---
Seeing those thoughts flash through his mind, Buggy felt a pang of sympathy. He looked at Tesoro and said, "Tesoro, what do you think about your future?"
Buggy was testing to see if Tesoro might be willing to sail with them.
"Buggy-sama, I don't have any long-term plans for now. I just want Stella to be free as soon as possible. Maybe in the future, we can live a simple life."
Buggy's name was mentioned during the conversation. Buggy told Tesoro his name. His current thoughts were just about getting Stella free as soon as possible. He hadn't thought much beyond that.
Seeing the anticipation and longing in Tesoro's eyes, Buggy understood that he didn't have many thoughts at this time. He didn't have any ambitions to pursue freedom or roam the seas. He just wanted to live a simple life with Stella.
"Tesoro, how much more Berries do you need? If you don't mind, I can lend you some. You can pay me back later when you have it."
This was a way to build a good relationship between them. As for the future, when their relationship reached a certain level, it would naturally come naturally.
Shiryu and the others, standing beside them, looked at each other. They couldn't understand why Buggy was so concerned about this young man.
"Buggy-sama, this..."
Hearing Buggy's words, Tesoro was a bit flustered. He didn't know how to answer. Honestly, he was tempted by Buggy's offer. He wanted Stella to be free as soon as possible. But he had just met Buggy and his crew. They were strangers. He didn't understand why Buggy wanted to help him so much. This made him very hesitant.
"Tesoro, don't overthink it. This money is nothing to us. I don't have any other thoughts. I was just touched by your story with Stella. I want to help you. And I also want to be friends with you."
Buggy knew what Tesoro was concerned about. If it were him, he would also be concerned. A stranger offering to help you out of the blue would make anyone feel strange and hesitant.
Hearing Buggy's sincere words, a look of interest flashed in Tesoro's eyes. He looked at Buggy. Buggy also looked at him. Under their gaze, Tesoro made up his mind. Under Buggy's gaze, he bowed and said, "Thank you very much, Buggy-sama. Thank you for your help. I will definitely repay you these Berries as soon as possible."
The determination to set Stella free made Tesoro abandon other thoughts. He didn't want Stella to live as a slave. He didn't want her to live like that for even a second. Now that he had this opportunity, Tesoro didn't want to miss it. At the same time, he was very grateful to Buggy. He would repay Buggy these Berries as soon as possible.
"That's right. After Jessica and the others are done, we'll go with you to get Stella out. We also want to meet her."
Buggy had already taken the first step. Of course, he had to make plans for the next step. He would go with Tesoro to see Stella. This was to prevent any accidents. After all, slave traders in this world were very untrustworthy. If Buggy went with him, he might be able to deter them and prevent any accidents from happening.
"Thank you, Buggy-sama. I also thank you on behalf of Stella."
Tesoro didn't expect Buggy to make this decision. And he was going to help him redeem Stella soon. This made him very happy. At the same time, he was very grateful to Buggy. He vaguely felt Buggy's intentions.
Ten minutes later, Jessica and the others returned one after another. Buggy told them about Tesoro. Everyone agreed with Buggy's actions. Jessica was the most excited. When she heard about Tesoro, she first shed tears and kept urging Buggy to go and rescue Stella.
Tesoro also thanked everyone. Then, under his leadership, everyone headed towards the slave market where Stella was.
Just as Buggy and his crew were heading towards the slave market, a man was reporting Buggy and his crew's situation to a burly man at the Sabaody Archipelago Marine Base.
"Humph, Buggy, you've finally arrived. You've made me wait so long. This time, I'll make sure you can't escape."
The burly man was Sakazuki, a Marine Rear Admiral. After returning without success last time, he arrived at Sabaody Archipelago, the end of the first half of the Grand Line, after his injuries healed. His goal here was very simple: to wait for Buggy. He had been waiting for Buggy here for a long time.
"Where is Vice Admiral Borsalino now?"
"Sakazuki-sama, Vice Admiral Borsalino is back at Marine Headquarters."
"What? He's gone back? Damn it, quickly notify him to come back immediately. Tell him that Buggy and his crew have arrived."
Borsalino was sent to assist him by Sengoku after he learned of Sakazuki's purpose. He was also specifically sent to deal with Buggy and his crew.
The Marines took Buggy very seriously. That's why they sent Borsalino, who was also a monster. At the same time, Sakazuki also took them very seriously. After his encounter with Buggy, he knew the other party's strength. He wasn't sure of victory. To ensure success, he decided to wait for Borsalino to arrive before taking any action.
Buggy and his crew, led by Tesoro, soon arrived at the slave market where Stella was. As soon as they arrived, they noticed something unusual.
Normally, the slave market was very noisy every day. But now, it was eerily silent. Some pirates or residents passing by looked at the slave market with fear in their eyes.
Tesoro also noticed the abnormality. He often came here to see Stella. He knew the situation here. His eyes were filled with anxiety.
"Buggy-sama, something's not right here. I'll go in and see what's going on."
Noticing the abnormality, Tesoro was naturally very anxious. He wanted to see Stella immediately, but he was also worried about Buggy and his crew's safety. He was going to go in first to see what was going on. Then, after confirming that it was safe inside, he would take Buggy and his crew in together.
Seeing Tesoro's anxiety, Buggy said, "Wait a moment. I'll check the situation inside. Then you can go in."
Since there might be danger inside, Buggy naturally wouldn't let Tesoro take the risk. He immediately released his Observation Haki to check the situation inside the slave market.
Tesoro had just heard Buggy say this. He thought Buggy was going to check the situation himself. But when he was about to stop him, he noticed that Buggy was just standing there, motionless. A look of confusion flashed in his eyes, but he was also even more anxious.
---
P@TREON
You get 4 Fanfics when you join.
One payment for 5 fics
p@treon.com/ShixT9
CURRENT P@TREON CHAPTER : Chapter 154