A moment later, River clapped his hands, and the aura of Conqueror's Haki dissipated.
"The gifts I gave you still need more honing, Ace!"
"Make them truly yours!"
Ace gazed at his uncle with complicated eyes, then suddenly bowed and thanked him solemnly. "Thank you, Uncle!"
"Go on!"
River waved a hand and smiled.
"Oh, and one more thing. That old man..."
"He's still alive!"
Ace's pupils contracted. Then he let out a long breath, and a smile blossomed across his face.
"Hahahaha!"
"I knew it!"
The question that had plagued him finally had an answer. Joy filled Ace's heart. He suddenly turned his back on River and the others and headed toward the door.
"I'm off, Uncle!"
"I'll accomplish everything you told me to!"
"And the title of Pirate King will be mine!"
His voice rang out, firm and brimming with confidence.
River's lips curved into a smile. "Then I'll be waiting for your good news!"
Soon, Ace was gone.
Night had already fallen, but that posed no problem at all for the excited young Fire Fist. He could no longer contain his eagerness to return to the Moby Dick.
The night passed quickly. As the sun rose the next morning, the City of Gold erupted into a frenzy.
Many people noticed that the enormous ship, which had sat motionless in the middle of the sea for so long, began to shudder with a rumble. Ships streamed out of the harbor.
"Hey, everyone!"
Accompanied by deafening DJ beats and music, Tesoro snapped his fingers and climbed the stairs to the highest platform, one step at a time.
"I'm very sorry, but I have an announcement to make!"
"Due to changes in our internal affairs, our entertainment city may have to close temporarily!"
"So, please begin leaving now!"
"To express