A Show of Force

The next morning.

The scene of devastation outside the casino looked especially desolate beneath the hazy dawn light.

Shattered windows, scorched walls, scattered chips, and debris silently spoke of the violence that had taken place the night before.

Dawn appeared at the entrance. He had originally been on his way back to Kuja, but Lucci's report via Den Den Mushi had piqued his interest, so he had changed course and come here in person.

First, for those two ability users. Second, to see for himself what caliber of new recruits Lucci had independently brought in or subdued over the past while, using the authority and resources Dawn had given him.

The moment he stepped inside the casino, the light dimmed abruptly.

Broken chandeliers, overturned furniture, dried bloodstains, and the lingering scents of gunpowder and blood combined into a post-battle tableau.

Seeing Dawn enter, Lucci gave a slight nod, then tilted his chin toward a side hall. Two people shackled in Seastone cuffs were brought over.

Although Baccarat was injured, even with only simple bandaging, her beauty remained impossible to hide.

The instant she saw Dawn, her emerald eyes visibly lit up. She quickly sized up the tall blond man, curiosity flashing in her gaze, along with reverence for the strong and... ambition.

She recognized who he was.

Mr. Tanaka was far more reserved. His eyes cautiously observed from beneath his owl hood.

Dawn's gaze settled on the two of them.

"Work for me. The pay will be better than what Dufeld gave you. Are you willing?"

There was no introduction. Dawn believed that with his current identity as a pirate with a bounty exceeding one billion Beli, as well as the reputation he had made for himself in the Underworld, any force or individual in these seas with even a