Everyone down below, without exception, was a pirate.
Even if they weren't pirates, they had to be.
Tesoro knew these people were all going to die.
It wasn't that he pitied them.
He was only worried about what would happen to his Gold City after they died.
And what would happen to him?
If that man got carried away with the killing, would he kill Tesoro while he was at it?
Even on his own turf, and arrogant as he was, Tesoro didn't believe he was a match for that man.
Though he had never met the man, he was absolutely certain of it!
He was definitely no match for that man!
It was that intuition, along with a little backing from behind the scenes, that had brought Tesoro to his current position.
So he trusted his instincts.
Forget it. No point worrying.
I'll take things one step at a time.
First, let's give these pirates some hope!
He stepped forward, and the lights around him abruptly dimmed.
Then a spotlight shone on Tesoro.
"Good evening, everyone!
This is Gild Tesoro.
I believe everyone here has come for the same reason.
You've all been waiting for this exciting moment.
Yes, that's right. Behind me is the very thing pirates dream of.
The Road Poneglyph!"
As he spoke, Tesoro pulled away the curtain, revealing what stood behind him.
A beam of light shone down at just the right moment.
There stood a massive red stone, seemingly glowing.
At that moment, everyone's breathing quickened.
Some had even risen instinctively, reaching out their hands.
As though they could seize the stone from across the distance.
Everyone's eyes filled with longing and greed.
And malice toward those around them.
How loud would it be if a hundred thousand people took a deep breath at