Tesoro truly seemed to have a talent for finance. While his initial progress was slow due to his ck of a foundation, once he grasped the basics, his growth became rapid. Over the past two years, he had absorbed knowledge that even skilled teachers might struggle to impart.

  With a signifit amount of spare gold in his possession, Cudius decided it was time to expand. On one hand, he pthen CP-X; oher, he reparing to entrust a portion of his wealth to Tesoro.

  "I have a rge amount of gold in my possession," Cudius said, his tone calm yet encing. "I'm going to hand it over to you, Tesoro. This world is vast, you should go out a for yourself."

  Tesoro didn't hesitate, responding with vi, "Yhness, I promise you won't regret this."

  Cudius smiled. "Good. What you choose to do with it is entirely up to you. Just remember: don't disappoint me."

  Cudius's fiden Tesoro wasn't unfounded. After years of ment and training, he had every reason to believe in him. Tesoro wasn't stepping out into the world empty-handed. With Cudius's bag, both financial and in terms of es—failure seemed highly unlikely.

  Of the 23 ships den with gold under Cudius's trol, five were assigo Tesoro. Another five were hao Stussy to further expand operations on Happy Street.

  Three ships were allocated to Eo help with his development, and twiven to Crocodile to aid his tinued operations in Abasta.

  Out of the remaini ships, three were earmarked for Spathen CP-X's secret servietwork and further infiltrate the World News. The st five ships were set aside as reserves for emergencies and for the pnned joint development of the Calm Belt with the Marines.

  After receiving his assig, Tesoro left Mariejois with his wife, Stel, as well as a team of CP-X personnel. What he inteo do with the resources, Cudius left entirely up to him.

  In the courtyard of his pace, Cudius sat by the pool, watg the water ripple. Without turning around, he said, "What are you staring at me for?"

  Behind him stood Hancock, silent and pensive. After a moment, she asked, "What you said earlier—was it true?"

  "What did I say?" Cudius replied with a faint smile.

  "That you'd help Nine Snake Isnd's development?" Hancock asked, her voice soft but serious.

  "Ah, that," Cudius said with a small ugh. "Yes, the pn is to include Nine Snake Isnd in the Calm Belt development. But it's not purely an act of help, it's a mutually beneficial arra. We need a foothold in the Calm Belt, and Nine Snake Isnd is an ideal location. Plus, having allies like you makes the partnership natural."

  "Why did you choose Nine Snake Isnd?" Hancock asked, her voice quieter now.

  Cudius turo look at her, his gaze warm as he smiled. "Because of you."

  Hancock's heart skipped a beat, her cheeks flushing slightly. Before she could say anything, Cudius tinued, "Don't overthink it. The truth is, I don't know of any other inhabited isnds in the Calm Belt. Of course, your presence pyed a role too. Because of you, Nine Snake Isnd and I are natural allies."

  "Do you think I'll help you?" Hancock asked sharply, her voice rising.

  "Of course," Cudius said casually. "Won't you?"

  Hancock's gaze wavered, and though she seemed flustered, she eventually nodded. "I will."

  A moment ter, she added in her usual haughty tone, "But don't misuand! I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing it for Nine Snake Isnd. As its princess and first in lio the throne, I have a duty to es prosperity."

  "Ahahaha, then I owe my thanks to Nine Snake Isnd," Cudius said with a hearty ugh.

  Hancock scowled at his teasing to said nothing. Over the time she had spent with him, she had realized that Cudius loved to poke fun at her. Yet, despite his jokes, she knew he was someone she could rely on.

  After a moment of silence, Hancock asked quietly, "Like Mero and Lenny, will it be time for me and my sisters tain our freedom when you ehe Calm Belt?"

  Cudius looked at her in surprise. "Why would you think that? Haven't I already told you?"

  "Told me what?" Hancock asked, her brow furrowing. She searched her memory for aion of her freedom but came up empty.

  "Didn't I say you'd never escape from the clutches of this great demon? Hahaha, don't you remember?" Cudius ughed, clearly enjoying himself.

  Hancock's expression froze before her face twisted in frustration. "Cudius! With words like that, I won't help you anymore!"

  "But you'll still help Nine Snake Isnd," Cudius said with a knowing smile.

  Hancock opened her mouth to retort but found herself at a loss. Her face flushed with anger—or perhaps embarrassment—and she stormed off, her long bck hair swishing behind her.

  Cudius chuckled as he watched her go. "You didn't say you wao leave me specifically, though," he murmured to himself.

  After Hancock left, Cudius remained by the pool, gazing at the swimming fish with a faintly mencholic expression. One by ohose close to him were leaving. He had already sent Lenny and Mero away, Tesoro and Stel had departed, and soon, Hancod her sisters would leave as well. The circle around him was growing smaller.

  As he lingered in this introspective mood, the phone snail in his hand suddenly rang. Gng down, Cudius frowned slightly before pig it up.

  "Spandine? What is it?" he asked.

  "Yhness," Spandine greeted, his tone respectful. "I wao sult you about something before proceeding."

  Cudius's brow furrowed. "What's the issue?"

  "There's been an i in North Blue," Spandine began. "The Amber-lead disease in White Town—Flevance—has finally been exposed. A rge-scale epidemic has broken out, and the situation has spiraled into riots. The CP agency has been tasked with handling the matter and has requested CP-X's assistance. Should we get involved?"

  Cudius was silent for a moment before responding in a low voice, "If it's not absolutely necessary, don't involve yourself. Focus your efforts on finding the Mera-Mera Fruit instead."

  "Uood, Yhness," Spandine replied immediately. "I'll dee the request."