GR27 Area.
"Name."
"Stella."
"Age."
"Nineteen."
Tesoro stood by, watching Stella being questioned by a government official. When he heard her age, he was surprised, as he had thought they were the same age.
It was interesting. Although they had known each other for a year, he had been so busy making money that he hadn't really learned much about her.
At this moment, not only them but also the people who had been enslaved before had their Bomb Collars removed and were lining up in long queues to be investigated and arranged.
"Gender."
"Huh?"
Stella looked at the suited government official in front of her with a puzzled gaze. Tesoro, standing beside her, couldn't help but comment, "She's so beautiful, can't you tell?"
"Looking like a woman doesn't necessarily mean she is one. Who knows if she's from the Kamabakka Kingdom?"
The government official showed a hint of impatience, tapping the notebook in his hand with the end of his pen. "I need to record this. Answer what I ask!"
Stella nodded and replied softly, "Alright, female."
"Which sea, which kingdom, and which island are you from?"
"South Blue, Strawberry Island, not affiliated with any kingdom."
Hearing this, the government official nodded subtly while taking notes, thinking, "As expected, most slaves are free people without any kingdom's protection. After all, no one would care if they were captured."
"Do you want to stay here or return to your homeland?"
"This..."
Stella hesitated, her gaze turning to Tesoro. He gave her a bright smile, holding her right hand, and said, "If you want to go back, I can accompany you!"
But as soon as he said this, the government official in front of them reminded, "According to regulations, the Navy only escorts enslaved individuals. You cannot go with her."
"Then I'll just take a boat and follow."
Tesoro didn't seem bothered. He had earned enough money this year to buy a small boat. At this moment, a Navy lieutenant who was maintaining order nearby walked over and said with a smile, "Leaving aside whether you're allowed to follow a Navy ship, an ordinary boat can't keep up with a warship. Add the extreme weather of the Grand Line, and you'll likely lose track of them, not to mention the risk of sinking into the sea!"
Many had witnessed the passionate kiss between Tesoro and Stella earlier, so the two had become a focal point in this area, naturally drawing more attention from the surrounding Navy personnel.
Tesoro's expression changed, his mouth opening but unsure of what to say. He really didn't want to be separated from Stella again, but he also didn't want to stop her from returning to her homeland. This left him deeply conflicted.
"I choose to stay here!"
Stella held Tesoro's hand in return, looking at him tenderly as she made her decision. Their eyes met, and she smiled, "I believe you'll have the ability to take me back yourself someday, right?"
Tesoro's Adam's apple moved, and he nodded firmly, his eyes resolute as he made a promise, "I'll definitely earn enough money to buy a sturdy ship and take you back to South Blue!"
But just as the handsome man and beautiful woman were gazing at each other affectionately, the Navy lieutenant felt a bit sour and somewhat overwhelmed, snorting coldly.
"Even with money and a ship, it's not enough. What if you encounter pirates along the way?"
"Do you have the ability to protect her and yourself? If you ask me, you should let this lady return with our warship, otherwise she might never make it back!"
Hearing this, Tesoro was dumbfounded. He had never left the Sabaody Archipelago since birth. Although he often heard about and saw pirates, he hadn't had much interaction with them, except for serving pirate customers when he worked in a shop. Naturally, he hadn't experienced the terror of pirates.
However, he wasn't a fool and knew what the consequences would be if they encountered pirates at sea.
"What should we do then..."
"It's okay, we don't have to go back. I'm willing to live here with you forever!" Stella used her slender, pale fingers to smooth Tesoro's furrowed brow.
"I'm sorry," Tesoro said reluctantly, looking at the beauty before him.
"Alright, since you've made your decision, you can leave now," the government official waved his hand, signaling them to go. He still had to record the information for the people behind them.
According to the records, they would divide those who decided to return to their hometowns into several teams based on the sea area and then send them to the warships designated by the navy for a few days' stay. They would depart together when the time came.
"Thank you for your hard work, and thank you, kind naval officer, for your reminder."
Seeing Stella's beautiful smile, the government official and the naval lieutenant immediately felt much more cheerful. It was truly a feast for the eyes, and her voice was incredibly pleasant.
This made their gazes toward Tesoro become complicated. Why was this kid so lucky? He looked poor and weak, though somewhat decent-looking.
However, the envious and jealous glances couldn't stop Tesoro from holding Stella's hand and slowly walking away.
"Let me take you home first, Stella!"
"Okay, is there anyone else at home?"
"No, that annoying mother of mine died from alcoholism two years ago, so the house became mine. From now on, it will be our home!"
As they walked, Stella nodded. She had heard Tesoro mention before that his mother, who hated his singing, even though Tesoro sang beautifully. Just as this newly reunited couple approached the bridge connecting GR27 and GR26, three men in black suits walked over.
"Who are you?"
Tesoro quickly stepped in front of Stella and asked warily.
"Excuse me, are you Mr. Gilder Tesoro?" The man in the center of the trio smiled and asked. Tesoro hesitated for a moment before replying, "Yes, that's me. What's the matter?"
"Let me introduce myself. I am Bilder, a Senior Director from the Publicity Department, a direct subsidiary of the Administration Council. Pleased to meet you."
"Uh, hello, Senior Director Bilder. What brings you here?" Tesoro asked, puzzled.
Senior Director Bilder looked at him warmly and smiled, "Here's the thing. Our Publicity Department is a newly established department, and we plan to promote a few artists to become stars, with singers being the top priority. After careful consideration and investigation, we have selected you as one of the candidates."
"What?!"
Tesoro's eyes widened in shock, and he stared, mouth agape, at the middle-aged man who seemed to be a big shot. Behind him, Stella covered her mouth with both hands.
"Wait, hold on, there are so many questions here. Let me think first."
Tesoro quickly snapped back to reality, forcibly suppressing the excitement in his heart and forcing himself to calm down. He gritted his teeth and asked, "First of all, how can I be sure your identities are genuine? And why would you pay attention to an unknown passerby like me?"
"As for the identity issue, we can take you to the Marine branch for verification. As for why we chose you..."
To be honest, Senior Director Bilder was also in the dark. He was equally puzzled and full of questions. The higher-ups had only sent a name and a rough description, then ordered them to find this person and select them as a key candidate for cultivation.
As for the reason.
There was none.
The lack of a reason was the big issue, indicating that it involved classified information—something even a Senior Director like him wasn't privy to. That made it all the more important to handle this seriously.
This was political wisdom! "It was our Talent Scout. They happened to see you on the street and thought you had great potential. How about it? Want to give the path of a singing star a try?"
Tesoro and Stella exchanged glances. The latter nodded, showing her support for him to give it a try. After hesitating for a few seconds, Tesoro said, "Let's go to the Marine branch first. If you can find an officer in a coat to vouch for you, then I'll believe you!"
After all, he now held a high level of goodwill and trust toward the Marines, who had saved Stella.
"Agreed."
"By the way, do you have any songs you've composed yourself? If not, we can arrange for someone to create them for you."
"Uh, yes, I do..."
From this moment on, the fates of two more people began to change.