Lindbergh's eyes were hollow and dazed as he murmured, "With that kind of power… our rebel forces might…"
He did not finish the sentence, but the worry and fear in his voice spread like a tide.
His fingers trembled without him realizing it, and ash from his cigarette fell in little flakes, piling up on the floor.
Among everyone present, Dragon's figure looked especially tall and imposing.
He stood quietly before the screen, his shadow stretched long, as though it had merged with that terrifying image.
His fingertips lightly traced over the faint ancient characters visible on Pluton's hull, and a deep, complicated light shone in his eyes.
Those ancient symbols seemed to contain some mysterious power, drawing him into thought.
After a long while, he finally spoke, his voice low and firm.
"The gears of the era have begun to turn faster."
The moment he finished speaking, he suddenly turned around.
His cloak swept up a strong gust of wind, making the papers around him rustle.
His gaze was sharp and unwavering as it swept over everyone present, and he declared loudly,
"The stronger the Eternal Divine Kingdom becomes, the more favorable it will be for our future actions!"
His words rang through the command room like a great bell, stirring every heart, yet also carrying a feeling too complicated to describe.
...
Above the sea.
The aftershocks from Pluton's world-destroying test shot had not fully calmed. They still rolled and churned like raging waves.
Amid that tense, uncertain atmosphere, Ron's eyes already carried an unshakable decision.
He stood proudly atop the bridge, his figure like a towering statue of a god.
The black robe he wore whipped wildly in the roaring sea wind, like a battle flag unfurled against the storm, displaying endless authority and dominance.
Then his voice rang out like a great bell, piercing through layers of clouds and echoing between heaven and earth.
"Set course. Return to the Eternal Divine Kingdom!"
"Mamamama~ We're leaving already?"
Big Mom frowned slightly, her face full of dissatisfaction. She waved her signature Napoleon in her hand and muttered,
"Aren't we going to fire a few more shots for fun?"
Her eyes still carried a trace of lingering excitement, as though she had not yet had enough of the earlier destruction and was eager to unleash her power again.
Beside her, a flash of unconcealed reluctance passed through Kaido's deep dragon eyes.
He clenched his fists and said in a low voice,
"My Marine Headquarters…"
His words were filled with regret and disappointment over a goal left unfinished, as if those unrealized ambitions were still burning fiercely in his heart.
"Gurararara! What's the rush?"
Whitebeard's hearty laugh rolled out like thunder.
He strode forward boldly and slapped Kaido's broad, solid back, excitement flashing in his eyes as he shouted,
"There's a good show coming!"
His confident look made it seem as though he had already seen the grand spectacle that was about to unfold.
However, Ron acted as if he did not hear everyone's noisy chatter.
His expression remained calm as water.
He only slowly raised his right hand, the motion elegant and composed.
In that instant, the ring on his finger, embedded with the mysterious power of the Float-Float Fruit, suddenly burst with dazzling light like the brightest star in the night sky.
That radiance instantly lit up everything around them, drawing every eye toward it.
Then an astonishing scene appeared.
Nine enormous shadows burst out from the heavy clouds as if tearing free from the void itself.
They carried an indescribably powerful aura, making everyone present feel an invisible pressure descend.
Ron leaned forward slightly and gently brushed his hand over the control console.
With his touch, Pluton released a deep, long hum, as though answering its master's call.
The sound was like an ancient spell, filled with endless power.
Ron looked firmly ahead and said in a low voice,
"Let the world see what true divine majesty looks like."
At his command, nine captains of the Divine Kingdom stepped forward in perfect unison.
They stood tall and imposing, each one radiating a powerful aura.
The First Captain even dropped to one knee and said respectfully,
"As commanded by divine decree! Nine Dragons Pull the Ship—begin!"
His voice was loud and forceful, filled with loyalty and resolve.
In the next instant, the most astonishing sight unfolded.
It was as if a blazing fire had been ignited inside all nine of them, and pillars of light shot into the sky.
Within that dazzling light, their flesh-and-blood bodies began to transform in a miraculous way.
First came a faint tremor.
Then came the cracking of bones, followed by the ringing sound of scales growing over their bodies, as crisp and shocking as metal striking metal.
Dragon horns pierced toward the heavens with overwhelming force, the tearing sound sending chills down everyone's spine.
In the blink of an eye, nine divine dragons rose and coiled through the sky, blotting out the sun.
Their bodies were enormous, every scale flashing with mysterious light, and their whiskers streamed in the wind.
"Dragon-Binding Chains!"
At Ron's command, nine dark-gold chains shot out from his hand.
The chains moved as though alive, automatically wrapping around Pluton's ancient, heavy ram at the bow, while their other ends fastened perfectly into the collars around the nine dragons' necks.
The lead dragon raised its head toward the sky and let out a long roar.
That grand dragon cry rolled like thunder, shattering the clouds within ten miles.
The clouds scattered, revealing the clear blue sky beyond.
"Set off!"
With that ringing shout, the nine dragons exerted their strength at the same time.
Their powerful claws tore through the air, stirring up roaring winds.
Pulled by the nine dragons, Pluton's massive hull rumbled into motion like an awakened beast, breaking through wave after wave as it charged bravely toward the Grand Line.
The spectacular sight left every pirate crew along the way stunned.
None of them had ever seen anything so overwhelming.
They froze where they stood, their eyes filled with terror and awe.
Some pirates even trembled uncontrollably, their weapons slipping from their hands and falling to the ground.
They knew very well that they had just witnessed an unprecedented miracle.
And behind that miracle stood an existence with endless power and authority.
...
The New World.
A sea that had once been relatively calm was suddenly filled with a chilling presence.
When the terrifying shadow of the legendary nine dragons pulling the ship slowly descended like the end of the world, carrying unstoppable momentum, the entire sea of the New World seemed to hold its breath.