Chapter 10 — The Goa Kingdom
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In the following days, Jack no longer stayed cooped up alone in his room.
He began frequently talking with Old John and the others, asking about everything he was curious about.
For example: how many years had passed since Roger died, what the current world situation looked like, which powerful figures had risen, how to reach the Grand Line… and so on!
Some things Old John knew and told him, but for other news even Old John was unsure.
After all, this was only the East Blue, and he was just the head of a mid-level trading company. How could he possibly know all the details about the Grand Line and the New World?
At most, he might know a little from reading the news.
After sorting through all the information, Jack finally figured out the current timeline and his location.
It was the year 1518 in the Sea Calendar, 20 years after Roger's execution.
That meant Luffy was only 15 years old at this time, and still had two years before setting sail.
Jack immediately felt relieved. His biggest fear was that by now Luffy had already become Pirate King. What would be the point of him coming here then—to admire the "foolishness" of the next Pirate King?
Their destination was the Goa Kingdom in East Blue, the headquarters of the Bluebird Trading Company.
Even though Jack had read all the serialized stories to completion, he couldn't possibly remember every country and location, so naturally he didn't know exactly who he would encounter on the journey.
Other than a stop for supplies midway, Old John practically drove the ship at full speed.
When they finally arrived, dusty and worn, at the Goa Kingdom, Old John could finally relax. At his home base, he no longer had to worry so much—though he lamented the limited gains from this trip.
Seeing Jack enthusiastically wandering around and inspecting everything, Old John quietly sighed, suppressing the impulse to get angry.
After all, a guy capable of taming so many ferocious beasts couldn't possibly be ordinary. At heart, he was still a businessman with his own bottom line.
Without knowing the other person's true strength and identity, he would never make the foolish mistake of provoking him.
"Mr. Jack, what are your plans now? Would you like to come with me back to the base so I can properly thank you for saving my life?"
"Oh, that's too embarrassing. Why don't we just cash out? No need to make a visit. Just leave me a hundred or eighty thousand Berries as travel money—that'll do."
When Jack said this, he looked 'shy', and with his increasingly handsome face, he drew the attention of many blushing young girls.
Old John nearly choked. This guy was unbelievable! He had just handed over a Devil Fruit worth hundreds of millions of Berries, and now he was asking for money?
But since things had already reached this point, it was better to keep things friendly than to make enemies.
"All right, here's 100,000 Berries—consider it your travel funds, Mr. Jack. Until we meet again!"
After saying this, Old John hurriedly left with his men. He was afraid that if he stayed any longer, he would really lose his temper.
Jack hadn't even said thanks before they had vanished. No wonder they had survived against that pirate crew for so long—every line of work was tough!
After a brief sigh, Jack walked over to the cute girl who had been staring at him for far too long.
"Ahhh! He's coming over!"
What do I do? What do I do? He's so handsome~
"Waa~ Mom, I think I've fallen in love~"
Jack waved his hand in front of her face. "Hey. Are you alright? Your face is completely red—do you have a fever?"
"Ew~ I'm not flirting or anything~"
"…Emmm."
Wait.
Am I the one being flirted with?
Jack stared at the girl. Her eyes were watery, her posture exaggeratedly shy, every movement dripping with deliberate coyness. For a brief moment, irritation flickered in his chest.
Why was everyone so obsessed with his looks?
Couldn't anyone appreciate his inner qualities for once?
Sigh…
"Little miss," Jack said patiently, "can you tell me about this kingdom? It's my first time here."
"You're asking if it's my first time?" she replied with a playful pout. "How annoying~"
Jack's smile stiffened on the spot.
Please.
What exactly are you imagining right now? Just listen to the words coming out of my mouth!
At a loss, Jack turned to leave.
Before he could take more than a step, the girl grabbed his sleeve.
"Um… are you leaving?" she asked softly. "Actually… I can be a little flirty too, if you like~"
Jack lifted his head and stared up at the sky, his back suddenly looking very lonely.
Here we go again.
Another victim of my devastating handsomeness.
Should he just start covering his face whenever he walked down the street?
Why was he cursed with such overwhelming good looks?
I hate this.
"Give me your address," Jack said flatly. "I'll come find you later."
With that, he flicked his sleeves and walked away—clean and decisive, like drifting clouds that left not even a trace behind.
He didn't even leave his name.
After bidding farewell to the lovestruck girl, Jack first bought a few sets of clothes and had a big meal, even packing some leftovers. Travel money disappears fast, after all.
He found a secluded corner and waved his hand, sending everything into the Infinity Gauntlet's internal space.
Inside were also many local specialties he had brought from Beast Island, including delicious fruits and roasted beast meat. Since no time passed inside, nothing would spoil.
With these matters settled, he planned to find Nami, because setting sail without a skilled navigator was like courting death.
And in that regard, Nami was undoubtedly a genius!
It wasn't because she was an extraordinarily beautiful woman—Jack had definitely chosen her for her skills, not her looks. He swore on every ounce of his remaining dignity!
But while eating, he overheard a conversation at the next table and immediately changed his mind.
Before finding Nami, why not meet the future Pirate King first?
The Goa Kingdom!
Windmill Village!
Luffy!
Why hadn't he connected the dots before?
Thanks to hearing about the "junkyard," Windmill Village, bandits, and kids at the next table, it all clicked for him.
Luffy was only 15—Jack couldn't help but feel a wave of discomfort at missing this.
So he headed straight for the famous junkyard, the smell, the sharp tang in the air.
Ignoring the scavengers' hostile and jealous gazes, Jack quickly passed through the area and entered a forest.
The bandit family responsible for watching over Luffy should live nearby, and inside the forest was probably the secret base where Luffy, Ace, and Sabo had played since childhood.
But the forest was huge—how could he find it?
No worries!
Jack immediately revealed the Infinity Gauntlet, and the pink glow of the Slip-Slip Fruit suddenly lit up…