"You mean to tell me that ever since Maya woke up… she's been hearing voices? That she can even speak with animals and plants?"
On Aska Island, Jin had returned. He had personally helped Ilensa and her people drive away the Marines who had ventured into the forest to investigate.
In gratitude, the tribe gave him the warmest of welcomes.
At the celebratory feast, Ilensa recounted what had happened after Maya fainted. She had been unconscious for an entire day and night, and when she finally awoke, something within her had changed.
The flood of voices was overwhelming, tormenting her. Even in sleep, she found no rest.
Jin had returned in time, and using the Silent-Silent Fruit, he created a pocket of stillness around her. Only then had she managed to fall into a peaceful slumber.
"This is Observation Haki," Jin said with certainty.
"Haki?!"
Ilensa's eyes widened in shock.
In the first half of the Grand Line, Haki was rarer than Devil Fruits. Even when someone awakened it, few could name it for what it was.
"Yes," Jin explained. "It's a type of energy that lies dormant within every human. Through training, or under the right kind of extreme stimulus, it can awaken."
He went on to explain simply. "You said yourself that Maya's gift as a shrine maiden was extraordinary, that she was deeply attuned to nature. That affinity meant she already stood close to awakening. The ancient maiden's spirit that had lingered within the Seven Star Sword must have sensed it. Before dispersing, she gave Maya that final push."
"Observation Haki can help her avoid dangers. But in terms of combat strength… it offers almost no improvement."
"Her inability to control it is why she suffers now—why she cannot sleep, why the voices plague her."
Ilensa sighed, shaking her head. "We've been cut off from the world too long. So much has changed out there."
Her gaze drifted toward the distant starlit sky. Determination lit her eyes. "King Jin. We will do it. We will grow your mushrooms."
Jin waved a hand lightly. "No, not mine. This isn't about helping me. It's about partnership. Cooperation. Mutual benefit and shared prosperity."
Ilensa smiled faintly. "Then I have two conditions."
"Speak."
"First—you must ensure the safety of our tribe. That includes managing relations with these outsiders who now intrude upon our island."
Jin nodded. "That's no problem. I'll handle them."
"Second—I want you to take Maya with you. Teach her. Show her strength, and show her how to face the world beyond this island."
Jin's power had left a deep impression upon them. Ilensa had come to believe that Maya, with her natural talent, would wither here if she stayed. Out in the world, she might bloom.
Besides, if Maya became Jin's student, she could serve as a bridge between their tribe and him. That bond would only benefit their people's growth.
Jin considered it. Maya's Observation Haki was unusual. To commune with animals and plants—it was a gift that even among greats like Roger or Luffy was rare.
It was worth nurturing.
He nodded. "Very well."
Jin stayed on Aska Island for a time. Through negotiation and firm reminders of who now held true authority, he unified the surrounding villages.
He also contacted Hina, and through her established communication with Marine Headquarters. He explained his partnership with the Aska tribe and asked that the nearby training base cooperate.
He was determined to develop Aska Island properly. Everything needed to be in order, every front accounted for—even CP0. He made sure to call.
"Aska Island, you say?"
The CP0 agent's voice was dismissive. "Since it isn't an affiliated kingdom, if you occupy it, then it's yours. That's a minor matter—you don't need to trouble me with it."
Jin played his role perfectly, speaking humbly. He said that he was weak, that he needed a patron to lean on, and that Saint Jalmack and CP0 themselves were that patron. Every matter, big or small, he would report.
That earned him satisfaction.
This king was young, but he knew the rules of the game. He was obedient.
The CP0 agent's tone softened. "Saint Jalmack is very pleased with the Dreamcap. As long as you provide your goods each year without fail, your throne will never be shaken. Do as you like—unless you offend the Celestial Dragons themselves, all matters can be resolved."
Jin's heart leapt. "Truly? What if… say, a few Marines ended up dead by accident?"
"I didn't say you should kill Marines," the agent replied coolly.
"But listen carefully. If corrupt Marines or pirates threaten your trade, remember this: Marines are dogs of the World Government. And the World Government exists to serve the Celestial Dragons. Do you understand what I'm telling you?"
Jin's eyes gleamed.
"If a Marine officer threatens you, call me. The CP agency will resolve it."
"If you run into pirates, contact the World Government. The Marines will be dispatched to assist you."
"In short, remember—you are a king of a World Government-affiliated nation. Do not underestimate the power and weight of that position."
"And more than that—you are Saint Jalmack's personally designated supplier for Mary Geoise. Do you know how many kings would give everything they have for that honor?"
Jin smiled broadly. "I understand."
This was what he wanted: the assurance spoken aloud.
A feather from the emperor's cap was a command arrow in his hand.
In other words—
Jin now had the authority to deal with Marine officers and to maneuver the Navy itself.
Once the door was open… he could pry it wider and wider.
As the issue of Aska Island's sovereignty settled, Little Ai completed her survey. The island's climate was perfect for growing dozens of mushroom species, both edible and medicinal.
She collected a wide variety of local fungi to build a genetic stockpile.
Since this was their first attempt at organized cultivation, they would begin with the easiest species, training a generation of skilled growers.
Jin spent half a month teaching Ilensa and her people the necessary techniques.
But the mushroom strains themselves—those could only be cultivated in the laboratory, with the aid of the Mushroom-Mushroom Fruit. That was the true core technology.
As for markets?
Jin didn't worry. Alabasta alone had tens of millions of people. And if not there, then the Navy would be a customer.
The only real issue was transportation.
The seas of the Grand Line were treacherous, their weather isolating islands into worlds of their own. Most ordinary folk could not even dream of venturing out.
But Aska had an advantage: the Navy training base. Each month, warships brought a supply convoy.
That meant opportunity.
A ship arrives heavy, leaves empty… why not fill it with mushrooms?
What? But that's a Navy warship?
Hah.
With the right profit, Marines were men like any other.
In truth, Marines had long dabbled in smuggling. Everyone knew it. None spoke of it.
Proof?
The movement of goods across the Four Seas. Who had the power to carry such bulk across the Calm Belt? Not just anyone.
Could the narrow Red Line passage to Mary Geoise alone supply it all? Impossible.
Strip away the cloak that pirates draped over the world—those names of "freedom," "dreams," "bonds."
Look deeper.
Every kingdom. Every government. Every event.
At its root… it was always about money, power, fame, and profit.
Wasn't it always so?
From the very beginning, Roger had set the tone of this age.
Wealth, fame, power. A man who once held everything in the world. Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King.
With his last words, he had set the world aflame, sent countless dreamers to sea.
"My treasure? You can have it all, if you want. Look for it! I left everything this world has to offer… out there!"
Once Aska Island was settled, Jin set sail again.
He returned first to Drum Island, giving Dalton a few instructions.
Then he moved on to Hannabal, managing some affairs there—mostly paperwork, signatures.
And then…
He met with Commander Hina. Together, they would sail for G-3 Marine Base.
There, Monkey D. Garp awaited, and Jin was to undergo training under the legendary hero himself.