Chapter 324: Chapter 324: Stussy’s Plan to Win Over Wood
"Looks like the Big Mom Pirates really do have some serious power. Just being guides, they sent Baron Tamago with a bounty of 429 million Berries and Pekoms with a bounty of 330 million Berries."
Indeed, despite their comical appearance, Baron Tamago and Pekoms were formidable members of the Big Mom Pirates, outranking even some of Big Mom's children. Their bounty alone was enough to easily surpass most pirates in the New World.
"No one else could handle this job, Wood. After all, this is your first visit to Totto Land, and Mama has a lot of respect for you," Baron Tamago added, his voice smooth and polite.
On the seas, the four most powerful pirate crews, known as the "Four Emperors," reigned supreme. Among them, the strongest was considered to be the Whitebeard Pirates, while the Red-Haired Pirates were seen as the weakest.
Shanks, being younger and less experienced compared to the other three Emperors, seemed to fall short. However, despite this, the Red-Haired Pirates managed to solidify their place among the Emperors, thanks in no small part to Wood's support through his weapons company.
Rumor had it that Shanks had once done a great favor for Wood, the former navy officer turned arms dealer. Because of this, whenever the Red-Haired Pirates faced a difficult situation, Wood's company would come to their aid.
With Wood's support, Shanks had maintained his position as one of the Four Emperors. Naturally, other Emperors like Big Mom and Kaido also sought to win Wood's favor, knowing that his backing could tip the balance of power in the seas.
Totally, Totto Land was made up of 34 islands, most of which were named after various sweets. As Wood and Robin entered the area, they were immediately surrounded by the sweet aromas that filled the air.
For food lovers, and especially those with a sweet tooth, Totto Land was nothing short of paradise.
Once they arrived at Whole Cake Island, the heart of Totto Land, they were not immediately introduced to Big Mom. Instead, Baron Tamago and Pekoms escorted them to a prepared residence, informed them of the tea party's schedule, and then left.
To pass the time, Baron Tamago suggested that Wood and Robin explore the different islands within Totto Land.
Before leaving, the two Big Mom Pirates left Wood with a suitcase, a gesture of Big Mom's appreciation.
After they left, Wood, without hesitation, opened the suitcase to find it filled with large stacks of Berries.
"If I'd known Big Mom's tea party would come with such perks, I'd have attended every year," Wood joked.
The suitcase contained a substantial amount of cash—roughly around 200 million Berries. It wasn't a huge amount by Big Mom's standards or for Wood's weapons company, but it was certainly a generous sum. For many pirate crews, that amount would be more than their entire fortune.
For comparison, the Straw Hat Pirates, who had recently left Alabasta, had only two members with bounties: Luffy, with a bounty of 120 million Berries, and Zoro, with a bounty of 60 million Berries. Together, their combined bounty was 180 million Berries.
In other words, Big Mom's "pocket money" was worth more than both Luffy and Zoro combined.
"Totto Land really is something else. The rumors about this place gathering almost every race in the world seem to be true," Wood remarked as he and Robin strolled down the main street of Whole Cake Island, watching a variety of species pass by.
It wasn't unusual to see Minks or Fishmen, but seeing Longarms, Longnecks, and other rare species was something new, even for someone as well-traveled as Wood.
On the Dark Abyss Island, where Wood and his crew lived, they mostly encountered Fishmen, Merfolk, and regular humans. Bringing two such different groups together on a single island was no small feat.
But Totto Land, created by Big Mom, was a different story. Here, Wood had already seen more than ten different races, all living in harmony, even marrying and raising families together.
Say what you want about Big Mom, but she had truly accomplished something remarkable, even if she had done it through force.
"Half of the stores here sell food, especially sweets," Wood noted. "Robin, why don't we split up? You're probably more interested in bookstores anyway, and I need to gather some intel for our mission."
Robin hesitated for a moment but ultimately agreed. Earlier, she had spotted a bookstore she wanted to explore but hadn't entered because of Wood.
"We'll meet back at this square in the evening. Here's your pocket money," she said.
Despite having already arrived on Whole Cake Island, it was clear that Robin wouldn't allow Wood to wander off alone so easily.
After agreeing to the plan, Robin handed Wood a small stack of Berries for his expenses.
"You've got to be kidding me. Didn't Big Mom just give us at least 200 million Berries in that suitcase? Even if we don't split it evenly, couldn't you give me a few million? Giving me only 100,000 Berries is just ridiculous!" Wood exclaimed.
Robin wasn't Nami, and money didn't interest her as much. However, she was strict with Wood's spending for one simple reason: whenever he had money, he tended to waste it.
Ever since she had learned about Wood's escapades with Ruth on Gild Tesoro's ship, visiting nightclubs and indulging in luxuries, Robin had been keeping a close watch on Wood's pocket money.
Everyone knew that going to nightclubs was expensive, and outside of Tesoro's ship, where Wood could enjoy some privileges, most places wouldn't be as generous.
Robin had calculated that 100,000 Berries would be enough for Wood to have a good time, but not enough to get into too much trouble.
"After signing all those deals in Alabasta, we still need to help them with land development and city construction, both of which will be major expenses. As the head of finances for Wood's Weapons Company, I have to make sure every Berry counts," Robin explained.
Wood couldn't argue with that.
"But 100,000 Berries is way too little. I need more for gathering intel, buying information. That stuff costs money too!" he protested.
Seeing Wood's seriousness and hearing his valid points, Robin eventually relented, giving him an additional 400,000 Berries before turning to leave.
"50,000 Berries should be enough. If you need more for important intel, come find me at the bookstore. We can buy whatever information will help us," Robin called out as she left.
With 500,000 Berries in hand, Wood knew this was the limit of what Robin would give him. It wasn't much, especially if he intended to spend it on high-end "recreational activities."
Robin knew Wood's tastes well. He wouldn't settle for anything ordinary or unimpressive, and with only 500,000 Berries, he wouldn't be able to afford anything too extravagant.
As Wood wandered through the narrow streets, he spotted a few places that seemed promising for gathering intel. But after checking the money in his pocket, he shook his head and walked away.
He had finally managed to get rid of Robin for a while, but she had seen through his plans and limited his spending.
This was Totto Land, after all. While most of the shops sold food, there were plenty of establishments catering to other, more... adult interests.
With the various races living here, the entertainment options were just as diverse.
Wood had been curious to try out the unique offerings in Totto Land—not that he would ever admit that out loud. His main goal was gathering intel, of course... but a little cultural "exchange" wouldn't hurt, right?
Yet, with only 500,000 Berries, he couldn't afford anything too special. Even the most ordinary services would likely be out of his reach.
"I can only offer 500,000 Berries, and that's my final price. But you'll have to answer some of my questions too," Wood said, offering the money to a Mink woman with rabbit ears.
The Mink, puffing on a cigarette, gave Wood a look of disdain and walked away.
She had approached him thinking he was a wealthy customer, only to discover that he was, in fact, broke.
500,000 Berries? In Totto Land, that wouldn't get you far. Residents here had to pay a tax to Big Mom, either in the form of money or their lifespan. And Wood's paltry offer wouldn't even cover the monthly fee.
After several failed attempts to gather information, Wood realized that prices in Totto Land were far higher than elsewhere. The 500,000 Berries in his pocket were worth even less than he had imagined.
Just as he was about to return to Robin and ask for more money, a figure suddenly appeared in front of him.
"Who would've thought? The infamous Wood, the navy traitor who's conquered the world's arms trade, partnered with Gild Tesoro, and is rumored to be the richest man on the seas, can't even afford a proper conversation with a girl," the figure teased.
Appearing before Wood was a blonde woman in a pink dress and white shawl, with blue high heels, a handbag, and a stylish hat adorned with flowers. Her elegant demeanor and striking beauty made her seem like a lady from high society.
But this woman was no ordinary socialite—she was Stussy, the Queen of the Pleasure District and one of the rulers of the underworld.
In the shadowy world of the underworld, where corruption and darkness thrived, Stussy's ability to rise as a female leader spoke volumes about her cunning and strength.
"I didn't expect to see one of the Emperors of the underworld, the Queen of the Pleasure District, working for the World Government," Wood remarked, trying to hide his embarrassment.
"Well, I'm just as surprised as you. I wonder what kind of deal the navy made to convince you to help them. Have you ever thought about joining the World Government? After all, the navy is just one part of it. Whatever they offered you, the government can offer more.
And if it's women you're interested in, I'm in that business, remember? I can give you as many as you want, for free," Stussy purred, leaning closer to Wood.
As she moved closer, her body pressed against his, and Wood could feel her soft curves against his chest.
"You must have misunderstood something," Wood said, gently pushing her away. "I visit these places purely for the intel, not for... anything else.
Besides, if I wanted to join the World Government, I wouldn't need your recommendation. Now, let's cut to the chase—tell me about the secret intel you've gathered for the navy, and explain the mission plan."
Wood remained composed, though internally he found Stussy's advances both suspicious and unappealing.
Despite her youthful appearance, rumors suggested that Stussy was much older than she looked. Although the exact truth was uncertain, the stories gained credibility from the fact that anyone who dared mention her age in her presence often met a swift and violent end.
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P/S: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 400+ at [email protected]/Betek (@->a)