The lights inside the naval base flickered slightly.
Jin stood in the center of the spacious conference room, his eyes locked on the young Tesoro, who was slightly taller than him.
His eyes were full of approval and satisfaction.
"Tesoro, you said before that you wanted to follow me, right?"
Jin's tone was calm, but the meaning it contained could not be ignored by Tesoro.
Tesoro straightened his body and nodded solemnly.
"My life was saved by you. I wouldn't hesitate to go through fire and water for you!"
His voice was full of gratitude, especially because Jin not only saved him but also redeemed his beloved girl. This kindness was more important than life.
Jin smiled slightly.
"You're exaggerating. You also know that I'm a Marine, and I won't let you do anything too dangerous."
"It's just that your situation isn't suitable for staying in the Marines."
His words carried a hint of comfort but also revealed a deliberate consideration.
Hearing Jin's words, Tesoro was a little disappointed, and his brow furrowed slightly. If possible, he really wanted to be a good person.
"I will correct my past mistakes. I want to follow you."
Jin was stunned for a moment and continued, "What I mean is that your talents are too wasted in the Marines..."
As he spoke, he took out a Devil Fruit from the box behind him and handed it to Tesoro.
"What you will do for me may be a little dangerous. Although I don't know what ability this Devil Fruit has, it should provide you with some self-protection."
Seeing what Jin handed over, Tesoro was stunned. His eyes were full of disbelief and deep gratitude.
For him, danger was not scary. As long as it was something Jin arranged, he would complete it no matter what.
But Jin actually valued him so much and directly gave him a Devil Fruit, which made him feel that he was not worthy of Jin's favor.
"My life is worthless. It's too wasteful to give this to me,"
Tesoro refused, his voice a little choked.
"Moreover, I haven't known you for long..."
Ignoring Tesoro's objections, Jin's tone was firm.
"You said you would do whatever I asked you to do."
"Besides, I trust those I use, and I use those I trust. I have high hopes for you."
Jin's eyes were full of trust. He could see that the other party would give everything for the one he loved. He could trust such a person.
"Let's talk about what I want you to do first."
Jin placed the Devil Fruit in front of Tesoro and continued.
"This Devil Fruit was sent by Du Feld, and he also promised to give up his industry."
"These things need someone I can trust to manage."
Tesoro pointed at himself and asked in disbelief.
"So, you want me to be responsible for these things?"
He waved his hands repeatedly.
"I can't do it..."
Jin looked into his eyes, his tone firm.
"I believe in you. And I see the desire for money in your eyes. You can learn what you don't know. I believe in my judgment."
His words were full of encouragement and hope.
"When you control wealth beyond everyone's imagination, even the World Nobles who treat people like ants will look at you directly."
Jin didn't believe that Tesoro didn't harbor hatred for the World Nobles.
And this was the most important reason why Jin chose him.
Tesoro clenched his teeth, a trace of determination flashing in his eyes.
"World Nobles!"
His voice was full of endless hatred.
As boundless as his respect for Jin, he wished all the World Nobles would die.
Jin nodded with satisfaction.
"Very good, Tesoro. From today on, you are my right hand. Go and do what you should do."
Tesoro bowed deeply, his eyes full of gratitude and determination.
"Yes, sir!"
He understood that from this moment on, his life would usher in a new chapter, and he would give everything for this man who trusted him.
Jin changed the subject and said,
"But I don't plan to take over all of Du Feld's industries..."
Tesoro was a little puzzled and looked at Jin, wanting to explore the other party's meaning.
The wealth controlled by Du Feld was coveted by everyone, but Jin didn't want to control it all.
His doubts were evident in his eyes.
Jin looked at Tesoro, his tone firm.
"Most of Du Feld's wealth comes from usury. I'm not interested in money obtained from exploiting people."
As he spoke, his eyes became more serious.
"You only need to control those legal and compliant industries. Let the rest stay with Du Feld."
Tesoro was silent for a moment, thinking about Jin's words.
The geographical environment of this world made it too difficult to establish complete order.
Unless the sea receded and the world became one continent, the world would still be as chaotic as it is now.
Because the sea contains too much danger and uncertainty.
Even the Marines can't take care of so many places.
However, Jin's solemn reminder made him feel a chill in his heart.
"There must be a bottom line in life, and some things you can't touch in the future."
Jin's eyes were extremely penetrating, making it impossible for Tesoro to ignore them.
Tesoro took a deep breath and nodded heavily.
"I understand."
He recalled the days when he worked hard to save money. Although he had done things like stealing and robbing for survival, he had already made up his mind to be a good person.
He would naturally abide by Jin's bottom line.
Moreover, he had stopped doing those petty thefts after meeting Stella.
Seeing his firm attitude, Jin nodded with satisfaction.
"Then I'll leave all the commercial matters to you."
As he spoke, he took out the Devil Fruit from the box and handed it to Tesoro.
"Also, eat this Devil Fruit as soon as possible. I'm quite curious about what its ability is."
Tesoro didn't decline any further. He bowed to Jin, took the Devil Fruit, and swallowed it in one gulp.
The taste of the fruit was bitter and hard to swallow, but he gritted his teeth and swallowed it.
After a while, Jin asked,
"How is it? What's the ability?"
Tesoro felt the changes in his body and raised his right hand.
The next moment, his right hand instantly turned into gold, shining brightly under the lights.
A trace of surprise and excitement appeared on his face.
"Paramecia-type Gold-Gold Fruit..."
Jin nodded with satisfaction.
"Very good, now you have enough self-protection ability."
"But no matter how strong you become in the future, or how much wealth you control, you must maintain your bottom line and principles."
"Remember, if you encounter any difficulties that you can't resist in the future, you can come to me. I can reach your side in an instant."
Tesoro clenched his fist, the golden light shining brightly under the lights.
His eyes flashed with a firm light.
"Yes, Sir Jin! I will definitely not let you down."
His heart was full of gratitude, knowing that he would usher in a new beginning.
Jin patted him on the shoulder and smiled.
"Do a good job, you're one of us from now on."
Tesoro bowed deeply, his heart filled with gratitude.
He understood that he had gained Jin's approval and trust, and that trust would become the driving force for his progress.
Under Jin's leadership, he would unfold his own new chapter.
