Who's-Who's red eyes contracted slightly, as though he had encountered a bright light.
His ears unconsciously perked up as he listened intently to every word Ron said.
"I need you to help me search for Pure Gold."
Ron looked directly into Who's-Who's eyes, his gaze firm and persistent.
"I have some clues about Pure Gold. First, find Olga—a little girl who has lived for two hundred years."
As he spoke, Ron slowly took a yellowed portrait from his robes and carefully handed it to Who's-Who.
He had drawn it himself based on the impression in his memory.
It might be somewhat inaccurate, but as long as it was recognizable, that was enough.
The girl in the portrait had long silver-white hair that fell over her shoulders like a waterfall.
Her eyes carried a sense of age that did not belong to this era.
Who's-Who slowly reached out with both hands.
His movements were extremely gentle and cautious, as though what he received was not merely a portrait, but a precious object carrying the fate of the entire world.
His razor-sharp claws lightly brushed across the surface of the portrait.
"She carries the influence of Pure Gold," Who's-Who said in a low, steady voice, narrowing his eyes slightly as a deep, probing look appeared in them.
"So even after two hundred long years, she still maintains the innocent appearance of a little girl, as if time itself has stopped for her."
"Mm. As expected of Pure Gold," Ron nodded slightly from the side.
Curiosity and thought flickered in Who's-Who's eyes.
Clearly, he was also deeply interested in the mysterious Pure Gold.
"I've heard a little about its effects, but I've never truly witnessed its wonders."
"As for Pure Gold's exact location, you can follow the little girl to find it…"
Ron slowly turned around and cast his gaze toward the vast, surging sea.
The sea wind howled past, carrying a salty scent.
The waves rolled and surged like thousands of soldiers and horses charging forward.
His gaze was deep and distant, as if it had pierced through layer upon layer of waves and seen the secret hidden beneath the deep sea.
"To be specific, it is inside the belly of a giant anglerfish."
After saying this, he slowly turned back.
His gaze locked tightly onto Who's-Who, carrying a deeper meaning, as though he were passing along important information.
"That fish is far larger than you can imagine. Its body is like a small island, hidden in the deep sea, flickering in and out of sight, giving off an awe-inspiring presence."
Hearing this, Who's-Who's tail, which had been hanging quietly at his side, unconsciously began to sway.
The movement was small, yet it revealed the excitement he could not suppress.
The corner of his mouth slowly curved into a dangerous smile. It was like a cold star flashing in the darkness, enough to make one shiver.
"Sounds interesting."
His voice carried a barely noticeable fanaticism, as though he could already see an adventure full of challenge and mystery unfolding before him.
"You have seven days," Ron said slowly.
"Whether you succeed or not, you must return on time to report. This is an order. There can be no delay."
He paused slightly, his gaze turning toward the distance.
"When the time comes… there will be an even more important mission waiting for you."
Who's-Who gave an elegant bow.
His posture was tall and agile, and his red vertical pupils flashed with excitement like burning flames—hot and intense.
"As you command, Divine Lord. I will see you in seven days."
Before his voice had even fully faded, his figure instantly transformed into a dazzling streak of golden light.
The radiance was brilliant like the blazing sun as it shot straight into the sky.
In a flash of golden light, his figure vanished without a trace, leaving only that shining glow slowly dissipating in the air, along with the lingering warmth of his departure.
Ron quietly watched the direction in which he had left.
The sea breeze moved the hem of his clothes, and a thoughtful look flashed in his eyes.
Pure Gold was only the first step in this enormous plan.
And Who's-Who, this incomparably sharp "blade," would cut open even more mysteries hidden in the darkness for him and carve out a path toward the unknown.
Just at that critical moment, when the atmosphere had been pushed to its peak, thunderous war drums suddenly sounded from the horizon, as though an invisible giant hand had struck the sea itself.
The drumbeats were like rolling spring thunder, breaking the original silence of the sea and surging toward Ron's location with overwhelming momentum.
Ron raised his brows slightly.
A trace of doubt and vigilance flashed through his eyes as he slowly turned around, looking firmly toward the vast, boundless sea in the distance.
At the place where sea met sky, thousands of ships were riding the wind and waves, advancing with fierce momentum.
Every sail and oar carried a majestic force.
The countless white sails gathered densely together like piled clouds, blotting out the sky and covering a large stretch of the sea.
"Long live the Eternal Divine Kingdom!"
That passionate shout was the first to break the silence, like the horn announcing battle.
Immediately afterward came more cries.
"Defeat Kaido! Liberate Wano!"
"Destroy the Beasts Pirates!"
The slogans rose one after another like surging tides, clearly carried by the sea wind into Ron's ears.
The deafening chants echoed across the sea.
Each shout struck the air like a heavy hammer, causing crisp notifications to ring in Ron's mind.
[Faith Points +57!]
[Faith Points +100!]
[Faith Points +85!]
[…]
Although each increase did not seem large, only like trickling streams, Ron knew very well that these seemingly insignificant powers would eventually gather like countless creeks into a vast ocean and erupt with astonishing strength.
The leading ship at the very front of the fleet was especially eye-catching.
Momonosuke wore the gorgeous battle robe passed down by the Kozuki family.
The patterns on the robe were exquisitely detailed.
At his waist hung Ame no Habakiri, its blade flashing with a cold gleam under the sunlight.
His young face was filled with determination, and his eyes burned with a blazing fire—the persistence of justice and the desire for victory.
Behind Momonosuke was a vast punitive army.
Kin'emon stood with a nimble posture, his gaze sharp and steady, weapon tightly gripped and ready to enter battle at any moment.
Denjiro's face was solemn, and the murderous aura around him was cold and fierce, like an Asura returned from hell.
The rest of the Nine Red Scabbards were also eager for battle, each prepared and ready.
Their eyes revealed a resolute courage, swearing to completely defeat the enemy.
The commanders of the Eternal Divine Kingdom also stood at the front, leading elite troops in disciplined formation.
Their eyes were filled with confidence and determination.
It was absolute trust in their own strength, and proof of their belief that this battle would be won.