After revealing their identities, the old mayor treated the two with the utmost hospitality.
In the following days, Jon and Ace enjoyed a very comfortable life in Rocky Town.
During the day, they ate, and at night, they ate.
It seemed like Ace was trying to make up for the hardships they endured in Impel Down by indulging in endless feasting.
Speaking of which, we had to mention the effect of the Flame-Flame Fruit.
No matter how much the user ate, it all turned into calories and burns away, without affecting their weight. It was truly the highest level of weight loss technology!
Days passed by.
Just when Jon thought the whole town would be bankrupted by Ace's endless binge-eating, a whale-shaped giant battleship entered the harbor.
The Moby Dick.
The Whitebeard Pirates had arrived!
"Jon, let's go!"
Hearing from the old mayor that Whitebeard himself had arrived, Ace was extremely excited and without hesitation, he dragged Jon straight to the beach.
Jon completely understood Ace's excitement.
To be honest, he was also a bit excited.
After all, it was the renowned "Strongest Man in the World," Edward Newgate, coming personally!
Passing through the streets, they headed straight to the pier.
At the pier, many people were already eagerly waiting.
Seeing Ace's figure, they cheered immediately.
"Ace!"
"You, you actually managed to escape from a hellhole like Impel Down, you're incredible!"
"Hahaha, there's going to be a feast today!"
Marco, Jozu, Vista, and dozens of other Whitebeard Pirates' Division Commanders surrounded Ace.
Behind them, on the railing of the Moby Dick's deck, countless pirates were shouting loudly.
"Ace, welcome home!"
Ace's eyes welled up.
"I..."
"Alright, save it for later. Pops's waiting for you!"
Marco interrupted Ace before he could finish, then turned to Jon.
"You're the 'Rogue' who caused a ruckus in Impel Down, Jon Joestar, right? Thank you for rescuing Ace. The Whitebeard Pirates owe you a favor."
As soon as Marco the "Phoenix" spoke, countless others echoed in agreement.
"Exactly! From now on, we're all on the same side. If you need any help, just come find me!"
"Ready to go through fire and water, no matter what!"
"Ready to sacrifice anything!"
"Jozu, why do you think only you can support Jon, and we can't?"
"That's not what I meant."
"Stop arguing, why don't you just fight it out? Wouldn't throwing punches be more enjoyable than flapping your jaws?"
"Cough, cough, Jon's still here, can you guys tone it down a bit!"
As the conversation grew more chaotic, Marco scratched his forehead in resignation, offering Jon an apologetic smile.
"Sorry about that, this is just how we are, used to being casual. Well, let's board first, Pops must be getting impatient."
Board the ship?
Ace couldn't wait any longer, and transformed into a flame, soaring onto the Moby Dick.
He landed squarely on the deck.
Looking up, he immediately saw the burly old man sitting not far away, and tears couldn't help but well up in his eyes.
"Pops!"
"You foolish son."
Whitebeard's eyes were full of relief.
Although the old man's mouth curved into a smile, he didn't let up, "Why haven't you come over here so I can take a good look at you!"
"Pops!"
Ace threw himself forward, taking three or five steps before kneeling down in front of Whitebeard.
With a thud, he kneeled directly.
"Pops, it's my fault, I made you worry!"
"Foolish Son!"
Hearing this, Whitebeard raised his big hand, as if he was about to strike!
But at the last moment, the old man turned the strike into an embrace, pulling Ace into his arms.
"What nonsense are you saying, as long as you're okay, it's alright."
Not biological father and son, but closer than biological father and son.
Whitebeard would die for each and every one of his sons, including Ace, of course.
Ace gritted his teeth tightly, not wanting to embarrass himself in front of his old man, but tears flowed uncontrollably like a broken faucet. "Pops, I... Oh, Teach. That guy wants to harm you. Next time, I'll definitely kill him."
"I'll personally deal with Teach. You just stay on the ship and rest assured."
Upon hearing the name "Blackbeard," a trace of anger flashed in the old man's eyes.
Shanks had warned him before, but he didn't take it seriously.
It wasn't until Teach defeated Ace and handed him over to the Marine to become one of the "Seven Warlords of the Sea" that Whitebeard realized what kind of wolf his former son had become.
This debt must be settled!
Not only for Ace but also for the entire Whitebeard Pirates.
As a parent, it was only natural to discipline disobedient children!
"No, let me..."
Ace still wanted to say something.
Whitebeard narrowed his eyes, his tone was extremely firm.
"No need to say more. Since he dared to harm my beloved son, then as a father, I definitely won't let him go!"
Years of being inactive made people gradually forget about Whitebeard's terror.
Did they really think he couldn't lift a sword anymore?
A trace of killing intent flashed across the old man's face.
Ace felt both ashamed and warmth in his heart.
Whitebeard smiled and casually rubbed Ace's head with his large hand. "Alright, let's talk about this later. Your return is more important than anything else."
After a pause, the old man added, "Didn't you have a friend you wanted to introduce to me? Where is he?"
It was quite coincidental.
As soon as the words fell, Jon, led by Marco and the others, happened to board the Moby Dick.
Ace quickly wiped away the tears on his face, not wanting to embarrass himself in front of his good friend.
Whitebeard didn't say much, just smiling as he looked Jon over.
First impression, handsome.
With a rugged face and lively eyes, this kid indeed had a good appearance.
Second impression, audacious.
Facing the world-famous Emperor of the Sea, this kid not only didn't show any fear but instead stared straight at him with an eager expression.
Wait a minute, eager?
Whitebeard leaned forward slightly, smiling, "Little brat, you're Jon?"
"Yes, I'm Jon."
Jon bowed slightly.
"Greetings, Whitebeard-dono."
As the heir of a billion-dollar conglomerate, young master Jon had attended many high-society gatherings.
He easily handled this small situation within seconds. How could he possibly be stage fright?
Whitebeard casually remarked, "The way you look at me, it seems like you have some ideas."
Jon shrugged.
"In front of the 'Strongest Man in the World,' isn't it natural to feel the urge to prove something?"
"Haha, interesting little brat."
Jon owed Ace, and by extension, the Whitebeard Pirates, a favor.
Remembering the recent news of the Marine's plan to publicly execute Ace, Whitebeard's gaze softened even more as he looked at Jon.
"You're quite something."
The old man suddenly said, "Do you want to be my son?"