On the construction site, explosions rang out one after another.
Three future top combat forces of the Marines were currently transformed into the most efficient free laborers, crazily pouring their energy into the three mountains.
The construction of Punk Hazard entered an unprecedented period of high-speed development.
The foundations had been laid, the prototype of the hundred-meter-high alloy walls had begun to appear, and the massive underground space had been hollowed out. The entire island was like an awakened steel behemoth, undergoing visible changes every day.
But Tatsuki knew that this wasn't enough.
Redfield was a top-tier debt collector who could solve immediate needs but couldn't become a stable cash flow.
The New World was too large, with too many strong individuals, his efficiency alone was ultimately limited.
More importantly, making too much noise would easily attract the attention of the Headquarters. If a legendary pirate suddenly started "visiting" big shots from both the black and white worlds across the globe, specifically picking the wealthy ones to strike, even a fool could guess there was a problem behind it.
He had plucked the Fleet Admiral's wool so hard that the old man was nearly bald. If he plucked any more, it would alarm the Gorosei.
He had to find a stable, efficient, and sufficiently hidden long-term source of wealth.
A heart that could continuously pump blood into his war fortress.
Rob the Heavenly Tribute?
Tatsuki dismissed the thought immediately.
It wasn't that he feared the Celestial Dragons, but such an action was meaningless. If he robbed it, the World Government would just transfer the deficit to the Affiliated Nations, and those kings would intensify their exploitation of the commoners.
Although he was greedy, he wasn't greedy enough to smash the rice bowls of ordinary people.
His gaze swept across the sea chart and finally landed on that massive network spread across the world, growing in the shadows and controlling endless wealth and intelligence.
The Underworld of the New World.
Tatsuki pulled an exquisitely crafted medallion from his robe. In the center of the medallion was engraved the symbol of the World Government, and the edge was a ring of patterns representing the highest authority.
The Gorosei had made him a direct intelligence officer and specially bestowed the "CP0 Mobilization Order."
This thing was far more useful than ten billion Berries.
—
New World, the Sleepless City, Pleasure District.
As night fell, this city built upon desire had just begun to wake up. Neon lights flickered, a world of wine and emeralds.
As the most prosperous den of iniquity in the Underworld, all sorts of people from the sea gathered here. Pirates, mafias, and even royalty in disguise were all here squandering their excess hormones and money.
And in the center of the city, at the top of the tallest tower, was the heart of this city.
That was the private domain of the Queen of Pleasure District, Stussy.
Inside the office, the light from the luxurious crystal chandelier was soft, and the air was filled with the rich aroma of top-tier red wine mixed with a woman's body fragrance.
Stussy leaned lazily against the burgundy velvet sofa, swirling the liquid in her glass. Her golden curls fell over her fair collarbone, her long legs were crossed, and the slit in her nightgown revealed glimpses of her beauty.
She appeared to be tasting wine, but she was actually reviewing intelligence regarding recent movements in the New World.
"Reconstruction of the G-5 Branch... Tatsuki..."
Stussy looked at the intelligence in her hand, her red lips curving into a playful arc.
"The young man who defeated Shiki? He even managed to repel Redfield. What an interesting man."
Just then—
"Since you find me interesting, why not get to know me in person?" A slightly teasing male voice rang out in the room without warning.
Stussy's finger holding the wine glass paused slightly, but she didn't scream or panic like an ordinary woman. As a top CP0 agent, her psychological fortitude far exceeded that of normal people.
She slowly raised her head and looked toward the floor-to-ceiling window of the office that had been pushed open at some unknown time.
The night wind poured in, blowing the curtains.
A tall figure draped in a coat of justice stood there, silhouetted against the moonlight.
It was Tatsuki.
He showed no awareness of being an uninvited guest and strode into the room, his leather boots leaving conspicuous mud prints on the expensive handmade carpet.
"Rear Admiral... Tatsuki?"
Stussy set down her wine glass, the surprise on her face vanishing in a flash, replaced by that signature, charming, and professional fake smile.
She stood up, her silk nightgown sliding gently with her movements, outlining her stunning curves.
"Oh my, what a rare guest."
Stussy moved with graceful steps, bringing a waft of fragrant wind as she took the initiative to approach.
"What wind blew the famous Marine Hero to my humble little place?"
"What? Not welcome?"
Tatsuki walked in grandly, his gaze direct, unashamedly admiring the beautiful scenery before him.
"Of course not."
Stussy walked up to Tatsuki.
"The Marine Hero's presence brings light to this humble abode. Does a great figure like you have any special needs? I have many lovely sisters here. No matter what kind you like, I can satisfy you."
As she spoke, her slender fingers, with a hint of flirtation, lightly brushed across Tatsuki's neck.
This was her weapon.
On this sea, few men could refuse the charm of the Queen of the Pleasure District.
However...
Tatsuki just looked down at her, his eyes as clear as a saint's—if one ignored his eyes that were unscrupulously sizing up her figure.
He pulled out a cigar and lit it for himself. He inhaled the thick smoke into his lungs, then turned his head and blew it all onto that exquisite face.
"Cough, cough..."
Caught off guard, Stussy choked and took half a step back, the smile on her face stiffening for a moment.
"Don't keep calling them 'sisters,' it's so distant."
Through the smoke, Tatsuki looked at that slightly disheveled face and grinned, revealing a row of pearly white teeth.
"I think you're quite good. You've maintained yourself well, one can't tell your actual age at all."
His gaze scanned her body unscrupulously before finally settling on her charming eyes.
"How about you personally satisfy me?"
The smile on Stussy's face froze completely.
She took a step back, maintaining a safe distance, a hint of cold warning entering her eyes.
"Rear Admiral Tatsuki certainly knows how to joke."
"If you're here for fun, Pleasure District is always welcome. If you're here to cause trouble... although you are a Marine Hero, the waters behind this place are much deeper than you imagine."
"If there's something, just say it directly."
(End of Chapter)
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