The news of the golden bell descending upon Water 7 spread not only throughout the city but also across the world. People reacted differently based on what aspect of the news intrigued them.
One Day Later, Holy Land Mariejois
“Hey, sister, come look!” Charloss, a Celestial Dragon, called out, watching a news broadcast. “Look at that huge golden bell!”
Charloss, a so-called descendant of the creator, spoke like a childish fool. His sister, Shalria, kicked away a kneeling slave and walked over to him. She saw the television displaying the enormous golden bell, the bell tower, and the ship that Nagato had brought to Water 7.
“It’s quite a rare, large item,” Shalria remarked indifferently. “A decent piece of craftsmanship.”
“Right, right?” Charloss said excitedly. “Can we have it brought here?”
“No need, brother,” Shalria replied disdainfully, not because she looked down on her brother’s simple-mindedness but because she questioned his taste. “Though it looks like an antique, the moss and cracks on the bell make it unworthy of our collection.”
Charloss nodded in realization. “You’re right. Never mind then…”
And so, a potential crisis was averted.
Marine Headquarters, Marineford
“Vice Admiral Tsuru, there’s a report for you!”
A soldier entered Tsuru’s office, delivering a file. After saluting, he placed the document on her desk and left.
“Endless work,” Tsuru sighed, massaging her temples before opening the envelope and skimming through the contents. “A new face who brought a giant golden bell down from the sky?”
She quickly evaluated the photos and the report. After a brief thought, she wrote her assessment: “Preliminarily assess strength at least at Rear Admiral level. No criminal record but also no government registration. Temporarily classify as Category C personnel for observation.”
New World, Dressrosa
“Who’s calling me the most beautiful in the world?”
There was a loud bang as a door was thrown open, and a grotesquely obese woman covered her face, shouting. She clumsily caught her falling coffee, sighed in relief, and walked toward Doflamingo.
“Young master, what news has you so happy?” She asked, handing Doflamingo his coffee.
Doflamingo took a sip, smiling. “It’s nothing to worry about. Just some insignificant news that brightened my day.”
The news of the descending gold spread across the world like a gust of wind, quickly fading without causing a major stir.
Five Days Later, Water 7
The southern part of the city, below the giant fountain, housed the upper-class residents. Nagato had moved into a standalone house here six days ago, thanks to Hanks.
Negotiations over the gold had been completed the previous day. In the end, five banks, seven jewelry companies, and five gold exchanges agreed to jointly receive the 317 tons of gold. Consequently, Nagato would receive a staggering 110 billion Berries over the next two weeks!
This sum, while not rivaling the wealth of the Gold Emperor or impressing Doflamingo, certainly made Nagato one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, especially given that it was 110 billion in cash.
This was why he had to stay in a well-protected area. Living in a random lower-class house or inn would invite endless harassment and attacks. If not for his intimidating display on the first day, even the best security in Water 7 wouldn’t prevent greedy individuals from taking risks.
“Mr. Nagato, please review this for any questions. If everything is in order, please sign here.”
In Nagato’s house, Hanks placed the agreement and a quill pen on the table.
Yesterday’s verbal agreement was formalized today. Hanks arrived early to seek Nagato’s signature to finalize the deal.
Nagato’s lawyer reviewed the agreement first. Then, Nagato signaled Hanks to step aside.
“Hanks, have you made your decision?”
Hanks nodded firmly. “After this deal is completed, I am ready to resign and leave Water 7 at any time.”
Over the past few days, Hanks had efficiently organized everything, impressing Nagato. Seeing his potential, Nagato decided to recruit him.
Nagato had learned about Hanks’s life: coming from a poor background, he had worked his way up, achieving his current position with great difficulty. Yet, he had hit a ceiling and couldn’t advance further. Moreover, at 32, Hanks was unmarried and childless.
With a strong ambition, exceptional ability, and no family ties, Hanks was an ideal candidate for Nagato. So, Nagato had proposed the idea of joining him, giving Hanks time to consider.
The result was positive.
“No rush,” Nagato nodded, pleased to have secured his first capable subordinate. “There are still some preparations needed. But since you’re ready, I can share part of my plan.”
“Before that, I need to set a confidentiality measure on you,” Nagato said, staring into Hanks’s eyes.
Hanks was taken aback, but as a skilled gambler who had climbed from the bottom, he knew hesitation was the enemy. He nodded, “Of course, no problem.”
Satisfied, Nagato swiftly performed a series of hand signs, pressing his right hand onto Hanks’s head. “Brain Containment Seal!”
Instantly, tadpole-like black symbols covered Hanks’s head before disappearing into his mind.
The Rinnegan naturally included many esoteric techniques. Nagato mimicked Danzo’s tongue curse seal and modified it, creating Hanks’s current seal.
If Hanks had even thought of revealing information about Nagato, Nagato would have been alerted, even from miles away. If necessary, he could cause instant brain death. The technique’s only drawback was its potential to cause resentment and its limited application. Constant monitoring of many people’s thoughts would overwhelm even Nagato.
For now, the seal was a precaution due to Nagato’s weak foundation. If Hanks proved trustworthy, it would have no effect.
“This is temporary. I’ll remove it soon,” Nagato explained before assigning Hanks his first task.
Seeing Nagato’s caution only increased Hanks’s confidence in him. He listened intently, not wanting to miss a word.
“All 110 billion Berries from the gold exchange will be managed by you!” Nagato’s words shocked Hanks!
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