Fortuna Community, Sales Office.
Gurd sat in the sofa area, chin resting on his clasped hands, brows furrowed deeply.
"Who let this bastard move in?"
"The Chairman," the sales manager whispered in explanation. "According to company policy, anyone who pays can purchase property here. We're not allowed to investigate homeowners' backgrounds."
"I know that already. Get out."
Gurd waved him away irritably, then turned his attention to the melancholic Prince lookalike Cavendish sitting across from him, feeling another headache coming on.
As a homeowner in Fortuna Community—and a Villa Zone homeowner at that—Cavendish was a gold-card VIP of their Groudon Company.
He had to be treated well!
Driving away customers was absolutely out of the question—that was a matter of principle. But what if this guy sleepwalked in the middle of the night and went on a rampage in his community?
Split personalities needed treatment!
Cavendish plucked petals from a rose one by one, popping them into his mouth while side-eyeing Gurd with undisguised disdain.
"Naturally, this Prince must reside only in the finest accommodations!"
"..."
Well said!
Gurd nodded in agreement.
His Fortuna Community was indeed the best!
Beautiful environment, clean and tidy, complete with all kinds of amenities, plus 24/7 security patrols for safety and reliability.
Wait.
Where did this guy get so much money?
The villas here were going for nearly 500 million Berries each!
Regardless, he couldn't let an uncontrollable idiot stay in his community—unless this guy could keep himself in check.
But keeping an eye on him wouldn't be easy.
This guy's skills were quite impressive, and his split personality made him even stronger. Probably only the captains in the community could restrain him.
After some thought, Gurd made a proposal.
"Cavendish, interested in joining my company?"
"No!"
Cavendish refused without hesitation.
He never wanted to experience being upstaged again.
"Is that so? What a shame."
Gurd sighed regretfully. "I was planning to make you the face of our company. Maybe even have Morgans run a special feature on you. We could make movies too—turn you into a superstar."
"Really?!"
Cavendish nearly jumped out of his seat.
A superstar!
His greatest dream was to become the most popular superstar!
"Of course it's true."
Gurd dangled the bait with a smile.
He might suck at fishing, but when it came to reeling people in, he was top-notch.
Even the best wine needed exposure. With war on the horizon, this was the perfect opportunity to expand their business into the first half of the Grand Line.
A fresh-faced pretty boy like Cavendish was the ideal spokesperson. Skills didn't matter much—what counted was star power.
Though it pained him to admit, among the younger crowd, Supernovas were far more popular than old-timers like him.
Gurd lamented, "Well, if you're not interested, I'll just have to sign someone else and hand all that fame over to them instead."
"Wait, I'll sign!"
Cavendish immediately backtracked.
When it came to popularity, he'd never yield to anyone else!
Gurd raised an eyebrow in feigned surprise.
"You want to sign? No pressure, right?"
"No pressure!"
Cavendish tilted his head at a dramatic angle, showing off his perfect three-quarter profile. "This Prince was born for the silver screen!"
"..."
I really want to punch this punk.
Gurd beckoned.
"Chikara, go print out a contract!"
"Yes."
The contract signing process was already second nature to him, and this time, the term was thirty years, with a breach penalty so exorbitant that repayment would be utterly impossible.
If Cavendish violated the contract, he could forget about ever appearing in newspapers or weekly magazines again—no media outlet would work with him.
Cavendish had no clue about the intricacies hidden within. Faced with the thick stack of contracts, he couldn't be bothered to scrutinize each one. After skimming through the key clauses and confirming nothing seemed amiss, he swiftly signed his name with a flourish.
Gurd's face lit up with a grin. "Chikara, contact Morgans immediately. I want a promotional photoshoot for Mr. Cavendish to feature in the next issue of the entertainment weekly!"
"And hire him some dance and vocal coaches. A future superstar must know how to sing, dance, and rap!"
"Yes, sir."
Chikara shot Cavendish a pitying glance. Knowing Gurd's habits, there was undoubtedly a trap hidden somewhere in this deal.
A promotional photoshoot? An entertainment weekly? Professional singing and dancing instructors?
Cavendish's eyes sparkled with excitement.
A superstar was about to be born!
Once he became a megastar, how would he handle the overwhelming popularity? There'd surely be hordes of fans clamoring for his autograph!
"I have other matters to attend to. I'll find you later."
Gurd glanced at Cavendish, lost in his fantasies, and smirked before rising and leaving the room.
Speed had been waiting for some time.
"Gurd, we've just received intel—the Red Hair Pirates have entered the New World. Judging by their course, their destination is likely Hachinosu Island."
"Hmm."
Gurd narrowed his eyes.
Probably for Blackbeard's sake.
Speed asked, "Should we stop Red Hair?"
"And how would we do that?"
Gurd retorted irritably.
Unless he or Big Brother Kaido stepped in personally, what could they possibly use to stop Red Hair? Rely on little brother Jack?
"Leave Red Hair be for now."
Gurd shook his head.
Even if Red Hair came in person, it wouldn't change the situation. Blackbeard was currently lurking in the first half of the Grand Line, beyond their reach.
Besides, even if Whitebeard tried to recall Ace, Ace wouldn't return. That fool had gone after Blackbeard on his own accord—stubborn to the core, and that wasn't about to change.
Gurd arrived at Marco's home.
Marco had been waiting in the yard for a while.
"Gurd, come on in."
"Sure."
Gurd stepped inside.
Marco's wife emerged from the bedroom, cradling their sleeping child. She bowed slightly to Gurd, her eyes brimming with gratitude.
"Chairman!"
"Sasha, you've worked hard."
Gurd smiled and nodded.
He currently held three titles: Vice-Captain of the Beasts Pirate Crew, Supreme Commander of the Hoenn Government, and Chairman of the Groudon Company.
Sasha was still his employee.
And she was on paid maternity leave!
"Let me see the little one."
Gurd leaned in to peek at the bundle in Sasha's arms. The baby's pointed head and sprout-like tuft of hair were the spitting image of Marco.
"Marco Pineapple?"
"It's Pineapple!"
Marco scowled in emphasis. Just because his favorite fruit was pineapple didn't mean his child was one too!
"Sounds like pineapple to me."
In a certain language, "Pineapple" was a homophone for "Pineapple."
Gurd chuckled and pulled out a gift box.
"A present for the little one."
"What is it?"
Marco accepted the box, curiosity bubbling inside him. A gift from the Underworld's wealthiest patron was bound to be extraordinary.
Opening the gift box, a golden pineapple came into view.
Crafted from pure gold, its value was astounding!
Even the green leaves were carved from gemstones!
Marco's face darkened like the bottom of a pot.
"Another pineapple!!!"
(End of chapter)