Sabo pushed up his glasses. "I see. Mr. Tesoro is investing in Wano's future."
Ace scratched his head, looking confused. "Finance? What's that? Can you eat it?"
Ann silently delivered the final blow. "Idiot Ace."
Hiyori explained gently. "In simple terms, it's about how to make money, how to spend money, and how to make a country rich."
Hizumi's fingers flew over the abacus beads. Her eyes sparkled. "Master Tesoro said that once I learn his business skills, Wano can become an economic superpower! Then we won't even need to abolish the closed country policy — because the whole world will beg us to open our borders!"
Oden stood frozen for a moment. Then he slapped his thigh. "Kuhahaha! That's my daughter! You even managed to win over Tesoro!"
Sabo pushed up his glasses. The lenses gleamed. "No wonder Uncle Tesoro always says that economic warfare is the real 'invincible'..."
Ann blinked. She suddenly turned to look at Rhett. "Uncle, can I learn accounting?"
Rhett: "...?"
The whole scene went silent for a second.
"Pfft, hahaha!" Roger slapped his thigh, laughing. "Kid, the children you raised just keep getting more and more interesting!"
Rhett put a hand to his forehead. "Ann, are you serious?"
Ann nodded. Her gaze was firm. "Mm. Tesoro said that pirates who can't do math will get their treasure stolen."
Hiyori added quietly. "...Although I think Mr. Tesoro is the easiest one to trick people."
Hizumi raised her gold abacus high and announced excitedly, "Then it's decided! When we go to sea, we're going to make a fortune! Buy the biggest ship! Eat the best meat!"
"Yeah—!!!" The children cheered together.
Oden sheathed his swords. He watched his energetic daughters and smiled proudly. He turned and patted Rhett on the shoulder.
"Hey, Rhett, these kids' futures are really something to look forward to!"
Rhett grunted, but the corners of his mouth curled up. "No kidding. I taught them."
Rhett appeared behind the children. The blood mist turned into a little hand and poked Hizumi's head. "Kid, don't just focus on accounting. You need to keep up your combat skills too."
Hizumi puffed out her cheeks. "Uncle Rhett! I practice swordsmanship every day!"
Hiyori added with a smile. "And Mr. Tesoro promised that after we go to sea, the 'Gold Trading Company' will support us. He said... how did he put it? — He'll subsidize our shipbuilding."
Sabo's eyes lit up. "Does that mean we won't have to worry about buying ships and equipment?"
Ace jumped up excitedly. "Awesome! I want a super-fast ship!"
Everyone: "..."
Just then, Tesoro's voice came from a distance. "Hizumi, have you finished checking today's accounts?"
Hizumi jumped. She immediately put away her abacus and answered loudly, "Coming right now, Master!"
She turned to Oden and stuck out her tongue. "Father, let's pause today's match for now!"
......
Tesoro wore gold-rimmed glasses. He held a stack of fresh berry bills in his hand. He stood in front of the children with a smile.
"Here. This month's allowance. One hundred thousand berries each."
"Wow! Thank you, Uncle Tesoro!" Ace ran up first. His eyes sparkled like stars.
"Thank you, Mr. Tesoro." Sabo pushed up his glasses and took the money politely.
"Mm. Thank you." Ann thanked him briefly, but the corners of her mouth curled up.
Hiyori bowed gracefully. "Thank you very much."
Hizumi grinned and leaned in. "You're the best, Master!"
Tesoro nodded with satisfaction and continued distributing. But when he was about to hand the next stack to the next "child," he noticed the bills being taken by a hand that was noticeably larger.
"Thank you, Uncle Tesoro!" A familiar voice rang out.
Tesoro looked up.
"You bastard captain, don't think I forgot. You already collected your allowance at the beginning of the month."
"And don't think changing your voice will let you collect twice!!"
Ace grabbed the thick stack of bills. His eyes were wide. "One hundred thousand berries?! How much meat can that buy?!"
Sabo quickly did the math. "At East Blue market prices, probably enough to eat until you explode. Or..."
Ann silently tucked the cards into her pocket. Her little face was serious. "Save it. Buy a good sword."
Hiyori and Hizumi smiled at each other. Hizumi waved her money playfully. "Thank you, Master! Now I have enough to buy new swords!"
Kuina was a little embarrassed to take the card. "This is... too generous..."
Tesoro waved his hand. "It's just a little money. Remember, if you run out, just charge it to the company. Use my name."
Rhett protested. "You can use my name too!"
Tesoro spoke in a gentle voice but said something cold. "If you use my name, you can withdraw the money directly. You can also use the captain's name, of course. They'll just call me to confirm first."
Evil Rhett's eye twitched. "...You're teaching the kids bad habits, aren't you? Yes, giving children this much money is too dangerous. Give it to your uncle. Uncle will save it for you."
Tesoro said matter-of-factly. "This is called business education. This way, they won't be bound by small favors. Besides—" He suddenly looked at Rhett with a contemptuous expression. "Who do you think helped you launder all those stolen warships into 'legal fishing boats' back in the day?"
Rhett: "...Then let me advance some more."
Tesoro was ruthless. "No. You still haven't paid back the overspending from last month's alcohol purchases."
Rhett pointed at Roger indignantly. "What about that old bastard? He just stole my hidden stash! I didn't drink that!"
Roger was hiding behind a tree, secretly drinking. He choked and coughed. "Cough, cough! Kid, you're selling me out?!"
Tesoro pushed up his glasses. The lenses glinted coldly. "Mr. Roger already used your name to advance next month's alcohol budget. I thought since he's your captain, I'd put it on your tab. So—"
"You. Are. Now. In. Debt."
Rhett was struck by lightning. "What?!"
The children were turning red from trying not to laugh.
......
Under the setting sun, the teenagers' laughter drifted on the sea breeze. The future voyage was destined to be full of unknown adventures. But at this moment, their eyes were filled only with the longing for freedom and trust in their companions.
Rhett watched them. The corners of his mouth curled up. "These kids... they're really something to look forward to."
Roger appeared beside him at some point, grinning. "Kuhahaha! Isn't this just like us back in the day?"
Rhett glanced at him. "Old bastard, don't act so young."
Roger laughed. "Who cares! Let the new era be theirs to chase!"
"Right. So—Mist God Style: Nine Dragons Carrying the Coffin." Rhett suddenly swung the Black Tide Greatsword. "You didn't think I'd forget about you putting me in debt, did you, old bastard? Fly!!"