One Piece: Curse of Immortality

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The moment before, his eyes had looked relaxed. But in an instant, they narrowed sharply, locking onto the figure that appeared on the screen. 

Even Tesoro's expression twisted—not from fear or anxiety, but with a kind of fanatical excitement that was hard to put into words.

"It's him! It's him! The man I admire the most!"

Tesoro's face was filled with overwhelming joy and excitement. His gaze remained fixed on that silhouette as a memory surged up in his mind—one he could never forget.

In a grand, magnificent palace complex engulfed in flames, alarms were blaring, people were screaming in panic, and angry roars filled the air. 

He had been nothing more than one of the many confused slaves who had just escaped their cages—a mere number among the countless victims of the Holy Land.

The fire raged, thick smoke reaching into the sky. 

Even though years of inhuman torment had numbed him, the intensity of that moment caused adrenaline to rush through his veins. 

Tesoro's eyes turned red as he stared at the influential figure standing high above. It was just a fish-man, yet he stood atop the Holy Land, raising his fist and shouting.

"From this moment on, you are free!!" That thunderous roar echoed in his mind, shattering his numbness.

"Run! Leave this place! Chase the new life you've always dreamed of! Chase the dreams that belong to you!!!"

"He freed me. And I…Will free others!! Never forget! This world is meant to be equal!!!"

Those words, spoken by a fish-man, had echoed in Tesoro's mind for years. Only much later did he learn that the fish-man's name was Fisher Tiger, a great man. 

But the man who had inspired the fish-man, one appearing on the screen now, was Arashi! The strongest human in Marine history, the only person in this era honored with the title "Invincible"!

Now the Fleet Admiral of the Marines, a bold and unyielding hero. 

The day he escaped, Mary Geoise was the most significant turning point in Tesoro's life—the beginning of all his glory and it all started with that man now shown on the screen.

How could Tesoro not be excited? How could he not be thrilled?

"Quick!! Bring that man to me immediately!"

Barely able to contain his joy, Tesoro shouted at his subordinates. But right after saying that, he realized it was inappropriate and quickly corrected himself.

"No, I'll go personally. That would be more respectful! A man like him must not be disrespected!"

Tesoro stood up, turned to a nearby mirror, and carefully adjusted his clothes until he looked presentable. 

Once satisfied, he nodded and, with a mix of anxiety, excitement, and nervousness, stepped out the door and headed toward the casino's first floor.

His subordinates, seeing Tesoro so serious, were puzzled. They were aware of the extent of his global influence and his power. 

Even in the face of the world's top-tier powerhouses, he wouldn't normally act this way.

They quickly followed him to the first floor. Tesoro's sharp eyes instantly spotted Arashi among the crowd. He quickened his pace and approached him.

"Lord Arashi!" A moment later, he stood nine meters away, his face full of reverence and admiration.

"Tesoro?" Arashi said in surprise. He hadn't expected Tesoro to appear on his own, and that expression—how could he describe it?

It was like the young Marines at Marine Headquarters who, upon seeing him, were filled with tension, anxiety, awe, admiration, and hope all at once.

"The Golden Emperor, Tesoro!?" The people beside Arashi also noticed the man's sudden appearance. They turned toward him, visibly surprised.

"To have such distinguished guests at Gran Tesoro… what an honor for this humble place!"

"But this isn't the best place to talk. I hope Fleet Admiral Arashi will grant me the opportunity to host you properly," Tesoro said eagerly.

To be able to dine with the man who had saved and inspired him—that would be the most wonderful thing in the world. 

After all, who hasn't been young once? And who, in their youth, didn't have an idol they looked up to?

Tesoro was no different. His idol from his younger days still lived vividly in his memory, and that admiration had only grown more intense over time. 

After all, who was this man in front of him? The most significant and strongest human in the world. A man who single-handedly defeated two Sea Emperors. 

The one who personally sent three legendary pirates to Impel Down and brought an era to a close. How could anyone keep their emotions in check before such a man?

"Of course!"

Arashi was a little surprised. He could see anticipation in Tesoro's eyes. 

But it wasn't the kind of anticipation one showed a Marine leader—it was more like the giddy excitement of a young fan.

"Thank you, Lord Arashi! This way, please!"

Tesoro bowed deeply and led the way with humble courtesy. Arashi nodded, still puzzled, and followed. Buggy, Rosinante, and the others exchanged glances and quickly went along.

"Inform everyone: all of Lord Arashi's expenses at the entertainment city will be on my tab!" Tesoro then emphasized further.

"No matter the cost!"

His subordinates were stunned, frozen for a moment in disbelief. 

It had been many years since they'd heard an order like that. This alone showed how much Tesoro valued these guests.

Meanwhile, Tesoro was already walking closely behind Arashi, eagerly explaining the entertainment city's features.

"Gran Tesoro has the most extravagant entertainment facilities in the world."

"Our theme is luxury and joy! I guarantee you'll have an unforgettable vacation here, Lord Arashi!"

"Whether it's the world's best singers, renowned artists, or famous authors—I can bring them all here to serve you!"

"I have an idea. Your legendary life deserves to be written into a book. I want to hire the world's greatest writer to pen your biography!"

Tesoro spoke rapidly and passionately, so much so that Arashi didn't know how to respond.

"I could even have performers re-enact the Summit War. I'll spare no expense. If you approve, I believe the performance would shock the world!"

Arashi got the picture. Tesoro wasn't just a wealthy man—he was a top-tier entertainment mogul, a capitalist with immense resources. 

His true power wasn't just from the Gold-Gold Fruit. It was money itself.

"No need! I came here specifically for you."

Arashi smiled as he spoke. Tesoro's overflowing enthusiasm had almost derailed his original plan. 

After all, no matter how strong you are, you can't just punch someone who's smiling warmly at you. Even the Marines must act with reason.

"You came just for me?!"

Tesoro trembled with excitement. Arashi was speechless. It was clear the man had misunderstood entirely his intent.

Soon after, Tesoro led them into a large, quiet banquet hall. A brilliant crystal chandelier hung overhead. 

The room was brightly lit, and a long table in the center had already been set with fine silverware.

Waiters and waitresses in black suits and elegant dresses stood politely, bowing slightly with warm smiles. As soon as the guests arrived, they pulled out chairs for them.

Tesoro sat to the side, still smiling, then respectfully invited Arashi to sit at the head.

 Snap! He snapped his fingers. The staff immediately began serving the dishes.

"It's the highest honor for me to welcome Lord Arashi to my domain!"

"I will offer the highest-level hospitality that this entertainment city can provide!" Tesoro said with a smile. His gaze swept across the group seated there.

"Former Warlords and now Vice Admirals—Bartholomew Kuma and Gecko Moria!"

"Vice Admiral candidates—Kuina, Rosinante, and Vice Admiral Buggy!And the man I revere most… my idol… Fleet Admiral Arashi!"

"To meet all of you is the greatest joy of my life!" Tesoro said, his excitement overflowing. Everyone at the table looked stunned.

"If I'm not mistaken," Arashi asked with a faint smile, "this should be our first time meeting, right?" He could feel Tesoro's sincerity, but was unsure where it came from.

"Yes, this is our first meeting. But you are my savior and my idol!" Tesoro said solemnly.

"Oh?" Arashi asked, now truly curious.

"You probably haven't forgotten," Tesoro said with a smile, "but you once saved a fish-man named Fisher Tiger in Mary Geoise, didn't you?"

At that moment, the waiters began serving food.

"Of course. Tiger is now a Vice Admiral, I deeply rely on and trust—my right-hand man," Arashi replied with a smile.

"Lord Tiger is still alive?" Tesoro's eyes widened in shock.

"Of course," Arashi nodded.

"That's wonderful!" Tesoro shouted, overcome with emotion.

Buggy and the others exchanged looks. From the moment they met this man, he had been acting strangely, not at all like the wealthiest man in the world. 

He had no composure at all.

"To be honest," Tesoro said, "the Fisher Tiger you saved that day later stormed Mary Geoise and freed several slaves."

"And I was one of them!" Tesoro took a deep breath and spoke with conviction.

At those words, everyone at the table was stunned. Buggy and Rosinante exchanged glances, surprise on their faces. Even Arashi couldn't hide his astonishment.

It was completely unexpected.

The current world's richest man, the King of Gran Tesoro, known as the Golden Emperor—a man so influential that even the World Government gives him face—was once just a slave who escaped during Fisher Tiger's Great Liberation?

"This is unexpected," Arashi sighed softly. 

He was starting to understand why the man before him had reacted with such intense fervor upon meeting him.

"After escaping Mary Geoise, I came across the Goru Goru no Mi by chance," Tesoro explained. 

"That was how I established Gran Tesoro and built up my power. After much searching, I finally confirmed that the Fish-Man who saved me that day was none other than Fisher Tiger!"

"And from the information I received within the World Government, I learned that it was you who saved Fisher Tiger!" Tesoro's voice grew more passionate, almost trembling. 

"The equality and justice that Tiger always spoke of—the ideals that became my faith—those words came from you. That's why you're not only my savior… you're my lifelong idol!"

Tesoro's eyes burned with admiration like a fan meeting his hero for the first time. Arashi gave a slight nod, his expression calm, but his gaze sharp as it locked onto Tesoro.

"I see," Arashi said quietly. "But Tesoro… the reason I've come here today is because of you. And your entertainment empire."

Tesoro blinked in confusion, uncertain of what Arashi meant. The banquet table was already lined with steaming dishes and fine wine, but the atmosphere had shifted.

"I need your strength," Arashi said, voice firm and unwavering. "I want you to help me build the Marines' independent financial system."

Tesoro stared, stunned into silence. After a moment, his expression shifted to one of emotion, his voice slightly trembling. "You… want me to join the Marines?"

"Huh?" Arashi blinked, caught off guard by the sudden leap in logic.

"Can I be like Tiger—your trusted right-hand?" Tesoro asked, his voice filled with hope. "If you want the entire entertainment city, it's yours. Whatever you need me to do, I'll do it!"

"To be able to do something for my idol… that would be the greatest honor of my life! Because without you, without Fisher Tiger, I wouldn't be who I am today!"

His fanatical tone faded, replaced by a steady, sincere voice. Tesoro's face grew serious. He wasn't a fool—one doesn't become the king of the entertainment capital by being soft. 

But to him, emotion meant more than wealth. 

Ever since he saw that Fish-Man standing tall in the flames of Mary Geoise, shouting for freedom, he had vowed to repay that kindness, no matter how long it took, and now, that day had come.

"Tesoro," Arashi said after a long pause, placing a hand firmly on his shoulder. "The Marines do need your help."

He let out a slow breath and added, "You've probably noticed it too—the greatest problem the Marines face right now."

Tesoro nodded. "You're expanding the Marine forces… but it takes a lot of money."

"That," he said, smiling confidently, "is something I can help with. Because if there's one thing Gran Tesoro doesn't lack… It's Berries."

Hearing those words, Arashi couldn't help but laugh.

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