Leno and his group were strolling through the glittering streets.
Taking in the extravagant atmosphere of this Golden City.
After all—
This was the place least lacking in gold.
Even the trash cans radiated luxury.
In Tesoro's view—
He might not fear a Yonko—
But appearances still had to be maintained.
After all, Leno was a Yonko on the surface.
The proper respect had to be shown.
Before long—
A well-dressed, respectful attendant approached Leno.
He bowed deeply.
"Honored Lord Leno, Lord Tesoro is deeply honored by your presence."
"He has specially sent me to invite you and your companions to a higher-class area, where there are more premium entertainment options and a more comfortable environment. We hope you will enjoy yourselves."
Leno glanced at the attendant.
Then at the women around him, who were clearly interested—
And nodded casually.
"Lead the way."
Since the host had invited them—
There was no need to refuse.
After all—
In the face of absolute strength, any schemes were nothing more than clownish tricks.
Hadn't Kaido said it?
Haki transcends all.
Simply put—
Strength reigns supreme.
A mere "Gold Emperor" wasn't worth his concern.
The attendant respectfully led the way.
They left the bustling main streets—
Passed through several heavily guarded corridors—
And arrived at a more luxurious, private high-end casino.
The place was dazzling.
The air was filled with the scent of expensive perfume and cigars.
Beautifully dressed hostesses in revealing outfits moved about carrying drinks.
From time to time—
Hands would grope them.
Yet their smiles never faded.
At the gaming tables—
Chips piled up like mountains.
Each one worth a fortune.
At the entrance—
A stunning woman with a curvaceous figure, long red hair, and wheat-colored skin stood waiting.
She wore a professional smile.
"Welcome, honored Lord Leno, and all the beautiful ladies."
Baccarat bowed slightly.
Her voice was sweet and alluring.
"I am Baccarat. It is my pleasure to serve you."
"Lord Tesoro has specifically instructed that you must experience the ultimate pleasures of Gran Tesoro."
Her gaze swept over Leno—
Then the women behind him.
It lingered briefly on Hancock, Domino, and the others.
A flicker of surprise—and jealousy—passed through her eyes.
But it was quickly hidden behind her smile.
Leno looked at Baccarat—
And immediately understood.
"So, the Luck-Luck Fruit user… as expected, Tesoro has ill intentions."
Not nearly as perceptive as the Heavenly Yaksha.
Wasn't this just an attempt to use physical contact—
To drain their luck?
Then make them lose everything at the gambling tables—
Burden them with massive debts—
And force them under Tesoro's control?
That's exactly how he dealt with the Straw Hats in the original story.
"How laughably naive."
Leno sneered inwardly.
"Looks like this so-called 'Gold Emperor' has spent too much time with Doflamingo and still doesn't understand what a true Yonko represents."
Trying to control a sea emperor through debt?
A frog at the bottom of a well!
Did he think this was some kind of cheap drama—
Where debt meant total submission?
Or had he collected debts for so long—
He thought Yonko worked the same way?
"Show us around," Leno said lazily, pretending not to notice anything unusual.
"Of course, it would be my honor." Baccarat's smile grew even brighter.
She stepped forward—
Naturally reaching to hook her arm around Leno's.
Confident in her beauty—
Surely he wouldn't refuse?
But just as her fingers were about to touch him—
Leno casually sidestepped.
Avoiding her entirely.
Instead—
He wrapped an arm around Hancock's slender waist.
Why settle for her—
When the Pirate Empress was right here?
And who knew what kind of shady dealings Baccarat had with Tesoro?
Besides—
Her ability required physical contact.
Who knew how many people she had already touched?
"Hancock, what should we try first?"
Leno lowered his head, asking gently.
Hancock froze for a moment—
Then her face flushed red.
Her heart melted instantly.
One hand covered her blushing cheek as she pointed randomly.
"Since Lord Leno is asking… then… let's try that one first!"
Baccarat's hand froze midair.
Her perfect smile stiffened—
Before quickly recovering.
But a trace of gloom flashed deep in her eyes.
"What a cautious man… or did he just not find me attractive?!"
She was shocked—
But didn't give up.
The latter possibility?
Impossible.
Wasn't it said—
"If you can't see your feet when looking down, you're a beauty beyond compare"?
She glanced down.
All she saw—
Was a deep valley.
BIG MOM: Are you talking about me?
"I see, roulette is quite exciting. Please follow me."
Baccarat continued leading the way.
At the same time—
Her gaze shifted toward the other women, searching for a new target.
It landed on Perona—
Who looked harmless, clutching her teddy bear.
Dressed like that—
Clearly some naive little girl.
Perfect target.
Without hesitation—
She acted.
"Little cutie, want big sister to show you something fun?" Baccarat smiled, reaching out to pat Perona's head.
"Hmph! Stay away from me—I hate people with no sense of boundaries!"
Perona was the Ghost Princess.
Proud and tsundere.
Not someone easily approached.
Especially not someone reaching for her head.
She floated away with Kumacy—
Sticking out her tongue at Baccarat.
Baccarat's hand missed again.
Her smile twitched.
She turned to Little Alice—
Who was looking around curiously.
"Little one, see that shiny slot machine? Want to try it?"
Alice looked at her timidly.
"…Really?"
Hooked.
Baccarat's eyes lit up.
Her gentlest smile appeared.
"Of course."
Her hands reached out—
Trying to take Alice's.
"Oh, then never mind. I'm not interested."
Alice pushed her glasses up—
Instantly switching from a timid girl to a cold little princess.
Baccarat froze.
Her outstretched hand—
And expression—
Both locked in place.
A vein throbbed at her temple.
After repeated failures—
She was close to breaking.
She looked toward Kalifa, Domino, Najin—
But found—
They either ignored her,
Radiated strength she didn't dare approach,
Or, like Najin, remained completely unmoved.
The only one who seemed approachable—
Stussy—
Who shared a similar seductive aura—
Had already hooked Leno's other arm.
And even shot her a provocative glance.
Baccarat nearly spat blood.
What kind of group was this?!
Why was every single one of them so hard to deal with?!
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