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"The Grand Line and the Red Line divide the world into four seas: East Blue, West Blue, South Blue, and North Blue. The currents from these four seas converge at a single point and flow into the Grand Line… That point is Reverse Mountain!"
Drawing upon his vast knowledge, Ian navigated the changing currents with calm confidence. Tashigi, ever the curious observer, gazed around in wonder, explaining the geographical features to him.
Ahead, through the misty haze, a majestic expanse of red land emerged, stretching as far as the eye could see: the Red Line.
"A magnificent sight. So that's the Red Line…" Ian murmured, his gaze fixed on the colossal wall of earth that divided the world. Witnessing it firsthand was far more impactful than observing it from a detached, god-like perspective. A flicker of awe crossed his eyes.
He glanced towards the parallel Grand Line, the route leading to Laugh Tale, the final island. It was likely hidden somewhere within that misty expanse. However…
Without the guidance of the Road Poneglyphs, even reaching the end of the Grand Line wouldn't guarantee finding Laugh Tale. One would simply be lost, wandering aimlessly like a fly trapped in a bottle. This had deterred countless pirates and adventurers seeking shortcuts to the ultimate treasure.
Ian quickly averted his gaze. He held little interest in Laugh Tale or the One Piece itself. His curiosity was purely academic, a mild intrigue about the nature of the treasure and its connection to the Void Century. Even if it held the power to reshape the world, so what?
He wasn't from this world, after all. Absolute strength was his primary focus.
The All Blue, a legendary sea containing all the ingredients from the four seas, was the shared dream of Sanji, the Straw Hat Pirates' chef, his mentor Zeff, and countless other culinary artists.
However, the marine life of the four seas had evolved independently due to the geographical barriers of the Red Line and the Grand Line.
Legend spoke of a sea where all the fish from the four seas gathered, a paradise for chefs. But its existence remained a mystery. Zeff believed that if it existed, it must be within the Grand Line.
Reverse Mountain, with its treacherous currents, would likely sweep any fish away. Even if fish from the four seas could gather in a single location, finding a habitat suitable for all of them was another matter entirely.
Just as tropical fish could only survive in warm waters, the All Blue would require a unique environment capable of supporting diverse species.
Perhaps it did exist, not within the Grand Line, but at Reverse Mountain itself. If the Hollow Earth theory held any merit, and considering that the One Piece world was predominantly ocean, the intersection of two spheres…
The center point… Perhaps that was the All Blue.
Whoosh! As their small boat approached Reverse Mountain, the currents grew stronger and more turbulent.
Under Tashigi's skillful navigation, they managed to enter the canal leading up the mountain, ascending against the raging currents towards the summit.
The Twin Capes lighthouse gradually came into view. An elderly man sat there, reading a newspaper and basking in the sun. He turned towards the canal, his gaze following the small boat as it descended from Reverse Mountain. He was Crocus, the caretaker of the Twin Capes lighthouse, former doctor of the Roger Pirates, and Laboon's longtime guardian.
"Well, well, more newcomers returning from the Grand Line. Did you find it too daunting? Don't worry, you can always try again. As long as you're alive, there's hope."
Crocus lowered his newspaper, his eyes widening in recognition as the boat drew closer.
"Vice Admiral Ian? What brings you to my place? Are you here to arrest me? I thought I could live out my days in peace."
He was an avid newspaper reader, keeping up with events from all corners of the world. Ian had made quite an impression, with only two major battles recorded, both against Warlords of the Sea. His past remained a mystery, as if he had appeared out of thin air.
Crocus hadn't given it much thought, assuming Ian was a secretly trained Marine operative who had suddenly risen to prominence.
The official reason for the confrontations was that the Warlords had provoked the Marines, one through conspiracy and the other through perceived weakness. However…
They shared a common trait: they were remnants of a bygone era. But why target him, a ship doctor, instead of Silvers Rayleigh, the former first mate of the Roger Pirates?
He was a member of the Pirate King's crew, but his role had been primarily supportive. His combat abilities were comparable to a Vice Admiral at best. He was no match for this monstrous newcomer.
If necessary, he could always call upon Shanks, one of the current Yonko. He should be more than capable of handling this newcomer.
"No, I have no interest in bullying an old man. I have my own sense of justice, and I don't consider you, someone who stood alongside Roger and Garp to stop Rocks, to be an evil pirate."
"You were more akin to knights-errant, adventurers seeking glory and freedom. I came here to see a friend, and since Brook has returned, you should understand my connection to him." Ian spoke calmly, his demonic features and green eyes betraying no emotion.
He glanced towards the entrance of a certain area beneath Reverse Mountain. A figure in a black suit and an afro sat there, playing a violin and swaying rhythmically. Beside him lay a Tone Dial, a device familiar to Tashigi. However, the distance was too great to hear the music.
Before him stood Laboon, a colossal whale the size of a small mountain. "Incredible! Is that an Island Whale? I thought they traveled in pods. Why is it alone? And is that a wound on its head? How horrific! Was it attacked by poachers?"
Tashigi, momentarily forgetting Crocus' presence, stared at the massive whale, her gaze fixed on the gruesome wound.
The sea was a treasure trove of valuable resources, attracting countless poachers who hunted endangered species for profit. Their actions were even more reprehensible than those of bounty hunters, who at least targeted criminals. Poachers preyed upon innocent creatures, a practice that infuriated Tashigi.
Unfortunately, there were no laws protecting animals.
"I was also surprised to learn that a Devil Fruit could grant immortality. He's returned as a skeleton, and thankfully, Laboon has stopped ramming its head against the Red Line." Crocus remarked.
"???" Tashigi was completely lost, unable to decipher their cryptic conversation. Ian, sensing her confusion, recounted the story of the Rumbar Pirates and Laboon.
"That's… so touching…" Tashigi's eyes welled up with tears. A pet's unwavering loyalty, a promise kept across decades, a symphony of love and devotion. Even as a skeleton, having lost his shadow, Brook had persevered, driven by the desire to fulfill his promise. "Let's go play with him."
Tashigi addressed her small white dog, running towards Laboon. Brook was initially startled, mistaking the approaching figures for Marines coming to arrest him. Then he saw Ian and approached cautiously.
Woof! To everyone's astonishment, the small dog rapidly expanded, growing to a size rivaling Laboon's. It gently nuzzled the whale's wound with its massive paw, a gesture of comfort and reassurance.
Splash! Then, with a playful bark, it leaped into the sea, paddling towards Laboon with an endearingly clumsy dog paddle. Tashigi watched from the shore, a gentle smile gracing her face.
It was a heartwarming scene, a moment of pure, unadulterated joy.
Laboon, too, seemed delighted, finally having a playmate of equal size.
"Ian-san, it's been a while. I didn't expect you to become a Vice Admiral, and to defeat two powerful Warlords, no less." Brook, the skeleton musician, approached Ian, removing his top hat in greeting.
He had spent nearly two decades searching for a way to fulfill his promise, while Ian had achieved the seemingly impossible, defeating two Warlords in a fraction of the time. Without Ian's intervention, Brook's journey might have continued for several more decades, and Laboon's injuries would have worsened.
"Thank you so much. Even though I'm just a skeleton now, Laboon still remembers my scent and appearance. He's finally accepting treatment, and his condition is improving." Brook bowed deeply, his gratitude overflowing.
"I was merely fulfilling a promise, a small act of kindness. While I might seem heartless, I'm not one to abandon those in need."
Ian waved his hand dismissively. Based on the timeline, Luffy would arrive within two years, putting an end to Laboon's self-destructive behavior. Brook, however, still had to circumnavigate the globe before reuniting with his beloved companion.
Time… Perhaps three or four more two-year periods. Encountering one, training one, and crowning one king…
"Actually, I have a request." After exchanging pleasantries, Ian finally revealed his purpose. Brook's expression turned serious. "As I said before, my life belongs to you, Ian-san. Now that I've seen Laboon, I've fulfilled my promise to my crew. Ask anything of me."
"Whether it's a mountain of blades, a sea of fire, or the depths of hell, I'll follow you…" This was their agreement.
While Ian hadn't specified any conditions, Brook felt compelled to repay his kindness. His empty sockets held no eyes, yet his unwavering resolve was palpable. This was a promise between men.
Crocus returned to his newspaper and sunbathing. With Brook's return, he no longer had to administer tranquilizers to Laboon, and he had an extra pair of hands to help with his duties.
Life had become much easier. He watched as ships came and went, some succeeding, others failing in their quest to conquer the Grand Line.
He witnessed the rise and fall of eras, a peaceful retirement befitting a man of his age.
Rayleigh, that old Kid, was busy coating ships on Sabaody Archipelago, watching as aspiring pirates challenged the New World, only to return defeated and penniless, selling themselves into slavery, only to find no buyers.
Truly a man of twisted humor.
Ian decided not to disturb their reunion, a gathering of creatures from hell: a skeleton and a Devil. "Look, speak of the devil, and two more ships appear."
their ships smaller and more inconspicuous, adorned with flickering candles like ghostly apparitions. One carried a large sword on his back, his eyes as sharp as a hawk's. Who were they trying to intimidate?
And he had a young girl with him. Were they truly unafraid of death?
The other ship was more unique, resembling a dog carrying a bone, bearing the Marine flag. And that old man…
"Holy… Dracule Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman, and Garp, the Marine hero! Three legendary figures in a single day? What in the world is going on…"
Crocus, his eyesight failing him, finally recognized the approaching ships. Like Kuzan startled from his nap, he sprang to his feet, his heart pounding in his chest.
This was too much excitement for an old man…
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Word Count [1913]
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To Be Continued..
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