A figure appeared slowly at the east gate.
He had slicked back hair, round framed glasses resting on his nose, and wore a neat black suit. Most striking of all were his hands. Instead of arms, a pair of wings extended naturally from his sleeves, folded calmly at his sides.
The moment he appeared, Tesoro's pupils shrank sharply.
Instantaneous movement.
An overwhelming pressure spread outward, not deliberately released, yet heavy enough to suffocate. It was a presence Tesoro had only felt from a select few in his lifetime.
He had dealt with the Four Emperors before, and the man in front of him did not feel much weaker than them.
Tesoro had been paying close attention to the Ion Tempest Pirates for a long time. He recognized this man immediately.
The great pirate with a bounty of 1.37 billion berries.
The strategist of Ion Tempest.
Kuro.
Only after seeing him in person did Tesoro truly understand how absurdly underestimated Kuro's strength was.
"Good afternoon," Kuro said with a gentle smile. "You must be Mr. Tesoro. I am Kuro. May I ask what brings you to Peach Garden today?"
His tone was warm and polite, without the slightest hint of arrogance.
Tesoro steadied himself and nodded. "I am Tesoro."
At this point, Mr. Tanaka was frozen in place.
The pressure radiating from Kuro felt even heavier than when Tesoro was furious. Even though it was unintentional, it still made breathing difficult.
So this is Ion Tempest's second in command…
Terrifying.
Mr. Tanaka had always believed he had seen the strongest this world had to offer. Now he realized how laughably small his perspective had been.
They ruled Golden City, stood above countless others, and rarely regarded anyone as their equal.
Yet here, on someone else's territory, he felt like nothing more than a frog at the bottom of a well.
Kuro glanced upward briefly. "I guessed you likely came to speak with Rolan, and it probably concerns that matter."
He subtly gestured toward the sky.
Tesoro's eyes flickered.
Very few people knew the details of his past. He doubted Kuro knew about his history as a former slave of the Celestial Dragons. Yet Kuro did not assume he came seeking treasure or cooperation over the Great Treasure.
Instead, he pointed directly at the World Government.
That alone proved how terrifying Kuro's insight was.
Tesoro did not answer directly. "Since Lord Rolan isn't here, would I have the honor of touring Peach Garden first?"
Kuro raised an eyebrow.
He already understood what Tesoro's true purpose likely was, but since Tesoro chose not to say it aloud, Kuro did not press further.
"Very well," Kuro replied. "I'll personally show you around."
In the past, Kuro would never have acted as a guide.
But time spent in Peach Garden had changed him.
Here, people greeted him with genuine smiles every day. They spoke freely, laughed openly, and treated him not as a distant authority, but as someone they trusted.
The old Kuro believed that gold, silver, and wealth were the only things worth pursuing.
Now he knew better.
There were things in this world far more valuable than money.
Peach Garden itself, built step by step by Ion Tempest, had become his greatest treasure.
As Mr. Tanaka docked the golden ship at the eastern port, the group disembarked and followed behind Kuro.
"Lord Kuro!"
"Good afternoon, Lord Kuro!"
"Lord Kuro, come take a look at this stone we chose!"
"Lord Kuro, I said move the bridge, but he insisted on moving the building instead. Please judge for us!"
Kuro first led them to the civilian island.
Workers and residents greeted him enthusiastically, some even pulling him aside to ask for advice.
In the great battle of the past, the entire island had been shattered.
After Rolan personally repaired it, the island not only recovered, it surpassed its former state.
Construction projects were underway everywhere.
Kuro responded patiently, discussing progress and offering suggestions when needed.
Along the way, Tesoro felt shock after shock.
Every citizen and every worker wore expressions of genuine happiness.
And Kuro, one of the highest ranking figures in Peach Garden, stood among them without distance.
This was something Tesoro had never seen before.
Powerful figures were supposed to be untouchable, distant, feared.
Yet here, they were respected, not feared.
Kuro adjusted his glasses. "Surprised?"
Tesoro nodded instinctively.
"This is Rolan's philosophy," Kuro said calmly. "What you've seen so far is only the outer area. The main island will show you the true scale of what we're doing."
Tesoro felt anticipation rising in his chest.
Kuro led them across a massive bridge toward the central island.
"Welcome to Lungan."
Tesoro, Mr. Tanaka, and Baccarat stared ahead, speechless.
The main island stretched before them, its paths winding naturally through homes and shops. The sounds of daily life filled the air. Chickens clucked, merchants called out, and laughter echoed through the streets.
The roads were wide and clean, lined with shops on both sides. Guards patrolled in small groups, disciplined and alert.
Animals played freely along the streets.
After a long moment, Tesoro finally spoke. "This… this is Peach Garden?"
Lungan was not as extravagantly luxurious as Golden City.
Yet it overflowed with warmth and life.
Every face carried genuine happiness.
Unlike Golden City's artificial splendor, this joy was real.
For the first time in years, Tesoro felt the urge to set everything aside and live simply, as an ordinary resident of this place.
"Why aren't there any children?" Baccarat suddenly asked.
Tesoro and Mr. Tanaka realized she was right. There were no children in sight.
Kuro smiled faintly. "You'll see soon."
He stepped forward, continuing down the street.
As they moved closer to the island's center, the buildings grew taller and denser.
Suddenly, a sharp voice rang out.
"You can't go there! That's Daughter Country!"
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