Chapter 24: Finally, Jaya

On the vast expanse of the sea, two ships were engaged in a chase, one pursuing the other. It might have resembled a playful game between lovers, a dance of "you chase, I flee," but Doflamingo, the one being pursued, certainly didn't see it that way. Getting caught was no laughing matter. The two ships were, of course, the Donquixote Pirates' vessel and Vice Admiral Tsuru's fleet. A month had passed, a journey that took them from Drum Kingdom to the vicinity of Alabasta. They'd dodged, ducked, and weaved every which way, yet Tsuru remained relentless, refusing to give up, her sights firmly locked on Doflamingo. This cat-and-mouse game had led to their current stalemate.

"That damned old hag, she's really a pain," Doflamingo muttered, his face grim. A month of being chased was excruciating. It was hard on everyone.

"At this point, there's only one way to completely shake off this problem. Full speed ahead! Set course for Jaya Island!" Doflamingo ordered his crew.

"Report, Vice Admiral Tsuru! The Donquixote Pirates have suddenly increased their speed. Should we increase our speed as well? Otherwise, we risk losing track of our target."

Tsuru pondered for a moment after hearing the report. "Let him run for a while. I already know his destination. This month-long chase has worn Doflamingo down. He surely doesn't have enough supplies to continue sailing, so he'll definitely need to resupply at the next island. Contact the nearby Navy branches. Have them send reinforcements to surround the next island. Doflamingo won't be able to escape, even if he had wings."

The female soldier looked at Vice Admiral Tsuru with admiration and respectfully went to carry out her orders.

"Young Master, we can no longer see the Navy ship. It seems we've temporarily lost them," the lookout reported to Doflamingo.

Doflamingo was somewhat puzzled by this news. Tsuru's relentless pursuit over the past month had made his life miserable. No matter how much he increased his speed, she'd always catch up. Why would she intentionally let him go this time? Doflamingo didn't believe for a second that it was out of kindness. Instead, he sensed a plot afoot. After careful consideration, he came to a single conclusion: Tsuru believed his supplies were running low and that he would inevitably stop at the next island to resupply, thus allowing her to surround and capture him. A good plan, indeed. But alas, Vice Admiral Tsuru, your plan is sound, but what good are mere shrimp and foot soldiers, no matter how many there are? You probably don't know that our thoughts have coincided. We'll see if you have what it takes to hold me.

"Full speed ahead! Set course for Jaya Island!" Doflamingo commanded, calm and collected.

While Doflamingo was making his way towards Jaya Island at full speed, the Navy's G-8 branch had also received Vice Admiral Tsuru's orders and began dispatching Marines to Jaya Island to set an ambush for Doflamingo and his crew.

Doflamingo was unaware of all this, but even if he knew, he wouldn't have cared. The sudden influx of so many people only served to make the already bustling Jaya Island even more lively. The people of Jaya Island didn't care who you were; as long as you dared to come, they would welcome you.

Originally, Jaya Island and the sky island 10,000 meters above were one and the same, shaped like a skull. Due to the Knock-Up Stream in the nearby sea, 400 years ago, half of Jaya Island was blasted into the sky, along with its inhabitants, animals, and ancient ruins. The part that was blasted into the sky was the skull's head and face, while the part that remained on the ground was the skull's teeth.

On the island, there was once a "glorious city" called Shandora. The city was overflowing with gold and treasures. When half of Jaya Island was blasted into the sky, some of the gold and treasures scattered across the remaining part of Jaya Island.

400 years ago, Mont Blanc Noland and his crew, seeking refuge from a storm, arrived at Jaya Island. They happened to save the Shandian people, who were suffering from the "Tree Fever," and put an end to the tradition of human sacrifice. Noland also became close friends with the "Great Warrior" Kalgara. However, due to certain events, they eventually parted ways. Upon returning to the Lvneel Kingdom in the North Blue, Noland reported the gold he had seen on Jaya Island to the king. The king ordered him to return to Jaya to find the gold, but he found nothing. Believing he had been deceived, the king had Noland executed, forever branding him with the title of "Liar Noland."

Those were the glorious days of Jaya Island's past. Now, Jaya Island was nothing more than a haven for pirates.

Mock Town, located on the west coast of Jaya Island, was a town filled with reckless pirates who threw their money around. Because the island was filled with ruthless pirates, there were frequent disputes, and the Navy could never fully clean up the place.

After several days of sailing, Doflamingo and his crew finally arrived. Knowing that an ambush was likely awaiting him, Doflamingo didn't hesitate. He resolutely set foot on Jaya's soil. To escape the Navy's encirclement, the Knock-Up Stream was essential. First, he needed to find out when and where the next Knock-Up Stream would occur; otherwise, he would truly be a sitting duck.

"Diamante and Usman, you two will each take a group and search for a man named Mont Blanc Cricket. He should be around my age. Also, ask the locals about the Knock-Up Stream. I need to know the exact time and location of the next one. Remember, when you find Cricket, be polite. Don't resort to violence. It's best to notify me first," Doflamingo instructed his crew as soon as they disembarked.

"Pica, you'll come with me to the local bar to gather information. Trebol, I'm entrusting you with guarding our ship."

Without further ado, the crew members, each with their assigned tasks, immediately set off. Knowing the urgency of the situation, they didn't have time to admire the island's scenery. Doflamingo, with Pica in tow, headed towards Mock Town's tavern. This wasn't because Doflamingo wanted to drink and relax; rather, the bar was the current hub for information exchange.

Before long, Doflamingo, having returned to a tavern, felt a sense of nostalgia for the cacophony. Although the place was filled with lowlifes, what else could you expect from pirates? Did you expect them to be refined and courteous?

Creak

He pushed open the tavern door. As always, it was bustling with activity. Indeed, every tavern was more or less the same; they were places for pirates to relax, brag, and unwind. Ignoring the general commotion, he walked up to the bar counter with Pica.

"Bartender, two drinks, and something to eat, anything will do."

Doflamingo addressed the bartender, who promptly prepared his order.

"Hey, bartender, I'd like to ask you something. Do you know about the Knock-Up Stream?"

The bartender, hearing about the Knock-Up Stream, perked up. After all, he'd been living in this place for a long time. He immediately replied, "The Knock-Up Stream, ah, that's a dangerous thing. It's quite common in these waters. You lads should be careful."

Ignoring the bartender's concern, Doflamingo continued, "Do you happen to know the specific time and location of the Knock-Up Stream? That way, we can try to avoid this danger."

"Haha, young man, I'm not sure about that. I can't help you there, because the time and place of each Knock-Up Stream are unpredictable," the bartender said with a chuckle.

"Hey, kid, if you're so afraid of death, what are you doing out here? Go home and play house!"

Before Doflamingo could even respond, someone else in the tavern couldn't stand it any longer and chimed in with a taunt.

This remark triggered a roar of laughter from the crowd.

"Thanks anyway, bartender."

Doflamingo ignored the mocking laughter of the crowd. Pica, however, was quite indignant, but since his Young Master hadn't said anything, he didn't make a move.

"Hey, brat, you're pretty arrogant, huh? Are you mute or something? Too scared to even talk back? Or are you just terrified of me?" The lowlife, feeling that his pride had been wounded by Doflamingo's lack of response, continued his taunts.

Are all weaklings this noisy? They're as annoying as buzzing flies.

He couldn't be bothered to deal with them. If Doflamingo had to respond to every insult from people like this, he'd be busy all day. He picked up his drink from the counter, downed it in one gulp, and said to Pica, "Let's go."

The two stood up and left, ignoring the continued jeers from behind. The lowlife, seeing this, laughed even harder and mocked them even more intensely.

"Turns out they're just a couple of cowards! Go home and drink your milk! And you two look so big and strong."

"Hahahaha!"

Amidst the laughter and jeers, Doflamingo and Pica left the tavern. Although Pica was furious, he could only bottle it up since Doflamingo hadn't made a move.

Walking down the street, Doflamingo saw Pica's frustration and couldn't help but try to reason with him.

"Pica, are you angry? The tragedy of the weak lies in their ignorance. If we responded to every insult and taunt, we'd be far too busy. They're just insignificant characters, not worth getting so worked up about. They're just pathetic worms."

Since Doflamingo had put it that way, Pica had no choice but to temporarily let it go, even though he didn't quite understand. Still, he wanted to tear apart those who had insulted his Young Master, even if Doflamingo himself didn't care. But as a subordinate, these small matters were naturally his responsibility to handle.

After a long moment of contemplation, Pica suddenly asked Doflamingo for leave, saying he needed to use the restroom. Doflamingo, of course, understood what Pica intended to do. Oh well, his words just now had clearly been ineffective. If Pica couldn't vent his anger, he would only become more agitated. Let him be.

With that, the two parted ways.

Today, Mock Town was destined to be eventful.