Half a year had passed since the Navy's crushing defeat. Though the Konoha Senju had vanished without a trace, discussions about "Konoha" continued to rage across the seas.
The World Government had now officially placed bounties on Arima and Tsunade.
Senju Arima: Dead or alive, 2 billion Berries.
Senju Tsunade: Dead or alive, 500 million Berries.
For a newcomer to have a bounty exceeding one hundred million was rare enough to earn the title of "Supernova." But a first bounty surpassing one billion? That was simply unheard of.
That alone showed just how deeply the World Government feared Arima.
Though many pirates who arrived late never crossed paths with the Konoha Senju, curious thrill-seekers traced its route, following the trail from the ruins of the Marine Branch 80 in the West Blue all the way to the battle site in the East Blue.
Some lucky explorers even discovered a newly built training ground on a deserted island.
Empty wine barrels marked with the hoof-print of Celestial Dragons were scattered across the ground.
Combining that with the terrifying power of the "Fifth Emperor" Arima, people began to whisper that he might be the one who stole the Celestial Dragons' treasure.
Rumors spread like wildfire, each retelling adding more flair, until the story evolved into.
"Arima wreaked havoc on Mary Geoise, forcing all three Admirals to cower in Marineford!"
For the Navy, it was a humiliation of the highest order.
Yet there was nothing they could do to vent their frustration on Arima and his crew. All they could do was hunt other pirates to soothe their bruised pride.
In the New World, aboard the Red Force, Shanks was reading the newspaper with an amused smile as he scanned the article about Arima and his companions.
"So," Shanks said lazily, "where do you think that guy is now?"
Beckman exhaled a long sigh. "Probably lying low until the heat dies down. But seriously, how did he steal that treasure right under the Five Elders' noses? I can't wrap my head around it."
"Heh heh!" Shanks chuckled, resting his elbow on the railing.
"Beckman, my smart friend! You've read so many books that your round head's turned square! Think about it, just treat him like an invisible man."
"Invisible man?"
"Yeah! An invisible man who doesn't need a Devil Fruit! You forget, he's a ninja!"
Beckman slapped his own forehead. "This Fifth Emperor's cheating. He doesn't play by anyone's rules."
"Ah, don't worry about it," Shanks said with a grin. "That guy still owes me plenty of good sake. Emperor or not, he can't dodge that debt."
"Yes, yes, Captain. Your name carries the most weight in all the seas, who would dare disrespect you?"
"Hahaha! Don't exaggerate! Come on, let's get ready for the feast, Mihawk's almost here."
"Oh, Hawkeye's coming? Let's hope the waves didn't flip over his little coffin boat."
"Heh, even if it did, he'd just ride a plank and make it here anyway!"
"Really? How would he row, then? Don't tell me, " Beckman's grin widened as he imagined Mihawk rowing furiously through the sea.
"Hahaha! He rides the waves, of course!" Shanks laughed so hard that tears welled in his eyes.
"Hahahaha!"
"..."
Laughter filled the Red Force, its crew basking in a carefree, boisterous mood.
During these six quiet months, Arima and his companions had kept a low profile. They had already passed Reverse Mountain and entered the Grand Line, now anchored near Jaya Island.
To avoid unwanted attention, Tsunade had been using Observation Haki to monitor their surroundings along the journey. Over time, her mastery of it had become sharp and fluid.
As usual, the group was enjoying a peaceful afternoon on the deck.
"Arima, how do we get up there?" Tsunade looked skyward at the endless blue, not a trace of Sky Island in sight.
"Did you forget how we escaped from that fish belly?" Arima replied, lounging comfortably in his deck chair, fishing line drifting in the sea.
"I thought we'd have to wait for the Knock-Up Stream again!"
"I heard from Mont Blanc Cricket that a massive one's due to appear soon."
"Mont Blanc Cricket?"
"A brave young man claims to be a descendant of Mont Blanc Noland! You've heard Robin tell that story about the so-called 'Liar Noland,' right?"
"Oh, that Mont Blanc!" Tsunade said, realization dawning. She had thought Robin's tale was pure fiction.
"What are you guys talking about?"
Kushina came running over with Natsuka in tow, curiosity lighting her eyes.
Recently, she had been avoiding being alone with Tsunade, almost as if she feared being caught off guard.
"Kushina, come here~ Let big sis spoil you properly!" Tsunade's smirk carried a mischievous glint.
"Hmph! No way!" Kushina puffed her cheeks. "Arima's here, you can't throw lightning balls at me again!"
With that, she hid behind Natsuka.
Arima glanced at her, who gave him a knowing nod before tugging Kushina away to join Robin instead.
"Haah, Arima, you really know how to stay neutral," Tsunade huffed. "Hmph, guess Jiraiya was right, men really are hopelessly fickle!"
"Kushina's just a brat," Arima said helplessly. "Anyway, how about I take you all to Dressrosa for some fun later?"
After months at sea, even the most stunning vistas lost their charm. Arima knew that a new adventure would quickly distract Tsunade.
Sure enough, her eyes lit up. "Arima, have your Wood Clones already reached the New World?"
"Mm. The entire first half of the Grand Line's covered. Soon we can move on to phase two of the plan."
Recently, Arima had begun implementing his Rebuild Konoha project, the first step being to leave Flying Thunder God seals on every island.
News of their Dressrosa trip spread quickly through the ship. Everyone was thrilled.
They'd heard many tales from Robin about the island, its fairy legends, bullfighting arena, fields of flowers, and unique cuisine. The journey promised to be unforgettable.
Within minutes, everyone was ready to depart. With Arima's spatial jutsu, there was no need to pack much.
Leaving a Wood Clone behind on the ship, Arima activated Kamui, linking two space nodes and teleporting them from Jaya straight to Dressrosa in an instant.
Before stepping out of the Kamui space, they used Transformation Jutsu to alter their appearances, donning vibrant, local-style clothing.
Arima even cast a secret technique to conceal Robin's face for convenience.
They arrived right at Dressrosa's most famous spot, Lovers' Avenue.
Lovers' Avenue was the kingdom's romantic heart, bustling with couples basking in love's glow. The air was thick with floral fragrance, and the colorful buildings gave the place a fairy-tale feel.
Curiously, some women who moments ago danced passionately for their lovers would, in the next instant, chase them down with fury if they sensed betrayal.
"Arima," Tsunade said pointedly, "these women are certainly fiery and passionate, and very loyal in love."
Tsunade's words carried a teasing undertone.
"Tsunade, liking Arima is my business! It's got nothing to do with him! If you've got a problem, take it up with me!"
Kushina stood up boldly, ready to defend her "Arima." She'd been especially combative with Tsunade lately, like a girl stepping into her rebellious phase.
"Oh? Kushina, who gave you that courage?" Tsunade crossed her arms, sparks dancing on her fingertips.
Before the two could start bickering again Mito stepped forward and flicked both their foreheads with sharp, precise boinks, making them yelp in pain.
Arima laughed awkwardly. "Grandma, when did you learn to use Ryuo?"
Mito merely smiled, saying nothing.
Arima knew that look, Grandma was not pleased with the girls' recent squabbles. Quickly, he gave the two of them a subtle warning glance.
They instantly made up, clinging to each other as if nothing had happened.
The matriarch's presence alone was enough to command obedience, no Conqueror's Haki required. Even a "Fifth Emperor" had to bow before Mito's natural authority.
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