable assistant; even the formidable Crocodile ultimately could not escape his fate of defeat and death. Now, as he once again set foot on this familiar yet unfamiliar land, a unique sense of emotion welled up within him. Past experiences flashed through his mind like scenes from a movie, those intense and thrilling battles vividly remembered.

However, things are different now, and the plot has undergone a complete transformation. Who could have imagined that the two future Emperors of the Four Seas — Blackbeard and Luffy —would unexpectedly meet in this small Mock Town? How interesting! Might-Shaker thought to Moke as he stepped into the only tavern located in the center of Mock Town.

The moment he stepped into the tavern, a cacophony of noise assaulted his nostrils. A group of burly, menacing-looking pirates sat huddled together, shouting at each other. Moke immediately recognized the leader as Bellamy, Doflamingo's most devoted fan—his crazed little admirer! Judging by his arrogant and overbearing demeanor, he was probably here to pick a fight again, Moke thought to himself, a smug smile creeping across his face. "Hmph, looks like this guy's destined to be a punching bag!"