That night, on the rooftop of the Golden King Hotel.
The place had been built into a massive circular stage, surrounded by rows of spectator seats forming a full ring of stands.
Above the stage hung an enormous display screen, currently showing real-time surveillance footage of a group of people.
By the time Leno and his companions arrived at the VIP seating area, the venue was already packed with spectators.
Feeling the lively atmosphere of the venue and looking at the surrounding decorations and lighting design, the expressions of anticipation on the newly seated group gradually grew stronger.
The routine entertainment of the past few days had already made everyone reluctant to leave. Now, with this special event personally organized by Tesoro, it was bound to bring a different kind of surprise.
Uta glanced at the big screen, then surveyed the surroundings before her brows slowly furrowed as she murmured softly,
"Something feels a little off."
"Hm? What's wrong, Uta?"
Sitting beside her, Vivi looked confused. She scanned the area but didn't notice anything unusual.
Besides, with so many spectators around, it shouldn't be dangerous.
Hearing her friend's question, Uta snapped out of her thoughts and gave an embarrassed smile.
"Oh, it's nothing. I just feel like, for a performance theater, the decorations here are a bit too simple."
"Based on what we've seen over the past few days, this clearly doesn't match Tesoro's extravagant style."
"Hm? Now that you mention it... you're right."
Vivi froze for a moment before realizing what she meant.
After carefully observing the surroundings again, she nodded in agreement.
Robin, Nojiko, and the others nearby also showed thoughtful expressions after hearing their conversation.
Meanwhile, Hancock, who was sitting in Leno's arms, first scanned the area with Observation Haki before lifting her head and speaking sweetly.
"Leno-sama, I didn't sense anything unusual."
"Mm, don't worry. It's just a show."
Leno's hand slowly traced along the snow-white thigh beneath him, his tone casual.
By now, how could he not understand? This little performance was exactly the same trick Tesoro would use years later against the Straw Hat Pirates.
It really had that familiar flavor. The only question was which unlucky group had become the target this time.
He glanced at the few figures on the big screen. They looked completely unfamiliar—probably just some insignificant small fry.
Just as the group was quietly discussing things among themselves, a signal flare suddenly shot into the sky.
Immediately afterward, several spotlights on the stage suddenly converged on a large door at the edge.
Moments later, accompanied by a series of clanking sounds, the door was pushed open from inside.
A group of more than a dozen people rushed out with excited expressions. But when they clearly saw the surroundings, they all froze on the spot.
It was also at this moment that Tesoro, who hadn't appeared for quite some time, finally showed himself at the center of the stage.
Under the illumination of the lights, Tesoro—dressed in luxurious attire—faced the audience stands, spread his arms wide, and shouted excitedly,
"It's show time!"
Bang! Bang! Bang!
A series of explosions erupted as fireworks burst into the sky, painting the night with brilliant colors.
At the same time, the audience in the surrounding stands exploded with excitement.
Cheers, shouts, and applause filled the air one after another.
The atmosphere of the venue reached its peak in an instant.
Tesoro seemed very satisfied with everyone's reaction. Turning toward the bewildered group at the door, he burst into loud laughter.
"Hahahahaha!"
"Members of the Gray Bear Pirates, this is the Sky Theater—also the stage I've specially prepared for you!"
The stunned group finally reacted.
One of them stepped forward, glaring at Tesoro as he roared angrily,
"Bastard! This was all deliberately arranged by you, Tesoro?!"
"That's right!"
Tesoro placed a hand over his forehead, a wicked smile spreading across his face as he continued in a mocking tone,
"There is no great treasure vault here, and there certainly isn't any 500 billion Berries. All of that was just bait to trick you!"
"So? Surprised? Shocked?"
"How could this be... We worked so hard to gather that information..."
Several members of the Gray Bear Pirates couldn't handle the blow and collapsed onto the ground, while others cursed unwillingly.
Watching their expressions shift from hope to despair, the audience stands erupted once again with thunderous cheers.
Only now did the women beside Leno fully realize that the grand performance tonight was nothing more than a farce meant to toy with people's hearts.
The anticipation they had felt vanished, replaced by disappointment. None of them looked pleased.
Even though they knew this group of pirates who coveted others' treasure weren't good people, they still couldn't agree with Tesoro's methods.
Nami, sitting beside Leno, curled her lips and frowned.
"What a nasty bastard."
Hancock glanced at the flamboyant Tesoro in the arena, then snuggled deeper into Leno's arms and spoke with disgust in her voice.
"These filthy men can't compare to even one finger of Leno-sama."
"Mm, Hancock, if you can talk like that, say more of it."
Leno gently pinched her delicate nose, tightening the arm wrapped around her waist.
He smiled and glanced at his crewmates, each wearing different expressions. After thinking for a moment, he asked tentatively,
"So... have you all had your fun these past few days? Should we leave?"
Hearing this, everyone looked at each other and nodded almost simultaneously.
Even Yamato and Carrot, who were busy stuffing food into their mouths, agreed while puffing out their cheeks.
Only Nami beside him looked conflicted. After biting her lip for a moment, she finally made up her mind and declared,
"Alright! Let's go to the casino one more time, then we'll leave!"
"..."
Leno shot her an annoyed glance and decided not to bother arguing with this troublemaker.
Over the past few days, this girl had done nothing except live in the casino.
Even her good friend Vivi looked speechless and rubbed her forehead.
"Nami... it's already been so many days. You're still not satisfied?"
"What kind of question is that? Who would ever get tired of picking up free money?"
Nami looked at Vivi as if she were looking at a fool. Who would refuse money that came for free? Was she stupid?
She swept a proud gaze across everyone present, her face full of smug satisfaction.
These people had no idea how much money she had won over the past few days.
If she told them, they'd be scared to death! Hmph!
Seeing her acting so full of herself, Leno couldn't hold back any longer. He casually tossed out several suitcases.
Speaking disdainfully, he said,
"Picking up money? How much could you possibly pick up? More than me?"
"This is what I won on the first day. 12 billion Berries."
"What?!"
Looking at the suitcases in front of them, not only Nami but everyone else was stunned.
When one of the suitcases was opened and they saw the neatly stacked Berries inside—
Instead of looking depressed, Nami's eyes instantly began to shine brilliantly.
She immediately hugged the suitcases tightly to her chest, her voice trembling as she muttered,
"Mine... mine... they're all mine..."
"..."
...
...
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