Getting Less and Less Respectable

Under Oak's fist-based education, Ace ultimately obediently returned to the New World. Oak even personally sent him on his way with the Paw-Paw Fruit's power, setting the destination as one of Ace's former territories in the New World. He watched as Ace vanished beyond his sight, wrapped inside a massive Paw Bubble.

Afterward, he did not linger long in Alabasta. After spending a tender day with Vivi and once again enjoying the blessings of having them all, he left Alabasta with Nami and Robin. This time, their destination was Jaya Island.

According to intelligence, a pirate crew had attacked the neighboring nation near Alabasta, the "Drum Kingdom," Chopper's hometown—the winter island that had not yet been renamed the "Sakura Kingdom."

That pirate crew was extremely powerful. Wapol, the king of the "Drum Kingdom," had been so terrified that he fled overnight with his confidants, abandoning the country. The ones who had attacked the nation were Teach's Blackbeard Pirates. This was also why Ace had come to Alabasta. He had learned in the "Drum Kingdom" that Teach's group had likely come to this country after attacking the "Drum Kingdom."

Unfortunately, Ace had not found Teach in this country. Instead, he had run into the menace known as Oak and suffered a vicious beating.

Oak was looking for Teach as well. Having read the original story, he knew that after attacking the "Drum Kingdom," Teach's group would soon appear in Mock Town on Jaya Island. That was why he was heading to Jaya Island this time: to intercept Teach.

After traveling at an unhurried pace, Oak reached Jaya Island's port three days later.

"This island..."

After setting foot on Jaya Island, Nami looked across the island, unable for a moment to find words to describe it.

The island was prosperous—extremely prosperous. Every