Stella!
In Tesoro's mind, that name was undoubtedly a place he could never touch, yet also a paradise he had once lost himself in.
The yearnings, fantasies, and love of his youth-how could he simply forget them, even after ten, twenty, or thirty years?
But this was his secret alone, the greatest wound in his heart. Why did the man before him know about it?
"She might still be alive, mightn't she? Perhaps she's in Mary Geoise."
River's voice rang out again, making Tesoro shudder. His hand tightened sharply around his fork.
Then everyone clearly saw the exquisite utensil crumple into a ball of metal in an instant.
"That name is the one thing you must never mention in front of me!"
Tesoro raised his head, his eyes bloodshot and filled with madness and rage.
His presence reached its peak at that moment, like a beast ready to devour anyone in its path.
Fujitora, Ace, Kalifa, Cavendish, and the others tensed inwardly and went on guard. Tesoro in this state was anything but pleasant.
"If you don't dare face your past, how can you embrace the future, Tesoro?"
"Can you not even accept the little affection and feeling you still have deep in your heart?"
"So beneath it all, you're actually this weak and useless."
"How disappointing!"
River's merciless taunts followed one after another.
"Shut up!!"
Tesoro slammed his fist onto the table. With a bang, the food and porcelain plates on it shattered.
The attendants standing on either side stared at the ruler of this nation in terror, trembling.
When Tesoro lost his temper, he was truly terrifying.
"I don't care who you are-whether you're the world's number one, the man who defeated Whitebeard, the king of Dressrosa, or Donquixote Doflamingo's boss."
"But in front of me, keep your