Jake sat in his office, gazing at the sunlight streaming through the window, a thoughtful expression on his face.
He remembered that in the original timeline, Tesoro had obtained the Gold-Gold Fruit in the year 1512 of the Sea Calendar—by starting a fire during an auction hosted by Doflamingo.
But now, it was only 1511.
It seemed that his presence had already caused subtle shifts in many events.
The future's course might not unfold exactly as he remembered.
The butterfly effect truly was a fascinating thing.
Jake shook his head and snapped the cap back onto his pen with a crisp click.
Since he had entered the world of One Piece, as long as he didn't intend to remain a passive spectator for the rest of his life, most things in this world would inevitably be altered by his actions.
The original plot could serve as a reference, but Jake would never treat it as absolute truth.
Thanks to his involvement, Whitebeard had already begun taking precautions against Blackbeard in advance.
Zephyr's illness had been completely cured, restoring his strength to its former peak—even if he faced Whitebeard Jr. again, he would never lose.
Jake had already consumed the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, depriving Luffy of Sky Island's gold.
Without it, many future events would be impossible to replicate.
The Water Seven arc might not even happen, since Tom had already been placed under Jake's protection.
With Tom still leading Tom's Workers, would Franky even be willing to leave with Luffy?
Among all these changes, the only thing that left Jake slightly regretful was the situation with Lieutenant Nezumi in the East Blue.
So far, the man hadn't shown even the slightest hint of corruption.
In fact, he was a fairly upright Marine—completely different from the greedy officer who had swindled Nami's fortune in the original story.
Though Jake knew what kind of person Nezumi would become in the future, that didn't mean he would punish the man before he had committed any crimes.
He had simply ordered someone to keep a close eye on Lieutenant Nezumi and left it at that.
Jake remembered the East Blue's events clearly.
If he could prevent certain tragedies, he would do so.
He wasn't a saint, but if a single word could ensure Nami a happy childhood, who wouldn't take that opportunity?
Just as Jake's thoughts wandered, a knock sounded at the door.
Jake looked up and responded softly,
"Come in."
The door opened, revealing Tesoro's figure.
Unlike the flamboyant and wild man from the original timeline, this Tesoro appeared haggard, his eyes filled with pain and sorrow.
A single glance was enough for Jake to sense the overwhelming negativity radiating from him.
Yet, when facing Jake, Tesoro forced a smile.
He wiped his hands vigorously on his clothes before stepping forward, extending a slightly stiff hand.
"Hello, Commodore Jake. I'm Tesoro."
Jake looked at the hand extended toward him without the slightest hint of disdain.
He stood up, gently grasped the other's hand, and speak with a smile.
"No need to be so formal, Tesoro. I know what you've been through, and I've investigated everything about you. You're a good man, and I admire you."
Hearing Jake's words, Tesoro's face twisted into a bitter smile.
He sighed and replied.
"Please don't joke like that, Commodore Jake. My whole life has been a failure—whether it's family, friendship, or even love... I've never won anything in my life."
Jake shook his head and responded:
"No, Tesoro-san. You once won the heart of a beautiful woman."
At these words, Tesoro froze.
He stared at Jake, his voice trembling.
His teeth clenched his lips so hard that blood trickled from the corners of his mouth, yet even this pain was nothing compared to the agony in his heart.
Tesoro covered his face with his hands, nearly collapsing onto the sofa.
He looked at Jake, his voice so shaky it could barely form a complete sentence.
"Commodore Jake, you're right. But that's also the thing I regret most in my life. If... if Stella hadn't fallen in love with me, if she had been willing to leave with someone else instead of waiting there for me... would she... would she not have been taken away by that Celestial Dragon? Would she not have been killed by that bastard Celestial Dragon?! It's all my fault, all my fault!"
By now, Tesoro was so overwhelmed with emotion he could barely breathe.
Snot and tears smeared his face as he broke down completely, weeping uncontrollably.
Tears pattered onto the floor, reflecting the man's tormented expression.
"If I'd had enough money back then, if I'd been capable... Stella... Stella wouldn't have died. It's all my fault. It's all because I didn't have money!"
But Jake wasn't looking at Tesoro at that moment.
His eyes shimmered with a golden light, his expression one of astonishment.
Then, as if guided by some unseen force, he softly said to Tesoro.
"One day, I may be bought by someone else, but my heart will never be for sale."
The instant he heard these words, Tesoro's head snapped up.
Tears still streaked his face, but he paid them no mind.
He stared at Jake, his expression one of utter disbelief.
"You... where did you hear that? Where did you hear those words?! Please, I beg you—tell me! I'll pay any price! Who told you that?! Stella?! Was it Stella?!"
Seeing Tesoro's reaction, Jake didn't answer immediately.
He simply smiled at Tesoro—no, more accurately, at a certain shadow behind Tesoro.
When no immediate reply came, Tesoro deflated like a punctured balloon, slumping back onto the sofa.
A bitter, self-mocking smile curled his lips as he murmured.
"How could it possibly be Stella? She's been dead for so long. What am I even imagining..."
But at this moment, Jake suddenly spoke to Tesoro in an extremely excited tone.
"Tesoro, if I told you that these words were indeed just spoken to me personally by Stella, would you believe me?"
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