The first half of the Grand Line, Jaya Island.
"Gurararara, children, we've arrived at Jaya Island - the legendary Golden Hometown!"
Standing at the bow of the Moby Dick, Whitebeard announced their arrival as he faced the sea breeze.
The pirates leaned against the deck railings, craning their necks to curiously examine Jaya Island.
The Whitebeard Pirates primarily operated in the New World, so traveling through the Grand Line was quite rare for them.
After leaving Fish-Man Island, the Moby Dick had sailed smoothly without any obstacles. After all, even in the New World, Whitebeard moved around as if strolling through his own backyard.
However, Chronos noticed one thing - Whitebeard had deliberately avoided going to Sabaody Archipelago and headed directly toward the next island.
The reason was simple: while the main world's Sabaody Archipelago still had some cover, this world didn't even pretend - it was openly a paradise for the Celestial Dragons.
Because of Joy Boy's survival, Imu made no effort to conceal the power of the Celestial Dragons.
The God Knights frequently traveled between Sabaody Archipelago and the Holy Land Mariejois, their purpose being to suppress pirates trying to reach the New World.
Of course, this was useless against great pirates like Rocks - the God Knights would only serve as speed bumps.
But for numerous rookie pirates, immortality would remain an unattainable dream for their entire lives.
Naturally, the World Government's influence only extended this far, as Fish-Man Island belonged to the Great Kingdom.
Over the past eight hundred years, not a single World Government official had managed to infiltrate those depths ten thousand meters underwater.
Sabaody Archipelago and Fish-Man Island represented the microcosm of the conflict between the World Government and the Great Kingdom.
The God Knights were essentially just speed bumps for Whitebeard too, but fighting them would be too troublesome. Plus, since he had the children with him, it was natural to avoid such encounters.
Chronos understood this and couldn't help but sigh - Joy Boy had really pushed Imu to the brink, forcing the Celestial Dragons to guard their own "national gates."
Of course, this was also influenced by Garp's defection. The Marines were currently short on Admiral-level combat power, with only three including Fleet Admiral Kong.
Sengoku, Zephyr, and Tsuru hadn't left the Marines. Due to their places of birth - Sengoku being from the South Blue, and the other two from similar regions - they remained.
"Children, let's go ashore to rest, then gather information about Skypiea!"
Whitebeard waved his hand and gave the order.
As he looked at Jaya Island before him, a trace of disdain flashed in his eyes.
His Observation Haki's perception of this island reminded Whitebeard of the past - that bastard Rocks had also created such a pirate's paradise.
However...
This Jaya Island couldn't even be called a minor Hachinosu Island - at best, it was a camp for losers.
"Pops, I'm going to test my new abilities. This place seems quite suitable."
Chronos announced his plans. If they were free to move around, Whitebeard would definitely head to the tavern to drink and sample the local alcohol.
Whitebeard granted permission and instructed Marco to accompany Chronos.
Although he looked down on this place, Whitebeard was meticulous and worried that Chronos might get into trouble.
Chronos didn't refuse because although Marco was still young, he had already eaten the Phoenix Fruit and trained his physical combat skills to an excellent level. In terms of overall combat power, he was currently the second strongest in the Whitebeard Pirates.
Because the Phoenix's bloodline defense was too absurd—it couldn't be directly harmed without Haki, and even if injured, it would quickly regenerate to full—he could simply outlast 99% of the Whitebeard Pirates.
That's just how Devil Fruits are. Even if they don't directly raise your upper limits, they can drastically boost your lower bounds.
Marco slung an arm over his shoulder and leaned in, grinning. "Leave it to me, Pops. Chronos, go ahead and do your thing. I've got your back."
Chronos nodded. He had full confidence in Marco, after all, he was the future second-in-command of the Whitebeard Pirates.
Though he couldn't single-handedly hold up an entire faction, he was more than qualified as a right-hand man.
The two exchanged a look and let out a strange chuckle before departing like "partners in crime."
Whitebeard watched them go, cursing with a laugh about "those damn brats," then took the whole crew out for drinks, leaving a few behind to watch the ship with plans to rotate next time.
The massive White Whale Ship rested peacefully by the shore, its reflection rippling gently in the water.
A few thoroughly drunk pirates staggered over, about to board their own ship, when their eyes suddenly caught sight of something.
Beside them loomed the enormous White Whale Ship, the Crossbones Crescent Mustache Skull Flag fluttering from its mast.
The pirates froze, then seemed to remember something, their drunkenness instantly turning into cold sweat.
"Wh-Wh-Whitebeard Pirates!"
"Oh no! Monsters from the New World have landed on Gaya Island!"
"Quick, let's get out of here! We're not recognized as free pirates!"
Panicked shouts echoed as a shabby pirate ship scurried away in a fluster.
Chronos and Marco, already on their way, were unaware of the incident, and even if they had known, they would have just laughed it off.
Currently, the most famous town on Gaya Island was Mock Town, an independent settlement on the west side of the island and a lawless gathering place for pirates.
That was Chronos's destination.
The moment Chronos stepped into Mock Town, he immediately sensed a faint, lingering scrutiny.
Looking around, malicious gazes were everywhere, sizing him up from head to toe, trying to recall who he was and assess his worth.
Marco poked Chronos in the side with a mischievous grin. "Chronos, I told you to make a name for yourself, but you refused. Now you're being looked down on, huh?"
Chronos ignored him. He called it being cautious—didn't they know the early bird gets the worm? Or in this case, the standing nail gets hammered.
Both of these key members of the Whitebeard Pirates were still quite young, only in their early twenties.
And in a lawless place like Mock Town, youth often meant you were an easy target, someone to be bullied.
"Hey, kid, are you here looking for your mommy?"
Before long, a burly, fierce-looking man jumped out, hurling insults.
Marco didn't even turn his head, just lazily watched Chronos.
He was, after all, a man with a World Government bounty...
"I'm talking to you! Pineapple-head! You think staying quiet will save you?"
Pineapple-head?
Marco froze for a second, then pointed at himself in disbelief.
"Are you talking about me?"
"Duh! With that mop of yellow hair at your age, you'll be bald sooner or later!"
The burly man ranted, appearing rough but actually calculating.
This guy looked like a total pushover—easy to beat down. Once he was taken care of, the other one, that well-dressed "young master," would surely get scared, and then he could extort them properly...
Phoenix Crest!
Boom!
A dark figure was sent flying backward, crashing into a tree by the roadside with a loud crack. The aged tree groaned and collapsed on the spot.
The burly man collapsed with his eyes rolled back and mouth twisted, blood streaming from his chin down his entire chest—a truly pitiful sight.
Marco irritably retracted his leg, the blue flames around his whip-like kick fading, his face filled with indignation.
Chronos chuckled and patted Marco's shoulder. The crowd's judgment was sharp.
With that single kick, most of the prying gazes vanished, replaced by sheer terror.
Finally, someone recognized Marco and stammered as they explained to those nearby.
"That's the rising star of the Whitebeard Pirates—Marco the Phoenix!"
Hearing this, Marco's mood improved considerably. At least there were still people here with good judgment.
As a doctor, Marco had precise control over his strength. Although the injuries looked severe, they were only superficial, and the man remained fully conscious.
The burly man trembled, trying to speak, but Chronos stepped forward first, extending his hand.
"Death or a price?"
The man's pupils contracted sharply, his fear now uncontrollable. In Chronos's eyes, a surge of purple energy erupted from the man's body.
It was his soul—his lifespan.
Without hesitation, Chronos seized it and yanked hard.
"Gah!!!"
The man felt no physical pain, but an inexplicable sense of loss overwhelmed him, and he let out an inhuman shriek.
Chronos weighed the energy in his hand and nodded in satisfaction.
"Fifty years of life."
Such was the power of the Soul-Soul Fruit. The moment anyone felt fear, even the slightest hint, their soul could be stripped away, measured in years of life.
After obtaining the Soul-Soul Fruit, Chronos had carefully considered it and ultimately decided to consume it.
Creating life, stripping souls, healing or strengthening at the cost of lifespan—the first ability alone was reason enough.
Smiling at Marco, Chronos gave a thumbs-up.
"Well done, Marco."
Marco paid him no mind.
They ignored the man, who now had only a few years left to live. He was a seasoned scoundrel in Mock Town, burdened with countless sins, finally facing retribution.
Turning their attention back to Mock Town, the dregs of society who had heard the words "fifty years of life" now stared at Chronos as if he were the devil himself.
"Now then…"
Using the fifty years of life as a foundation, Chronos activated his Devil Fruit ability.
Several swaying figures gradually materialized—pitch-black, resembling ghosts draped in sheets, their faces adorned with unnervingly bright smiles.
Soul Avatars, capable of extracting the soul's lifespan, were invaluable assistants.
Pointing toward the fearful onlookers, Chronos raised his palm and declared in a triumphant tone, "Go on, the great harvest begins~"
The Soul Avatars flashed their pure white smiles, flickered, and drifted into Mock Town.
Instantly, the town erupted into wails and curses.
The Soul Avatars extended their small, dark hands toward the terrified pirates, stripping away years of their life, one soul at a time.
Feeling the soul material within him grow stronger, Chronos waved his hand and produced another batch of Soul Avatars, sending them into the fray.
Places like Mock Town, where he could freely harvest souls without restraint, were rare. In Chronos's Observation Haki perception, not a single person here was innocent.
In that case, he might as well make use of the trash.
Only after summoning nearly a hundred more Soul Avatars did Chronos finally begin to feel drained.
Seeing this, Marco stepped forward and extended his hand, covering Chronos with blue flames.
Soon after, Chronos felt warm and regained his strength.
The Phoenix Fruit was truly a versatile tool.
The first half of the Grand Line was referred to as Paradise by those in the New World. Whether in terms of climate and environment or average strength levels, the two regions were worlds apart.
Chronos's Soul Avatar wasn't any top-tier Homie; a single strike with Haki, even the crudest kind, would cause it to dissipate.
But now, facing Chronos's Soul Avatar, everyone in Mock Town was powerless, unable to attack and could only flee in panic.
The population of Mock Town numbered at least a thousand, and including the consumed and passing pirates, Chronos felt today's harvest would easily exceed ten thousand years of lifespan.
Through the Soul Avatar, lifespan souls continuously flowed back into Chronos's body.
Even without using them yet, Chronos felt a sense of satisfaction.
In the original storyline, Big Mom could use lifespan souls to heal her injuries, and Chronos felt this ability could be further developed, perhaps even enhancing his own physique.
Unfortunately, average-quality lifespan souls weren't suitable for creating top-tier Homies like "Zeus" or "Prometheus" from the original plot.
If it were possible to create them just by having lifespan, Big Mom would have long become the next Ancient Weapon.
To grow stronger, Chronos didn't mind sacrificing some of his own lifespan, as he might be able to recover it if his plan succeeded...
Hmm?
While deep in thought, Chronos suddenly frowned as he sensed several of his Soul Avatars being destroyed.
Was there someone in Mock Town who knew how to use Haki?
Becoming cautious, Chronos informed Marco of the situation, advising him to be careful.
And then...
"Fufufufufu! So it's the monsters from the Whitebeard Pirates~ Are you planning to visit Jaya Island as well?"
A strange laugh echoed, accompanied by faint whistling sounds through the air.
Squinting his eyes, Chronos immediately understood.
The newcomer wore flashy red sunglasses, sported a spiky yellow pineapple hairstyle, had two earrings, and was draped in a pink feather coat over a black suit, with pointed shoes completing the outfit. His smile was sinister and alluring.
His fingers seemed to hook onto something as he stood suspended in mid-air as if floating.
Donquixote Doflamingo.
This guy's fate was quite similar to the original plot—leaving home, losing his mother, killing his father, descending into darkness, and establishing the Donquixote Family in the North Blue.
Although he developed in the North Blue, Doflamingo had long been preparing to relocate.
While the North Blue was vast, the Grand Line and the New World offered far greater prospects.
As a lawless land, Mock Town naturally attracted Doflamingo's interest and was one of the Donquixote Family's planned outposts.
In the original storyline, Doflamingo was also active in Mock Town, though he later abandoned it.
"So it's the Heavenly Yaksha. Looks like we've interrupted your business?"
Chronos replied casually. Doflamingo at his strongest was roughly at the level of a Sweet Commander or All-Star, with some fluctuations, but it didn't matter much.
This guy was four years younger than Marco and seemed not even eighteen yet, lacking substantial strength.
"No, business can be done anytime, but encountering someone from the Whitebeard Pirates is rare. How about sharing a drink?"
Doflamingo laughed heartily, pleased that Chronos had recognized him—it seemed he was finally gaining some notoriety.
Though wicked and arrogant, he was still a businessman. Compared to these minor skirmishes, maintaining relations with the Whitebeard Pirates held greater importance.
Doflamingo knew full well that under Whitebeard's flag lay a thriving trade route.
Chronos glanced up at Doflamingo, still perched high in the sky on his thin strings, and inwardly shook his head.
Clearly, this guy hadn't yet been humbled by hardship—he hadn't ventured into the New World, nor had he crossed paths with Kaido.
Marco stood by lazily, waiting for Chronos to give the order; he truly wasn't accustomed to taking the lead.
Just as Chronos was about to speak, he spotted two figures approaching Doflamingo's side.
One was a short, stout man, the other dressed like a primitive tribesman.
Trebol and Diamante—the top executives of the Donquixote Family.
Chronos noticed that as soon as these two joined Doflamingo, his grin widened even further.
"No need," Chronos flatly refused. "We still have matters to attend to, so we won't trouble you, Donquixote. Perhaps we'll meet again someday."
With a wave of his hand, Chronos led Marco away. The Soul Avatars had nearly finished their task, harvesting tens of thousands of years of lifespan—a truly bountiful haul.
As for Doflamingo? He was nothing more than a minor interruption.
Watching Chronos and Marco depart, Doflamingo's gaze beneath his sunglasses grew profound.
"Doffy! W-Whitebeard's ship is docked at the shore right now!" Trebol panted, though he didn't believe the Whitebeard Pirates had come because of them. Still, an entity of that magnitude was far beyond their current ability to confront.
"Fufufufufu…" Doflamingo chuckled, then abruptly asked, "Are there any major legends about Jaya Island?"
"Huh?" Trebol was taken aback, but as one of the few in the Donquixote Family capable of offering intellectual support, he quickly recalled the tales surrounding Jaya.
"In the North Blue folktales about the great liar Noland, Jaya Island is said to be the Golden Hometown, Doffy."
"The Golden Hometown, huh?"
Doflamingo murmured the phrase a few times before a sudden realization dawned on him—the Donquixote Family had risen to power in the North Blue.
"Keep a close watch on the Whitebeard Pirates. I don't care if our men die doing it. Also, prepare to turn this place into our new paradise."
"Doffy?" Trebol sounded puzzled.
"The Golden Hometown~" Doflamingo repeated softly, his voice then swelling with arrogance. "This is what pirates should do, isn't it? Seize what we desire!"
A faint surge of Conqueror's Haki emanated from him, making his posture seem to straighten and tower abruptly.
Beside him, Trebol and Diamante's eyes gleamed with fervor. This was exactly why they had chosen to follow Donquixote!
...
Inside the tavern, Whitebeard sat uncomfortably on a small stool, looking increasingly displeased after taking a bite of the cherry pie before him.
"Boss, your cherry pie is downright awful!"
The mustachioed owner apologized profusely and quickly offered a complimentary drink.
Whitebeard gulped it down in one go, his expression easing as he muttered, "That's more like it."
With a creak, the tavern's wooden door swung open, and Chronos and Marco strolled in casually.
"Oh, Chronos, Marco, you're back? How'd it go?"
"Excellent, a bountiful harvest," Chronos said with delight.
"That's good to hear," Whitebeard laughed heartily in satisfaction.
As for that Conqueror's Haki from earlier?
Whitebeard paid it no mind—just some wet-behind-the-ears brat.
A desk-job version of Rocks, nothing more than that.