Aus's words hit like a hammer. Straight into Tezolo's soul.
Everything... because I'm broke?
Yeah. That's right.
If he had money, his childhood wouldn't have been shit. Wouldn't have been forced onto the streets so young.
If he had money, he could've bought Stella earlier. Been with her forever.
If he had money, three years from now he could get the girl he loved back.
If he had money...
"I get it!"
Tezolo's eyes hardened. Staring at the "world's richest man" in front of him like he'd just found religion.
"Someday—I'll become the world's richest bastard and get Stella back!"
The kid roared it. Declared his dream to the world. Too bad no Conqueror's Haki leaked out to make it dramatic.
But that was exactly what Aus wanted to hear.
His smile widened. Looking at this promising seedling. Approving the dream.
World's richest, huh?
"Then... consider this your sponsorship. Startup capital."
Aus pulled another thick stack of Belly from his coat. Tossed it at Tezolo's feet. Couple million, probably.
Finally—
Tezolo left.
Kept looking back every few steps. Made his promise to Stella. Then ran off with Aus's Den Den Mushi.
"You actually like this guy?"
Little Sand had wanted to kill him the moment he came charging over. Aus stopped her.
"Looks like a two-bit punk to me. Weak as a civilian."
"In this world, determination and luck can turn nobodies into somebodies."
Just having the Gold-Gold Fruit wouldn't have made Tezolo the world's richest in the original timeline. Guy had to have brains and guts. Just needed to point them in the right direction.
He was qualified to work for Aus.
Might even become his number one contributor to the good life.
"What about the woman?"
Little Hawk glanced at Stella. He knew Aus didn't drag women around. Even for fun, he played and left.
Pretty heartless.
"Hand her to Sami."
Aus tugged the chain toward the red-light district.
Before leaving, he remembered something. Turned back to the auction house manager still standing there.
"Oh yeah—if a Marine Admiral shows up, tell him I'm the one who hit the Celestial Dragon. He can find me in the red-light district.
That's it."
Instructions given, Aus headed out.
Buru buru buru...
Click.
"Fufufu... Good afternoon, Lord Aus."
High-rise room somewhere. Doflamingo in his pink feather coat set down his wine. Brief surprise seeing the caller, then calm.
Please don't let those auction house idiots have caused problems...
"Nothing major, Doffy. Just need to tell you something."
Hearing Aus's tone was pretty chill, Doflamingo relaxed.
"I'm listening."
Aus's group had already warped to a high-rise in the red-light district.
Pushed open the door. Signaled the shocked Sami, No. 6, and No. 7 to stay quiet. Dropped onto the sofa.
"Keep an eye on a kid named Tezolo. Just met him this afternoon."
"Should I eliminate—"
"No. That Gold-Gold Fruit I've had you searching for—let him take it when you get the chance.
He's the guy I'm looking for. Best user for the Gold-Gold Fruit."
Doflamingo went silent. Mind racing.
He knew damn well how useful that fruit was. As an underworld king who'd mastered the String-String Fruit, he understood business and finance.
So...
This Tezolo's got Lord Aus's full attention.
Businessman Doffy immediately saw the value. Could establish connections early.
"One more thing—collect Devil Fruits. I'm building a collection.
Don't forget about the meeting coming up."
"Understood, Lord Aus."
Click.
Call ended. Sami and the maids approached respectfully.
Clearly thrilled Aus was back.
Even though he'd already told her he'd return to Sabaody for a meeting.
"Settle Stella here. No clients."
Aus gave the order casually. Didn't really care, just didn't want Tezolo's white moonlight getting ruined. Kid might have a breakdown.
Then his investment would tank.
"Yes, Lord Aus."
Sami was smart. Didn't ask questions. Just had someone take Stella away.
"Alright then. Time for a session."
Aus led Little Hawk and Little Sand to the massage center.
Walked in. Rows of masseuses lined up. Looking at the three with respect and enthusiasm.
Big boss. World's richest man. Anyone would want to seize this golden opportunity.
"Just a simple massage. None of the fancy stuff."
Mihawk knew the drill. Handed his coat to a maid. Lay shirtless on the massage table.
Crocodile looked disgusted. Glared away the muscular male masseuses prepared for female clients. Refused to change.
Aus lay down, relaxed. Saw Little Sand's cold stare. Sighed.
"If you don't want a massage, go upstairs. There's wine and a view."
Little Sand didn't bother responding. Turned to sand. Vanished.
"So antisocial. Doesn't know how to enjoy life."
Mihawk said nothing. Eyes closed. Accepting the back massage.
Supposedly muscle relaxation helped with swordsmanship.
The three enjoyed themselves.
Had no idea someone else was working overtime.
"Moshi moshi~ Borsalino here~"
"I've arrived at Sabaody Archipelago."
One hour. That's all it took. Warship reached Sabaody. Pirates scattered everywhere. Total chaos.
"It's the monster Vice Admiral!"
"We're screwed! Someone hit a Celestial Dragon!"
"What?!"
"Shut up and run!"
Fresh-off-the-boat pirate crew scrambled to escape. Then found a three-meter-tall Marine in yellow-striped clothing suddenly standing in front of them.
"Excuse me~ Do you gentlemen know the way to the largest auction house?"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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