Chapter 39:The Journey Begins - A Gift of Legends

Silvers D. Jason stood on the deck of his ship, gazing out at the vast sea. The morning was calm, the sun barely peeking over the horizon, casting a golden hue over the water. Today marked the beginning of his journey as a pirate captain, one that would take him through the treacherous waters of the Grand Line, the four Blues, and beyond. But before setting sail, his father, Silvers Rayleigh, had a special gift for him.

Rayleigh approached Jason with a warm smile, a glint of pride in his eyes. "You've grown into a fine young man, Jason," Rayleigh began, his voice filled with nostalgia. "I've watched you train, fight, and become stronger. I'm proud of everything you've accomplished so far, and I know you'll do even greater things in the future."

Jason felt a lump in his throat at his father's words. He had always looked up to Rayleigh, not just as a father but as a legend. Rayleigh motioned for Jason to follow him to the back of the shop. With slow, deliberate movements, Rayleigh reached behind a counter and pulled out a long, black sheath. The moment Jason saw it, his heart skipped a beat. He knew exactly what this was.

Rayleigh unsheathed the blade, and the gleaming edge of the sword caught the light. "This," Rayleigh said softly, "is the sword of my captain, Gol D. Roger. It's called Ace, one of the twelve Supreme Grade swords. This blade accompanied him on countless adventures, cutting down many enemies, and surviving more battles than you can imagine. It soaked in the blood of our enemies and protected us in times of need."

Jason's breath hitched as he stared at the sword. He almost couldn't believe it. The weapon of the Pirate King himself was now in his father's hands, and Rayleigh was offering it to him. "I'm giving this to you now, Jason," Rayleigh said, his tone full of emotion. "Let this sword guide you as it did for us. It belongs to you now, son."

Jason could barely contain his emotions. His eyes welled up as he gently took the sword from Rayleigh. "Thank you… Father," Jason whispered, his voice cracking slightly. He could feel the weight of the legacy in his hands, and it only solidified his resolve to become even stronger.

As he sheathed Ace and placed it by his side, Shakky walked in. She embraced Jason in a warm hug, her voice full of love and pride. "It has been my greatest honor to be your mother, Jason," Shakky said softly. "And as you begin your journey, I have something for you too."

She handed Jason a small, delicate item: an eternal log pose. "This log pose points to Amazon Lily," Shakky explained with a knowing smile. "Someone there is waiting for you. When the time is right, this will lead you to her."

Jason's eyes widened in realization. His mind raced back to the previous chapter when his mother had briefly mentioned this. "Hancock," Jason muttered under his breath. The thought of meeting her excited him. He hugged Shakky tightly and kissed her cheek.

"Thank you, Mom," Jason said, stowing the eternal log pose in his treasury through his pocket. "I'll make you both proud. I'll conquer the seas and become the Pirate King."

Rayleigh and Shakky smiled as they watched Jason turn and walk toward the ship where Koala was waiting. He waved them one final goodbye before boarding the ship and setting sail. The adventure was just beginning.

A few days later, Jason and Koala arrived at their first destination: the waters near Whiskey Peak. The island loomed in the distance, a cold, snowy mass with a massive mountain rising in the middle. According to the map Jason had purchased from the system, the Munch Munch fruit was located at the peak of this mountain.

Koala looked up at the mountain, shivering slightly. "Looks cold up there," she remarked.

Jason smiled. "Stay on the ship. I'll be back in no time." Koala nodded, trusting Jason to handle the situation.

With a quick burst of Moonwalk, Jason shot into the sky, his feet tapping on the air as he rapidly ascended toward the mountain peak. The cold wind whipped at his face, but he paid it no mind. His goal was within reach.

As Jason reached the summit, he spotted a massive polar bear guarding a peculiar-looking fruit. It was purple and round, unmistakably the Munch Munch fruit. Without hesitation, Jason unleashed a Rankyaku, a sharp slash of compressed air. The attack was so swift that the polar bear's head was severed before it could even react.

Jason walked up to the fruit and picked it up. He placed it into his treasury and then turned back toward the ship, descending the mountain with ease. Koala was waiting for him on the deck.

"Got it," Jason said, grinning as he held up the fruit. Koala smiled in return and set the ship's course for Reverse Mountain.

The ship sailed smoothly up the reverse current of the mountain. As they neared the top, however, a massive shadow loomed over them. Jason recognized the creature immediately: Laboon, the giant whale that had spent years slamming its head against the Red Line in hopes of finding the Rumbar Pirates.

As Laboon hit the Red Line again, the entire mountain shook. Koala stumbled, but Jason remained steady, unfazed by the whale's powerful strikes. With a single leap, he jumped onto Laboon's head and infused his fist with Armament Haki. With one punch, he pushed Laboon back, stopping its assault on the mountain.

"Open up," Jason commanded, his voice laced with Conqueror's Haki. "I need to speak with Crocus."

Laboon, under the influence of Jason's command, obediently opened its massive mouth. Jason used Moonwalk to enter Laboon's stomach, where Crocus' house was situated amidst the whale's stomach acid.

Jason landed at the door and knocked. A few moments later, the door swung open, revealing an elderly man with silver hair and a surprised expression. "Who are you?" Crocus asked, eyeing Jason with curiosity.

"My name is Silvers D. Jason," Jason replied, his voice calm and steady. "Son of Silvers Rayleigh."

Crocus' eyes widened in shock. "Rayleigh's son?" he repeated, stepping forward to get a better look at Jason. "Well, I'll be damned. The son of my old friend."

Crocus pulled Jason into a hug, a warm smile on his face. "How's your father doing?" Crocus asked after pulling away from the embrace.

"He's doing well," Jason said with a nod. "He's still on Sabaody Archipelago."

Crocus chuckled. "That old man never changes." He then straightened up, his smile fading slightly. "So, what brings you here, Jason?"

"I want you to join my pirate crew," Jason said bluntly, his eyes serious.

Crocus raised an eyebrow. "Join your crew? I'm retired, kid. My job is to take care of Laboon, nothing more."

Jason didn't back down. "I can help you find the Rumbar Pirates," he said, his voice steady. "If I do, will you join me then?"

Crocus' interest piqued. "How do you know where they are?" he asked, his eyes narrowing. "And how do you know I've been looking for them?"

Jason smiled, carefully crafting his response. "Rayleigh told me," he lied. "He said you joined Roger's crew to finish what the Rumbar Pirates couldn't."

Crocus considered this for a moment. "That's true," he admitted. "But what makes you think you can find them?"

Jason grinned. "I've got my ways. Once I've explored the four Blues, I'll come back and take you to them. You won't need to fight. Just help manage my ship's hospital and teach my doctors."

Crocus stared at Jason for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Alright, kid. You've got a deal. But if you don't find them, I'll be right back here with Laboon."

Jason nodded, a satisfied smile on his face. "Deal."

With that, Jason exited Laboon, returning to the ship. He looked back at the whale and the mountain as they sailed toward the North Blue. Jason could feel the excitement bubbling within him. His journey was just beginning, but he had already set things in motion to ensure his future success.

Crocus, the legendary doctor of the Roger Pirates, would soon be part of his crew. Now, his next goal was Trafalgar D. Water Law. The future was looking bright for Silvers D. Jason.