After listening to what Albedo said, Kronos fell silent.
Before he could fully gather his thoughts, Albedo turned to look at him and asked softly,
"Am I right, Lord Kronos?"
After a brief hesitation, Kronos nodded.
"Yeah... that's basically what I had in mind."
Hearing his affirmation, a smile bloomed on Albedo's face. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she looked at Kronos with excitement.
"Yes~ Lord Kronos!"
After this little episode, everyone returned to the rooms arranged for them by Neptune.
The night passed quietly.
The Next Morning.
Kronos had just woken up when the familiar system prompt echoed in his mind.
[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for successfully occupying [Fish-Man Island]. Prestige +10,000!]
[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for obtaining territory and receiving the possession [Angel of Redemption・Ship]!]
Hearing these notifications, Kronos blinked in surprise.
He immediately sat up in bed, staring in disbelief at his attribute panel.
[Host]: Kronos
[Prestige]: 44,200
[Abilities]: Human-Human Fruit, Observation Haki (Top), Armament Haki (Top), Conqueror's Haki (Top)
[Recruited Members]: Konan, Gojo Satoru, Yoriichi Tsugikuni, Pain (Deva Path), Pain (Animal Path), Pain (Asura Path), Pain (Human Path), Pain (Preta Path), Pain (Naraka Path),
Uchiha Madara, Artoria, Bang (Banggu), Albedo, Hashirama Senju
[Possessions]: Angel of Redemption・Ship
[Access to Prize Pool]""
Looking at the massive increase in prestige and his new possession, Kronos rubbed his forehead in frustration.
"Damn... So just occupying a location gives this much prestige and even unlocks unique possessions?!"
He slapped his face as regret filled him.
"If I had just taken over all those places I passed earlier... I'd probably have over a hundred members by now."
He recalled countless uninhabited islands along his journey.
"Even if I ignored the towns or nations, just taking those islands should've earned me over a hundred thousand prestige easily!"
As he thought about it, he glanced again at the system panel — and something caught his eye.
His pupils suddenly shrank.
The prestige value was still rising... but there was no system prompt.
Normally, even a small gain of three or five points would trigger a notification.
But this time — nothing.
"Could it be... does owning territory generate prestige passively?"
A bold thought entered Kronos's mind, making his heart pound with anticipation.
And with that came a wave of regret.
"If I had taken over all those places I passed... how much prestige would I have by now?"
He sighed long and deeply, looking out the window and muttering to himself,
"Why didn't I think of this earlier...?"
After staying in the room for a while, Kronos finally stepped outside and stood on the platform beside the window.
Above him, a flag flew proudly.
It had once been the banner of the Whitebeard Pirates.
But now, the symbol had changed — a skull with a blindfold and wings.
It was the flag of the Kamui Pirates.
Just then, there was a knock on Kronos's door.
Knock knock knock!
A low voice followed.
"Lord Kronos, everything is ready."
Hearing this, Kronos turned back slightly and responded,
"Got it."
Meanwhile, in the Deep Sea...
A massive humanoid sea monster dragged a large, battered ship through the ocean depths.
Suddenly, a hoarse voice called from inside the vessel.
"Poseidon!"
The sea monster pulling the ship looked back.
"What?"
The voice spoke again,
"Any reply yet?"
"A letter from Princess Shirahoshi," Mianjinjian replied.
"No response yet, Captain Decken."
Inside the ship, the captain of the Flying Pirates, Vander Decken IX, sighed heavily.
"Agh... how many years has it been now?"
"It's been eight years, and still no reply," Mianjinjian answered calmly.
Hearing this, Decken's face twisted with fury. He slammed a fist onto the table.
Bang!
"It must be Neptune's doing!" he roared.
"He's trying to marry Shirahoshi off for political gain!"
His eye twitched as if seeing through some grand conspiracy.
Decken stood up and began walking outside, muttering,
"It all makes sense..."
"Keeping her locked up in the Hard-Shell Tower for eight years — it's proof!"
"It's tragic... we clearly love each other!"
"Princess Shirahoshi! I've always loved you deeply! I love you! I LOVE YOU!"
"No matter how far I wander in this deep sea..."
"No other woman is as noble or beautiful as you."
His expression darkened suddenly.
"You must never be with another man."
"If that happens... then you die, Shirahoshi!"
"Your only fate is to marry me — or die."
He pulled out a massive axe with a rose design.
"Today, I gift you this axe, engraved with a rose!"
"Did you hear that, Shirahoshi?!"
"This... this is our marriage token!"
With those words, Decken hurled the axe with all his strength.
Swish!
Ryugu Palace – Dining Hall
A long table was filled with food and drink.
The Kamui Pirates had all arrived and taken their seats.
On the Ryugu Kingdom's side, Neptune, Fukaboshi (Shark Star), Ryuboshi (King Star), Manboshi (Rollover Star), and Princess Shirahoshi were all present as well.
They sat together, quietly sharing breakfast with Kronos and the others.
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