The Konoha Pirates hovered high above the sky.
The pirate crew continued their discussion on the Golden Ark about seizing powerful forces and exchanging technology, with no mention of the Revolutionary Army.
Monkey D. Dragon looked up at the Golden Ark Proverbs in the sky, unsure of what was being discussed, but he could guess that they wouldn't form an alliance with the Revolutionary Army.
Perhaps...
Only that red-haired boy, Red Sand Sasori, seemed to have some understanding of their Revolutionary Army ideals, making his attitude slightly softer.
The existence of the Konoha Pirates was shrouded in mystery.
Even the World Government only knew the names and detailed information of five members: Senju Hashirama, Uchiha Madara, Senju Tobirama, Red Sand Sasori, and Orochimaru. Another mysterious existence's details haven't been revealed yet...
According to Dragon's observations, the organizational structure within the Konoha Pirates seemed peculiar because Captain Senju Hashirama didn't hold the typical dominance of a pirate captain, while the red-haired boy often had the authority—there might be unknown messages here...
Forget it...
At least they showed no hostility.
In these seas, no one wants to become their enemy.
Monkey D. Dragon furrowed his brows, contemplating another matter. The group mentioned an entity related to the Heavenly Celestial Dragon, causing him much concern.
Princess Kaguya.
This name didn't sound like that of an ordinary person.
Just like how the Heavenly Celestial Dragon adds revered titles to their names, such as 'Holy' for men and 'Palace' for women, 'Princess' is not used by ordinary people.
Princess Kaguya...
This could be the name of the Goddess of Rabbit.
Dragon squinted his eyes, gradually understanding that the Konoha Pirates knew more about the past than he did. The ancient history of Alabasta was genuine, while the historical secrets he had might be false!
Dragon always had doubts about Alabasta's ancient history, and it's difficult to discern the truth. The overwhelming power of the Konoha Pirates made the reliability of Alabasta's leaked history seem increasingly credible...
These matters...
Can only be investigated later.
"Where's Sabo?"
Monkey D. Dragon turned back to the Revolutionary Army, finding only Koala and a few officers waiting for him, with no sign of Sabo, whom he placed high hopes on.
"That guy insisted on going into the forest..."
Koala muttered, unable to hold back her complaints.
"Then let's go too."
Monkey D. Dragon chuckled, inviting the Revolutionary Army officers to enter the forest with him: "This is the ruins of Golden City Shandora, and we can take as much gold as we want, which will be beneficial to our cause..."
The Konoha Pirates promised him this.
Regardless of whether the Konoha Pirates were genuinely benevolent or hoping to support them against the World Government, it was favorable to them for now.
The group of Revolutionary Army officers showed signs of elation.
They didn't think too far ahead; they only wanted to do one thing—collect enough gold to buy enough weaponry to overthrow this unjust world!
"We must still be cautious..."
Before leading his comrades into the forest, Dragon sternly reminded them: "There are still dangers within the forest; don't stray too far..."
Within the hunting grounds...
There are still two Sea Emperors!
If possible, it's wise to avoid conflict.
Unfortunately...
There are some conflicts they couldn't avoid.
In the forest.
Fire Fist Ace and Blackbeard Teach continued their battle.
Flames erupted around Ace, swiftly forming into a giant fireball, hurling it directly at Teach!
"Flame Emperor·Great Flame Ring!"
"Dark Path!"
Blackbeard Teach's arm transformed into a black mist!
With the power of the Dark-Dark Fruit behaving like a black hole, it absorbed all of Ace's flames. Teach held the upper hand in this battle, releasing everything caught within the Dark Path, instantly sweeping Ace's body away!
"Thieving ha ha ha..."
Blackbeard Teach laughed heartily, his face full of glee as he clenched his fist: "Ace, this is the power I acquired after killing Saki..."
"Cough cough..."
Ace opened his mouth, coughing out blood.
Yet...
Even at this moment, he didn't want to give up!
Flames swiftly enveloped Ace's entire body, and he once again charged at Blackbeard Teach. His Flame-Flame Fruit power proved useless against Teach, so he decided to fight Teach in close combat!
This played right into Teach's hands!
Blackbeard Teach captured Ace's body with a single hand, neutralizing his Demon Fruit Abilities entirely, a sinister smirk appearing on the corners of his mouth: "I've been on that ship for more than twenty years, experienced more battles than you've ever seen. Thieving ha ha ha, Ace, you're no match for me; join my side..."
The next moment!
A turquoise phoenix flew over!
"Marco!"
Surprise flashed in Teach's eyes!
In his phoenix form, Marco flew swiftly, flapping his wings and sending a group of Blackbeard Pirates flying. He dove down, tearing open Teach's chest with a claw, instantly shifting into human form to save Ace from Blackbeard's grasp!
"Ahhhh... it hurts like hell!"