The Ark Maxim broke through the clouds, and the outline of Hachinosu came into view.
Golden beaches, verdant forests, well-arranged buildings, and that familiar main island palace.
Everything was the same as when I left, yet something was different.
The harbor was packed with people.
Stella stood at the front, followed by Scarlet, Ginny, Vera, Kalifa, and the other women.
Further on, there were countless genetic warriors and ordinary residents.
Everyone looked up, staring at the golden spaceship slowly descending in the sky.
"They're back! They're back!"
Someone shouted excitedly.
"It's the Ark Maxim! The captain is back!"
The port instantly erupted in chaos.
The Ark Maxim landed steadily in the center of the harbor, its golden hull gleaming in the sunlight.
The hatch opened, and Roy was the first to step out.
Stella and the other women's eyes reddened, and they rushed forward.
"Captain! You... you're finally back..."
"Is anyone hurt?"
Her voice trembled, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.
Roy paused for a moment, then laughed.
It seems that Stella and the others are under a lot of pressure this time!
Roy reached out and patted her on the back.
"Why are you crying? Didn't you come back?"
Stella looked up, her eyes blurry with tears, and carefully scanned the returning crowd. "Who's crying? I... I'm just happy!"
Scarlet walked over carrying Rebecca, her eyes also red-rimmed, but she held back her tears.
Welcome back.
Roy nodded and teased Rebecca in his arms. The little girl giggled and reached out to grab his face.
Ginny floated over, followed by several ghosts, hovering near the Kuma, muttering, "It's alright, it's alright..."
Vera remained silent, but the worry in her eyes had turned into joy.
Kalifa adjusted her glasses and said solemnly, "Captain, the island is safe and sound. The defense system is functioning normally, and all bloodline soldiers are on standby."
Roy laughed, "Alright, alright, stop reporting. No office work today."
He turned around and looked at the people who were walking out of the cabin behind him.
Bullet, Hawk Eyes, Red Count, Crocodile, Tesoro, Savi, Enel, Yamato, Yamato, Pea, Kyros, Moria, Lucci, Kaku, Blueno, Jabra, and the newly added Lafitte, Van Augur, and Jesus Burgess.
Kaido, along with the Beasts Pirates, disembarked from the other side of the ship.
Everyone returned safely.
Roy took a deep breath and shouted:
"Let's have a feast today! We won't leave until we're drunk!"
"Oh--!!!"
Cheers resounded through the sky.
The main island square was filled with banquet tables.
Barbecue, seafood, fruit, and fine wine were piled up like a small mountain. The genetic warriors brought over long tables, which, when put together, stretched for over a hundred meters.
Everyone sat together, eating meat heartily and drinking wine from large bowls.
Bullet, holding a wine bowl, challenged Savi to a drinking contest. The two of them drank bowl after bowl, until their faces were red and their necks were thick.
"Come on! Again!"
"Afraid of you? Go for it!"
Tesoro and Enel were competing to see whose lightning was brighter. Lightning crackled and danced around them, illuminating the surroundings.
" Enel, you're no good! Watch me!"
"Enough talk! I haven't even used my full power yet!"
Yamato, clutching a spiked club, began to perform an unknown dance.
The dance moves... well, they were quite unique.
A group of people around him applauded and cheered, laughing so hard they were doubled over.
Pea sat in the corner, munching on her snacks in small bites, occasionally glancing up at the noisy kids, her eyes curving into crescents.
Hawk Eyes sat alone to the side, holding a wine glass, quietly watching everything.
The Red Count sat opposite him, sipping his red wine with a smile.
" Hawk Eyes, aren't you going to join the fun?"
Hawk Eyes shook his head. "Too noisy."
Red Count laughed, "Indeed. People like us are better off keeping quiet."
Crocodile, a cigar dangling from his lips, leaned back in his chair, watching the rowdy group, a rare smile playing on his lips.
"These guys..." he shook his head, "Are like children."
Kyros sat beside Scarlet, holding Rebecca, his face beaming with happiness.
Moria released several zombies to help serve drinks and food.
The zombies staggered along, eliciting laughter from the crowd.
Xiong remained silent, but the wine bowl in front of him had been emptied several times.
Lucci, Kaku, Blueno, Jabra gathered together.
He was speaking in a low voice, glancing occasionally at the genetically engineered warriors in the distance, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.
Lafitte, Van Augur, Jesus Burgess sat in a corner, watching the lively scene, feeling somewhat out of place.
"This... this is daily life on Hachinosu?" Jesus Burgess scratched his head.
Lafitte smiled slightly, "It looks pretty good."
Van Augur nodded without speaking, but a hint of warmth flashed in his eyes.
Kaido, holding a bowl of sake, found Roy.
" Roy, I have to go."
Roy raised an eyebrow. "So soon?"
Kaido took a swig of sake and grinned, "There's still business in Wano Country. King and the others have been urging us several times."
Roy nodded. "Okay. Thanks for the Pure Gold."
Kaido waved his hand. "What are you thanking me for? I didn't do much."
Besides, I don't need that thing now, so keeping it is pointless.
He paused, then lowered his voice. "But Roy, next time something like this happens, remember to call me."
"Fighting is my favorite thing."
Roy laughed, "Okay. I'll call you next time."
Kaido laughed heartily and slapped Roy on the shoulder, almost knocking him over.
"Then it's settled! I'm off!"
He turned and strode away with Jhin, Queen, Jack, and the others.
port side,
The Beasts Pirates ' ship was already ready. Kaido jumped aboard, glanced back at the brightly lit Hachinosu, and grinned.
"That kid Roy... is interesting."
The sails were raised, and the ship slowly sailed away from the harbor, disappearing into the night.
The revelry continued in the square.
Bullet and Savi were already passed out from drinking and were carried aside by the genetic warriors.
Tesoro and Enel were still fighting, but both of them were panting heavily and couldn't even unleash their lightning.
Yamato got tired of jumping, hugged his spiked club, leaned against Roy, and fell fast asleep.
Pea got sleepy too, nodding her head little by little, and finally fell asleep leaning against Stella.
Night deepened.
The campfire was still burning, its light reflecting on everyone's faces, making them feel warm and cozy.
Roy sat in the main seat, watching the scene before him, a faint smile playing on his lips.
The next morning, the World Economy News Paper's front-page headline shocked the entire world.
The newspaper, in the largest font size, read:
[The Battle for Pure Gold! A Bloodbath Between the Three Emperors and the Navy! The Heavenly Dao Emperor's Amazing Plan!]
Below the title is a huge photo.
In the photo, corpses littered the ice field, their blood staining the white ice.
Whitebeard, Golden Lion, and Big Mom each occupied a corner, with a densely packed army standing behind them.
The Three Admirals, Garp, and Sengoku are closing in from another direction.
And in the very center of the sky, the Ark Maxim floats silently.
Roy stood at the bow of the ship, holding the Pure Gold that shone with golden light in his hand.