"10 billion Berries ?"
Gurd stared at Stussy, his eyes brimming with possessiveness.
When Mingo invaded Dressrosa, King Riku had to pool the entire nation's resources just to scrape together 10 billion Berries . For ordinary factions, 10 billion was indeed an unimaginable fortune.
Even for the Four Emperors, it would be difficult to produce such a sum in one go, let alone spend it all on a woman.
Who would be so wasteful?
But the woman before him was one of the Underworld Emperors of the New World, the Pleasure Quarter Queen—a figure of both beauty and status, second only to the Pirate Empress among women.
So what if it was 10 billion Berries ? He could always save up. In the Pirate business, prestige and extravagance were everything. What could be more impressive than keeping the Pleasure Quarter Queen as his mistress?
Good, good—this price was more than fair!
High prices weren't the problem; the real issue was when there was no price at all!
This money had to be spent!
Coming to the Pleasure Quarter, one naturally sought indulgence. If he wasn't spending money to enjoy the company of women, what else was there—meaningful conversation?
Besides, he had a bold idea brewing in his mind!
Stussy felt a chill under his gaze, the sheer hunger in his eyes making her skin crawl.
Was this brute actually serious?
Suppressing her unease, she smiled sweetly. "Being so direct with a girl isn't very charming, you know."
"Girl?"
Gurd scrutinized her.
If he recalled correctly, this woman was in her early thirties—not exactly old, but hardly a "girl."
Noticing his skepticism, Stussy narrowed her eyes, her saccharine smile laced with a hint of threat.
"Is there a problem?"
"None at all!"
Gurd immediately conceded with a grin.
"Miss Stussy, what brings you to me?"
"Mr. Gurd, last night's events cost me quite a bit."
Keeping her emotions in check, Stussy propped her chin on one hand and slid a bill across the table with a playful smile.
"Hmm?"
Gurd picked up the bill, scanning the list of damages and the staggering sum at the bottom. His brow twitched.
It was the cost of last night's battle.
"Small matter."
He reached into his coat, but his hand froze the moment it touched his empty wallet.
Damn. He was broke.
Lately, he'd been spending lavishly, and nearly all his earnings were gone. There might be some left on his ship, but certainly not much.
Upcoming plans required heavy spending, especially for recruiting strong allies—after all, what else would they be in it for?
Not to mention the 10 billion Berries he needed to save up for his "maintenance fee."
Stussy smirked, amusement dancing in her eyes. "If you can't pay, don't worry about it. It's just a bar—nothing major."
"No, this money must be repaid!"
Gurd's expression hardened, his authority radiating without anger.
Destroying someone's property and not compensating them? Unthinkable!
This was a matter of principle!
As for the buildings on Hachinosu Island—that was Kizaru's mess. If anyone wanted compensation, they'd have to go after him. It had nothing to do with Gurd.
Stussy was taken aback by his sudden seriousness, not expecting the previously unserious man to react so gravely over a bill.
Losing a single bar meant nothing to her. She'd only brought it up to gain the upper hand in their conversation.
Not bad.
As a businesswoman, she naturally appreciated those who honored their debts.
Gurd fell into thought for a few seconds.
"How about this—I'll owe you for now, with interest at 30%. In a couple of months, I'll have my subordinates deliver the money."
"Fine."
Stussy nodded, not wanting to waste time on such a trivial matter. There were more important things to discuss.
The woman produced another letter.
"Mr. Gurd, I wonder if this might interest you."
"This is..."
Gurd opened the letter.
An invitation—and for VIP seats, no less.
"The Central Fighting Tournament?"
"Exactly."
Stussy stirred her orange juice, her seductive red lips parting slightly. "I'd like to invite you to accompany me. Would that be alright?"
"Hmm."
Gurd frowned in thought.
The Central Fighting Tournament was an annual spectacle in the New World.
Not only did it offer substantial prize money, but it was also a golden opportunity for fighters to make a name for themselves. Major factions were invited to spectate and scout promising talent.
In short, it was a recruitment fair.
Perfect for rookies fresh on the scene or seasoned veterans with middling reputations and skills.
He was looking to recruit for the Flying Six, so it might be worth checking out—though the odds of finding suitable candidates were slim. Even if there were promising prospects, they'd need years of training.
Still, Gurd felt a flicker of interest.
"Why invite me?"
"It's your fault, really."
Stussy shot him a resentful glare, her tone teasing like a lover's playful scolding—nearly making Gurd's soul leave his body.
Heh, this woman's definitely into me!
Pointing an accusatory finger at him, Stussy huffed, "When you Four Emperors fight, small fries like us get caught in the crossfire."
"Totto Land has already dispatched a fleet. They'll reach the Pleasure Quarter soon. If a battle breaks out here, my district is finished!"
"Take your fight somewhere else—don't drag me into this!"
A clash between the Four Emperors could obliterate entire nations with mere aftershocks, let alone a tiny pleasure district.
"I see."
Gurd nodded in understanding.
He'd panic too in her shoes.
But that wasn't the main point. The real issue was that Totto Land had sent a fleet—intel he doubted Stussy would casually share.
It risked Big Mom's wrath.
There were plenty of ways to shoo him off. He wasn't stubbornly overstaying his welcome, so why would Stussy take such a risk?
Unwarranted kindness hides ulterior motives!
Huh!
A thought struck Gurd.
Was she inviting him along to watch him clash with a Sweet Commander?
He knew Stussy's true identity—she was a high-ranking Cipher Pol Aigis Zero agent. From the World Government's perspective, infighting among the Four Emperors would be beneficial.
But that was it.
When Emperors met, they'd exchange token blows at most.
With their families and territories at stake, none would escalate to all-out war unless absolutely necessary. Splitting the sky as a greeting was usually enough.
Unless he actually killed Oven.
He was certain Big Mom wouldn't personally seek revenge—at most, she'd send Katakuri. And even that was unlikely.
She'd only dispatch Katakuri against King, the Beasts' second-in-command. There was nuance to these things.
Still, Totto Land was bound by blood ties, full of doting older siblings. Since Katakuri and Oven were brothers, he might avenge Oven.
Even so, it'd just be a skirmish to save face—no life-or-death struggle.
Just standard friction between Emperors.
So... was Stussy doing this for him?
Gurd couldn't help but grin.
Cipher Pol Aigis Zero was an intelligence agency, specializing in espionage work. As a newly appointed calamity, he was indeed a key surveillance target.
Having a beauty accompany him wasn't bad at all.
Stussy had designs on him, and he had designs on Stussy—not just for her body, but also for the hidden background behind the woman.
Vegapunk!
Pacifistas, Seraphim, Artificial Devil Fruits, and a pile of other bizarre high-tech creations.
Even... Mother Flame!
There were too many things worth coveting.
Decision made—save up money first!
Physical intimacy could deepen bonds, after all!
Gurd's smile bloomed.
"Alright, I'll go with you!"
"Hmph, at least you know what's good for you."
Stussy gave a light snort and shot Gurd a dazzling, coquettish glare.