After a long while, the laughter gradually subsided. Gawain reached out, picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks, and put it in his mouth.
Suppressing the lingering smile with chewing, Gawain then raised his hand and gently waved to Jessica.
"Mrs. Jessica, please have a seat. This is a delicious meal you prepared carefully; you certainly have the right to taste it yourself."
And, haha, there's no need to keep Jonathan. He loves you, so he cares about you, and I understand.
"Um!"
Jessica quickly nodded to Gawain, then looked at Shepherd next to Jonathan. Faced with Jessica's fierce gaze, Shepherd awkwardly got up and moved to another seat.
Jessica took Shepherd's seat without asking, and then she surveyed the people at the table.
Wow!
So many pirates!
Since marrying Jonathan, when did she ever imagine she'd be eating with so many pirates?
It makes it seem like her husband is an undercover agent for the pirates!
As Jessica watched, she couldn't help but glance at Gawain, who was diligently eating.
She wasn't some ignorant Dr. Kobato; having spent many years in the Navy, how could she not know what Celestial Dragon were like?
And Gawain...
Jessica looked at Gion with a big, aunt-like smile, and then she said to Gion in a teasing tone.
"Long time no see, Gion. I see Gawain is carrying a sword; isn't that the Kotetsu you used when you were young?"
Wow~~~!
"It's Rokumei Kotetsu!"
Gion rolled her eyes at her former best friend, then quietly explained to Gawain.
"Sir, let me introduce you. Jessica was the most famous chef in the Marine Headquarters back in the day."
Before she married Jonathan, she was the dream girl of countless naval officers!
Back then, who wouldn't want to marry her and eat Jessica's cooking every day?
At this point, Gion looked at Jonathan and smiled.
"Jonathan Vice Admiral Jonathan must be incredibly happy. I reckon even some of the Admiral are envious of you, haha!"
"Well..."
Faced with Gion's teasing, Jonathan made a face and gently rubbed his ears.
"Gion Vice Admiral, happiness is always relative. They're watching me from outside the door, and I'm watching them from inside. Sigh..."
After all, even if they envy me, they certainly wouldn't envy my injured ear!
Hearing Jonathan's words, Jessica immediately picked up a few pieces of vegetables for Jonathan.
"Hey, can't even food shut you up, Jonathan?"
"Then I'll feed you myself. Here, this is cauliflower, beans, and Cabbage!"
"I don't want to..."
Faced with Jessica's enthusiasm, Jonathan frowned in pain and said weakly.
"Why does cauliflower even exist? It tastes awful!"
"Even if it tastes bad, I'll still eat it!!!"
Jessica yelled and shoved the cauliflower into Jonathan's mouth, Jonathan made a painful face.
While Jonathan in pain, Jessica shrugged at Gion.
"Look, Gion, this is why I married Jonathan!"
As a chef, how can I just watch this jerk keep being so picky about food?!
"Haha, Jessica, so you chose him because he was the only one who was picky about the food you made!"
Gion couldn't help but ask with a smile.
"Certainly!"
Jessica nodded decisively.
"My cooking is so delicious, it's only natural that they love it. No matter how much they praise me, I won't feel particularly honored!"
But this bastard actually ate West City and left some!
And just like that, I found my happiness!
I'll be so happy if he eats everything I put on his plate, haha!
As she spoke, Jessica, as if pouring beans, shoved all the corn kernels and beans into Jonathan's mouth.
Even our Wise General, Jonathan, shed tears at this moment...
As for Gawain, he nodded knowingly as he watched Jonathan and Jessica interact.
This is yet another classic example of a simp getting what he deserves.
Because Jessica's cooking is so delicious, it's only natural that she gets praised as much as possible.
Of course!
Thinking this, Gawain secretly cast an admiring glance at Jonathan.
And Jonathan, as expected, returned Gawain a meaningful look...
After exchanging glances, Gawain started talking about business with Jonathan while he ate his meal.
"By the way, Jonathan Vice Admiral Jonathan, Sengoku has already discussed with you the real reason I came to Navarone Fortress, hasn't he?"
"Certainly!"
Seeing that they were getting down to business, Jessica stopped teasing Jonathan, and Jonathan nodded seriously.
"However, it wasn't Fleet Admiral Sengoku who negotiated with me; it was Admiral Sakazuki who relayed the supply orders to me."
"Sakazuki?"
Gawain nodded slightly, then continued to ask.
"Jonathan Vice Admiral Jonathan and Sakazuki have a good relationship?"
"We're old friends. We've known each other for about thirty-five years. I joined the Marine Training Camp when I was very young, and he was my second lieutenant commander back then."
I was only about twelve years old at the time, Sakazuki was also very young, only fifteen. Although he was the superior officer, I progressed very quickly, and we became friends in less than a year."
"I see."
Gawain gave a knowing look, then pondered for a moment before continuing to speak to Jonathan.
"In that case, could you please take some time to pass on a message to Sakazuki for me?"
I had already met Kuzan and Borsalino back in Sabaody, and we had gotten to know each other a little.
As for Sakazuki, I'm really curious about this Admiral Akainu!
At this point, Gawain took a spoon and scooped up a spoonful of clear broth from beside a blooming Cabbage.
Upon hearing Gawain's words, Jonathan nodded slightly.
"Of course, I can contact Sakazuki anytime. So, when and where does Saint Gawain plan to meet him?"
"Haha, there's no need to rush. Let him go about his business. He can come find my Dark Bird whenever he has free time."
I have never bothered to hide my whereabouts, and my ship is destined to be more easily discovered.
Therefore, I look forward to Sakazuki's arrival!
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain raised his glass and clinked it against Jonathan's.
After putting down the cup, Gawain continued.
"That's all for Sakazuki. Now let's talk about supplies."
I will probably take from your branch enough fresh water to sustain about 1,300 people for about 20 days, and a sufficient amount of vegetables.
Will this number put pressure on your fortress, Jonathan?
"Absolutely not!"
Jonathan's eyes suddenly flashed with a sharp light.
"Navarone Fortress has its own water source, so fresh water is not a problem at all!"
As for vegetables...
Gawain, I want to pack all the vegetables in the fortress, especially the cauliflower, and ship them to your ship!
Don't worry about us, everything we do is to serve the World Nobles!
"You just don't want to eat cauliflower, Jonathan?!"
Upon hearing this, Jessica's right hand once again darted to Jonathan's ear...
Thus, Gawain and his group's banquet once again fell into laughter and joy.
By the time the banquet ended, it was around six o'clock in the evening.
Gawain and his group, led by Jonathan, rested for a while at the headquarters.
After all the naval soldiers had finished their dinner, Uta's concert began as scheduled, and the lights of happiness echoed throughout Navarone Fortress until midnight.
Perhaps it was because he ate food imbued with emotion, Uta's performance today was exceptionally heartfelt, as were the marines...
I wonder how many sailors will be tossing and turning tonight, reminiscing about those happy songs.
As for the members of the Black Ice Terrace and the Logistics Department, they worked through the night to replenish the ship with fresh water and vegetables, and by the time it was light, it was just past six o'clock.
Gawain and his group ended their temporary stay and set sail again for the more distant sea.
Meanwhile, at Navarone Fortress, Gawain and the others were conducting gravity training on the ship.
Watching the Dark Bird Ship depart, a weary Jonathan and Jessica gazed at each other intently.
Jonathan frowned and said to Jessica.
"Seeing is believing, indeed!"
Just looking at his news, I still can't help but feel that everything about him is a byproduct of his high status.
But after meeting him in person, wow, just his self-discipline alone is something very few people in our navy could achieve!
"Yes..."
Jessica nodded, then clenched her fist.
Although she is a chef, she has been trained at headquarters and with Gion and others since childhood, and her true strength is even greater than Jonathan's!
If she hadn't been so powerful that she completely overwhelmed Jonathan, she wouldn't have been so quick to pinch Jonathan ear.
Is it really all because of love?
As she felt her own power, Jessica sighed.
"When almost the highest status is combined with the gentlest gaze, it is a charm that most people cannot resist!"
Yet he is so self-disciplined!
At this point, Jessica loosened her fist and rubbed her temples.
"Ah, I got up at five o'clock to see them off. This will give me wrinkles, it's awful."
Moreover, their self-discipline made me want to exercise too!
Jonathan, how about our branch organizes a fitness activity for all?
"I think it's a good idea!"
Jonathan nodded decisively.
Just as Jonathan finished speaking, Shepherd's voice suddenly came from behind him.
Shepherd said to Jonathan.
"Commander, I... I have a favor to ask!"
"Oh?"
John Anson was taken aback. He turned to look at Shepherd and smiled.
"Even Saint Gawain listened to my impertinent request, how could I not listen to your voice?"
Go ahead and say it, Shepherd!
"Yes, Commander!"
Shepherd, abandoning his usual arrogance, bowed solemnly.
"Commander, I want to leave the G-8 branch and go to headquarters for further training for two to three years!"
Even Saint Gawain, a member of the World Nobles, works so hard, I... I also want to receive training from headquarters and improve myself!
"Yes, of course, I'll write you a note right away..."
Jonathan nodded readily.
With Jonathan's permission, Shepherd beamed and thanked him profusely before respectfully leaving Jonathan's office.
After he left, Jessica couldn't help but smack her lips.
"Tsk tsk, as expected of Saint Gawain, even someone like Shepherd has been influenced by him!"
"Hehe..."
Jonathan shook his head noncommittally at Jessica's words.
"The reason he left was because I defended him in front of Saint Gawain, which made him no longer able to compete with me for the morale of the G-8 branch."
So, realizing he had no hope of continuing to compete with me, a guy with such a powerful background naturally chose to leave my world and go to a higher platform to further his career!
I can even guarantee that a guy like him won't be back in my branch for more than a few years, and he'll be back in an even more arrogant and domineering manner!
Who can blame them when their uncle works in Mary Geoise as the butler of the Celestial Dragon family, the Liendor?
And he's the kind of person who won't change. Even if he does change, he won't change just because he sees anyone else's efforts!
If he had even the slightest plan to improve his strength, he wouldn't be at the level of a lieutenant colonel now, yet his strength is still inferior to that of an ordinary marine.
While there may indeed be differences in talent between people, those differences can only determine the maximum level of ability.
As for the minimum level of strength, as long as people train hard and disciplinedly for 30 to 50 years, everyone can reach the level of Rear Admiral!
Shepherd, hehe...
Even if he does become Rear Admiral, his abilities can't possibly match those of a lieutenant. I know that kind of person too well!
After saying that, Jonathan shook his head in disbelief and then took out his Den Den Mushi.
It's time to give Sakazuki and Sengoku a call each!
For Sakazuki, of course, we should talk about his views on Saint Gawain and Saint Gawain's request to meet with Sakazuki.
As for the phone call to the Fleet Admiral Sengoku?
That would, of course, be a frantic plea for poverty and a desperate plea for aid.
Even though Saint Gawain didn't actually supply much.
But...
The squeaky wheel gets the grease!
Meanwhile, after seven days of sailing, the Dark Bird Ship, guided by the pointer of Eternal Pose, came to rest in the waters near Jaya.
As the large ship came to a stop, Rayleigh was waving his right hand at everyone and speaking with great enthusiasm.
"Haha, I knew it! This is Jaya! The Sky Island I was talking about is right above here!"
As he spoke, Grandpa Rayleigh gestured slightly towards the shape of Jaya.
"Look, doesn't this island look like half of it has disappeared out of thin air!"
That's right, the half that Jaya lost suddenly rose into the air and became Sky Island several hundred years ago!
If it weren't for Brother Yixiao, we would probably have to wait a while longer. Since we can't float, we would have to rely on the Knock Up Stream to reach the Sky Island.
But now, haha, we can fly to the Sky Island right away to sort out and collect the lost gold, and we can even ring that Golden Bell!
Grandpa Rayleigh walked up to Gawain and continued speaking with a smile.
"When Roger and I first landed on the Sky Island, we respected the opinions of the locals."
So even though the Golden Bell from the fairy tale, associated with Liar Noland, was right in front of us, we didn't ring it.
I regret this matter deeply every time I think about it.
Because we didn't ring the Golden Bell, Noland will still be misunderstood as a liar, and his descendants will continue to bear the pain of being misunderstood.
That Noland was clearly a true adventurer, alas, we owe him proof...
As soon as he finished speaking, Grandpa Rayleigh put his arm around Gawain's shoulder.
"So, Little Gawain, let's ring the Golden Bell first when we go to the Sky Island this time."
Your arrival has already thrown Roger's plans into complete chaos, so an hour won't make a difference, right?
"Certainly!"
Gawain smiled and nodded.
"The Golden Bell will certainly be rung, but that's all it will be; preserving it is probably impossible."
After all, what we need is the geography of gold and Sky Island, not just beautiful legends and stories.
Let's melt down the Golden Bell and then make an identical bronze bell—the best of both worlds!
As he spoke, Gawain pointed to the Little Dark Bird.
"However, before landing on the Sky Island, we need to go to Jaya first to thoroughly understand the local culture and environment!"
After all, not everyone is entitled to hear the sound of the Golden Bell!
What do you think?