Looking at Ace sandwiched between Vivi, Kaya, and Nami, Hancock's beautiful face was full of envy. She soon found an opportunity and knocked Ace down from the front, claiming her place beside him.
Seeing this, Robin and Nojiko, taller than Nami and the others, exchanged glances and smiles before joining in. Robin's mature, pretty face was adorned with a thick smile as she leaned into the playful pile.
Conis and Tashigi, faces slightly flushed, watched the scene with a mix of amusement and embarrassment. However, they were quickly pulled into the fun by Laki, whose slightly wild smile encouraged them not to miss the opportunity to "tease" Ace.
Gion, though seemingly focused on the distant sea, couldn't help but glance sideways at the lively group.
"It's great to be young," Shakky mused, her voice filled with emotion as she assisted Rayleigh with the coating process.
"Hahaha, yes," Rayleigh laughed, completely satisfied with his nieces and nephews. Ace's unmatched strength and magnetic charm were evident, making Rayleigh smile warmly as he quickened his coating work.
"The coating is complete, and you can dive. The field of understanding truly is an incredible power. This time, the coating has been perfected to an extent I've never seen before," Rayleigh remarked, admiration evident in his voice. He gazed at the Merry, as well as the ships of Division 0 and Division 6, marveling at the flawless coating.
Though Rayleigh had completed the coating work himself, even he couldn't believe the exceptional quality this time. The importance of skilled coaters for pirate crews venturing into the second half of the Grand Line, known as the New World, cannot be overstated. Without an excellent coater, traversing The Fish Men Island and entering the New World is a risky gamble.
Powerful pirate crews in the New World all have their own coaters. During his time with the Roger Pirates, Rayleigh was responsible for their coating, his skills unmatched. As long as a ship coated by him didn't intentionally seek danger, reaching The Fish Men Island was assured.
However, this time, even the immense dangers of the deep sea couldn't breach the mangrove resin coating, thanks to the magical power of Ace's understanding field. The more Rayleigh experienced this power, the more extraordinary it seemed. It was a force capable of changing the world, inspiring confidence in the world Ace sought to create. Only Ace, with his understanding field, could bring such a vision to life. Rayleigh's smile widened as he looked at the ships.
"Coating, it's really interesting," Ace mused, touching the film enveloping the Merry. The sensation was akin to an enhanced soap bubble, yet it could withstand the crushing pressure 10,000 meters below the sea. This sea was indeed full of wonders.
The girls, witnessing the coating for the first time, curiously touched the outer film.
"In the deep sea, if you need to leave the ship, you can cover part of the coating on your body. Normally, the total amount of coating is fixed. Using too much can cause it to collapse, burying you under the sea," Rayleigh explained, smiling at their curiosity.
"Generally?" Kaya inquired, looking at Rayleigh.
"Yes, generally. But our coating is different. I don't know if it's influenced by the understanding field, but this coating can repair itself," Rayleigh said, astonished by the film covering the Merry and the other ships.
Most ships that sank in the deep sea did so because they used too much coating, encountered dangers, and the coating couldn't withstand the high pressure. But with self-healing coatings, these issues were a thing of the past. For the Entei pirate fleet, the deep sea's perils were negligible.
But Rayleigh, who has been on the sea for so many years, understands a profound truth: no matter how strong you are, you must always have respect for the sea. There are still too many unknowns lurking in its depths. Having an extra layer of protection is always wise.
"The preparations are all done. Merry, it's up to you now," Ace said, turning to the ship's spirit. To ensure the three ships maintained the same route in the deep sea, Merry's control abilities and the Shadow Fruit's power were crucial.
"Yeah! Leave it to me, Ace," Merry replied enthusiastically, his face beaming with happiness. Helping Ace was Merry's greatest joy.
"Shadow Mage!" Merry stood on the deck and activated the Shadow Fruit's power. The Merry's shadow twisted and split, forming two shadow clones that linked with the ships of Division 0 and Division 6. Each clone was surrounded by a protective coating. In the deep sea, Devil Fruit abilities couldn't be used directly, but with the coating's protection, Merry's shadow abilities remained effective. The field of understanding ensured the coating could expand and contract as needed.
"Onward to The Fish Men Island!" Ace declared from the deck's front, laughing.
"Yeah!" the girls echoed, raising their hands in excitement.
"Copy that, Captain," Rayleigh and Shakky responded, smiling. Though they had traveled to the New World via coating before, this time felt different. Their hearts raced with anticipation, knowing this journey would mark the beginning of profound changes in the world.
With a tremendous splash, the three ships—Merry, Division 0, and Division 6—dove into the sea under Merry's control, creating towering waves.
"Phew! Finally, they're gone," sighed the Marines and CP agents on the Sabaody Archipelago. Relief washed over them as they watched the ships disappear beneath the waves.
Even the Naval Headquarters Vice Admiral and several CPO members, directly affiliated with the Celestial Dragons, collapsed in relief, breathing heavily. Cold sweat dripped from their foreheads as they realized how close they had come to disaster. Although there had been no direct conflict, the mere presence of the Entei Pirates was overwhelming.
To truly grasp the Entei Pirates' power, one had to face them directly. The pressure they exerted could crush even the strongest wills. This was the pirate crew that had defeated Naval Headquarters single-handedly. Even the mightiest on the sea felt powerless before the legendary Ace.
The Vice Admirals and CPO agents exchanged glances and began reporting to their superiors. They knew that the world was changing, and today's dive was just the beginning.
Naval Headquarters
"Boom!"
Akainu, now Marine Marshal, slammed his fist on the table, the impact resonating through the room as he received the report from Sabaody Archipelago.
"Damn it...!" he growled, almost snapping his cigar in half with his teeth, eyes dark with fury.
Despite his promotion to Marine Marshal, the name "Ace" brought a sharp pang to his heart. The war at Sabaody Archipelago had seen his unprecedented defeat. Before the eyes of the world, he was crushed by Ace. The once-proud power of his Lava-Lava Fruit was rendered a joke by Ace's Residual Fire Style.
Now, this man had reappeared at Sabaody Archipelago. Yet, the Naval Headquarters could not act against him. The reason was simple: Naval Headquarters was no longer strong enough.
Even after the world's great conscription, the combat power of the Naval Headquarters had not increased but rather decreased compared to the time of the Entei incident. With Kuzan (Aokiji) having fully joined the Entei Pirate Fleet, the Naval Headquarters had promoted new Admirals to maintain their prestige. Green Bull, a standout from the World Recruitment, and Admiral candidate Tea Dolphin had been promoted alongside Kizaru, forming the new Three Admirals. However, their combined strength was significantly weaker than the former trio of Akainu, Kizaru, and Aokiji.
Green Bull's power was only slightly stronger than that of "Black Arm" Zephyr at his peak. Tea Dolphin, who had just obtained the Snake Fruit-Phantom Beast Species-Snake Belt Form, had not yet awakened his abilities and was currently stationed in the holy land of Mariejois, as appointed by the Five Elders. The World Government allegedly had methods to awaken Zoan Devil Fruit powers, including phantom beast species, but the costs were unknown to Akainu. Even if Tea Dolphin's abilities awakened, his strength would only be on par with Green Bull.
Akainu, now the Marine Marshal, couldn't be dispatched easily. He also harbored distrust toward Marine hero Garp, wary that Garp might follow Kuzan's footsteps and join the Entei Pirates. Losing Garp to the Entei Pirates would be catastrophic, potentially signaling Marine's downfall.
Suppressing his rage and frustration, Akainu remained in his office, watching as the Entei Pirates boldly made their way to the New World.
"Sakazuki, the order from the Five Elders has been issued. The most powerful human weapons of our scientific army are already in place," Kizaru said, uncharacteristically serious, without a trace of his usual laziness.
Despite Akainu's favor with the Five Elders, he often clashed with them on certain issues. Kizaru, on the other hand, was a consummate World Government operative, executing orders without hesitation, even against former friends like Vegapunk.
"The most powerful weapon in the world? Then set off, Kizaru, Green Bull. Tea Dolphin will also go directly from the holy land to the sea near Onigashima. But remember, you can't act rashly without my order!" Akainu commanded.
Facing the combined threat of the Entei Pirates, Beasts Pirates, and the BIG-MOM Pirates, the world government had deployed their long-researched human weapons: pacifists and the Seraphims, the strongest beings created by Vegapunk. Despite his reluctance, Akainu acknowledged that Marine's current strength wasn't even sufficient to clean up the aftermath of the impending war.
"Understood, Akainu-sama. Let me take down the criminal who dared to execute the Celestial Dragons," Green Bull, the new Admiral of Headquarters and Logia user of the Forest Fruit, grinned fiercely. A staunch believer in "desperate justice," Green Bull admired Akainu's "absolute justice" and was a die-hard loyalist to the World Government and Celestial Dragons. He viewed Ace, who instigated the Entei incident, as a primary target for elimination.
"Remember my words, Green Bull! Don't act rashly without my order! The three of you must act together!" Akainu's eyes narrowed as he glared at Green Bull, knowing his tendency to act on his own.
"Understood," Green Bull replied, spreading his hands nonchalantly.
Under Akainu's stern gaze, Kizaru and Green Bull exited his office, heading towards their warships to journey to the New World.
With Merry's perfect control and Nami's exceptional awareness of sea currents, what would be a perilous journey for other ships diving into the deep sea was nothing more than a seamless travel experience for the Entei Pirates' fleet. They navigated the treacherous depths effortlessly, marveling at the wondrous underwater environment until they reached their destination: the legendary Fish-Man Island.
"So beautiful!" Nami exclaimed from the deck of the Merry, her eyes sparkling as the island came into view.
"It's so dreamy, Fish-Man Island," Kaya murmured, clasping her hands together in front of her, her angelic face beaming with joy. She had only read about this magical place in fairy tales as a child.
Conis and Laki, both from Skypiea, were equally awestruck by the deep-sea marvel. The other girls gazed at the dreamlike island, their eyes shining with wonder and excitement.
Fish-Man Island, situated 10,000 meters below the sea, was encased in a massive double-layered bubble film shield. Despite its depth, the island boasted a sky and clouds, creating an ethereal, almost otherworldly scene.
"I really miss this place," Rayleigh said, his face full of nostalgia as he looked at the island. The memories of arriving at Fish-Man Island with the Roger Pirates were still vivid in his mind. Now, he was here again, following Roger's bloodline through Ace. The magic of fate was palpable even to him.
"Ace, remember what I told you? Neptune's daughter is likely the legendary Ancient Weapon, 'Poseidon.' When we came here, the mermaid princess had not yet been born. According to the fortune teller Shyarly on Fish-Man Island, the mermaid princess would be born ten years after our arrival. Though he didn't confirm it himself, Roger, with his ability to hear the voice of all things, learned from the giant Sea Kings that their Lord was about to be born. This Lord should be the current mermaid princess."
Rayleigh looked at Ace solemnly. The entire world had played a huge joke on the Roger Pirates back then. The Ancient Weapon, Poseidon, capable of influencing the world's structure, was the power of a mermaid princess who only appeared once every 800 years. With this power, the mermaid princess could control the entire sea of giant Sea Kings. Even the world government could not fathom the vastness of the sea or the number of these colossal creatures. But one thing was certain: if the giant Sea Kings could truly control the entire ocean, it would indeed be a power capable of destroying the world.
However, when the Roger Pirates had visited Fish-Man Island, the mermaid princess had not yet been born, and they couldn't confirm her existence. Upon reaching the final island, Raftel, and seeing the great treasure left by Joyboy, they could only sigh in resignation. The world and destiny had played a cruel joke on them. Just as the mermaid princess had not been born when they arrived at Fish-Man Island, they had arrived too early. This helplessness in the face of time left them with no choice but to smile wryly. The era did not belong to the Roger Pirates.
Now, as they returned, the prophecy and the words of the giant Sea Kings indicated that the mermaid princess must have been born. There was no doubt that this era belonged to the Entei Pirates, and to Ace.
Rayleigh's gaze softened as he looked at Ace. Both he and Ace had a deep understanding regarding the final island and Raftel. They never discussed it openly, and Ace never asked, because Ace didn't want to be the Pirate King. The throne Ace sought was that of the King of the World. The one destined to become the Pirate King was Ace's younger brother, Monkey D. Luffy, who had inherited Roger's Straw Hat and consumed the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika. In the future, Luffy would be an essential support for Ace in his quest to become the King of the World. Rayleigh looked forward to that day.
Even though Ace had no interest in the title of Pirate King, Rayleigh knew he had to inform him about the Ancient Weapon Poseidon. If a full-scale war with the world government was to be waged, having such a powerful force would provide a significant advantage. At the very least, this power must not fall into the hands of the world government.
"'Poseidon' Poseidon? The historical text on Sky Island does indicate that the location of this Ancient Weapon is on Fish-Man Island."
Robin's eyes sparkled as she heard Rayleigh's revelation. Ancient Weapons and historical texts had caused the destruction of her hometown, Ohara. But now, she was no longer the Robin who fled from the World Government. She had become a force to be reckoned with, capable of waging war against the highest echelons of power and forcing the Five Elders to compromise. She was the historian of the Entei Pirates, and a confidante of Ace.
Robin glanced at Ace's profile, her lips curling into a satisfied smile.
"No need to guess," Ace said, stepping to the front of the deck and gazing at the approaching Fish-Man Island. "Poseidon is the current mermaid princess, Shirahoshi."
"It's somewhat beyond my expectations. The power of 'Nika' within me seems to resonate with that mermaid princess," Ace continued, his eyes flickering with interest as he looked towards a specific direction on the island.
The Field of Understanding was Ace's exclusive power derived from the Nika form of the Human-Human Fruit, combined with his extraordinary comprehension. Initially, this ability only enhanced the potential of others, but as Ace grew stronger, so did the Field of Understanding. It allowed Ace to directly activate the Devil Factor and harness the abilities of other Devil Fruits, pushing their powers beyond their natural limits. Ace was not just a Mera-Mera Fruit user; he wielded the power of Nika without the constraints of a rubber body.
As they neared Fish-Man Island, Ace felt the 'Nika' power within him fluctuate, seemingly responding to something. The source of this response was the mermaid princess.
"Resonance? Could it be..." Rayleigh's eyes narrowed in contemplation.
"Any clues, Rayleigh?" Robin asked, her interest piqued. The integration of Ancient Weapons and historical texts was central to her studies.
"In the forest of the sea on Fish-Man Island, there is a historical text," Rayleigh pointed towards the island.
"Historical text! What is written on it?" Robin's excitement was palpable.
"It contains Joyboy's apology," Rayleigh sighed, his tone filled with emotion.
"Joyboy's apology?" Robin and the other girls echoed, their eyes wide with curiosity.
The women had learned much about the legendary liberation fighter Sun God Nika and Joyboy through Ace's power. Joyboy had once forged a massive kingdom and was the previous wielder of the 'Nika' power. Currently, Ace was the only one who could harness this power as Luffy is yet to awaken.
"Yes," Rayleigh continued, "in Joyboy's era, he made an agreement with the mermaid princess of that time but failed to fulfill it. The historical text records Joyboy's apology to her."
"I see. So, Ace's 'Nika' power resonates with the 'Poseidon' power in Shirahoshi because of that ancient agreement?" Robin mused, her eyes shining with understanding.
Across the vast expanse of time, the powers of 'Poseidon' and 'Nika' had become intertwined once more. For Robin, an archaeologist, this connection was a profound manifestation of history. It was a thrilling discovery, showcasing the true allure of the past and its enduring impact on the present.
"There's nothing wrong with the power of 'Nika,' right, Ace?" Rayleigh's concern was evident as he gazed at Ace.
After all, it wasn't Ace who had eaten the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika. Now that the power of 'Nika' in Ace's body was resonating with the power of the mermaid princess, Rayleigh couldn't help but worry.
The girls, too, looked at Ace anxiously, their eyes filled with concern.
"Don't worry," Ace reassured them with a confident smile. "This power belongs entirely to me, and this resonance is by my own will."
Using the abilities derived from his heaven-defying understanding, Ace was certain there were no hidden dangers. The power of 'Nika' within him was fundamentally different from the devil factors of other Devil Fruits created using the Paw-Paw Fruit. It was, in essence, his own duplicate.
Even if Joyboy were to be reborn, the power of 'Nika' would solely belong to Ace. The resonance occurred because Ace noticed that his presence was triggering an awakening in Shirahoshi's 'Poseidon' power. He had consciously established a connection between his 'Nika' power and Shirahoshi's 'Poseidon' power, causing the resonance. Ace could sever this connection at any time, ensuring there was no risk involved.
"Some huge Sea Kings seem to be converging towards Fish-Man Island," Nami observed, her eyes focused on the distant deep sea.
"It seems the influence of Ace's 'Nika' power is causing Shirahoshi's 'Poseidon' power to awaken," Rayleigh said gravely.
While a few Sea Kings were no threat to someone of Rayleigh's strength, an uncontrolled multitude could unleash devastating forces capable of creating immense waves.
"We should enter Fish-Man Island quickly. If the huge Sea Kings get out of control, it could spell trouble," Nami pointed to a guide in the distance.
Entering Fish-Man Island required passing through immigration inspections, similar to reaching Sky Island. Otherwise, they would face arrest by the royal family of the Ryugu Kingdom.
"Enter? Stop joking," Ace's grin widened into a full laugh.
"..." The familiar expression on Ace's face caused a bad feeling to well up in the girls.
This was the deep sea!!!
"We are pirates!!!" Ace declared, laughing as he pressed the control button on the Merry.
"Super! Railgun!"
"Boom! Boom!!!"
"Ah!!!"
The Hard Shell Tower, the dormitory and refuge of Princess Shirahoshi, was a sanctuary built by Neptune, the king of the Fish-Man Island Ryugu Kingdom, to protect her from Vander Decken IX's relentless pursuit. Over time, numerous weapons thrown by Vander Decken had become embedded in the tower's door.
In this moment, within the room, a pair of beautiful eyes slowly opened. Shirahoshi, the mermaid princess, began to awaken.