"Ladies and gentlemen, the task we must complete is before us."
Several colorful letters floated gently in front of the members.
"..."
Hands reached out instinctively, grasping the envelopes. The moment they made contact, the letters dissolved into light, merging with their bodies and embedding crucial information into their minds.
"It actually requires us to do this…"
"..."
"So that's how it is…"
"..."
Expressions of confusion, astonishment, and deep contemplation swept across the members' faces—everyone except Shirogai. The others couldn't read each other's thoughts, but the weight of the information was apparent.
"Something… two months from now…"
Vochi froze, staring at Shirogai.
"Null San! You can already foresee events this far in advance? It's… shocking."
Crocodile's admiration remained unspoken, but he was inwardly astounded. Was this the power of a Devil Fruit, or merely unparalleled intellect and calculation?
If the former, it was formidable. If the latter…
"Terrifying…"
Yes, terrifying. Only this word could convey Crocodile's awe. As a fellow strategist, he couldn't fathom the depth of intelligence Shirogai wielded, or how he could orchestrate plans with such accuracy.
"If this is true, news should arrive soon…"
Crocodile suppressed his astonishment, quietly considering his next moves to maximize his benefit.
…
"In a major future event, I will summon you."
A thought entered Vochi's mind, clear and firm.
"..."
Katakuri pondered, uncertain what the "major event" referred to, but something deemed significant by this adult would undoubtedly shake the world.
…
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh…
Against a backdrop of howling winds and swirling sand, Shirogai stood upon a crimson Poneglyph, smiling faintly at the assembled members.
"Heh heh, everyone, from here on, the outcome is in your hands."
The others bowed slightly.
"Yes, Null."
"All right, everyone return!"
Shirogai waved, sending them back from the Soul World.
"Hmm…"
Observing the now-empty landscape, he contemplated briefly before smiling.
"Next, it seems I am about to meet a very interesting old man."
A pivotal character in the world of pirates—Navy Hero Garp, a man who had been both friend and foe to the Pirate King, Roger.
"Iron Fist Garp… heh heh, perhaps you will provide me with some unexpected abilities."
Boom!
Thunder struck, igniting raging flames around him. Shirogai stepped forward into the destructive storm, disappearing from the Soul World and returning to his main body.
…
"Awoo!!!"
Shirogai opened his eyes to see a peculiar figure with blue hair, clad only in swimming trunks, gesturing wildly and bouncing with excitement.
"Hey, Monster Bro! How was your rest? Let's continue building the dream ship full of infinite possibilities!"
Franky held a piece of memory metal like a precious artifact, ecstatic beyond words.
"Originally, with Treasure Tree Adam, I thought I could craft my perfect ship, but Monster Bro… you have such rare metal! Awoo! It's incredibly dense, can absorb energy, and even restores itself automatically!"
Franky's excitement escalated, culminating in an impromptu street dance. Afterward, he continued, almost trembling with joy:
"If the entire body of this dream ship is forged from this metal, it will be the strongest vessel in the world! Fearless, capable of crossing any treacherous sea!"
For Franky, this was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream—and now, it was within reach.
"Heh heh, as long as you're happy."
Shirogai casually summoned a small black hole in the air.
Bang!
A mountain-sized chunk of metal fell, crashing heavily onto the ground.
"So much!"
Franky's jaw dropped. The sheer mass of metal left him speechless.
"Use this for now. Let me know if it's insufficient," Shirogai said with a smile, glancing toward the docks of Water 7.
"Oh? They're here!"
…
"Oh no, the Marines! Do they know?"
Shipyard No. 1 was crowded. Citizens of Water 7 watched nervously as heavily armed Marines advanced toward the shipyard.
"Hmph!"
The Vice Admiral leading them, wearing a fierce beast hat, strode ominously.
Someone shouted bravely, "Hey, Marines! This is our shipyard! Don't trespass!"
Another nervously echoed, "Yes, yes! This is our shipbuilding area, no pirates here!"
The crowd groaned in frustration.
"Idiot! Shut up!"
Bang!
A loud crash echoed.
"What happened?"
"Why is the wall broken?"
The crew stared in astonishment as the shipyard wall shattered, revealing a massive hole.
"Marines! They're here!"
"So scary! My poor heart nearly jumped out!"
"Run! Get ready!"
Food items, floating automatically to feed Luffy, scattered in panic.
"It's the Marines! Prepare yourselves!"
Weapons were raised as the crew braced for combat.
"Oh? Interesting!"
A Marine stepped through the debris, observing the panicked floating food.
"This must be Big Mom's Soul-Soul Fruit at work, right?"
He grabbed a sandwich, devouring it greedily.
"The taste is incredible!"
The Vice Admiral's eyes glimmered with envy at Luffy, reclining and letting food come to him automatically.
"Straw Hat Luffy, your life is enviable! Just lying there while food feeds you!"
He took a decisive step forward, fists clenched, charging at Luffy.
"Hey, Luffy! Time to wake up!!"
Swish!
A purple light flashed, and a figure appeared, blocking the Marine's path.
Shirogai smiled, eyes locking onto the resolute old man's gaze, sharp despite his age.
"Marine…"
Shirogai crouched, then lunged, fists meeting with the Marine's.
"What do you intend to do to my Captain?"
Bang!
The collision emitted a deafening sound, shaking all of Water 7.
Crack!
A thunderous echo reverberated, leaving everyone's ears ringing instantly.
_____
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