Chapter 112: The Beginning of the End

What exactly is the public perception of the pirate crew, the "Straw Hat Pirates"?

They're pirates from the "East Blue," with only nine members including their captain.

Yet their combined bounty totals 750 million Berries. An extraordinary case where every member of the crew has a bounty on their head. For a rookie crew sailing the first half of the "Grand Line" and not even a year since their formation, this is an outrageous figure. The very definition of a small, elite force.

Still, considering their accomplishments, it's not exactly an overvaluation.

Right after forming, they took down top bounty holders in the East Blue one after another. Their captain was given an unprecedented bounty of 30 million Berries in the East Blue, and then they plunged into the Grand Line. There, they defeated one of the "Seven Warlords of the Sea," Sir Crocodile, in Alabasta. The captain’s bounty rose to 100 million, and bounties were placed on the other members as well.

But even then, they weren't widely known pirates yet. Their name truly spread after the sensational event that shook the newspapers — the fall of "Enies Lobby," the Judicial Island.

Incredibly, the Straw Hat crew stormed Enies Lobby, one of the three great institutions of the World Government, set fire to the Government’s flag, and declared war. They then went on to defeat "CP9," a group of assassins long touted as the Government’s strongest, and brought the island to ruin.

And since then… although not as publicly known, they also defeated another Warlord, Gecko Moria, once again troubling the Government.

Which is why the general public sees them as insane pirates. And rightly so. Attacking the Judicial Island isn’t something sane people do. And they succeeded at it.

No matter how favorably they're viewed by those who know them personally, in the eyes of society, they are pirates — deranged and dangerous villains. That is the general assessment.

──However, that is only how the general public sees them.

From another perspective, there are no pirates more intriguing than they are.

After all──they are the center of this world.

Unfortunately, only one person in the world knows this. But from her perspective, their existence cannot be ignored — they are the "protagonists" of the original story, destined to become the future rulers of the sea, the "Pirate King" and his crew. Hence──she chooses to make contact with them to learn about who they are now.

「──Yaaay!! Bubbly~♡ Ahhh~~~……」

"Kyah! Hey, what’s wrong?"

"Oh, it’s because I’m a Devil Fruit user — if I soak in the bath, I lose all strength~. So I’d really appreciate it if someone could support me~♪"

"You sure seem to be enjoying yourself despite that…"

…was one of her excuses. This mysterious girl — "Nue" — was currently indulging in the ultimate fanservice from the Straw Hat crew, bathing together with the two female members. She was closely inspecting the naked bodies of none other than Nami and Robin — something everyone must surely dream of. A person’s dream never ends.

「Haaa～～～♡ That felt amazing!! This ship’s bath is the best!!」

"Oi!! You’ve got good taste, I see. This super ship I made is the best, y’know!!"

"The bath with Nami-san and the others……♡──Anyway, here you go, mademoiselle. Your requested meal."

"Yaaay!! Thank you~!!"

On the deck of the Thousand Sunny. A table with a parasol and chairs sat on the grass, and there I was, being served by the chef — yes, it’s me, the world’s idol, Nue-chan!!

So right now, I’m enjoying myself aboard the Straw Hat Pirates’ ship, counted among the Supernovas. I presented myself as a pure and innocent, cute girl who just wandered aboard. At times like these, being small and cute means people let their guard down. It’s easy to get welcomed. If it were Kaido, even if people didn’t know who he was, they’d immediately put up their guard and go pale. I mean, he’s huge and scary. By contrast, I look harmless. That’s one of my charms. Cuteness is justice!

So, using that charm effectively… while also taking care to mask my true identity with some obscure guise, I decided to start by taking a bath. I joined the two rare women on this crew.

『Pirate "Straw Hat Pirates" Navigator "Cat Burglar" Nami – Bounty: 16,000,000 Berries』

"So, where exactly did you come from?"

『Pirate "Straw Hat Pirates" Archaeologist "Devil Child" Nico Robin – Bounty: 80,000,000 Berries』

"Doesn’t seem like you stowed away from Thriller Bark either."

An exceptional navigator who can sense the weather by skin alone, and the world’s only person said to be able to read ancient scripts — both stunning beauties. Well, not as stunning as me though!!

Even so, as someone familiar with them, I was interested in their beauty. Just like I once did with Hancock-chan, I got in the bath with them to find out more. The result… grrr… their development is absurd…!!

Had my old male mindset from long ago still lingered, I might have enjoyed it more. But now, all I felt was frustration and jealousy. I’m a cute girl through and through now. As a remnant, I can enjoy touching other girls, but since I feel it as girl-to-girl fun, there’s no lewdness. I don’t even feel regret over that.

So in that regard, I have mixed feelings.──Because I don’t want to admit it!! That I, the world’s most beautiful girl, I would be rivaled in development by my own transformed self!!

Of course, I firmly believe that my adorably petite body is the cutest and most attractive. But losing out in charm is frustrating as a girl, so sometimes I change my body a little. Adjusting my figure is easy with my abilities and techniques.

Even so, their physical beauty was nothing to scoff at. Well… I suppose I can acknowledge it. As the world’s cutest idol, I’ll accept it with grace. That’s what it means to be a queen. Refusing to acknowledge it out of spite is for losers (shaking voice).

Anyway. These two are undeniably outstanding crewmates. As a navigator, Nami is off the charts even by New World standards. She still lacks in knowledge, but more importantly, her innate ability to sense the weather is insane. Knowledge can be gained, but unique talent can’t be acquired even if you want it.

Her strength lags behind the others — even with the “Clima-Tact” weapon, her physical ability is close to an average person. But a navigator’s job isn’t to fight, so that’s fine. The more I think about it, the more I want her. I get why that shark-for-food Arlong was so obsessed with her.

And the other one… as for Nico Robin, the archaeologist, there’s no need to say much.

She’s the survivor of Ohara, the daughter of one of our own. She possesses the knowledge to read the "Poneglyphs," which everyone desires.

A user of the Hana Hana no Mi, and strong enough within the crew. She’s also quite clever… but honestly, that doesn’t even matter. The ability to read ancient text trumps all.

Because… you know? It’s necessary to obtain the Ancient Weapons, or become the Pirate King. Without that, a pirate wouldn’t need someone with the title of "archaeologist." History doesn’t matter to pirates — what matters is the power that can be gleaned from it.

So my evaluation of these two is without complaint. Perfect scores. They can hold their own even in the New World. You have my seal of approval… ah, I should answer their questions now. I’ll miss out if I don’t enjoy the conversation too.

"I just saw this really awesome, interesting-looking ship and snuck aboard!! ──Nom. Mmm～～～♡ So tasty～～♡"

"You’ve got good sense, girl. But let me tell ya, the Thousand Sunny’s greatness isn’t just its looks!! Though I did go all out on the design, too."

"Yeah yeah, I think it’s a great ship. The food’s super yummy too!!"

"Why thank you──wait, you already ate it? Want seconds?"

"Yup!! I wanna eat more!!"

"Alright then, hang on a sec. I’ll stuff you full."

"Thanks!! ──Ah, but don’t treat me like a kid, that pisses me off. Treat me like a proper girl♡ Or I’ll kill you♡"

"Oh ho, scary words from a little lady… Understood, milady."

"There won’t be a next time~♡"

Waving goodbye to the blond, funny-eyebrowed cook as he headed back into the ship, I chatted briefly about the ship with the sunglasses-and-swim-trunks pervert guy.──These two are quite the characters too.

『Pirate "Straw Hat Pirates" Shipwright "Cyborg Ironman" Franky – Bounty: 44,000,000 Berries』

『Pirate "Straw Hat Pirates" Cook "Black Leg" Sanji – Bounty: 77,000,000 Berries』

First, the shipwright — the pervert. He used to run the Franky Family, a group of bounty hunters and ship dismantlers in the shipbuilding city of Water 7.

He’s also one of the disciples of Tom, the shipwright who built the Pirate King’s ship, and the original holder of the Pluton blueprints. He might still have them memorized — and if so, that would make him the most terrifying one of all. But after a series of events, those plans were burned. A risky gamble if I’ve ever seen one, really.

In any case, his shipbuilding skills are quite solid. The Thousand Sunny is a fine ship. Personally, I think it lacks a bit in weaponry, but the main cannon and acceleration system alone are techniques I’d love to learn. Wano and our craftsmen aren’t bad, but this pervert’s tech is just… baffling. What on earth did Tom teach him?

And with that same perverted tech, he remodeled his own body into a "cyborg"──but frankly, compared to the Government’s human weapons, he pales. And even as a standalone fighter, he’s not that strong, so he’s not much of a threat.

Still, if you could mass-produce him, he’d be decent as a combat force. And considering the tech could evolve further, we can’t underestimate him. In any case, Franky earns a positive evaluation. He’s a capable shipwright.

Next up is the cook, Sanji. He’s a fighting chef with a background as the sous-chef at the floating restaurant Baratie.

A disciple, so to speak, of “Red-Leg Zeff,” the man known for never using his hands in combat—only his legs. That’s why his kicking techniques are top-tier among the Straw Hats. He’s easily in the top three when it comes to combat ability... but more importantly than that—far more importantly—is his skill as a chef!!

Honestly, when I set out to meet the Straw Hat Pirates, what I was looking forward to the most was Sanji’s cooking. I’d eaten at Baratie before and had high expectations, but his skill has far surpassed even that.

Our King has leveled up quite a bit himself and can’t be beat when it comes to grilled food, but Sanji’s strength lies in how well-rounded he is. He can make anything—and it’s all delicious.

He’s been serving up dish after dish—meat, seafood, noodles like pasta, sweets, desserts—each one perfect. I can’t stop eating. Personally, he’s the crewmember I want the most. I’d love to make him my personal chef... or have him serve under King. Not that I expect it’ll ever happen.

And then there’s his fascinating background. A real prince of the Vinsmoke family. Hilarious, right? I really enjoyed watching him sulk after that whole reveal. Still do. Sanji’s the kind of guy who’s made to suffer beautifully... Ah, he seems to consider me just outside his strike zone, but I’ll chalk that up to differences in taste and let it slide. Now then—onto the two non-human ones.

“Did you say... Nue-san? What do you mean, a passing idol who happens to be our fan?”

“Exactly what it sounds like! You guys don’t realize how famous you are? Not that you’re as famous as me—an adorable idol who sings and dances!!”

“? Hey, what’s an idol?”

“It means someone cute and super popular, like me, who sings and dances!! You’re pretty cute too though~~♡”

“!? Wh-Whoa!! What’re you doing!?”

“Eee~! So fluffy~♡ Fluffy fluffy flluuuffyyy~~♡”

“Yohoho! What a delightful coincidence!! I too am a musician, so I suspect we’ll get along quite well, dear lady who loves song and dance! In fact, would you care for a tune!?”

“...Sure!! Why not, I’ll sing for you!! My voice is on the high side, but think of it as a special treat♪”

And so I sang along while petting this round, adorable mascot-like creature, to the violin music of the tall skeleton. The tune? “Binks’ Brew.” A pirate classic. Sure, my original songs are better, but this one’s not bad—I like it. And yes, both of these strange ones are also part of the Straw Hat crew.

"Pirate – Straw Hat Crew – Musician 'Humming Brook' – Bounty: 33 million berries"

"Pirate – Straw Hat Crew – Ship Doctor 'Cotton Candy Lover Chopper' – Bounty: 50 berries"

The skeleton is Brook. He looks just like a walking corpse. Thanks to the power of the Revive-Revive Fruit, he came back to life in skeletal form—an utterly bizarre being. And coming from me, that means something. He’s kind of a mystery, to be honest. No idea how his body even functions. But he feels like someone I could get along with as a fellow youkai.

“By the way, young lady... would you mind showing me your panties?”

“Ahahahahaha!!! Too bad~ What’s under my skirt is a total mystery♡”

“Well then, perhaps just the color—”

“Ask that again and I’ll shatter every bone in your body♡ You damn pervy skeleton♡”

This perverted musician actually has some real skill with his instrument—he’s about on par with our music division. I rate him pretty highly, personally. As for his strength... I think he’s decently tough. Being dead and made of bones means he’s got resistances, plus his swordsmanship is fast thanks to how light he is. Really, he’s like a walking joke. I mean, just listen to what he says! A total creep.

For the record, my skirt defense is flawless. The method is classified: sometimes it’s mist, sometimes it’s sleight of cloth. Sometimes I’m wearing them, sometimes it just looks like I’m not. Usually black. I don’t mind showing skin, but panties are a no. That’s the “mystery girl” standard. My pride.

Anyway, moving on. Next is the blue-nosed reindeer. The ship’s doctor, Tony Tony Chopper, a Zoan-type animal who ate the Human-Human Fruit. He’s a total fluffball. Fluffy. Warm. Fuzzy fur that makes him perfect as a hug pillow. Adorable. Just absolutely irresistible for someone like me, who loves cute things. I want to keep him as a pet. In fact, the world seems to agree—his bounty is a mere 50 berries, basically treating him as one.

But he’s way too skilled as a doctor for that. Seriously competent. Our medical team’s decent, not bad by any means, but we don’t prioritize it. Most of us are Zoan types who heal quickly anyway, especially those at the Gifters level and up—myself included. Queen can even create viruses, and he knows enough to make vaccines and antidotes when he needs to, but he’s more about breaking bodies than healing them.

Chopper, though, is just a plain good doctor. What’s more, he’s invented drugs that mess with the transformation frequencies of Zoan users. Now that’s interesting. The Rumble Ball. With that, we could maybe manufacture half-awakened Zoan soldiers in bulk. A nice little fantasy.

As for his combat skills, he’s not bad. Kind of a coward, sure, but he’s a Zoan-type animal. Physically stronger than your average human. Another one I’d love to have. Name your price—I’ll pay. Five hundred million on the spot. I want to make him mine. I’ve even thought about getting him captured and sold at the Human Shop so I could buy him... but honestly, if I’m going to go that far, I might as well just steal him myself. Ugh, decisions.

“Hmm... You don’t look like Marines or bounty hunters... Are you really fine just standing there?”

“Ahaha, of course I am. I’m an idol, remember? ...Uh, hey, are you a tengu?”

“Exactly! This long nose is proof I’m—HEY!! I’m not a tengu!!”

“Ahahaha!! Long-nose-kun, you’re hilarious!!”

That got a reaction out of the long-nosed guy who’d been trying to decide whether I was worth being cautious of. He even did a little comedy routine. Pretty fun guy. He’s another member of the crew—and a bit of a big shot himself. That would be:

"Pirate – Straw Hat Crew – Sniper 'Sogeking the King of Snipers' – Bounty: 30 million berries"

Yep. The guy who infamously burned the World Government’s flag. Sogeking—better known as Usopp.

But honestly, I don’t have much to say about him. As a sniper, he’s good. Not the strongest fighter, though. Skilled at lying, and sneakily clever. He made Nami’s weapon too, I think. He’s got a surprising knack for standing out in subtle ways.

...Honestly, he’s the hardest one to rate. Fans of the original would say not recognizing Usopp is a rookie mistake—but seeing him in person like this? It really is a mystery how he manages to accomplish anything. Sure, he’s the son of Yasopp, so there’s probably some hidden durability and foot speed in there, but let’s be real: he looks weak. Too weak to worry about. But maybe that’s the trap—maybe you don’t take him seriously, and that’s when he strikes. His sniping’s solid, at least, so he earns his role. The fact that someone so weak can still shine? In a way, Usopp might be the most impressive of them all.

And the last two crewmates are quite famous even outside their group. Both are part of the Eleven Supernovas.

“Tch... Seriously, what’s the deal. I’m heading back to the ship.”

“Ehh~? Don’t be so cold! Come chat with me, Mr. Delicious Lettuce~”

“Who the hell’s Mr. Lettuce!? I’ll cut you!!”

“Hey, you wouldn’t happen to know how to get to Fish-Man Island, would you?”

The green-haired swordsman who immediately lost interest after realizing I’m just a cute girl, and the guy in the straw hat casually asking for directions to the next island without a care in the world. Both are pirates with bounties over a hundred million.

"Pirate – Straw Hat Crew – Combatant 'Pirate Hunter Zoro' – Bounty: 120 million berries"

"Pirate – Straw Hat Crew – Captain 'Straw Hat Luffy' – Bounty: 300 million berries"

To have bounties that high within just under a year of sailing... says a lot about their combat ability.

Zoro’s widely recognized as the Straw Hat crew’s most dependable member. He’s got a reputation for things like defeating a hundred bounty hunters at Whisky Peak, and regularly taking down enemy number-twos. Even the government acknowledges his strength. He still looks a bit raw to me—green, unpolished—but for a non-Devil Fruit user with no Haki, his swordsmanship isn’t bad. Physically strong too. As he is now, he’d make a decent Tobi Roppo. And talent-wise, there’s no question.

And then... there’s their captain, Monkey D. Luffy. His name’s notorious. I even asked Appoo, who’s surprisingly well-informed for a fellow rookie, and he said the Straw Hats are full of lunatics, with Luffy as the craziest of them all.

And it’s not just hearsay. He’s defeated two Warlords and took down CP9, destroying Enies Lobby in the process. Totally unhinged. His tendency to charge headfirst into stronger opponents reminds me of some of our own execs. That unshakable belief in his own strength? Feels a bit like Ulti-chan.

But yeah, that kind of mindset is captain material. He’s definitely suited to lead a pirate crew. Not surprising, considering he’s Garp’s grandson and Dragon’s son.

That “Red-Haired” brat passing on his hat? Kinda makes sense. With the potential for Conqueror’s Haki and his insane growth rate, the future looks bright. A Rubber Human thanks to the Gum-Gum Fruit, with physical strength, durability, and recovery to match.

──That said... And this goes for the rest of the crew too...

"…………"

"Hmm? What's up? You've been staring at me."

"Nuh-uh, it's nothing. Fish-Man Island, right? I’ve heard it’s a wonderful place~♪ So many delicious sea-food-delicacies you can eat as much as you want~♡"

"UOOOH!! Seriously!? Alright, boys, full speed ahead to Fish-Man Island!!"

"I’m tellin’ ya, we don’t even know how to get there!!"

Luffy gave the order to head to Fish-Man Island just from hearing about the food, and Usopp instantly shot him down. Watching them, I couldn’t help but chuckle. It was genuinely amusing.

But in the back of my mind, I was thinking—how far will this "heaven-sent luck" of the Straw Hat crew… no, of Straw Hat Luffy himself, carry him?

It's strange when I think about it. I’ve lived in this world for over fifty years, and I’ve been a pirate for more than forty. Even now, I still don’t understand it.

Not even after pondering the words of my former captain and Roger. Not even after decoding several of the Poneglyphs, the true history. Or the prophecy that Oden’s wife, Toki, sang before her death. The Will of D and all that surrounding mystery… This man, destined to be Pirate King, almost feels like he’s being sustained by fate itself.

It really makes me wonder. Because if that’s true…

If he truly is being guided by divine luck, and everything keeps conveniently turning in his favor—then how, exactly, is he going to escape me, right here and now?

"Hey… did you come from Fish-Man Island? If so, I’d really appreciate it if you could tell us how to get there."

"Hmm, not really from there, no. Though, I am cuter than any mermaid, you know!!"

"This kid… doesn't really speak our language, huh…"

I watched them chatting so casually with me, so relaxed. As rookies, they’re not bad. There’s a certain spark to them. Potential, maybe even resolve.

But in terms of actual strength, they’re nowhere near ready for the New World. A flimsy little crew that’d scatter at the first real threat. One single trigger—one accident—is all it’d take to shatter them.

To be blunt, they’re nowhere close to being real pirates. Just kids playing pirate games. Sure, there are things worth acknowledging—some potential utility, maybe even combat value if they were allies. But as enemies… they pose no threat at all.

Straw Hat Luffy, the captain, may have defeated two Warlords and even Rob Lucci from CP9, but that was thanks to sheer luck. His raw power still isn’t at a Warlord’s level. And his crewmates? Even weaker than that.

To survive the seas ahead as pirates… what they lack most—more than anything else—is power.

If I went berserk here and now, I already know how it’d end—they’d all die.

Which is why I can’t help but wonder. If I do go wild here, how will that so-called "heavenly luck" protect them?

No… it can’t. No matter how you twist it, there’s no saving them. I could rip the limbs off that woman and the tin man right now, gnaw off the long-nose’s head and stuff it down my throat, and slaughter the rest one by one as they scramble in horror.

That’s the kind of future I could bring about—easily.

Could anything stop that from happening? …Of course not.

Unless, by some miracle, a certain red-haired man were to appear out of nowhere, it’s impossible. And even if the Navy showed up, I wouldn’t stop. Whatever unforeseen events occur, I could kill at least one of them in a single second. Tragedy is unavoidable.

…Or is it? Could that "heavenly luck," or the so-called Will of D, also include the fact that I haven’t killed them yet?

If that’s the case—then all I can do is laugh. Laugh at the ridiculous optimism behind this "Will of D."

What, does it think I wouldn’t kill them?

…When I get underestimated like that, it really makes me want to do the opposite—just to prove a point♡

"Hey, Straw Hat Luffy?"

"Hmm? What is it?"

I asked him, my tone gentle, as if offering advice—but with a warning hidden beneath.

"……Actually, I can see things, you know. See people’s futures. And I just happened to take a peek at yours… so I figured I’d give you a little warning."

"Huh!? The future~~!?"

"Come on, Luffy. She’s just messing with you. That’s what fortune tellers do, right?"

"Wait, you’re a fortune teller?"

"Got it. Here’s the next dish, freshly made."

"──Thanks♡ Just leave it there."

And so, I spoke to the Straw Hats, who were laughing me off, dismissing my words as a joke. I gave them a generous prophecy.

"If you continue sailing forward… you’re going to lose something precious."

"!"

That, at least, wiped the smiles off their faces. I watched the change in their expressions with amusement, then smiled and laid it out clearly.

"As you are now, you won’t survive the seas ahead. If you keep going, all that awaits you is hell. Turning back now would be the smarter move♡"

Yes… from here on out, tragedy is very likely to strike Straw Hat Luffy.

And even if he overcomes it… what awaits is an even higher wall, a deeper hell.

That’s why this is my first and last act of kindness. If they turn back now, I’ll spare them from that future.

"So—"

"Shut the hell up!!!"

"!"

But of course… he refused.

As if to say he’d decide his own fate.

"I don’t care about the future!! I’m gonna live free!! Don’t go deciding my future for me!!"

"……!"

『A pirate’s supposed to be free…』

『Pirates are free!!』

In that moment… I suddenly remembered the voices of two people long past.

Straw Hat Luffy’s words—so direct, so unwavering—reminded me of those two.

"…………"

"Hey, Luffy! Don’t get so worked up! She’s just a kid! Look, you made her go quiet!"

"Yup!!"

"……Well, I mean, that fortune was pretty grim. Still, no need to take it to heart. Come on, eat before it gets cold."

"……I see."

"Huh? See what?"

I didn’t answer directly. Instead, I glanced toward Nami, Sanji, the ones who’d stepped in for me.

And quietly murmured to no one in particular—

"……Heh heh. You… really are just like him."

“Huh?”

Luffy, his cheek being tugged by Nami, tilted his head with a question mark floating over it. …Well, it wasn’t something that needed to be explained aloud anyway.

“It’s nothing. You’re right. If you’ve made up your mind, then… just ignore the fortune and keep moving forward. Predictions are uncertain things—you never know if they’ll come true or not.”

“I was gonna do that even if you didn’t tell me.”

“Ahaha!! That’s true!!”

Looks like he really is ready.

Then there’s no need for me to hold myself back either. I can go all out.

Still—

“Well then, I’ll be taking my leave.”

“Huh? ──!?”

Now’s a good time.

With a snap of my fingers, black mist spread across the space—and I vanished.

And as soon as the mist cleared, I could hear their shocked reactions. They stared wide-eyed at the table where I’d been sitting just moments ago.

“She disappeared!!?”

“Hey, even the food’s gone…!! Where the hell did she go…!?”

“Could it be… a ghost!? Something inhuman!? I’m very scared~~!!”

“Don’t say that, you’re a skeleton!!”

“I’ll be taking the food with me~. Thanks for the bath, too. Bye-bye~!”

“Wait, we can still hear her voice~~~~!!?”

“S-S-So she really is a ghost!?”

Wow, they’re so freaked out. Fufufu♪ Especially Usopp, Chopper, and Brook—the way they tremble in fear is absolutely delicious. The others seemed pretty confused too.

Well, I’m just flying through the sky normally, you know. Thanks to this mystery seed, even if they see me, they’ll just think I’m a bird or something. ──Anyway, I suppose I’ll leave it at that for today. From the beginning, I only wanted to meet them face-to-face at least once, and I’ve enjoyed that enough.

“It really would be a waste to kill them now, so I’ll let them go this time♡”

Munching on a few tangerines I swiped on my way out, I muttered to myself—a voice they couldn’t hear. Sure, I could kill them now, but then everything up to this point would’ve been pointless. Besides, it wouldn’t be any fun. I still owe Garp a little, too.

I’ve seen them laugh, celebrate victories, mourn losses—I know what they’re like. But what I truly want to see… is the moment when they fall into true despair. When their resolve finally breaks.

If they’ve grown strong enough by the time they reach the New World… by the time they reach Wano, I’ll crush them myself. Until then, they’re better left alone. Teasing them now wouldn’t be that satisfying. Too soon.

Besides, I’ve got a much bigger event coming up right now.

“Time to head back to Kaido. There’s still that move against the ‘Red-Haired’ to set in motion…!!”

Ahahaha, I should start thinking of ways to torment them next time. What would be best…? Killing their friends and crewmates is always a classic.

And it looks like they’ve got a lot of precious things. For example, I bet that skeleton would bawl if I shattered his “TD” to pieces, or maybe made some fried whale out of that one friend of his. The others too—I’d love to watch that brightness of theirs dim just a little.

Humans… especially they shine the most in those moments of hardship, don’t you think? Fufu, I’ve never seen them truly break before. I’m so looking forward to it♡ Let’s hope they survive until then──do your best, Straw Hat crew!! I’ll be cheering you on forever and ever, as your biggest fa~an since the very beginning!!

---

After the mysterious girl Nue suddenly vanished, the Straw Hat crew stood there dumbfounded, as if they’d just been tricked by a fox. But they knew standing around wouldn’t get them anywhere, so they resumed their investigation for the journey to Fish-Man Island.

“…Hm? Robin-chan, something bothering you?”

“…No, it’s nothing.”

Amid the commotion, Robin found the girl's name familiar. She had been mulling over whether that girl might be the same person as someone she'd heard about before, but couldn’t reach a conclusion.

After all, the rumors about that person were nothing but dangerous, and she was supposed to be a veteran pirate who’d been around for quite some time. There’s no way that could’ve been a young girl like her. Besides, Robin had heard she was a black-haired woman. So at first, she dismissed the possibility outright. But… something about her final words, and the way she had appeared and disappeared without a trace—it was enough to make Robin wonder if they’d just crossed paths with someone truly formidable.

That said, the girl—who may have been that legendary figure—was already gone. Maybe it didn’t matter anymore.

Regardless, they had to focus on finding clues to reach Fish-Man Island. And just as everyone was getting back into motion—

“Hey, now that I think about it, that girl kinda looked like one of Ace’s old buddies.”

“Huh? You mean… Musashi? No way, she didn’t look that much like her.”

“You think so? I thought they were pretty similar~”

“There you go again, saying whatever comes to mind… Hey, stop talking nonsense and get below deck already. Don’t you wanna ride the sub too?”

“Oh right!! Let’s go, Fish-Man Island~~~!!”

Luffy blurted out another of his oddball observations to Usopp, and after Sanji pushed him along, he dashed into the ship. —A few dozen minutes later, they encountered a mermaid, a starfish, and an old acquaintance: a fish-man octopus. Thanks to that meeting, the crew learned of a lead that would take them to the Sabaody Archipelago as the next step toward reaching Fish-Man Island.

—And it was there that they would come to understand.

The true level of the seas that lay ahead… and the unimaginable hardships awaiting them on the path toward becoming the King of the Pirates.

And that the world… was already being swept up in a tide no one could stop.

That afternoon, a newspaper extra hit the streets. Its contents shocked the public—and the entire world.

“Are they insane!? The World Government…!!!”

“What!?”

“Captain!! This is bad—REALLY bad!!”

The people and pirates on the Sabaody Archipelago, having gotten hold of the information earlier than most, were thrown into uproar. Among them, one of the so-called Supernovas—rookies with bounties over a hundred million—summed it up.

“What happened!?”

“The second division commander of Whitebeard’s crew, Fire Fist Ace, is set to be publicly executed.”

“What!? …Whaaaaat!!? If they do that, won’t Whitebeard make his move!?”

“We’re gonna have a war on our hands…!!!”

Yes—what was coming… was war.

The World Government, Marine Headquarters, and the Seven Warlords of the Sea had resolved to execute Fire Fist Ace.

Standing in opposition… was one of the Four Emperors—

“…Old man. This article…!!”

“…Yeah. That bastard Sengoku… he’s hell-bent on killing Ace. Gurararara… Seems he’s taking me lightly too…!!!”

—Naturally, the first to move in the New World… was the Whitebeard Pirates.

But it wouldn’t stop there. One by one, the other Four Emperors would begin to stir.

“Ma~ma!! It’s out!! The government’s decision is in print!!!”

“Ha~hahahamama…!!! Just as the intel said…!!!”

The queen of the land of sweets cackled as she read the article—awaiting the moment the party would begin.

Elsewhere—

“Kaido-san. Preparations are complete.”

『I’m done setting the stage too. I’ll join you at sea soon~♪』

“Wororororo…!!! Then let’s get this show on the road…!!! The end begins…!!!”

The world’s strongest creature, ruler of the land of samurai, let out a feral laugh as he led his beasts forward—ushering in the beginning of the end.

And in another place—

“What now, Boss…?”

“…Yeah, we’re going. Get the ship ready… We’re stopping them.”

Feeling the sting of the scar over his left eye, he didn’t smile. Not even once. He moved to halt the tide of bloodshed that was about to flood the seas.

The Four Emperors began to move. So did the Seven Warlords. And the Navy Headquarters.

This… this is why the Grand Line is called a graveyard for pirates. And their movements would inevitably drag the entire world into the fray.

And so, they would not be the only ones to gather.

“—So, that’s the situation. What’ll it be? If you’re coming, I’ll even let you help.”

“…‘Let me help,’ huh… You’ve gotten cocky. Talking down to me like that.”

“Mmm~? So you don’t want to help? That’s fine too, you know. I’d actually rather head home. This place stinks, I can’t stand it.”

“…No, fine. Roger’s son, Whitebeard, the Navy… if all that’s involved… then maybe it’s not a bad time to show the results of my twenty years of biding my time… Ji-ha-ha-ha-ha…!!!”

“…Got it. Then the participation fee is a billion berries. Make sure you pay up before the deadline♡”

“There’s a fee!? And it’s THAT much!?”

And so—what was about to begin… would be the greatest war since the dawn of the Great Pirate Era.

A war no one had ever seen before. Its curtain had already risen—and slowly, it was dragging the world toward its end.