"Gurgle~ gurgle~"
Warm spring water gushed from the ground, quickly forming a small pool.
"This is it!"
A grin tugged at the corners of Good's mouth.
As the Jinchūriki of Groudon, the creator of land and master of the earth's power, Good had inherited some of that strength.
He couldn't create land or move mountains and seas yet but sensing underground terrain was child's play.
Beneath the Flower Capital lay vast magma deposits, and the country's unique environment—a freshwater inland sea meant a huge reserve of underground water.
In short, perfect conditions for hot springs.
All he had to do was find a good spot and use his earth power to open a small vent above the subterranean spring, allowing surface pressure to pull the hot water upward.
The warehouse he'd just bought—and the land around it—was ideal for this. He bought it because it was cheap and spacious.
In other words, the property's value was about to skyrocket!
"Kehehe… Once I renovate this place into a hot spring inn, who wouldn't want to rent it?"
"No, wait—I'm a pirate. What kind of pirate opens a hot spring inn? I'll call it 'Celestial Springs Deluxe SPA Club!'"
"Damn, I'm a genius!"
Rubbing his smooth scalp, Good felt refreshed as he headed into town.
Before long, he arrived at his destination:
Kōtomo Carpentry.
With his towering physique, he immediately drew the attention of the carpenters.
"I'm looking for Master Kōtomo."
Good stated his business.
Kōtomo was the best carpenter in Wano. Even the Skull Fortress on Onigashima was designed and built under his command.
Soon, a short old man with two nails stuck in his nostrils emerged, clearly irritated.
"Pirate brat, if you've got something to say, spit it out. I've got work to do."
"Master Kōtomo, I'd like you to build me a grand estate."
Good handed over a hand-drawn sketch. It was a mess, really—just a rough draft based on his memory of garden-style architecture.
"Hm!"
Kōtomo's interest was piqued at a glance.
Though clearly amateurish, the layout was intriguing. It resembled Wano's architectural style but with a unique twist.
"What's it for?"
"A hot spring res—inn!"
Good almost let the word "resort" slip.
Kōtomo frowned and returned the drawing after a long pause.
"Go find someone else."
"Master Kōtomo, money not an issue."
Good quickly added.
Kōtomo shook his head with a bittersweet smile. "It's not about the money. I simply don't have time. I've got eight houses to build eight!"
"…"
Oddly enough, Good found himself deeply sympathetic.
He used to have eight houses too…
Alright, time to play dirty.
"Master Kōtomo."
Good pulled the old man aside and whispered, "I'll be honest. This hot spring inn is actually property of Boss Kyoshiro. He sent me here."
"Boss Kyoshiro?"
Kōtomo's eyes widened.
If it was really Kyoshiro's property, he couldn't say no. In fact, he'd have to treat it as a top priority.
In the Flower Capital, who dared deny Kyoshiro? The man was practically a saint.
Still… would Boss Kyoshiro really send a pirate instead of his own men?
Kōtomo hesitated.
"You don't believe me?"
Good flashed a confident grin. "Here, have one of your apprentices visit the Kyoshiro family. Just tell them it's about construction funds and drop my name."
"Hmm…"
That sounded pretty convincing.
If the Kyoshiro family really footed the bill, then the building was obviously theirs.
"Wait here a bit."
Still, Kōtomo sent a disciple to confirm everything—both the claim and the payment.
As they waited, Kōtomo glanced at Good sipping tea. The more he looked, the more puzzled he became.
"Pirate brat, what's your actual relationship with Boss Kyoshiro?"
"Well…"
Good set down his cup with a cheerful smile.
"Boss Kyoshiro and I? We're practically family. Blood brothers!"
By evening, Good boarded a Beasts Pirates ship bound for Onigashima.
With everything confirmed, he and Kōtomo had discussed the details and agreed on a one-month construction period.
The timeframe seemed short, but for elite craftsmen, it was more than enough. If they weren't going for quality, they could've finished in half the time.
Plus, Kōtomo himself would be overseeing it with a handpicked team, so naturally, the price shot up.
Friends & Family Discount: 2000 gold!
Not a problem.
Boss Kyoshiro was footing the bill.
"Pffft… pfff—pfffffft~"
"…"
Speed stared at Good with a strange look.
He hadn't stopped smiling since he got back on board.
His face was practically twisted from grinning so hard.
"All you did was visit the Flower Capital. What's got you so thrilled? Anyone would think you hit the jackpot."
"Good, are you okay?"
"I'm fantastic!"
Good beamed.
In less than a day, he'd unlocked Haki, scored a free mansion, and extorted 500 gold. How could he not be in a great mood?
How did that saying go again?
"Never had such an incredible start in my life!"
If Kyoshiro weren't broke and behind on the 500 gold, he'd have bought more houses already.
But no worries he'd collect when he returned to inspect the property. Maybe have Kyoshiro help him find some renters, too.
"Kehehehe~"
"…"
Speed rubbed her arms, visibly creeped out.
"Could you stop smiling like that? It's creepy—I'm getting goosebumps."
"Hmph. What would a woman know?"
Good tilted his chin proudly.
Back in his homeland, all the great villains smiled like this. It was a cultural treasure—oozing style and sophistication.
Speed sighed and quickly changed the topic: "You're heading to the dungeon once we reach Onigashima, right?"
"That's right."
Good nodded.
Yamato was being held there—he wasn't sure if she'd woken up yet.
Onigashima was the Beasts Pirates' base. No enemy had ever breached it. The Kozuki remnants had tried, but never even made it past the coast.
And most captured enemies were sent straight to the quarry, making the dungeon more decorative than practical.
So much so that Good, as Yamato's captor, had to guard her himself.
He was basically doing time with her.
"Ugh—!"
Good suddenly clutched his jaw.
Speed jumped in surprise.
"What's wrong?"
"I—I—ow!"
His cheek twitched uncontrollably.
"I pulled a muscle from smiling. Quick, help me massage it!"
"Serves you right. Drop dead!"
Her pink fist landed squarely on his face.