One Piece: Curse of Immortality

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The situation in the New World was far from stable—if anything, it changed by the second. 

Though not much time had passed since the Marineford War, the rise of Blackbeard, Marshall D. Teach, was already evident to the naked eye. 

Surrounded by powerful subordinates and a rapidly expanding pirate fleet, he had made Hachinosu his stronghold while steadily spreading his influence outward. 

He now carried the presence of a fourth Emperor ruling the seas.

At the same time, the new leader of the Whitebeard Pirates, Portgas D. Ace, had also risen to prominence, drawing the World Government's attention after the battle in the Edd War seas. 

One rising star after another shone brilliantly across the world. 

Though Edward Newgate, the legendary Whitebeard, had fallen, more and more newcomers were making their names known in this ever-changing era.

In such a turbulent time, Arashi was not content to let the Marines develop without adapting to the new circumstances. 

He, too, had begun to reach into the New World, setting his sights on the so-called Emperors who stood in his way. 

Before long, Crocodile arrived, dressed in a white Marine uniform, his cloak of justice dusted faintly with sand.

"I'll be away for a while," Arashi said calmly. "The Marine Headquarters will be in your hands."

Crocodile blinked in surprise. "As far as I know, a Fleet Admiral can't just leave like that. If there's a need for combat, leave it to us."

Arashi shook his head. "I need to go to the New World myself."

He paused for a moment before his gaze sharpened. "But unlike Aokiji and the others, my objective is different. This matter is crucial—it concerns the very future of the Marines. I must handle it personally."

Crocodile remained curious. "Mind telling me what it is?"

"Have you heard of Gild Tesoro, the Golden Emperor?" Arashi asked, smiling. 

A dossier on Tesoro was laid out on the desk before him. In the original story, Gild Tesoro was a character from the film universe—an immensely wealthy man who possessed the Gold-Gold Fruit and could control and reshape gold at will. 

He also owned Gran Tesoro, the world's greatest entertainment city, with business interests across the globe.

The Marines, after a detailed investigation, had estimated that Tesoro controlled twenty percent of the world's total currency—a terrifying figure. 

His business acumen and financial instincts were unmatched. 

If the Marines hoped to free themselves from the World Government's grip by attacking from the economic front, then Tesoro was a critical breakthrough.

"So this is a very important operation for me," Arashi said.

"Gild Tesoro?" Crocodile furrowed his brow, then chuckled. "You mean the richest man in the world?"

"Exactly. I want to discuss a possible partnership with him," Arashi nodded.

"He's no ordinary man," Crocodile muttered. "He uses wealth to control power and can even influence the World Government's decisions."

"It's worth a try," Arashi replied with a faint smile. He stood up from his seat. "After this mission, the Marine Headquarters will shift its strategic focus to the New World."

"We'll establish a new base there," he added casually. "Dressrosa would make a fine location."

Crocodile froze, his face filled with shock. Establishing a second Marine Headquarters? 

That was a massive decision, signaling that the organization's priorities would now shift to the New World. 

Soon enough, he realized that large-scale troop deployments were inevitable.

"It seems the three Admirals are doing quite well," Crocodile muttered.

"I'll leave the main base to you," Arashi said. "You've got a decent nose for politics and a talent for administration."

Crocodile narrowed his eyes but said nothing. Only after Arashi left did he sigh and shake his head. "This job doesn't sound so great…"

It was clear—he'd be managing Marine Headquarters for the time being. 

Major decisions would still go through Arashi, but he had no right to refuse the Fleet Admiral's orders.

Before long, the Warship sailed out through the Gates of Justice.

"Fleet Admiral Arashi is departing as well?" the Marines whispered as they watched the massive ship disappear into the distance, stunned.

They realized just how different Arashi was from the previous Fleet Admirals—this wasn't the first time he had personally set out on a mission in such a short span.

The Warship wasted no time. Its course was direct, heading toward the World Government's exclusive gateway into the New World. No one stopped them as they entered.

"Gild Tesoro, the Golden Emperor…" Kuina began reading aloud from behind Arashi. 

"His past is complicated. Rumors say he was once a Celestial Dragon's slave. After escaping by sheer luck, he endured great hardship and eventually rose to become the ruler of Gran Tesoro."

"He possesses the world's greatest fortune and, because of his wealth, can even manipulate the World Government's authority. He's a unique figure in this world."

Arashi stared out at the sea, his expression unreadable as he listened. 

Although he had been in this world for over twenty years, his memories of his previous life remained crystal clear.

"Vice Admiral Bartholomew Kuma," Arashi asked suddenly, "how do you think we should convince the richest man in the world?"

Kuma, silent like a statue behind him, blinked, clearly not expecting to be asked.

"If we talk it out, it probably won't work," he said in his deep, robotic voice.

Arashi burst out laughing. "Hahahaha! You think the same as I do! In this world, those who stand at the top all share one trait—words can never overpower fists."

Everyone nearby stiffened at those words. It was clear now—Fleet Admiral Arashi intended to subdue Tesoro through overwhelming force.

"Hee-hee-hee!" said Gecko Moria through clenched teeth. "I'm not interested in the Golden Emperor. I want to know—when are we going after Kaido?"

"If we're in the New World, we'll meet him sooner or later," Arashi replied coolly.

"Vice Admiral Garp and former Fleet Admiral Sengoku should have already found a way into Wano. Once we get accurate intel and establish our base in the New World, we'll mobilize our forces."

"And at that time…" Arashi's eyes glinted coldly, "we'll move against those so-called Emperors of the Sea."

"Heh… the Four Emperors, the Five Emperors… all of them should disappear in this new era."

"There should be only one power ruling these seas—"

"The Marines!"

Everyone's eyes grew colder as the sea breeze whipped their white cloaks. A chilling, murderous air filled the deck.

Of course, Tesoro wasn't Arashi's only target. His true goal was far greater—to bring lasting order to the chaos of the New World.

Time continued to pass.

A few days later, the Warship slowly approached Gran Tesoro. 

Unlike other kingdoms, Gran Tesoro was a colossal ship, over ten thousand meters long, covered in grand buildings that glowed golden under the sunlight. 

The World Government had already recognized it as an independent nation. The entire country was controlled by Gild Tesoro, who ran the world's largest casino and a vast entertainment empire.

The approach of a Marine battleship didn't attract much attention. In this massive entertainment capital, the presence of Marines was nothing unusual. 

Even though they were strict and disciplined, Marine Headquarters didn't tightly restrict their schedules during leave. 

Many officers would come here to relax, and HQ usually turned a blind eye to such cases.

Arashi and his team disembarked from the Warship, all dressed in casual attire. Kuina wore a loose training outfit with her hair tied in a ponytail and a sword on each side. 

Buggy wore a loud floral shirt and shorts like a tourist, and Rosinante was dressed for summer as well—short-sleeved shirt, shorts, and slippers. 

Kuma kept his usual look, and Gecko Moria stood out awkwardly in the group.

Ghost Princess Perona floated behind Arashi, wearing a gothic-style cake dress, a decorative top hat, and white knee-high socks that gave her a cute appearance. 

She peeked forward excitedly and exclaimed, "Wow, wow, wow! This is such a great place for vacation! Everyone's having so much fun!"

Arashi smiled and said, "Then let's treat this as a holiday. All expenses this time are covered by Marine Headquarters!"

That one sentence stunned everyone, and then they burst into cheers. "Thank you, Fleet Admiral!" Buggy even leapt in excitement, grabbed Rosinante, and sprinted ahead.

Smoker looked at their backs and sighed, shaking his head. Arashi chuckled, enjoying everyone's cheerful mood. 

After all, once they secured Tesoro, someone else would foot the bill. There'd be no need for the Marines to pay anything.

They soon entered the grand city, heading straight for the most lavish entertainment hub on the seas. 

What they witnessed there was astonishing—nearly every form of entertainment imaginable could be found here. 

Casinos, amusement parks, and colorful shops filled every street. Drinks, snacks, and music filled the air, with dancers entertaining all around.

Arashi walked behind the others, smiling. He, too, was dressed in a tropical outfit—short sleeves, shorts, and sandals. 

But his towering and muscular frame drew plenty of attention, especially from women. 

One flirtatious lady even tried to touch his chest, only to be scolded by Perona.

"These women are too bold! Don't they recognize who you are?" Perona huffed.

"No one would expect the Fleet Admiral of the Marines to be here," Arashi replied with a relaxed smile.

"Hmph!" Perona was still clearly annoyed.

She suddenly turned and glared at a square-jawed man watching them. "What are you staring at, you creepy perv?!"

The words "creepy perv" hit like a hammer. The man froze on the spot, as if petrified. Arashi chuckled, glanced at him once, and then led the group away.

Once they were gone, the man snapped out of it, trembling and sweating.

"What's wrong?" asked a nearby female companion. It was the first time she'd seen this officer so shaken, like he'd seen something terrifying.

"N-Nothing," he stammered, exhaling sharply. His eyes followed where Arashi's group had gone, his expression conflicted.

"Fleet Admiral Arashi and several Vice Admirals… appeared here! That's truly shocking!"

This man, too, was a Marine—a colonel, not from HQ, but still well aware of Arashi and the renowned Vice Admirals. 

Seeing such powerful officers here in Gran Tesoro stunned him to his core. "What are they doing here?"

In that moment, the man lost all leisure interest. He turned around and headed for the port.

"Hey, where are you going?" his female companion chased after him.

"I'm going back! I'm on vacation—I don't want to get dragged into some major incident!" the man said, waving her off.

"You still haven't paid for last night, this morning, and this afternoon!" the woman shouted angrily.

"I never pay! It's illegal to pay!" he declared righteously, then bolted, vanishing into the crowd.

"Jerk!!!" Her furious voice echoed through the streets.

Meanwhile, Arashi and the others had already entered the most luxurious casino in the nation.

One glance around revealed countless gamblers with bloodshot eyes. Some were shaking uncontrollably, veins bulging from their foreheads.

This place brought out extreme emotions in everyone.

"Wanna play a few rounds?" Arashi asked casually. He glanced up at the surveillance Den Den Mushi. His face was visible on the screen.

"Yeah! Let's do it!" Perona cheered, dashing up to the gambling table.

At that moment, Moria and Kuma stood by a table, both frowning in hesitation.

"Kuma, got any advice?" Moria asked.

"No advice," Kuma replied flatly.

"You're useless!" Moria snorted, then threw his chips into a betting circle.

At the same time, in the casino's topmost luxury suite, a pair of eyes locked onto the screen displaying the two men.

"Former Warlords—Bartholomew Kuma and Gecko Moria!"

"How interesting. After disappearing since the Summit War, they show up here… together!"

A voice spoke with amusement. Its owner, a man wearing golden rings on every finger, was smiling—until another figure appeared behind them.

In that instant, his smile vanished. His face twisted in shock.

"Him! He came too?!"

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