The next day, News Coos took flight as usual, delivering the latest shocking headlines to every corner of the world.
"BREAKING: Marine's Massive Offensive Claims Countless Pirate Lives!"
"SHOCKING: Admiral Akainu Missing—Life or Death Unknown!?"
"Black Star Pirates and Whitebeard Pirates Alliance Confirmed..."
"Treasure Island Completely Transformed into Active Volcanic Zone..."
Although news coverage had basically revolved around the events at Treasure Island—along with Kotatsu's multi-day live broadcast—for the past week, today's reports still managed to shock the world.
The battle situation had changed so rapidly during the conflict that the Marine's massive general offensive had caused devastating casualties among the pirate forces, effectively annihilating almost all the criminal organizations that had gathered at Treasure Island. A tremendous number of pirates had been either killed or captured, representing perhaps the most significant operational success the Marines had achieved in recent memory.
The name "Leviathan" Jerry once again echoed throughout the world.
Although Jerry had demonstrated extraordinary strength during the Battle of Marineford and had successfully injured Akainu, everyone understood that these two confrontations were completely different in scope and significance—not to mention that Admiral Aramaki had also been involved this time.
Even though Aramaki wasn't particularly well-known among the general public, as an Admiral carefully selected through the World Draft, people didn't seriously doubt his capabilities. If the Marines failed to maintain strict standards in this area, the first thing that would be endangered would be their own authority and credibility.
The sensational Treasure Island incident not only sparked endless debate among civilians, but also left pirates worldwide feeling a complex mixture of emotions.
This time, the massive pirate wave caused by Jerry's global challenge had been met with an unprecedentedly resolute Marine response and suffered tremendous losses as a result. Many pirates found themselves pursued and intercepted by Marine forces before they even had the chance to cause trouble after setting sail, suffering devastating defeats.
Combined with the few pirates who had actually survived the various attacks on Treasure Island, as well as secret manipulation by certain individuals with ulterior motives, the world's perspective on the Treasure Island incident's outcome had become increasingly complicated.
Among civilians, there were those who celebrated the destruction of so many pirate crews, while others worried about the heavy losses the Marines had sustained.
Pirates and other criminals displayed even more complex and diverse reactions. Some mourned the misfortune of their fallen comrades and angrily condemned Jerry's actions. Others took perverse pleasure in Marine casualties and the defeat of rival pirate crews. Still others hoped this would mark the beginning of Marine decline and complete pirate dominance of the seas.
But as time passed, people quickly discovered that authority remained authority—the Marines were still the organization maintaining order across the oceans, and pirates were still being hunted with the same efficiency as before.
Notably, no news about the Five Elders' involvement had appeared in any newspaper.
Jerry didn't care about the outside world's judgment or public opinion in the slightest, let alone pay excessive attention to media coverage.
After following the Whitebeard Pirates back to their base and holding magnificent victory banquets with everyone for several consecutive days, he had entered what he privately called "Sage Time"—a period of peaceful reflection.
Six days had passed quietly since the Battle of Treasure Island.
"Although the process got a bit chaotic, our main objective was basically achieved," Jerry mused to himself.
Under the brilliant starry night sky, he stood on the side of the Black Nova with his fishing rod in hand, contemplating recent events.
Then, watching Jinbe say his farewells to everyone before diving back into the ocean, Jerry spoke to himself with quiet satisfaction: "It looks like it's about time for us to move on."
In response to the incident Jerry had caused on Treasure Island, the World Government had naturally issued an immediate summons to the Seven Warlords of the Sea, intending to mobilize them for a coordinated assault on the Black Star Pirates.
However, the Seven Warlords were no longer as complete an organization as they had once been.
From the Battle of Marineford through Doflamingo's recent defeat, the current lineup had been reduced to only Hawkeye Mihawk, Boa Hancock, Jinbe, the mysterious Bartholomew Kuma, and Edward Weevil—who had recently assumed the position only to be quickly defeated by Cavendish.
After Hawkeye and the Empress had offered various excuses to avoid participation, Jinbe had been secretly observing from the ocean without taking any aggressive action.
Therefore, after removing Weevil from consideration, the "Seven Warlords of the Sea" who had once dominated the oceans could more accurately be renamed the "Three Warlords of the Sea."
On deck, Ace happened to fly over just in time to hear Jerry's words and asked with obvious curiosity: "Oh? Where are we heading next? Laugh Tale?"
Regarding the authentic pointer that Jerry had obtained, Whitebeard hadn't made any statements during the past few days, nor had he brought up any related topics in conversation.
Perhaps it was precisely because Whitebeard had maintained such a hands-off attitude that the members of his pirate crew hadn't delved too deeply into the subject either.
Core members like Marco naturally understood Whitebeard's philosophy, and Ace also knew that in his adoptive father's heart, the legendary treasure and the title of Pirate King weren't what he truly wanted to pursue—such things were far less important than family.
"Eventually, of course," Jerry replied with a knowing chuckle, glancing at Deuce and the others who had also returned to the Black Nova. "But before that, both you and we have some important business to handle."
"Me? Us? What kind of business?" Ace looked between Deuce and the others, all wearing confused expressions as they focused on Jerry.
Jerry stared at Ace, Deuce, and Skull with obvious disdain until they began shifting uncomfortably under his scrutiny. Then he spoke slowly and deliberately:
"You absolute scumbags—have you completely forgotten the promises you made to certain young ladies?"
Jerry sighed dramatically and shook his head with disappointment. "Alas... as expected, the most beautiful promises are always made by people who are too young to understand their true weight."
Seeing that the three men still looked genuinely confused, the other crew members began making noise.
"You guys are really that type of people?" Cavendish observed with a sideways glance. "In that case, I'll have to warn my female fans to stay far away from you."
Brook was so surprised his jaw nearly hit the deck: "Yohohoho! I never expected you to be the kind of men who would break promises to beautiful young ladies!"
Carina's eyes moved calculating between Ace and the others before turning to Jerry, rubbing her hands together with obvious interest: "Oh? What exactly happened here? You know, I might have to seek justice for my fellow women who were deceived by these heartbreakers."
"That's right!" Carrot clenched her fists in front of her chest and nodded emphatically.
"Meow!" Kotatsu seemed to voice his agreement as well.
Deuce and the others became increasingly bewildered as they listened to the accusations. They couldn't help but stare at Jerry simultaneously, waiting desperately for some kind of explanation.
However, Jerry seemed completely oblivious to their pleading gazes and continued fanning the flames: "Exactly! Everyone's finally recognizing their true colors..."
"Jerry..." Hearing that their captain was still making trouble, Ace and the other two exchanged meaningful glances before cracking their knuckles ominously, as if they were prepared to physically restrain him if he continued this torment.
Seeing this threatening display, Jerry blinked innocently and laughed: "Come on, it was just a joke! Why are you taking it so seriously?"
At this point, Jerry waved cheerfully to Carina and the others, then addressed Ace's group with genuine warmth: "But seriously, you didn't actually forget our agreement with Tama, did you?"
Deuce and the others were stunned and asked in perfect unison: "Tama?"
Ace's eyes widened dramatically with sudden realization. Surprise and excitement flooded his expression as he clenched his fist and waved it enthusiastically: "You mean we're going back to Wano Country?!"
Jerry nodded with a broad grin spreading across his face: "Of course! I'm very different from you guys—I'm not a scumbag, and I have absolutely no intention of breaking a promise to a child!"
The mention of little Tama and their oath to return for her brought back vivid memories of their time in the oppressed nation. The promise they'd made to that brave little girl—who had gifted them handwoven bamboo hats despite her own desperate circumstances—suddenly felt like the most important treasure they could possibly pursue.
Some promises, Jerry reflected, were far more valuable than any legendary gold or ancient weapons. And keeping faith with a child who had shown them such kindness was exactly the kind of adventure worth risking everything to achieve.