In the cramped space, Jake let out a sigh of relief upon hearing that the Marine hadn't taken drastic action.
He knew it was only because they were with the Whitebeard Pirates.
Veterans like Sengoku, Garp and Zephyr were well aware of Whitebeard's character—if he promised to return him and Monet safely, he would keep his word.
Had it been any of the other Emperors, the Summit War might have erupted ahead of schedule.
After all, this was a blatant slap in the face to the Marines—stealing away a candidate for the next Admiral or even Fleet Admiral.
Such a stinging blow would be impossible for anyone to swallow quietly.
Jake then asked Monet.
"What about the newspapers? Were there any reports about that day's events?"
Hearing this, Monet smiled and pulled out a stack of newspapers from the crate beneath her, saying to Jake.
"I knew you'd want to read the papers as soon as you woke up, so I've been saving them for you these past few days. Do you want to read them yourself, or should I summarize for you?"
"Summarize first, then I'll read them myself."
At Jake's reply, Monet's weary face broke into a rare smile.
She coughed lightly, cleared her throat and then spoke to Jake in an exceptionally gentle and melodious voice.
"The incident in Prince Kingdom was reported. The collapse of the regime and the blame for the rebel uprising in the city were all pinned on the Black Hawk Pirates. Meanwhile, we were credited as the Marines who eliminated the Black Hawk Pirates, receiving full honors.
There were even photos published of Marine soldiers assisting in the reconstruction of Prince Kingdom, serving as proof to the World Government and marking the successful completion of the mission."
"Since you and I disappeared, we weren't mentioned in the papers. However, the authorities have issued a statement explaining that we were severely injured in battle and are still recovering, making us unfit to meet with reporters. So, our absence from the public eye for the next few months now has a legitimate reason."
"As for the reports on Kaido, King and that bastard Doflamingo—those were completely erased. Even a businessman like Morgans wouldn't dare publish such articles under the combined pressure of the World Government and Marine Headquarters. After all, the matters involved are far too sensitive."
Listening to Monet's summary, Jake nodded.
Then, he asked her the question that concerned him most.
"During these five days I was unconscious... was it you taking care of me all this time, Monet?"
At Jake's sudden concern, Monet's face flushed slightly.
She turned her head away, leaving Jake with only a glimpse of her delicate face and replied in a voice so soft it was almost inaudible.
"More or less. It wasn't anything too hard or meticulous, really. You were asleep most of the time, and I was just... keeping watch by your side. It's nothing worth your special concern."
Seeing her like this, Jake spoke with utmost seriousness and sincerity.
"No, this is a matter of my life. How could I not be especially concerned? Thank you, Monet. I'll remember this kindness in my heart."
Hearing Jake's earnest words, Monet's face grew even redder.
She merely whispered.
"As long as... as long as you remember. There's no need to be so formal about it."
Watching her reaction, Jake chuckled.
But just then, his stomach let out an untimely growl.
Monet heard it and laughed softly.
"You've been unconscious for so long, you must be hungry. I'll go get you some food. This room we're in is the medical storage room of the Moby Dick, containing all the medicines Whitebeard usually uses.
Next door is where the female doctors live—they're the ones who've been changing your bandages and checking on you. As for food, they're the only ones with a refrigerator, so I'll go get some for you now."
As Monet spoke, she pushed open the door.
Just then, a pleasantly surprised voice tinged with amusement rang out.
"Hey! Marine boy, you're awake? Monet, where are you off to?"
Hearing Marco's voice, Monet regained her usual calm expression, though she maintained a polite smile as she replied.
"Jake is hungry, so I was going to fetch him some food. I've been storing his meals in the fridge next door these past few days—there should be enough for him."
Marco chuckled and rubbed his pineapple-shaped head before saying with a laugh.
"Hahaha, after being unconscious for so long, it's only natural to wake up starving. But eating cold food right away might not be good for your stomach. Marine boy, if you don't mind us Pirates, we're having a feast on deck. Why not join us? The food's all hot and fresh—much better for your digestion than cold leftovers. Plus, after so many days, it might have gone bad."
Worried that Jake and Monet might still harbor an innate hatred to Pirates, Marco quickly added.
"If you're really uncomfortable with it, I can go grab some hot food for you right now—won't take long!"
As he spoke, Marco started heading toward the deck.
But just then, Jake's voice cut in, carrying a friendly warmth.
"Marco-san, that won't be necessary. How could I refuse an invitation from my saviors? Besides, I'd like to see for myself what kind of man Whitebeard really is."
Hearing this, Marco's grin widened.
He glanced toward the deck and said.
"Don't worry, that's our Pops you're talking about. He won't disappoint. Who knows—after meeting him, you might even want to quit the Marine and stay on this ship!"
Jake didn't respond to that, merely smiling as he and Monet followed Marco, the three of them making their way slowly to the Moby Dick's deck.
The deck was alive with noise and the rich aroma of food.
Alcohol and scraps littered the floor as Pirates lounged drunkenly amid the mess, their raucous and bizarre laughter filling the air.
The sun shone brightly overhead, and seagulls cried in the distance.
At the very center of the deck stood a giant of a man, towering at 6.6 meters tall.
He noticed Jake and the others, his face breaking into a grin as he regarded them before rumbling.
"Gurarararara! Looks like we've got new guests."
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