"Rolan, how do you plan to handle this?" Robin asked, tilting her head with curiosity.
Rolan stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Isn't it interesting to see a Marine Vice Admiral and the chief swordsman of the world's strongest pirate crew together?"
He wasn't meddling out of selfish curiosity. He simply wanted to introduce them and let things unfold naturally. Whether it worked out or not was up to them. Still, he secretly hoped the Green Algae Head would finally find a partner.
Nami raised an eyebrow, glancing at him. "Are you serious? If they got together, Gion would have to leave the Marines. But would the Marines really allow a Vice Admiral of her caliber to just walk away?"
Rolan wagged a finger in front of her. "You underestimate love. If mountains and seas separate hearts, then mountains and seas can be leveled."
Nami fell silent, pondering his words.
Rolan chuckled softly. "Gion can now express her feelings openly. She's the type who goes all-in for love."
Lina nodded, beginning to understand. "I see now."
"Alright, let's drop it," Rolan said, turning toward the elevator. "We're only introducing them. Whether Gion wins his heart or Zoro finds a partner is up to her."
The elevator carried them up to the top floor, where an unexpected sight greeted them: a wall of shining gold, smooth and uninterrupted, with no visible door.
Everyone froze, confused. The maid had said the office was just ahead, but how could they enter?
Before anyone could react further, a giant head emerged from the wall.
"I'll hit you!" Lina shouted, delivering a swift kick.
"Ouch! Hey, stop hitting me! I said stop!" the head cried out, revealing itself to be Mr. Tanaka, one of Tesoro's subordinates.
"You scared me popping out like that!" Lina patted her chest, still shaken.
"I apologize, Lady Lina!" Tanaka quickly bowed.
Rolan glanced at him, slightly amused. In the theatrical version, Tanaka had always been a theatrical, comically sinister figure.
"Lord Rolan, please hold hands. I'll take you inside," Tanaka said, a mischievous grin on his face.
Everyone exchanged puzzled glances. How were they supposed to enter? Did they really have to hold hands with him?
Tanaka laughed. "I ate the Pass-Pass Fruit. I'm a Pass-Pass Human. I can pass through any inorganic matter."
Rolan simply nodded. Having seen the theatrical version in his previous life, he understood immediately.
Passing through the golden wall, they arrived inside a vast, luxurious office. Tesoro rose, greeting them with customary flair.
"How is it, Lord Rolan? How do you find my Golden City?" he asked.
Rolan gave a slow nod. "It's impressive. Truly lives up to its reputation as the world's premier entertainment city. The buildings, the attractions, everything radiates decadence. It's easy to see why gamblers like Lina would forget to leave."
Tesoro beamed. "Then I take it you enjoyed yourself?"
Rolan's voice was calm and honest. "Quite."
Tesoro's pride swelled. Few visitors found Golden City dull or unentertaining.
His gaze flicked toward the blind man beside Rolan. "And who is this?" he asked, curious.
"This is… well…" Rolan hesitated briefly, then smiled slightly. "A friend of mine, Issho. He may be blind, but he is extraordinarily powerful — a swordsman of no small skill."
Tesoro's eyes widened subtly. If Rolan considered him a friend, he was no ordinary man. Tesoro could feel Issho's immense aura, far stronger than his own. As a companion of Rolan's, he deserved respect.
"Mr. Issho, greetings. I am Gild Tesoro, King of Golden City," he said formally.
Issho inclined his head. "I am Issho, an ordinary man," he replied humbly. He didn't care much for Tesoro, who valued wealth above all, but he held no particular disdain either. He was simply assessing the relationship between Tesoro and Rolan.
Judging by Tesoro's respectful attitude, Issho realized that Tesoro must answer to Rolan. The true master behind Golden City was clearly Rolan.
For a moment, Issho thought more highly of the young pirate than ever. He had orchestrated such a grand scheme with calm authority, something few his age could manage.
Rolan, oblivious to Issho's thoughts, listened as Tesoro outlined Golden City's plans. Their goal was to integrate it fully into Peach Garden's commercial network, creating a reliable economic source. Tesoro provided expertise; Rolan mostly observed and occasionally offered forward-thinking suggestions, trusting Tesoro entirely.
Issho was struck by how completely Rolan delegated authority, treating Tesoro as an equal rather than a subordinate. This trust and wisdom impressed him deeply.
As discussions continued, Issho realized something astonishing: Golden City had joined Peach Garden only a few days ago. Rolan's philosophy emphasized people over power — no exploitation, no oppression. This was the kind of world Issho had always envisioned.
And most shocking of all: Rolan and his allies aimed ultimately to challenge the World Government. Unlike pirates who sought to fight alone, Rolan intended to gather collective strength, build Peach Garden into a formidable force, and then confront the World Government strategically.
Issho couldn't help but feel a surge of respect. This was a pirate who thought beyond individual power, someone capable of reshaping the world. The only concern was whether the World Government would allow Peach Garden to develop without interference.