"CHEERS!"
Everyone shouted in unison, their voices reaching the clouds.
The continuous clinking of glasses echoed between the floating islands.
Every sector was infected by this joyous atmosphere, with everyone fully immersing themselves in this rare moment of hard-won happiness.
At the main banquet venue, Whitebeard occupied a massive table all to himself, his tall and imposing figure particularly conspicuous among the crowd.
Before him stood piles of premium wine barrels taller than a normal person.
He laughed heartily as he slapped open the barrel lids, releasing an overflowing, intoxicating aroma.
"Gurararara! Boys, tonight we drink until we drop!" Whitebeard downed several large tankards, his face already flushed a deep, happy red.
High above, Marco transformed into his Phoenix Form, circling in the air with blue flames burning brightly around his body.
The azure fire trailed behind him, writing the word "VICTORY" across the night sky.
Jozu diamondized his hand, using his indestructible fingers as a makeshift bottle opener.
His movements were crisp and decisive, popping caps and corks without the slightest hesitation.
With his actions, dozens of bottles of fine wine were effortlessly opened, filling the air with the rich aroma of alcohol.
The surrounding pirates crowded around, eagerly vying to taste the delicious brew.
"Hahaha, there's enough for everyone, no need to rush! Hey, hey, you there, don't grab!"
Vista's rose petals danced among the crowd, each petal carrying an intoxicating scent of wine.
The petals were as light as snowflakes, fluttering gracefully in the air, adding a touch of romance to the lively, boisterous scene.
...
Meanwhile, in the civilian district of the Seventh Island, Ron had specifically ordered the opening of the Divine Kingdom's emergency luxury reserves.
This news brought cheers of joy from the civilians, who deeply felt the care and warmth of the Divine Kingdom's Lord.
Children ran around playing, holding exquisitely crafted sweets and snacks they had never seen before in their lives, their laughter ringing pleasantly through the air.
The snacks were beautifully shaped and delightfully sweet, making it impossible for the children to put them down.
The elderly savored the fine wines, their faces breaking into happy smiles, tears glistening in their weathered eyes.
One elderly man trembled as he raised his glass, his voice choked with emotion.
"Captain Whitebeard... Lord Ron... we finally have a proper home..."
His words echoed the feelings of many civilians. In this once violence-ridden, chaotic sea, they had finally found their own peace and safety.
...
The liveliest place, however, was the combat arena on the Third Island.
It was brightly lit and bustling with roaring crowds.
Douglas Bullet was fighting bare-chested, his powerful body gleaming with a bronze sheen under the spotlights.
He was single-handedly taking on twenty pirates who had just gained new Devil Fruit abilities!
Both sides exchanged furious blows.
The sparks from their clashing Devil Fruit abilities became the most unique form of entertainment for the night.
Every collision produced a deafening roar, shaking the air like thunder.
Sparks flew in all directions, illuminating the entire arena and leaving the spectators in awe.
Crocodile sat in the VIP seats, his eyes reflecting a rare sense of leisure and contentment.
From time to time, he used his new Space Ring to conjure a bottle of fine wine, drinking freely as if savoring nectar and ambrosia, completely enchanted by the taste of victory.
Ron had already informed him to think about what third ability he wanted enchanted—and to let him know once he decided. Ron would directly craft it for him!
Such preferential treatment was unprecedented!
Crocodile secretly congratulated himself on his choice, knowing full well that in this powerful Eternal Divine Kingdom, he would have limitless opportunities for growth.
Indeed, Crocodile thought, swirling the wine in his glass. It's easier to thrive under the shelter of a mighty tree.
The Baroque Works I painstakingly built in the past was nothing compared to this.
Now, I could destroy my old empire with a single swipe of my hand.
Thinking of this, Crocodile couldn't help but sigh with genuine emotion. "This is probably the best decision I, Sir Crocodile, have ever made in my life."
Suddenly, a massive fire phoenix pattern exploded across the night sky—a spectacular fireworks display created by the combined efforts of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit and the Phoenix Flames.
The fire phoenix was so lifelike, it seemed as though it would break free from the night sky and soar into the distance. Its feathers blazed with fierce flames, illuminating the entire kingdom.
For a moment, all the islands fell silent as people were awestruck by the magnificent sight.
Then, an even more fervent cheer erupted.
"The Divine Kingdom's Ruler is truly formidable—he's actually become the Captain of the Whitebeard Pirates now!" someone exclaimed in admiration.
"What Whitebeard Pirates? They are no more. It's the Eternal Divine Kingdom's fleet now!" another corrected.
"Same difference, same difference!" everyone chimed in agreement.
"Where's Lord Ron? He vanished the moment I turned around. I'd love to share a drink with him," a pirate said, scanning the surroundings.
"A lowly pirate like you has no right to drink with him!" a disdainful voice retorted.
"What the—? You wanna fight?!" the provoked man flared up instantly, grabbing his sword.
"Wait... why are you touching me sneakily?" He suddenly noticed the other man's odd, groping behavior.
"Heh, this is my new ability—the Target-Target Fruit," the other boasted with a smug, slightly creepy grin.
"Once I touch you, my thrown weapons will follow you to the ends of the earth!"
"..."
The onlookers couldn't help but burst into roaring laughter at the bizarre scene.
...
Meanwhile, the man of the hour, Ron, had long since slipped away from the banquet and entered his private laboratory.
He had begun the experiments to create the Haki Fruit!
With the portability of the system's divine-grade experimental platform, he could instantly produce the fruit with just the right raw materials and sufficient funds.
It was incredibly convenient.
No wonder he had been able to distribute Devil Fruits to the pirates even mid-battle.
Ron knew all too well that only by continuously strengthening their collective power could the Eternal Divine Kingdom secure its place against the World Government and the remaining Emperors.
...
The Next Day.
As the pre-dawn mist lingered, ten thousand golden rays suddenly erupted from the summit of the Eternal Divine Kingdom.
The light pierced through the specially crafted light-blocking barrier, dyeing the entire morning sky in a brilliant, blinding gold.
Pirates, roused from their slumber by the sacred radiance, rubbed their hungover eyes and gazed upward.
"Damn... Am I still drunk?" A scruffy-bearded pirate slapped himself hard.
His companion, however, leaped up, sobering instantly. "Idiot! This is coming from the top-floor lab!"
His voice trembled with excitement. "Legend has it that the last time golden light like that appeared, Lord Ron created the Space Ring!"
Across the islands, more and more people gathered in the plazas.
Newly joined pirates stood gaping in awe, while veteran Divine Kingdom residents deftly pulled out imaging Den Den Mushi to record the moment.
They knew this would be another morning etched into history.
"Gurararara!"
Whitebeard's laughter echoed from the highest point.
Everyone looked up to see the legendary man standing on the balcony of the Eternal Divine Palace, gazing toward Ron's laboratory as he roared with laughter.
"Listen up, brats! It seems Ron's cooked up something good again!"
Seeing the golden light, Marco got so excited he instantly transformed into a blue phoenix and shot into the sky.
"Why are you all standing around? Head to the top floor!"
"Holy crap! Could it be Ron's promise from yesterday?"
"It must be!"
"Hahaha, I'm going to become a master of Haki too!"
"Shut up! Don't jinx it!"