Jerry and his crew continued their journey through the New World, their ship riding the ocean currents with practiced ease. After several days of life at sea, Carrot's initial excitement had mellowed considerably as she gazed out at the endless expanse of water stretching to every horizon.
When Deuce announced that they were approaching the next island, however, her energy returned with renewed vigor.
During their voyage, Carrot had established a comfortable routine aboard the ship. She spent most of her time playing with Kotatsu, pestering Jerry for adventure stories, or chatting with Carina about life beyond Zou. While Deuce could certainly tell engaging tales from his extensive reading, they paled in comparison to Jerry's storytelling prowess.
When Jerry was in a particularly good mood, he would draw upon stories from his previous world, carefully adapting them into thrilling narratives full of unexpected twists and dramatic turns. Even the other crew members would gather around to listen to his "complete nonsense," as he called it, though everything he described sounded remarkably realistic and detailed.
He always prefaced these tales by claiming they were ancient legends, stories he'd heard from others, or rumors spread through mysterious channels. This left his audience perpetually uncertain whether they were hearing genuine accounts or pure fabrication.
It was a beautiful sunny day, with golden sunlight dancing across the ocean's surface. The waves rose and fell in the shifting light, creating ribbons of color that sparkled like scattered jewels.
"Hey! There's a ship over there!" Carrot called out from her perch in the crow's nest, telescope pressed to her eye. "It doesn't have a pirate flag, but it's heading straight for us!"
She bounded down from the observation platform with impressive agility, landing gracefully on the deck where the others quickly gathered.
Skull took the telescope and peered into the distance. "She's right—no flag visible, and I can see people on their deck looking in our direction!"
"Oh! It's someone we know!" Skull suddenly exclaimed, his excitement causing him to jump up and down.
The collector's enthusiasm was infectious, but his failure to immediately identify their visitor left Deuce feeling frustrated. He snatched the telescope for his own look.
"Wait... is that Wallace? And Banshee? And... Ace?" Deuce blinked in surprise.
"Oh, it's them?" Jerry looked up from his fishing rod with genuine surprise.
The ocean was vast beyond comprehension—encountering familiar faces out here was an incredible coincidence. He suspected the other ship had spotted him at his usual fishing position at the bow and decided to investigate.
As the two ships drew closer, Ace launched himself across the gap with a powerful leap, landing smoothly on their deck.
Jerry stepped forward and clapped him on the shoulder with an exaggerated expression of shock. "Ace! It's been a while since we've seen you. Why are you looking so suspicious? Don't tell me you're too embarrassed to fly a pirate flag now?"
"Ha ha, hello everyone," Ace replied with his characteristic grin. "And you're one to talk! In your own words, I'm here on a 'private visit.'"
Seeing their beloved walking fireplace return, Kotatsu immediately padded over to rub against Ace's legs while Deuce and Skull offered their own warm greetings. The freckled fire-user looked exactly the same as always, though he'd traded his usual shirtless appearance for ordinary civilian clothing.
"Is that so?" Jerry mused thoughtfully. "We set out from Big Mom's territory and somehow ended up back in Whitebeard's waters?"
"Why else do you think Big Mom stopped chasing you?" Ace replied with a knowing smile. "Also, I should mention that Kaido is looking for you too."
After hearing Ace's explanation, Jerry fell into contemplation. So their accidental return to Whitebeard Pirates territory had provided protection from Big Mom's pursuit. The power structures governing the New World's seas were incredibly complex, and Jerry had never paid much attention to territorial boundaries. Combined with their generally aimless drifting, it was easy to cross into different spheres of influence without realizing it.
"Ha ha ha, who cares about her? We're just traveling normally," Jerry said with a dismissive wave.
Ignoring Jerry's definition of "normal travel," Ace turned his attention to their new crew members. "Are these your latest friends?"
"Mm-hmm," Jerry nodded, gesturing toward the purple-haired woman. "This is Carina, our new cook. She's only responsible for heating up food—doesn't even need to add water or salt."
"Hey! Don't glare at me like that," Jerry quickly added as he noticed Banshee's withering stare from the other ship. "I wasn't talking about you!"
The boisterous brewer didn't buy his excuse for a second. "You better not be talking about me, you brat!" she shouted back with characteristic vehemence.
Jerry shrugged helplessly before noticing Carrot's expectant expression. "And this little rabbit is Carrot, our lookout."
"I'm the lookout!" Carrot exclaimed with pure joy, thrilled to have an official position rather than just being a passenger.
"Nice to meet you both," Ace said warmly. "I'm Ace—I used to sail with these guys before I joined the Whitebeard Pirates."
After the introductions concluded, Ace seemed curious about their adventures since the crew's separation.
Deuce, meanwhile, had been studying Ace's civilian attire and unmarked ship. "What exactly are you doing out here, Ace?"
"Oh yeah! I almost forgot," Ace said suddenly. "Quick, change your sails and take down any pirate flags!"
Though confused by the request, the crew cooperated efficiently. Once they'd finished adjusting their ship's appearance, they gathered around Ace with expectant expressions.
Skull couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. "Boss Ace, what's going on?"
"Right, let me explain..." Ace began.
Their destination was Pastoral Island, a territory under Whitebeard Pirates protection. Years ago, a man on that island had formed a connection with Whitebeard himself—they'd shared drinks together, and the man had been gifted one of Whitebeard's sake cups as a symbol of recognition.
This made him an acknowledged affiliate of the crew. When he returned to his home island about ten years ago, he'd used the protection of the Whitebeard flag to develop his business. He was a man of integrity and gratitude who faithfully followed Whitebeard Pirates regulations, submitting his required tribute payments punctually.
However, after the man's death several months ago, his successor—his son Corbett—had apparently begun playing games with his obligations. Reports suggested he was no longer honoring the established agreements.
Upon receiving these allegations, Ace had volunteered to investigate the situation personally. As a newly promoted captain of the Second Division, he felt responsible for handling such matters. Since the information remained largely rumor and hearsay, he'd decided to conduct undercover reconnaissance before taking any official action.
Hence his civilian disguise and unmarked ship.
After Ace's detailed explanation, the crew understood the gravity of the situation.
Carrot clasped her hands together in front of her chest, eyes shining with unmistakable excitement. "Ooh! That sounds like so much fun!"
"Carrot, don't go running off on your own," Carina warned, gently patting the rabbit's head. "Once we reach the island, stay close to me."
"Yes! I understand, Sister Carina!" Carrot replied earnestly.
Though she was lecturing Carrot about proper behavior, Carina felt her own excitement building. This sounded exactly like a situation where a wealthy family might have hidden treasure! Her imagination immediately began constructing elaborate scenarios involving secret vaults and stock filled warehouses full of riches
"Hey! You're no better!" Deuce said, slapping his forehead in exasperation. "You're obviously planning something just as reckless!"
Both women looked so eager for adventure that Ace couldn't help but laugh. "Ha ha ha! Your new crewmates are certainly full of energy."
"Of course they are," Jerry replied with a resigned expression. "Their heads are currently filled with very big dreams about very small possibilities."
Despite his words, Jerry was genuinely pleased to see Ace again