In the sky above, after Robin soared into the air, several figures rushed out from Onigashima, their eyes wide with surprise as they stared ahead.
Rumble!
The ground beneath them shook with an intensity that could be felt all the way on Onigashima, and even more so across the land of the Crimson Empire.
Below, on the edge of the sea, three distinct regions lay in view. On the left, the Prisoner Collection Field plain in Udon; on the right, the plains of Hakumai, near Ebisu Town by the great river; and at the center, Flower Capital of Kuri, the heart of Wano Kuni's cultural and political life. It was at this very intersection of the three counties that an incredible phenomenon occurred.
Massive trees began to rise from the earth as if summoned by some unseen force.
In mere moments, the forest stretched for nearly a kilometer, the trees growing at an alarming rate, their trunks thickening and expanding with a speed that defied nature itself.
Fifty meters!
One hundred meters!
Two hundred meters!
Three hundred meters!
The members of the Buggy Pirates, floating high above Onigashima, couldn't help but be struck by the terrifying sight of the forest's growth. Their faces lit with astonishment and joy.
"Does this mean Captain Buggy's fruit is about to awaken?" Crocodile's calm, gravelly voice cut through the murmurs of the group as he crossed his arms, his sharp eyes narrowing at the spectacle before them.
"It must be," Robin agreed, her tone as measured as always, though the curiosity in her eyes betrayed her fascination. "He mentioned before that his awakening was near. It seems we're witnessing it now."
"The sheer momentum of this awakening is remarkable," Rob Lucci observed, his expression stoic, but his gaze fixed on the sprawling forest as it surged outward. "Could this be the power of a Logia-type? Hardest devil fruits to awaken."
Kaku tilted his head, his long nose casting a sharp shadow. "If it's Buggy, who knows? Whatever it is, the power to change the terrain of the entire island as big as wano is nothing short of extraordinary."
"Hahaha! Forget what type it is!" Bluneo chuckled, clapping Kaku on the back. "At this rate, the Crimson Empire will never run out of wood and money ever again!" His hearty laughter was infectious, though it didn't distract from the scene before them.
The crew fell silent as the forest continued to grow, the air thick with energy that seemed almost alive. Suddenly, one of them gasped, pointing toward the center of the phenomenon.
"Wait, look at the center of it. My God... what is that tree?!"
The astonished crew members fell silent for a moment, watching as the forest suddenly halted its rapid expansion. Right in the heart of the forest, a colossal tree erupted from the ground, its trunk soaring skyward, dwarfing the surrounding trees.
The wind howled as the giant tree reached toward the skies.
Robin and the others immediately began flying in its direction, their eyes fixed on the enormous tree.
As they passed over the Fishmen's sea territory, something caught their attention. The mangrove forest in the water seemed to have grown, its reach extending far beyond what they had previously seen. Was this the influence of Buggy's power?
Just then, a number of Fishmen appeared on the surface of the sea. Among them were familiar faces—Sunbell and Jinbei, their eyes wide as they watched the spectacle unfolding before them.
The strange, powerful awakening was not just a sight to behold—it was a signal of something much larger, a force that would soon reshape everything around them.
Robin paused mid-flight, her keen eyes scanning the sea below. She turned to the two figures rising from the water and spoke with a thoughtful expression.
"Sunbell, Jinbei, are the mangroves under the sea growing?"
"Yes!" Sunbell replied, her voice steady. "We sensed something strange, so we came up to investigate."
"We're not sure what's going on yet, but we felt the change," Jinbei added, his deep voice matching Sunbell's urgency.
Robin nodded, her gaze lingering on the growing mangroves as a knowing look crossed her face. "It's likely the result of Buggy's Mori mori no mi's awakening. I believe he's just completed his Devil Fruit's full potential. I also noticed that the forests he planted on Onigashima have grown significantly."
Sunbell and Jinbei exchanged a glance before Sunbell spoke again. "That makes sense. So, it's all tied to him. Should we go see it together?"
Robin smiled slightly, her determination clear. "I think that's a good idea. We should all go—there's no telling what might happen next."
With that, Sunbell and Jinbei surged out of the water, utilizing their Moonwalk technique to catch up with Robin. The wings behind Robin fluttered, her speed picking up as she sped forward, her strength much more evident than before.
Her power had transformed over the past two years. With Buggy's training method, Robin had not only improved her mastery of Haki but also her bodywork, her overall physical capabilities drastically improving. Her Flower-Flower Fruit had reached its awakening, marking a significant milestone in her growth.
While the combat ability of the Flower-Flower Fruit wasn't inherently powerful, its awakened form allowed Robin to fly and move with unprecedented ease. Under Buggy's tutelage, she had begun to adapt his mori mori no mi fruit fighting style, incorporating it into her own. Her skills with the fruit were now amplified by her ability to use Haki, allowing her to deal with weaker pirates—those with bounties of just over 100 million—without breaking a sweat.
It was no exaggeration to say that Robin's Flower-Flower Fruit awakening had been a natural progression. She had spent more than two decades using the powers of her fruit, and though she hadn't actively focused on developing it before, her constant use had made it second nature. All it took was a bit of guidance from Buggy and some dedicated self-training for Robin to awaken the full potential of her Devil Fruit more than six months ago.
The awakening had improved her physical strength, too. It wasn't just her fruit that had grown stronger—her body had also adapted, making it easier for Robin to learn and perfect Fishmen Karate.
Robin's current strength placed her among the top four of the Straw Hat crew without question. Even if it was before the time skip, she could have stood toe-to-toe with any of the monster trio. With two Haki colors, her fruit's awakening, and Fishmen Karate under her belt, she was more than capable of matching the crew's strongest members.
It was precisely for this reason that Buggy had trusted her to join the Straw Hats on their adventures. Robin was no longer just a scholar with a Devil Fruit—she was a formidable force in her own right.
Nico Robin, the archeologist of the Straw Hats felt a deep sense of relief. Seeing the lengths that Luffy and the others had gone to to rescue Robin from Enis Lobby only reinforced how strong their bond was. It was clear that the Straw Hat crew's loyalty to one another ran deep, and he couldn't bear to restrict Robin's freedom just because she had grown into her own person. She deserved to choose her own path, just as the others did.
The crew's trustworthiness was never in question, but still, it warmed Buggy's heart to know that Robin was surrounded by people who cared for her so fiercely.
Robin fluttered through the sky, her movements graceful and fluid, like a butterfly carried on the breeze. Since her fruit had awakened, flying had become effortless. The sensation of floating through the air with such ease was intoxicating. She reveled in the freedom, her heart swelling with gratitude toward the one who had guided her to this point—though, for now, all she could see of him was the vast expanse of the forest below.
From her vantage point, the forest appeared colossal, with the tallest trees reaching at least three hundred meters high. But as she drew closer, a sense of awe filled her. In the center of the forest stood a tree so enormous it seemed to pierce the sky, towering over everything around it. Its presence was overwhelming.
The members of the Buggy Pirates, watching from above, couldn't hide their shock.
"That tree…" Enel's voice trailed off, his eyes wide in disbelief. Even Gabban and Bullet, ever the seasoned warriors, gaped at the massive tree before them. "It's mantra… It is beyond anything I've ever heard!"
The tree's sheer size was staggering, dwarfing even the legendary Yarukiman Mangroves, which were known for their immense trunks. This tree's trunk alone was hundreds of meters in diameter, a solid column of wood that seemed to stretch endlessly upward. It stood with perfect, unyielding straightness, its canopy—a massive umbrella-like formation—only beginning to emerge at the very top, adding to its otherworldly grandeur.
"Wait… Is that… Treasure Tree Adam?" Sunbell, who had spent years under the tutelage of Master Tom, gasped. His eyes were fixed on the tree, and after a long pause, he blurted out in astonishment, "It is! This is Treasure Tree Adam!"
The realization sent a ripple of excitement through the group. To think that such a legendary tree—known for its unrivaled quality of wood—could appear here, now, in the middle of this growing forest. It was more than just a natural marvel; it was a symbol of something far greater than they had anticipated. Robin's heart swelled once more, and for a brief moment, she felt like she was part of something truly extraordinary.
"What!?"
Sunbell's words sent a ripple of disbelief through the group.
"Sunbell, are you sure you heard that correctly? How could such a massive Treasure Tree exist?"
"I'm not wrong!" Sunbell responded, his voice firm. "I worked for Tom, and I'm half a shipwright myself. How could I mistake Treasure Tree Adam? I know this tree anywhere!"
The rest of the crew exchanged incredulous glances, but the excitement in Sunbell's tone was unmistakable.
"My God… a tree this huge? It's enough to make anyone think of robbing us blind!"
"Robbing us? On our Crimson Empire's land? Let them try."
"I'm still not sure if this really is Adam's Treasure Tree... we should ask the captain later," Doringo mused.
Robin, circling the massive tree, gave a knowing smile and exclaimed, "Its canopy stretches like a natural umbrella, its trunk as solid as iron—this is Adam's Treasure Tree! I never expected that Buggy would plant such a colossal one."
Her words gave the crew a newfound certainty. After all, Robin was the most knowledgeable member of their crew, and if she said it was the legendary Adam's Treasure Tree, then it had to be.
Just as the awe-struck crew took in the enormity of the tree, something peculiar happened. The massive trunk of the tree suddenly twitched, and with an eerie creak, a pair of eyes and a mouth appeared on its bark. It grinned widely, its voice echoing through the air.
"Why is it strange that I planted a Treasure Tree Adam?"
The sound of the giant tree speaking caught everyone off guard, and the entire crew froze, their eyes widening in shock. They stared, stunned, as the tree's bark contorted into a grin.
"Captain Buggy?" Crocodile members stammered. "How is this possible?"
"Has the Mori Mori no mi awakened?" Gabban's voice was laced with confusion and curiosity.
Buggy, who had been watching their reactions with an amused grin, didn't try to hide his excitement. "It just awakened on its own," he said, a playful glint in his eyes. "You were right earlier. This giant tree is indeed Treasure Tree Adam."
The crew exchanged astonished looks, their minds reeling from the revelation.
"And if I want," Buggy continued with a chuckle, "I can grow more Adam's Trees. I believe the original Adam's Tree might have been planted by an awakener of the Mori mori no mi in the past at Elbaf."
The crew listened intently as Buggy explained, his voice filled with pride. "The only difference is that the previous awakener didn't fully develop the Fruit as I have. Their awakening was nowhere near as advanced as mine, which is why parts of Adam's Tree are smaller and far rarer. As for me... well, I can plant as many Adam's Trees as I desire."
The crew absorbed this information with a mix of awe and excitement. The idea of Adam's Trees—legendary trees of immense value—being planted at will was both mind-boggling and thrilling.
"Wait a minute," Crocodile said slowly, realizing the implications. "If you can plant more Adam's Trees… does that mean we're going to get even richer?"
Everyone turned to look at Buggy with wide grins, their minds already racing with the possibilities. If what Buggy said was true, their fortunes were about to grow exponentially.
Buggy flashed them a grin, a look of playful mischief in his eyes. "Well, let's just say that as long as I have the Mori mori no mi, we can grow as many as we want. And Adam's Tree wood… it's worth a fortune."
The crew erupted into excited chatter, each of them eagerly anticipating the riches and adventures that awaited them, all thanks to the extraordinary powers of their captain.
On the black market, even a small piece of Adam's Treasure Tree could fetch hundreds of millions. If it were a larger tree, the price could easily soar into the tens of billions.
Buggy couldn't help but chuckle as he saw the awe in his crew's faces. He knew exactly what they were thinking.
"You're right," he said with a grin. "We're definitely rich now. We used to only have sea stone mines, but with Adam tree wood, we're now the key players in the world."
The crew's attention shifted to the towering Adam's Tree in front of them, but as they took in the massive tree, their eyes drifted lower, scanning the area around it.
At Buggy's words, they instinctively looked down, and their eyes widened in shock.
Around the massive Adam's Tree stood a circle of smaller Adam's Trees. However, they were by no means small—each tree had a trunk diameter of over ten meters, and there were nearly a hundred of them!
This was no ordinary sight. The worth of these trees would easily be in the tens of billions, if not more.
"That's a lot... really a lot!" Robin breathed, the implications sinking in.
Their faces lit up with excitement, and a few even let out small laughs of disbelief. The sheer amount of wealth that surrounded them was enough to make anyone's head spin.
They couldn't help but marvel at Buggy's uncanny ability to strike it rich. Back in their previous lives, they had been digging, searching, always scraping by. But now, under Buggy's leadership, they had more than they could ever need. Three meals a day? More like three extravagant feasts every day.
The feeling was indescribable—no longer worrying about food or money, just living the high life.
Suddenly, the air around the massive Adam's Treasure Tree shimmered, and a burst of blue light erupted from its trunk. Before anyone could react, Buggy's figure emerged from within the tree, his presence commanding attention.
As he appeared, the crew noticed something odd. Buggy had grown—by a lot. He was easily three meters tall now!
Robin, ever the curious one, zipped over to him, her eyes narrowing as she raised her hand to compare their heights. She then coughed and pouted, a playful smile tugging at her lips.
"You've grown taller again," she teased.
"Hahaha!" Buggy laughed, clearly pleased with his newfound height. He reached out and affectionately patted Robin on the head, a sense of déjà vu washing over him—like he was the proud father of a daughter.
Then, turning to face his crew, he grinned widely.
"Alright, brothers, let's celebrate with a party!!!"
The entire crew erupted in cheers, their excitement palpable. Hands were raised, voices shouted in unison, and the mood was electric.
Another feast was on the horizon, and for the crew of the Buggy Pirates, that was reason enough to celebrate.
Buggy had been focusing on his training recently, making fewer appearances on ordinary days. Naturally, it was unthinkable to hold a banquet without the captain. So, after more than half a year of intense concentration on their training, the crew felt that now was the perfect time to celebrate.
This gathering also served as a way to see off Robin, who would be setting out for the Sabaody Archipelago the next day to fulfill her long-awaited trip with her partner. The crew had been surprised when Buggy had given his approval for her to go, but they had all respected his decision, feeling an even deeper admiration for their captain.
After that, the head chef got to work, preparing the feast. In the short time that they had to themselves, Buggy and the crew gathered together to reflect on their progress and the improvements they had made over the past year.
Over the last twelve months, five members of the Buggy Pirates had awakened their Devil Fruits, significantly boosting the crew's overall strength. These members were: Enel, Bullet, Robin, Rob, and Rob Lucci.
When the crew learned this, their jaws nearly hit the floor. The awakening of a Devil Fruit was considered a rare and extraordinary event, but now, within their ranks, there were nine fruit awakenings in total. With Gabban's progress with his fuwa fuwa no mi, it seemed inevitable that he would awaken soon as well.
The sheer power of their crew was enough to make anyone tremble with fear. Yet, for the Buggy Pirates, the overwhelming sense of security they shared was unmatched. Not even the Marine headquarters could boast such comprehensive strength.
What surprised Buggy the most, however, was Rob Lucci's awakening. Zoan-type Devil Fruits were notorious for their potential to cause severe mental strain, often resulting in the user losing control and transforming into a mindless beast. That Rob had successfully navigated this danger was nothing short of remarkable.
"In short," Buggy said, raising his glass with a broad grin, "it seems you haven't wasted the past year. Let's raise a toast—to the growth of the Buggy Pirates and to another wave of wealth heading our way!"
"Cheers!!!" the crew shouted in unison, their voices filled with laughter and excitement.
It had been a day full of good news, and they were ready to celebrate.
"Seeing everyone so happy, I guess I might just have to spoil you all a bit," Zephyr said with a mischievous smirk.
At his words, the crew turned their attention to him, curiosity lighting up their expressions. Zephyr took a slow sip of his wine before continuing, a knowing smile spreading across his face.
"Let me give you an update on the world's shifting power dynamics over the past year," he said, setting the glass down and preparing to delve into more serious matters.
Buggy nodded, signaling everyone to listen closely. "Alright, go on," he urged, ready for whatever news Zephyr had to share.
Zephyr took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking again. "First off, let's talk about how the outside world views our Crimson Empire. Thanks to Enel's abilities, the World Government and the Marines haven't been able to gather any intelligence about us. They can't get their spies in, and they're reluctant to provoke us directly."
The crew exchanged knowing looks, impressed by their captain's foresight and strength.
"But," Zephyr's tone shifted slightly, "the world's public opinion is turning against us. The World Government has been actively spreading rumors to smear our name. They're claiming we harmed the people of Wano, saying we're even crueler than Kaido, and that we've enslaved the original inhabitants of Wano to work in mines. They also spread lies that the people of Wano are starving."
The crew burst into laughter at the absurdity of the accusations. Zephyr shook his head, his lips twitching into a small grin.
"But here's the part we need to take seriously," he continued, his tone becoming more somber. "The World Government is also blaming us for the mysterious disappearance of Fish-Man Island. They're accusing us of being its protectors and failing to prevent its destruction. They say we didn't even notice it was gone until it was too late, and now we're isolated, keeping ourselves shut away from the world."
At this, Buggy's face darkened slightly, but his crew remained focused, understanding the gravity of the situation.
"They're trying to destroy the reputation of the God Slayer Pirates," Zephyr added. "And it's working in some places. People are starting to believe these stories, especially with the turmoil brewing in the New World."
Zephyr paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing. "As it stands, the New World now has five major powers. We're the strongest in what was once Wano's territory, but there are other significant players. The Double Emperor Alliance controls whole cake islands, now that Kaido and Big Mom have fled and returned to their stronghold. Then there's the Marine presence in the New World, led by Admirals Aokiji and Fujitora, along with their backup forces, Momousagi and Tokikake. They're making waves, and it's shocking many people."
The crew sat in silence for a moment, processing the information. It was clear that the stakes were higher than ever. Buggy leaned back, a thoughtful expression on his face. This was only the beginning.
Zephyr took a deep breath, settling into the gravity of the conversation. "And then there's the Blackbeard Pirates. This guy's been hunting down and killing Devil Fruit users for over a year. He's successfully secured his position as the fifth emperor, and now he's recognized as one of the most dangerous criminals in the world."
The crew exchanged glances, the name "Blackbeard" carrying weight. Zephyr continued, his voice steady. "If it weren't for some of Whitebeard's former allies coming under our protection, Blackbeard might've tried to snatch those forces for himself. As it stands, he's had some minor run-ins with Whole Cake Island, and word is he even fought against the Double Emperor Alliance. But it's all still up in the air—there's no real confirmation on the details. From what we know, neither side came out on top."
The room was silent as they processed this information. Buggy's expression remained unchanged, but his mind was already running through the implications of Blackbeard's rise.
Zephyr's tone shifted slightly, and he added, "And then, there's the so-called 'weakest' of the four emperors—Red-Haired Shanks. You remember what Buggy said: he's not someone to underestimate. And now, with Shanks having connections to Elbaf, one of the most powerful nations in the New World, that so-called weakness doesn't seem to be as much of a liability as it once appeared."
Buggy leaned forward, his interest piqued by the mention of Elbaf. "Red-Haired Shanks... That's the trouble we'll have to keep an eye on."
Zephyr nodded in agreement. "That's the state of the New World over the past year. Aside from us—Crimson Empire and the God Slayer Pirates, both steadily advancing—everyone else is in turmoil, struggling to maintain their ground."
The room fell into thoughtful silence as the crew processed the shifting power dynamics in the New World. There was a lot to take in, and many potential challenges ahead.
Zephyr broke the silence with a grin, his voice lightening. "Oh, and there's one more thing."
The crew looked up, curious. Zephyr's expression shifted to one of slight amusement. "The singer Uta—the one who's suddenly become famous all over the world these past couple of years—well, her team reached out to us. They're interested in holding a concert here, in the Crimson Empire."
The crew blinked, exchanging confused looks. "Wait, what?" Crocodile said, raising an eyebrow. "A concert? What does that even mean for us?"
The others remained silent, equally perplexed. A concert? Was this a trap? Or something else entirely? The last thing they expected was to hear about an entertainer reaching out to them.
Zephyr chuckled softly at their bewildered expressions. "I know, it's strange. But apparently, Uta's team wants to bring her show here. Who knows what could come of it?"
Buggy scratched his chin, mulling over the idea. "We'll see how it plays out. For now, let's focus on the big picture."
As the crew digested this unexpected news, the room hummed with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. The New World was full of surprises, and it seemed like they had only just begun to scratch the surface.
---
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