"Therefore, everyone, the choice of what the future of the world will become has been laid before you" , Shirogai said, voice calm but clear.
Shirogai Yamikuro raised his hand, and three worlds appeared in the air.
One was a world completely submerged by seawater, only the Red Line standing firm and untouched.
Another was also drowned beneath the waves, but with artificial Sky Islands floating in the sky, a world where all humans still survived.
The final one was a chaotic, shattered world, engulfed in flames, crumbling from within.
"The Vespera organization has no so-called leader. Of course, you can think of me as your guiding figure in your hearts. But to be honest, I will not bear full responsibility for your future, nor for the future of this world."
Shirogai swept his gaze over the assembled members, holding a faint smile.
"To be honest, I don't really like this world. This world is too fragile. If it is possible, I would not hesitate to become a destroyer, annihilating this weak world completely before a world-class disaster erupts. For me, rather than patching this dying world, it is better to reshape a brand-new one."
Crack! A flash of lightning slashed across the sky, illuminating the world.
In that brilliant streak, the members of Vespera finally realized: the smile on Shirogai's face had completely vanished.
The Shirogai standing before them now was expressionless, eerie, terrifying.
A cold shadow settled over the darkness, something in his gaze that made their spines involuntarily shiver. It was the gaze of death.
"…"
They exchanged looks, complex—fear, awe, confusion.
"He's serious…" Crocodile murmured, clearly feeling the chill in Shirogai's words.
"Is this what I have been sensing all along?" Smoker's expression became grave as he tried to parse Shirogai's meaning.
"He has always harboured a kind of disgust for this world."
"Shirogai sama is truly charismatic! Even his desire to destroy this world…" Galdino said, eyes shining, full of admiration.
Dr. Vegapunk's mind raced. 'According to the effect of Shirogai's innate Devil Fruit, once he gathers most Devil Fruit powers, he truly might destroy and reshape this world. An existence even more powerful than Seraphim being perfected. I wonder if Shirogai would allow me access to some samples to enhance my experiments…'
"…"
Tide, Pegasus, and Sirius remained silent, each lost in thought.
Shirogai changed his tone, the chill receding, his voice gentle once again.
"But after all, this is your world. I will lend you all the support I can. The rest—your own efforts will shape what follows."
" What must we do?" Cobra was the first to speak. Under the heaviest pressure, he stood, voice steady.
"Each member has their own task."
Shirogai smiled and flicked his hand. Several envelopes of different coloured lights drifted toward each member.
"Each coloured envelope indicates a different mission."
Whoosh!
A white-light envelope hovered before Cobra.
"A white envelope?" Cobra asked, reaching out. The envelope dissolved into light, merging into his spiritual self. Suddenly information flooded his mind.
"Establish contact with Sirius and Pegasus to create the first artificial Sky Island above Alabasta Kingdom, to mitigate the desert's harshness and to lay the foundation for a new order in the New World. Within the World Government, seek nations that are restless under its tyranny yet forced to depend on it. Through our network, approach them discreetly, invite them to join our cause…"
Cobra's vision of the future sharpened. This mission carried weight because of who he was: king of an affiliated state of the World Government.
…
Before Smoker floated a grey envelope.
Serpent stared, hesitated, then gripped the envelope with resolve.
"The justice of the Marines has been corrupted by the Celestial Dragons, becoming the justice of autocrats. Seek righteous individuals within the Marines who refuse to let that justice be twisted, train them, make them pillars of true justice. Rebuild an Air Force of true human justice from its current corrupted shell…"
Serpent's teeth clenched. He glared at Shirogai in the distance, sneering under his breath:
"Shirogai, you want me as a spy? To undermine the Marines and build another force?"
He already knew his answer: he would not follow this plan. Despite their flaws, most Marines still embody ideals that many common folk believe in.
…
A blood-red envelope hovered before Crocodile.
"Hmph, just another grand stage." Crocodile sneered and grabbed the envelope.
"Find suitable candidates in Impel Down to build a force capable of challenging any threat. Counter CP0. Any dirty deed done by the World Government must be answered without hesitation…"
Crocodile's grin was cold. "After all this, am I just another thug?"
He stared at Shirogai, strange laughter in his voice. "So be it. I will form an elite assassination squad from Impel Down's darkest corners. But whether you can wield command over it depends entirely on your strength."
…
Another blood-red envelope drifted.
"Assist Crocodile in Impel Down, establish a special intelligence unit to rival the World Government's spy networks…"
Galdino stared blankly, heart pounding, but then suppressed his fear. Excitement glimmered in his eyes.
"This is my first real mission from Shirogai sama. I must not disappoint him. I must give everything."
…
A green envelope appeared above Sky.
Dr. Vegapunk accepted it, absorbing its content at once.
"Develop technology for creature breeding native to Sky Island, re-innovate energy from ancient shells, advance cloud-ship design, invent new plant species suited to island cloud—these are your tasks."
Seeing his tasks, Sky nodded with satisfaction.
"Shirogai is indeed a kindred mind, one who thinks like I do. Entrusting these projects to me is wise. But…"
His eyes gleamed with profit. "The funding required… we must ensure it is well accounted."
Scientists care about discovery, yes—but also the resources it takes to achieve it.
…
"Make Sky Island impregnable, the future base of the world. All strategy must see that Sky Island is never compromised. Work with the leaders that join our organization to build artificial Sky Islands across different regions, link them through sea-cloud routes. Over the Blue Sea, reestablish a new aerial white cloud ocean…"
Pegasus read his mission, excitement breaking over his face.
According to Shirogai's plan, Sky Island will become the most radiant presence on the planet.
By then, residents of Sky Island will not worry about land. They will sail cloud-ships through the sky, travel from artificial island to island by sea-cloud routes. Whenever desired, they may descend to islands below for
leisure.
By that point, Sky Island folk will not be bound to a single floating land. Their reach will span the world.
_____
Enjoying the fanfiction?
Support my work on Patreon to gain early access to multiple upcoming chapters and exclusive content across all my stories!
👉 Patreon.com/Zphyr