At the bustling port of the Sabaody Archipego, a rge, grand ship docked. The ship's fg bore the symbol of a Pele , a clear sign of a mert vessel. Its imposing size and polished appearance gave off an air of wealth and prosperity.

  As the gangpnk was lowered, a man with a striking presence disembarked. He wore an ostentatious pink suit, a bold statement in itself. His slicked-back hair shone uhe sunlight, and a pair of bck sungsses hid his eyes. Gold adorned him from head to toe: every finger had a ring, and a massive hung heavily around his neck. He exuded the unmistakable aura of wealth, though it teetered on the edge of being overdone.

  This man was her than Gild Tesoro.

  Since parting ways with Cudius, Tesoro had fully embraced the opportunities preseo him. He uood Cudius's subtle directives and plunged headfirst into the shipping business, quickly mastering its intricacies. But shipping was just the beginning, he expanded his ventures, establishing os on various isnds.

  One of his proudest achievements artnership with Crocodile. Together, they had ied in Abasta's Rainnd, strug the massive and opulent o city, Rain Dinners. Additionally, Tesoro had fed an alliah Dofmingo, being a key pyer ier's dark-world operations by ag as a "freight tractor."

  Despite havihan a year to work with, Tesoro's rapid success spoke volumes about his business a. His ventures flourished, exceeding all expectations.

  Now, with his sights set even higher, Tesoro dreamed of creating the world's rgest eai hub. It would be an all-enpassing city with a o at its core, surrounded by various eai and leisure facilities.

  inally, Tesoro had po head to the New World to further expand his reach. However, when he received Cudius's summons, he immediately set aside his pns and rushed to the Sabaody Archipego. Luckily, he was already in the viity, so Cudius didn't have to wait long.

  ---

  At the Maripost on Sabaody Archipego, Cudius was iing the area while enjoying a cup of tea.

  The moment Tesoro saw Cudius, he didn't hesitate to rush forward. In a dramatic dispy of loyalty, he dropped to his knees before Cudius and said respectfully, "Yhness, it's been far too long. Your most loyal servant, Tesoro, is here to pay his respects."

  Cudius raised an eyebrow, smirking at the dispy. "Looks like you've been spending too much time with Spandine. Not bad, you've mao pick up his fir for fttery. Get up already."

  Tesoro stood up with a wide grin. "Spandine is a vital part of CP-X. His spy work spans the world, and many of his operatives hold important positions. Maintaining a good retionship with him has proven invaluable for my business dealings, as I'm sure Yhness has noticed."

  Cudius chuckled. "I've heard about your exploits. You've done well, Tesoro—better than I expected. Keep it up."

  Tesoro's face lit up with joy at the pliment. "Thank you, Yhness. I'll make sure to live up to your expectations!"

  Cudius nodded, setting his teacup down. "I didn't call you here just for pleasantries. I've got something for you to handle."

  "Whatever Yhness ands," Tesoro replied without hesitation.

  "Well," Cudius began, leaning back slightly, "it's business-reted. Since I intend for you to oversee CP-X's financial operations iure, why don't you guess what I'm about to ask of you?"

  Tesoro fell silent, his brow furrowing in thought. He had been p this very question on his journey here. After a moment, he ventured a guess.

  "Is it about Umit, the so-called 'Shipping King'? The wolf who doesn't know how to show gratitude? Are you pnning to deal with him and have me take over his operations?"

  Cudius ughed heartily. "Smart guess."

  Tesrinned. "I recall Yhness mentioning Umit before. That's why I initially focused on the shipping industry, it seemed like the logical step. I've already gained some experien the field, and I'm prepared to take over whenever you see fit."

  Cudius's expression turned approving. Umit had been on his radar for a long time. While the man had initially been respectful, his growing influend arrogance had begun to show cracks in his loyalty.

  Cudius had tolerated him, biding his time aing Umit's business flourish under his shadow. But now that Tesoro had proven himself a capable successor, the time had e to cut Umit loose.

  "Exactly," Cudius said. "It's time for you to repce Umit. This will allow you to solidate your position and give you the resources you o pursue your ambitions. But that's just one part of the pn. Care to take anuess?"

  Tesoro smirked, realizing that Cudius wouldn't summon him for something as straightforward as taking over Umit's business. There had to be more to it.

  After some thought, he said, "Perhaps it's about the business opportunities on Fish-Man Isnd? Yhness has ied a lot there retly. It seems like you're ying the groundwork for something big. Fish-Man Isnd has enormous potential, if its wealth be tapped, the returns will be limitless."

  Cudius's eyes gleamed with satisfa. "Very good, Tesoro. You're right. Fish-Man Isnd represents a gold mine of untapped potential. And with the groundwork we've id, it's time to turn that potential into profit. I'll leave the ma of Fish-Man Isnd's ercial veo you."

  Tesorhtened, determination shining in his eyes. "I won't let you down, Yhness."

  Cudius nodded. "But there's one more task, one even bigger than the first two. you guess?"

  This time, Tesoro hesitated. He scratched his head, trying to think of what could be rger than taking over Umit's shipping empire or managing Fish-Man Isnd's wealth. After a while, he shook his head. "I'm sorry, Yhness, but I 't figure it out."

  Cudius smiled knowingly. "That's no surprise, it's a cssified matter. Few people know about it. But if we succeed, it will y the foundation for something that could st a tury or even a millennium. Pay close attention, Tesoro."

  Tesoro's breath hitched, excitement flickering in his eyes. He could feel the weight of the trust Cudius g in him.

  "Yhness, I'm listening," Tesoro said solemnly.

  Cudius's tone became serious. "Marine stists have developed a eology that alloassage through the Calm Belt, redug much of the associated risk. Using Amazon Lily as a tral hub, we pn to expand operations throughout the Calm Belt. With the bor force from Fish-Man Isnd, we'll extract resources from the sea floor—minerals, rare materials, and more."

  He tinued, "Your job will be to oversee the development of this projed ehe resources are sold effitly. bihis with Umit's shippiwork, and the possibilities are endless. The Calm Belt is a treasure trove waiting to be unlocked. Do you uand the importance of this mission?"

  Tesoro's voice was steady, filled with resolve. "I uand perfectly, Yhness. I'll give it everything I have."

  Cudius smiled warmly. "Good. But don't overburden yourself. Let me know if you need support."

  Tesrinned. "There's no such thing as too much work when it es t you, Yhness. Besides, I've already started assembling a team. Wheime is right, I'll introduce them to you."

  Cudius leaned back, satisfied. The foundation of CP-X's business empire was solidifying, and with talents like Tesoro at the helm, the future looked brighter than ever.