The next day, above the crystal-clear blue ocean, News Coos—those tireless feathered messengers—worked diligently to deliver the latest headlines to every corner of the world.
"DEVASTATING INCIDENT! Historic Nation Tragically Destroyed!"
"SHOCKING! Long-Silent Black Star Pirates Strike Again! Civil Unrest Erupts in Tequila Wolf!"
The Black Star Pirates, who had been absent from newspaper headlines for an extended period, had once again thrust themselves into the global spotlight.
Whether through incredible luck or exceptional journalism, a World Economic News reporter had apparently been present during the incident and managed to record everything Jerry had said publicly, publishing his inflammatory speech in its entirety.
Even so, the events were characteristically exaggerated in typical sensationalist fashion.
Additionally, because Cavendish had spent considerable time showing off at the scene's conclusion, multi-angle photographs of him striking various dramatic poses were prominently featured in a special section of the newspaper, making this already attention-grabbing publication even more popular among readers.
"Betty, this guy is no ordinary individual... He can create more powerful inspiration with just words than you can accomplish with your Devil Fruit ability."
Monkey D. Dragon, who happened to be operating somewhere in East Blue, examined the newspaper in his hands while addressing Belo Betty, the captain of the Revolutionary Army's Eastern forces, standing beside him.
Belo Betty, an attractive woman with distinctive short purple hair, squinted through her cigarette smoke and spoke slowly: "Indeed. It's unfortunate that he refused our invitation to join our cause."
"Quite unfortunate," Dragon agreed, his face bearing its characteristic tattoos as he nodded slightly. His eyes remained fixed on the smiling image of young Bonney prominently featured in the newspaper.
"Garp, you old fool! Aren't you supposed to be patrolling East Blue right now? The World Government is going to keep me awake at night because of this incident!"
In the Fleet Admiral's office at Marine Headquarters, Sengoku bellowed furiously at his Den Den Mushi.
However, the Den Den Mushi maintained a completely nonchalant expression, and after its nostrils twitched dismissively, Garp's gruff voice emerged: "Bwahaha! Well, since you didn't specifically assign me to handle it, I don't know anything about what you're talking about."
Veins bulged visibly on Sengoku's forehead. He knew exactly what kind of person he was dealing with when it came to his old friend.
The World Government typically couldn't contact Garp directly, because once the Hero of the Marines heard his subordinates mention that a call was coming from the World Government, he would most likely refuse to answer entirely.
Sengoku took several deep breaths to calm himself before speaking with forced seriousness: "Regardless, if you're still operating in East Blue, you'd better keep a close eye on them."
That bridge had been commissioned by the World Government as a continuous construction project spanning hundreds of years of labor and resources.
Now all the workers had been liberated and had vanished without a trace. Before departing, they had destroyed numerous facilities as an outlet for their accumulated rage and frustration.
While Jerry and his crew were certainly held responsible for this catastrophe, the World Government understood that this particular pirate group was extraordinarily slippery—even Admirals Kizaru and Aokiji, who had been dispatched in previous encounters, had failed to apprehend them.
Therefore, the government was simultaneously mobilizing all available resources to search for traces of both the Revolutionary Army operatives and the escaped civilians, while putting immense pressure on the Marines. They demanded that Sengoku, as Fleet Admiral, pay special attention to protecting what represented hundreds of years of the World Government's labor investment.
"Yeah, yeah, I understand. That's all for now." After saying this, Garp didn't allow Sengoku to add anything more and abruptly hung up the call.
"So the excitement at that bridge yesterday was caused by Ace's friends?" Garp picked his nose thoughtfully before suddenly coming to a realization. Then he burst into his characteristic laughter:
"Bwahahaha! Besides, I have absolutely no desire to go anywhere near that cursed bridge anyway."
Several days later, on the vast ocean aboard the Black Nova, Skull handed the newspaper back to Jerry, who leaned comfortably in his deck chair and continued fishing with characteristic leisure.
"Well, if I calculate the time correctly, it seems I've been at sea for more than three years now..." Jerry counted quickly on his fingers before clenching his fist with a satisfied grin.
Name: Jerry
Age: 21
Constitution: 7093
Power: 6788
Stamina: 7161
Agility: 6515
Spirit: 503
skill:
[Conqueror's Haki: Advanced, 95%] - Your Conqueror's Haki can now be continuously manifested and affect physical reality. PS: You can skillfully use Conqueror's Haki infusion attacks, but remember—a little enhancement feels great, too much will hurt you, and overdoing it will destroy you.
[Armament Haki: Advanced, 98%] - Your Armament Haki possesses penetration and piercing properties, becoming even more devastating when combined with Conqueror's Haki. PS: Are you really not considering trying some long-distance internal destruction techniques?
[Observation Haki: Advanced, 99%] - Beyond normal functions, your Observation Haki can perceive the thoughts and emotions of other creatures with remarkable clarity. PS: If you're willing, you can attempt to read not only the minds of saints but also the thoughts of the completely insane. How much you perceive depends on specific circumstances.
[Complete Fishman Karate: Advanced, 99%] - A martial art rooted in powerful, shockwave-based strikes that affect both solid targets and the water around them. As proficiency increases, your blows ripple through liquid and air alike. PS: You've altered the fundamentals so much, it borders on a new fighting style altogether
[Complete Fishman Jujutsu: Advanced, 99%] - A technique-based discipline focused on the precise control of surrounding water, allowing you to manipulate currents and pressure from afar. At full mastery, even moisture in the air bends to your will. PS: Your creative approach has reshaped this refined art into something unorthodox.
[Martial Arts Mastery: Basic understanding of combat techniques allows for more flexible fighting stances.]
[Enhanced Physique: Your body matches this world's standards, ensuring you can perform 'sit-ups' even during combat.]
[Ocean Blessing: Immunity to seasickness and water-related ailments. You can breathe freely underwater without suffocation, with greatly enhanced perception and affinity for liquids, making it easier to gain initial favor from aquatic creatures. P.S.: Being on a boat feels like coming home—love it here.]
[Grilling Mastery: You could open your own barbecue restaurant.]
[Perfect Direction Sense: You can always tell which way is south. P.S.: Mom doesn't have to worry about you getting lost anymore.]
[Marine Six Styles - Government martial arts techniques for enhanced mobility and combat.]
[Spirit of the Sea: ...PS: This skill offers many interesting applications.]
[Enhanced Weapon Mastery: Master various weapons, with frequently used weapons becoming more effective. PS: Even a makeshift weapon can be wielded with devastating efficiency.]
Status:
[Limiter Breakthrough BUFF: Comprehensive 100% enhancement across all abilities]
Overall Assessment: The three-year period is complete. Will you choose the path of the crooked smile or the bald head?
"Wait, I'm not some Dragon King returning from exile, so... I won't end up bald like Saitama, will I?" Jerry's first reaction after reading the assessment was to anxiously feel the top of his head.
After confirming that his hair remained thick and healthy, Jerry sighed with relief. "I'll leave the bald protagonist role to someone else..."
Since returning to the Four Blues, they had spent considerable time exploring each sea region. Upon careful reflection, more than a year had passed since they had departed the Grand Line.
While Jerry still considered himself relatively weak in the grand scheme of things, he couldn't deny feeling increasingly powerful as time progressed.
Thanks to the major quest he had received at Reverse Mountain, Jerry maintained clear objectives while systematically completing missions throughout South Blue, West Blue, North Blue, and East Blue, resulting in tremendous growth across all his abilities.
"Hah! With these attributes, am I actually approaching true invincibility?"
Examining his status screen and genuinely feeling the power surging within his body, Jerry couldn't help but feel his confidence expanding once again.
In truth, skills like Fishman Karate, Fishman Jujutsu, and Observation Haki had reached these levels some time ago without advancing further. Jerry wasn't certain whether they had peaked or if there were other factors preventing their progression.
Regardless, he maintained his daily fishing routine as usual. While enjoying these peaceful moments, he hoped that quantity might eventually lead to qualitative breakthroughs.
"Wow! We can see Baratie again! Let's go over there for another meal!" Bonney's cheerful voice suddenly rang out from the deck as she spotted the familiar ship-restaurant appearing ahead, interrupting Jerry's contemplation.
However, just as she finished speaking, a thunderous shout echoed across the water from the distance.
"METEOR FIST SHOWER!"
Simultaneously, multiple cannonball-sized projectile came hurtling toward the Black Nova with devastating force. Just as it was about to strike their ship, it was blocked by a hastily erected water barrier, sending spray cascading in all directions.
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