https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-716-More-Men-Than-Dogs-More-Dogs-Than-Men/13539056/
Chapter 715: Gran Tesoro
Chapter 715: Gran Tesoro
Two weeks later.
"Headquarters is sending someone to deliver the files in person?"
Leaning back in his chair, Kuro listened to Klah's report and frowned. "So troublesome? Can't they just fax it over?"
Since the last incident, things had remained unusually calm in the G-3 Sea Area. For once, he'd been able to enjoy this rare period of peace.
Today, Klah had come to inform him that instead of sending the requested files electronically, someone would be delivering them in person.
"That's right, Mr. Kuro", Klah said, pressing his lips together. "The files are extremely classified. According to Headquarters, if it weren't for you specifically asking, I wouldn't even have clearance to inquire about them."
Klah already knew from the previous incident involving Smiths that Headquarters had withheld crucial fugitive intelligence from the Navy. Some information was simply off-limits to anyone outside their top ranks.
But with Kuro's authority? The files had to be turned over.
"Who's coming? Which officer has that much free time?" Kuro asked, lighting a cigar.
"Vice Admiral Tatsumaki", Klah answered honestly.
"Kaku Brother?" Kuro bit down on his cigar. "He's coming in person? They think these files are that important?"
"Not exactly", Klah adjusted his glasses. "According to rumors, Vice Admiral Momousagi is vacationing in Gold City. Tatsumaki Vice Admiral wanted to tag along and is stopping here on his way through."
"Gold City?!" Lida suddenly perked up from her snack-filled sprawl on the sofa. "Gran Tesoro?! Kuro, let's go play too!"
"Play where?" Kuro rolled his eyes. "We don't have tickets or a pointer."
Gran Tesoro. Gold City. The world's largest entertainment metropolis. Pegasus Island could be considered a semi-competitor, though only in the loosest sense.
Pegasus Island simply couldn't match Gold City's scale.
Gran Tesoro was massive, comprehensive, and famous - especially as the world's most renowned gambling hub. By comparison, Pegasus Island had to be considered only half a competitor. There was no real contest.
Beyond being the ultimate entertainment city, Gran Tesoro was also a sovereign nation officially recognized by the World Government. As an absolute neutral zone, even the World Government couldn't interfere there.
All because of money.
The city controlled 20% of all circulating currency in the world - a staggering sum even if considering only the money in circulation.
Rumors claimed Gran Tesoro's vaults held five quadrillion Beri.
Enough to buy an entire country.
With that kind of wealth, it was no wonder even the World Nobles did their bidding.
Wealth, after all, was also a form of power.
"We need a pointer?" Lida asked.
"Of course", Kuro explained. "Though it's technically a city/nation, it's actually just one massive ship. You need a pointer to fix its location. Without one, we can't even find it."
"That won't be a problem", a voice suddenly chimed in.
A middle-aged man wearing a dusty yellow cowboy hat stood in the doorway. Dressed casually in civilian clothes with a matching yellow loincloth, he had a distinctly sleazy look about him. A thin cigarette dangled from his lips as he slouched forward with hands in pockets.
"Yo, Kuro. Long time no see", the man greeted lazily.
"Kaku Brother?" Kuro blinked in surprise. "Speak of the devil. Just talking about you and here you are."
"Left a few days early", Kaku pulled out the chair opposite Kuro's desk, plopping down as he pulled a stack of documents from his hooded cloak. "Here. Your files. Headquarters even had a fight with the World Government over this. They wanted everything buried - wouldn't even tell me everything. Thanks to you though, Zoro and I got to see some documents that really made our eyes pop."
Kaku chuckled. "You actually asking for something? Rare to see you take initiative. I'll make sure it gets handled."
Kuro flipped through the files. "What's the point of hiding things? When they eventually surface, the whole world will be shocked anyway. Better to act early and solve problems before they blow up."
"You've got a point there", Kaku grinned. "But honestly? I don't care about that stuff. I'm just here to vacation. Following Zoro around."
Kuro smirked. "Hear you've got quite the harem, Brother. If you're trying to set an example, wouldn't chasing other women hurt your image?"
Kaku's expression faltered. "Who said that? I'm just being honest about my nature. Honesty's important, right? I like Zoro, sure, but I'm not going to turn down pretty ladies either!"
Kuro chuckled but said nothing, continuing to flip files.
"Oh, almost forgot", Kaku suddenly remembered, pulling out a navigation pointer and a golden invitation ticket. "Here. Thought you might want to relax for a bit."
"Eh!?" Lida snatched the ticket, eyes widening. "This is for Gran Tesoro!"
"That's right", Kaku grinned, giving the petite Lida a knowing look before turning to Kuro. "Go have fun. Pegasus Island's great too, but sometimes it's nice to vacation elsewhere. It's a neutral zone - you can actually relax without having to chase pirates everywhere."
"Better yet", he winked, "we can wait until they come out and hit them then. I've seen the intelligence - there are some big fish there."
"Big fish?" Kuro stopped flipping pages, eyes narrowing as he lifted two sheets. "These guys?"
"Yep", Kaku confirmed. "Escaped from Impel Down. One in particular - the infamous Phantom Thief Apu. He once stole things at Marineford, and long ago, he was the one who leaked information about Professor Zeff's family."
"Rumor has it he's planning something big this time", Kaku continued. "Gathering some of the ocean's most notorious figures for a major operation. They're holed up there now."
"Sounds terrifying", Kuro deadpanned, blowing out a smoke ring. "Guess I'll go with you then. Time to see what the biggest Gold City in the world has to offer. Maybe steal some ideas for Pegasus Island."
A bunch of old men planning a big job? With his current reputation among these 'elderly' circles, he'd probably be one of their top recruitment targets - maybe even their first choice.
He had no intention of waiting for them to come knocking this time.
Better to eliminate them first and avoid all that hassle.
Same old saying - kill them all, and he wouldn't be famous anymore.
(End of Chapter)
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