Chapter 68: Lord Gurd, Need a Hanger-On?

The pure gold dragon, crafted with five billion Berries, shimmered under the lights with dazzling golden radiance, deeply awe-striking the hearts of the executives.

Status, power, wealth!

This was the symbol of all three combined!

"Five billion Berries!"

Kaido couldn't tear his eyes away from the golden dragon, which was worth even more than himself. His infatuated gaze was as if he had met his beloved.

How wonderful it would be to place this by his bedside!

Yes, right by his bedside!

He wanted to gaze upon it every night as he fell asleep!

"Wororororo!!!"

Kaido threw his head back and laughed wildly, his overwhelming Conqueror's Haki surging through the banquet hall, conveying his unrestrained joy to all present.

Ecstatic!

This truly pleased him to the core!

Kaido laughed heartily, raising his sake bowl to Gurd. "Gurd, you've made me incredibly happy today! Come, drink with me!"

"Gladly."

Gurd raised his cup with a smile and drank.

The gold worth five billion Berries had nearly emptied his entire savings—not only the proceeds from selling properties in Ebisu Town but also the over 200,000 gold from suppressing bandits.

It pained him too.

But money was meant to be spent, as long as it was worth it.

He hadn't flaunted his wealth just for show.

"Gurd-chan!"

Ulti was the first to rush to Gurd's side, clinging to his leg, her eyes sparkling with dollar signs.

"I had no idea you were this rich!"

Five billion Berries!

An unimaginable sum.

She'd never known Gurd was so wealthy!

With that much money, how many designer clothes and bags could she buy?!

Could he spare her just a little?

Page One also approached, his expression more resolute than ever. "Brother-in-law, marry my sister right now! I'll set up your wedding room—you can consummate tonight!"

"..."

Gurd broke out in a cold sweat.

Page One, calm down!

Your sister—huh?

Gurd glanced down at Ulti.

"I'm willing! I'll bear your children!"

Ulti clung to him desperately, her gold-digging gaze fixed on him as if he were a mountain of treasure rather than a marriage prospect.

You calm down too!

Sasaki also walked over, raising his bottle of sake.

"Brother Gurd, care for a drink?"

"Of course."

Just as Gurd was about to pour, Page One swiftly handed him a bowl, while Ulti fawningly filled it.

"Brother-in-law, let me hold the bowl for you!"

"Gurd-chan, this humble maiden shall pour for you!"

Never had the siblings been so obsequious—their flattery was almost nauseatingly insincere.

Gurd still remembered the disdainful looks they'd given him when the expedition set out, as if they were utterly disappointed in him.

What was that saying again?

Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west.

Oh, but it hadn't even been half a year.

Sigh. I preferred your rebellious attitudes.

"Thanks."

Gurd accepted the sake with a wry smile and clinked cups with Sasaki.

Sasaki nodded and walked away.

He revered strength and only drank with true warriors. Though he didn't know how strong Gurd was, being able to produce five billion Berries was proof of power in its own right!

The Headliners swarmed over.

"Lord Gurd, a toast to you!"

"And me!"

"Don't cut in line—I was here first!"

The Headliners fought to drink with Gurd. Even a fool knew—you could offend anyone, but never the god of wealth!

A mere crumb from Lord Gurd's fingers would be enough for them to live lavishly.

"Easy now, one at a time."

Gurd welcomed all comers, drinking with every Headliner present. His astonishing capacity for alcohol once again drew praise from the Headliners.

"What a drinker!"

"Incredible!"

"As expected of Lord Gurd!"

"So handsome and heroic!"

The flattering remarks made even Gurd feel somewhat embarrassed.

If you've got nice things to say, keep them coming!

He loved hearing this!

The grand banquet celebrating the Fire Festival had turned into Gurd's personal showcase, making the three All-Stars unable to maintain their composure.

King and Jack handled it slightly better.

Queen, holding Komurasaki in his arms, suddenly found her less appealing—what charm did a beloved woman have compared to cold hard cash?

Maybe he should go toast Gurd too?

No, no, no. With so many officers watching in the banquet hall, where would his dignity as an All-Star go if he went to offer a toast?

King would definitely mock him!

Hmm, better wait for a private moment.

After completing a round of drinks, the officers' enthusiasm finally cooled somewhat, though Gurd remained the center of attention.

Kaido stared at Gurd, his mind filled with questions.

Where did this kid get so much money?

Even Orochi couldn't scrape together 5 billion Berries if he emptied his coffers. Had Gurd squeezed every last coin from Wano Country?

Yet Wano was peaceful—too peaceful, in fact. A newcomer might mistake it for a harmonious nation.

It made no sense. None at all.

The Beasts Pirates' half-year-long expedition had plundered over a dozen countries. Even after distributing shares to the crew, the wealth Kaido accumulated as captain didn't come close to this!

Was playing house more profitable than robbery?

Kaido's brow furrowed deeply.

"Gurd, where did your money come from?"

"Money naturally comes from the people!" Gurd replied cheerfully.

From the people?

Kaido was stunned for a long moment. The other officers were equally bewildered, their gazes at Gurd filled with disbelief.

How?

Selling weapons wasn't this profitable!

Show them the way!

"A detailed explanation would take a whole day. You'll understand in time."

Gurd drank with a smile, fully aware why Kaido and the officers couldn't comprehend this.

The world was to blame.

Under the Celestial Dragons' malicious rule, the world had been forcibly divided into two opposing factions—member nations and non-member nations—creating inherent hostility.

Compounded by the oppression of Celestial Tribute, the entire world was embroiled in war, with even member nations constantly fighting each other.

But war drained national resources, forcing reliance on plunder for sustenance. With no surplus manpower or materials for production, nations grew poorer the longer they fought, eventually descending into a vicious cycle.

This phenomenon wasn't uncommon in his previous life's world either. People in war-torn regions often starved, and rulers changed frequently.

Most pirates grew up amidst such chaos—even Kaido was no exception. After setting sail, all they saw was devastation. How could they understand the importance of production and development?

The "draining the pond to catch the fish" approach had historical reasons.

But a stable nation focusing entirely on economic development could achieve terrifying growth—like his homeland, where GDP multiplied countless times in just thirty years.

This was Wano Country's current situation.

Moreover, real estate could perfectly serve as a pillar industry, not only rapidly emptying citizens' wallets but also mortgaging their future, forcing them to work relentlessly.

Even if there were many drawbacks, those would only surface decades later—far too distant to worry about now.

He had personally experienced this development process once before. While he couldn't perfectly replicate it, following the general pattern wasn't difficult.

He had already taken Wano Country hostage!

If things continued like this for a few more years, even if he wanted to leave and wash his hands of it, the people of Wano would be kneeling and begging him to stay.

"Boss Kaido, the brothers outside are still waiting for us."

Gurd stood up and walked out of the banquet hall.

The drinking had taken up quite a bit of time, and the pirates waiting in the square were already growing impatient. What came next was a major event—

The Flying Six challenge!

(End of Chapter)