After resting for a full day and night at Twin Capes, the Dawn Ship set sail once again.
This time, with Eternal Poses already prepared for several islands, their journey was smooth. In just a week, they arrived at Spring Queen City.
Unlike Twin Capes, Spring Queen City was a hub of information where spies and informants from countless factions gathered. The moment the Dawn Ship appeared, news of its arrival spread rapidly. Nearly every major power received precise reports.
The Dawn Hunter Pirates, who had dominated the East Blue for half a year, had officially returned to the Grand Line.
In truth, many had already glimpsed the massive ship during its voyage from Twin Capes, but pirates rarely survived encounters, and merchants preferred to avoid entanglements. This made the Dawn Ship's arrival feel sudden and almost mysterious.
Ash paid no attention to the reactions of these factions. Instead, he brought Saff, Nojiko, Nami, and Carina onto the island for an extended shopping spree.
Previously, only Saff and Perona had accompanied the crew.
Saff focused entirely on culinary research. Whenever they passed through Spring Queen City, she only purchased ingredients and cooking supplies, showing little interest in anything else. Perona, on the other hand, had always wanted to shop freely, but her safety took priority, so she stayed close to Saff and rarely got the chance.
This time, everything changed.
Nojiko, Nami, and Carina, though raised in the East Blue, displayed a natural talent for shopping. Once they realized just how wealthy their captain was, they unleashed their full enthusiasm.
After three straight days, Ash and the rest of the boys were utterly defeated.
Pini and Youki openly admitted that this was more exhausting than continuous combat. The two brothers chose to remain on the Dawn Ship, preferring daily sparring over another trip into the city.
Ash used this opportunity to travel to Water Seven. There, he retrieved the dragon-head gate he had commissioned for the Dawn Ship the previous year.
Fortunately, Kirk had recently improved his abilities and created a storage ring with greater capacity. Without it, transporting such a massive structure would have been troublesome.
While in Water Seven, Ash also mentioned the Shark Submerge, which was still docked inside the Dawn Ship. He instructed the shipyard to travel to Spring Queen City themselves to retrieve and repair it.
Naturally, the shipwrights did not dare refuse the request of a Shichibukai, especially one who paid generously.
A week later, the once spacious living quarters of the Dawn Ship had been transformed. The four girls had decorated it into a warm and lively space, filled with furniture and personal touches.
After fully indulging their shopping desires, the crew finally set sail again.
By mid-May, the Dawn Ship reached the Calm Belt waters near the South Blue and came to a stop.
At that point, Ash and his crew had already returned to Cathay Village on Sky Island using the space gate.
Their sudden halt near the Calm Belt sparked speculation among various factions, but few dared to investigate. Fleet Admiral Sengoku had already contacted Ash via Den Den Mushi. After learning that Ash intended only to rest before exploring the South Blue, Sengoku relaxed.
Big News Morgans also called, hoping for a major headline. Upon hearing it was just a temporary stop, he quickly lost interest.
The New World was in turmoil, and no one had the attention to spare for a single Shichibukai.
The Dawn Hunter Pirates had built a fearsome reputation during their time in the Grand Line. Pirates avoided them entirely. With Sengoku's implicit approval, the Marines stayed away as well. Merchant ships had no reason to approach the Calm Belt.
For a time, the Dawn Ship was left in complete isolation.
Even the skies above it remained empty.
Meanwhile, Nojiko, Nami, and Carina were experiencing Cathay Village on Sky Island for the first time. Their excitement was obvious. If nothing unexpected happened, this would become their second home.
When Nami and Carina saw the Golden City, their eyes practically turned into Berries. Both immediately declared that this place would always be their home.
They loved it.
Ash and the crew spent over a month resting comfortably in Cathay Village.
During this time, Sali successfully subdued Wyper and the Skypiean warriors. He then granted them five Ancestral Witch Fruits.
After careful discussion, the distribution was finalized.
Wyper obtained the Thunder Ancestral Witch Fruit. Kamakiri received the Metal Ancestral Witch Fruit. Braham took the Fire Ancestral Witch Fruit. Jebao gained the Earth Ancestral Witch Fruit. Laki received the Wood Ancestral Witch Gou Mang Fruit.
Ash did not interfere with their decisions. In his view, events often aligned themselves naturally unless forcefully altered.
The future of the Skypiean warriors had already diverged significantly due to his influence, yet certain outcomes still found a way to occur.
Still, Ash was not overly concerned. These warriors were meant to strengthen Sky Island's defenses and serve as a reserve force.
Time passed quickly, and the peaceful days came to an end.
Preparations for departure began.
This time, however, the arrangements were different.
Sali and the Daly brothers remained at Twin Capes, continuing their duty of guarding the entrance. Dicken and Fales joined them, bringing the stationed group to six, along with Brook and Perona in supporting roles.
The Dawn Ship crew remained unchanged. Pini, Youki, Tsuki, the Kirk siblings, Nojiko, and Nami returned aboard, making a total of seven.
They crossed the Calm Belt into the South Blue and began their voyage. Nami took on the responsibility of mapping the region.
The biggest change involved the Skypiean warriors.
With Vergo already stationed on Sky Island, five powerful ability users were not necessary for defense. After multiple discussions, Wyper and the others decided to lead groups of young villagers on voyages through the Grand Line.
Their goal was simple. Gain experience, grow stronger, and broaden their horizons.
Sali supported the idea. With access to Rokushiki training methods and abundant Sea King meat, the youth were already progressing rapidly. Real combat experience would accelerate their growth further.
Ash had no objections.
In truth, he had little interest in managing such matters. With his current abilities, he could grow stronger without constant effort. He preferred a relaxed lifestyle, focusing on enjoyment rather than responsibility.
When Sali and Wyper asked for his opinion, Ash simply responded with confusion.
"If you want to explore the seas, then go. Just make sure someone stays behind to guard home."
With that, the decision was made.
On June 16th, Year 1516 of the Sea Calendar, the youth of Sky Island split into three groups and set out on their journeys.
As for Ash, he chose a different path.
His laziness surfaced once again. Instead of continuing the voyage, he decided to remain on Gourmet Island and Carnival Island, indulging in food and entertainment.
Carina stayed behind as well, using the excuse of accompanying him. In reality, she frequently traveled through the space gate to Twin Capes, seeking singing lessons from Brook.
===
Sorry for the late update.
____
Also, if you want to read more, look up '_Zeph' on patreon