On this particular evening, the afterglow of the setting sun shone brilliantly across the ocean's surface, dyeing the waters a magnificent orange-red that stretched to the horizon.
It was that peaceful moment just before dinner when Carrot's energetic voice suddenly rang out from the crow's nest.
"Big Brother Jerry! There's a huge ship ahead, and it's shining with gold!"
Before she'd even finished speaking, she leaped down from the observation post with bird-like grace. Seeing her rapid descent, Kotatsu spread his wings and flew out onto the deck to join her side.
"What perfect timing," Jerry mused, shifting his attention away from the bobbing fishing float on the sea's surface to gaze at the faintly visible golden ship in the distance. "I was just thinking about visiting Tesoro and spending a few relaxing days with him."
Hearing their conversation, Deuce and the others who had been gathered in the dining area or resting in their respective quarters all poked their heads out curiously and made their way onto the main deck.
At the same time, Skull approached Jerry with a folder containing various intelligence reports.
"Boss Jerry, I've got some leads here that need following up on..."
After listening to Skull's briefing about his ongoing investigations, Jerry nodded approvingly. "Alright, let's go unwind while you continue your detective work."
"Oh, so I'm the only one actually working while you all get to vacation?" Skull protested dramatically, placing both hands behind his head and leaning back with exaggerated despair.
"What are you talking about?" Jerry replied with mock exhaustion, gesturing with his fishing rod. "Am I not working overtime with my fishing duties as well?"
On the other side of the deck, Cavendish turned excitedly toward Carina with sparkling eyes. "Carina, I heard that you were once a performer in the world's largest entertainment city. Could you introduce me to that place? Maybe arrange for me to perform on stage? I'm absolutely certain my fan base would increase dramatically, don't you think?"
Carina rolled her eyes and waved dismissively. "Just ask Tesoro to set it up when we get there. He'll definitely agree to help you out."
"Excellent! Then I shall..." Recalling Jerry's previous mentions of his relationship with the Golden Emperor, Cavendish suddenly realized the implications and immediately fell into deep thought, muttering strategic plans to himself.
Overhearing their conversation, a dazzling light seemed to burst from Brook's hollow eye sockets. He stretched his neck to get closer to Carina and asked with barely contained excitement, "In other words, if I wanted to appreciate the underwear of beautiful ladies, could this Tesoro fellow help arrange that as well?"
In response, Carina swung her hand like an iron paddle, smacking him away. "Get lost, you perverted skeleton! Go ask him yourself!"
Brook was knocked backward but showed no signs of depression whatsoever. Instead, he seemed oddly delighted. "Wait! Does that mean there's actually a chance?! Yo-ho-ho-ho!"
After everyone had finished their playful banter, Jerry skillfully maneuvered their ship and quickly approached the long-missed golden giant ship known as Gran Tesoro.
As soon as the Black Star Pirates docked, they were immediately greeted by an elaborate welcoming ceremony.
The reception was led by none other than Baccarat, Tesoro's trusted assistant, at the head of a impressive parade of staff members.
When their ship had been spotted approaching, Tesoro had gotten word immediately and specially arranged for Baccarat to personally oversee their reception.
Setting aside the secret alliance between Tesoro and the Black Star Pirates, even if the two parties had never met before, given the crew's current notorious status and Tesoro's position as ruler of the world's largest entertainment city, it would have been natural for him to order such an elaborate welcome.
This welcoming ceremony, consisting of dozens or even hundreds of enthusiastically cheering people, naturally attracted the attention of countless passersby and other visitors to the golden city.
But Jerry and his companions paid no attention to those passionate or surprised stares, as they had absolutely no intention of hiding their presence or whereabouts.
After exchanging pleasant greetings with Baccarat, Jerry and the others climbed aboard the luxurious reception vehicles and headed toward the heart of the magnificent city.
It wasn't long before they encountered Tesoro himself, who was hosting a grand banquet in their honor.
"Ha-ha-ha! Welcome, welcome, everyone! It's been far too long!" When Tesoro noticed Jerry and his crew making their entrance, his face lit up with genuine excitement and laughter.
As the old saying goes, one's appearance often reflects their inner state, and this truth was clearly visible in Tesoro's transformed countenance.
Ever since he had opened his heart to Jerry and the others, abandoning his bitter resentment toward the world and finding new hope in the Black Star Pirates' rising influence, Tesoro seemed to have gained fresh vitality and purpose.
Although he still harbored deep hatred for the Celestial Dragons in his heart, his overall mentality had undergone significant changes after more than two years of gradual healing. His face appeared much brighter and more animated, completely lacking the gloomy shadow that had once defined his expression.
"Wow! Look at all this delicious food! I want to eat everything!"
After everyone had taken their seats around the magnificent banquet table, Carrot gazed at the dazzling array of gourmet delicacies spread before them and cheered with obvious delight, looking eagerly toward Jerry and the others for permission to begin.
Seeing her barely restrained impatience, Jerry waved his hand with an amused chuckle. "Alright, let's start eating. We haven't had dinner yet anyway, so we can eat and talk at the same time."
Hearing this blessed permission, even though little Bonney wasn't around to compete for food, Carrot quickly grabbed her utensils and concentrated intensely on tackling those magnificent culinary creations.
While eating with remarkable focus, her mind was filled with Jerry's famous philosophical sayings such as "A person is iron, food is steel" and "Food is the most fundamental necessity of all people"—wisdom she agreed with completely and wholeheartedly.
As everyone began enjoying the exceptional feast, the entire atmosphere became relaxed and genuinely joyful.
Since Tesoro had carefully arranged the private venue in advance and dismissed all unnecessary personnel, everyone could speak freely without any concerns about eavesdropping or political complications.
During their meal, when Skull mentioned the specific intelligence he was currently pursuing, Tesoro immediately offered his full support, promising to keep his extensive network alert for any relevant information.
After all, the financial sponsorship that Tesoro had promised hadn't proven particularly useful except for playing a minor supporting role when Jerry had been seeking his position among the Seven Warlords.
Fortunately, his connections, information networks, and various channels throughout the criminal underworld could still make a meaningful difference in their operations. Otherwise, he would probably feel completely useless to their cause.
As for Cavendish's request for stage performance opportunities, Tesoro naturally agreed with enthusiasm.
Regarding Brook's typically perverted request about women's undergarments... well, they decided he could fend for himself on that particular matter.
"Let's explore the city," Jerry announced after dinner, rising from his chair with characteristic nonchalance. "Everyone wants to go shopping anyway, and I'd like to see if I can catch some goldfish on this golden ship. We can discuss business matters later."
After the magnificent feast concluded, Jerry led everyone back into the dazzling city proper, where they each went their separate ways to seek out their preferred entertainment activities.
Everyone understood that they didn't have any urgent objectives at the moment, so spending some well-deserved leisure time aboard this golden paradise seemed like the perfect plan.