That figure in the mural seemed to represent the first generation of Nika.
However, according to ancient records, it did not appear to be the first Sun God.
Could it be that Nika was not equal to the Sun God?
Or had Nika replaced a previous Sun God and inherited that title?
Robin frowned slightly, her thoughts tangled, but she knew better than to ask directly about Luffy being Nika in front of others.
"Haha, I can see what's troubling you."
Shirogai smiled faintly.
"Robin, you're wondering about the connection between Nika and the Sun God, aren't you?"
Even without using any Devil Fruit ability, Shirogai easily read the confusion in her expression. His sharp perception alone was enough.
"You've misunderstood what the Sun God truly means," he continued.
"You only need to understand one thing. The Sun God is not a title that belongs solely to Nika."
He paused briefly, letting his words settle.
"Nika is a Sun God, but the Sun God is not limited to Nika. It has never referred to just one individual."
His voice grew steadier.
"It represents those who rise against the darkness, those who bring light, crush oppression, and ignite hope. It is a symbol of resistance, a savior figure the world longs for."
Shirogai exhaled softly.
"And throughout history, every race has had its own Sun God."
His gaze dimmed slightly.
"Most of them burned brightly for only a moment. They gave everything to illuminate the path forward, but because they shone too brightly, they were erased by those who rule the darkness."
He looked at them one by one.
"So the Sun God is not a single person. It is a group."
"A group of people willing to sacrifice everything, even their lives, to bring light to this world."
Silence followed.
Robin, despite being the most knowledgeable among the Straw Hats, realized that Shirogai's understanding of history far surpassed hers.
Through countless sources, ancient texts, murals, and fragments of lost knowledge, he had pieced together a far clearer picture of the past.
What he shared now was only a fraction of the truth.
And yet, it was enough to shake everyone present.
Even Red-Haired Shanks.
Compared to Shirogai, even Shanks' understanding of the world felt incomplete.
"So that's what you meant, Captain…"
Shanks tightened his grip on his sword, his knuckles turning pale. His expression carried both relief and lingering tension.
"No wonder you said you wouldn't die."
He let out a quiet breath.
"I thought you had some kind of hidden method to survive out at sea. That's why I formed my own crew and kept searching."
His eyes sharpened.
"But now I understand. What you meant was that if someone sacrifices their life to reignite resistance across the world…"
"And if that resistance succeeds, if people regain their freedom…"
"Then that person becomes the Sun God of that era. Just like those recorded in ancient texts. Immortal in legend."
A familiar laughter echoed in his mind.
"Hahahaha! Don't worry, I'm not dying anytime soon, brothers!"
Shanks' lips curled into a faint smile.
Shirogai glanced at them.
"If the Sun God is treated as a title for heroes and saviors, then it explains why the descriptions across different records are inconsistent."
"It also connects all the myths, beliefs, and historical accounts across different races."
The group fell into deep thought.
The idea kept echoing in their minds.
The Sun God was not one person.
It was many.
Different races, different individuals, all sharing the same will.
"The Sun God isn't a single being… Nika isn't the only one?"
Yasopp muttered, still trying to process it.
"That doesn't make sense…"
He looked at Shirogai.
"I'm not doubting you, but the Giants have always worshipped the Sun God Nika. Are you saying he's just one among many?"
"That's right," Shirogai replied calmly.
"The Nika they worship is one of the Sun Gods."
He smiled slightly.
"But he's also the most famous one. The one who caused the greatest fear among the Celestial Dragons."
Robin's eyes widened slightly as she recalled the murals.
"Then… the figures carved in those murals…"
"Not all of them," Shirogai said, shaking his head.
"Many Sun Gods never lived long enough to see the world unite."
His tone turned more serious.
"Nika inherited their will. He carried their unfinished mission and led the world in resisting the rule of darkness."
Shirogai slowly continued, revealing more of the hidden truth.
As Robin had mentioned earlier, those who came from the moon gradually lost their ambition. Over generations, their desires grew unchecked, and their minds decayed.
Eventually, they declared themselves rulers of this world.
The Celestial Dragons ruled under a brutal principle.
Obey and live. Resist and die.
The first Sun God likely appeared long ago.
But his rebellion failed.
Even so, his actions planted a seed.
Those who witnessed his defiance gave him a name.
A man who burned his life to bring light into the darkness.
The Sun God.
From that moment on, anyone who rose against oppression carried that same title.
Even if they fell, the idea would not die.
That first rebellion frightened the Celestial Dragons.
And their retaliation was swift.
They divided the world using the Red Line, separating those who obeyed from those who resisted.
But once people had seen the light, they would never willingly return to darkness.
So, throughout history, new Sun Gods continued to rise.
Even as they fell, one after another.
The will of resistance could not be extinguished.
"So amazing!!"
Usopp suddenly shouted, his eyes shining with excitement.
"I don't fully get it, but it sounds incredible!"
He looked straight at Shirogai.
"I've decided! I want to become a Sun God too! I want to be someone who brings light to this world!"
"…!"
Yasopp turned his head, his expression softening with pride.
His son had grown.
Clap, clap, clap.
Applause echoed from the nearby forest.
"Usopp, you've impressed me. I owe you an apology for underestimating you."
Rustling bushes parted as two figures stepped forward.
Jinbe stood there, completely unharmed.
Beside him was one of the Red-Haired Pirates' top executives.
The man known as "Acrobatic Two-Sword Style," Benn Beckman.