The pinnacle of pirates! Beginning as a trainee in Roger's crew

Ozz's words landed like a bell toll through Tezoro's soul, resonating deep and loud.

So everything... was because I was poor?

That's right.

If he'd had money, maybe his childhood wouldn't have been marked by tragedy. Maybe he wouldn't have been forced to run away and fend for himself so young.

If he'd had money, he could've bought Stella long ago and stayed by her side forever.

If he'd had money, three years later, he might've been able to save the girl he loved.

If he'd had money...

"I get it now!!!"

Tezoro's eyes burned with determination, his voice resolute as he stared at the man before him the so-called richest man in the world.

"Someday, I'll become the greatest tycoon in the world and bring Stella back to me!"

The young man's shout was a declaration to the world, though it lacked the flourish of Conqueror's Haki to shake the heavens.

Still, it was exactly what Ozz wanted to hear.

His grin widened as he looked at the promising youth before him, nodding in approval.

The world's greatest tycoon, huh?

"In that case... consider this your seed funding, a little sponsorship."

With a flick of his wrist, Ozz pulled a thick wad of Berries from his coat and tossed it at Tezoro's feet several million, at least.

In the end, Tezoro left.

He looked back with every step, parting ways with Stella after making a promise to meet again. Clutching the Den Den Mushi Ozz had given him, he took off running into the future.

"You've got high hopes for that kid?"

When Tezoro first came charging from the crowd, Crocodile had been ready to strike, but Ozz discreetly stopped her.

"He looks like nothing more than a low-tier thug. Weak as any average civilian."

"In this world, even nobodies can rise to greatness... if they have enough resolve and a bit of luck."

It wasn't just the Gold-Gold Fruit that made Tezoro the richest man in the original story. If he had tried stealing a Devil Fruit outright, Doflamingo would've skinned him alive.

The guy had power, brains... just lacked the right direction. With a little guidance, Ozz figured he'd make a fine asset.

Maybe even his top contributor to the good life.

"What about the girl?"

Mihawk gestured toward Stella. He knew Ozz wasn't one to haul women around. Even when indulging, he usually left no strings attached cold and ruthless.

"Leave her to Sami."

With that, Ozz tugged on the leash and headed for the red-light district.

Just before he left, he turned back and casually called out to the auction house manager.

"Oh, and if a Navy admiral shows up, tell him I'm the one who hit the Celestial Dragon. He can come find me in the red-light district... yeah, that'll do."

With those words, he strolled off without a care.

"Bzzt bzzt... click."

"Fufufufu... good afternoon, Lord Ozz."

In a suite high above, Doflamingo draped in his signature pink feathered coat set down his wine glass. After a brief flicker of surprise at the caller, he composed himself quickly.

Hopefully, this wasn't one of his idiot underlings causing trouble again.

"Nothing serious, Doffy. Just a few things to arrange."

Sensing Ozz's relatively calm tone, Doflamingo let out a subtle breath of relief.

"I'm listening, Lord Ozz."

By then, Ozz and his group had already arrived at a tower deep within the red-light district.

He pushed open the door, signaling the stunned Sami and her assistants Six and Seven to keep quiet, then sank onto the couch like he owned the place.

"Keep an eye on a kid named Tezoro. Met him this afternoon."

"Want me to... eliminate him?"

"No. Remember that Gold-Gold Fruit I asked you to find? Make sure he gets it."

"That guy is the one I've been looking for. The ideal candidate."

At those words, Doflamingo instantly shut his mouth, mind racing.

He knew all too well the potential of the Gold-Gold Fruit. As someone who turned the String-String Fruit into an empire of underground power, he had a keen sense for business and finance.

Clearly... Tezoro had caught Lord Ozz's eye.

The business-savvy Doflamingo quickly grasped the hidden value in this message.

Time to start networking early.

"One more thing. Keep collecting Devil Fruits. I want to start a private collection."

"And don't forget the meeting coming up soon."

"Understood, Lord Ozz."

Click.

Once the call ended, Sami and the maids finally approached, clearly thrilled to see Ozz return.

Even though he had told them in advance that he'd be back on the Sabaody Archipelago for a meeting, it still felt good to see him again.

"Set Stella up here. Somewhere quiet. No guests."

Ozz waved casually. He didn't care either way, but if Tezoro's 'white moonlight' got messed up, the kid might crack.

And he didn't want his investment going up in smoke.

"Yes, Lord Ozz."

Sami didn't ask questions. She was smart enough not to. She simply gave the order and had her staff escort Stella away.

"Alright. Time for a little something to eat first."

Ozz led Mihawk and Crocodile toward the massage parlor.

As soon as they stepped in, a long line of skilled masseuses greeted them with respectful enthusiasm.

After all, this wasn't just any guest. This was the world's richest man. A golden opportunity if there ever was one.

"Keep it simple. Just a basic massage. None of the fancy stuff."

Mihawk was clearly a regular. He casually handed off his coat and lay face-down on a massage bed, shirtless.

Crocodile, on the other hand, looked utterly unimpressed. She coldly waved off the lineup of well-built male masseurs and refused to change clothes.

Ozz lay down, enjoying himself. Seeing Crocodile's deadpan look, he muttered with a helpless sigh,

"If you're not into massages, go wander upstairs. There's good booze and a view."

Without a word, Crocodile vanished in a swirl of sand.

"So antisocial... doesn't know how to enjoy life."

Mihawk said nothing, just closed his eyes and relaxed into the massage.

They said muscle recovery helped with swordsmanship, after all.

As the three enjoyed their well-earned break...

Elsewhere, someone was still hard at work.

"Moshi moshi~ This is Borsalino~"

"I've arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago."

Within the hour, a Navy battleship dropped anchor on the archipelago, sparking chaos. Pirates scattered like ants, triggering a scene of widespread panic.

"It's one of the Navy's monster vice admirals!"

"We're screwed! Someone hit a Celestial Dragon!"

"NANI?!"

"Stop yelling and RUN!"

One group of rookie pirates sprinted through the streets, only to come face-to-face with a towering figure in a yellow-striped suit over three meters tall.

"Hey there... any of you fine gentlemen know the way to the largest auction house?"

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