The setting sun spread across the horizon like molten gold, staining the endless sea in shades of orange.
The New World was never quiet. The sea shifted without warning, monstrous waves rising and crashing at will. At times, the sky itself seemed to collapse, while in other moments it stayed deceptively clear. Rain could fall in massive drops like cannonballs, or hailstones could descend larger than ships. It felt less like nature and more like a warning to those who dared sail these waters.
Yet even here, a pirate ship cut steadily through the chaos.
Amid the violent waves, it moved smoothly, almost as if it were gliding over calm waters.
This ship was the vessel of the Ion Pirates.
"This sea really doesn't hold back. If we capsize, every Devil Fruit user here is finished."
"Hey, Robin, don't say things like that."
On the deck, Lina clung tightly to Robin's arm, her entire body hanging off her, fear written all over her face.
"Robin, stop scaring her," Nami said as she walked over.
The moment Lina saw Nami, she let go of Robin and hurried behind her, peeking out cautiously.
A quiet laugh sounded.
Lina turned and saw Robin appearing behind her, petals drifting around her like falling blossoms.
"Ah! Nami!"
She quickly switched sides again.
With a soft snap of Robin's fingers, multiple copies of her formed around Lina, closing in from every direction.
Lina buried her face into Nami's arm, refusing to look.
Then a gentle voice spoke.
"Sister Lina, don't be scared. Shirahoshi can swim, so nothing will happen to you."
Lina froze for a moment, then lifted her head. The fear on her face disappeared instantly.
"Oh, right. If Shirahoshi is here, there's nothing to worry about."
Nearby, Issho stroked his chin with a faint smile. "Youth really is something. Reminds me of running under a sunset long ago."
Crocodile took a slow drag from his cigar and exhaled. "Are we getting old? Feels like it."
Kuro adjusted his glasses. "After everything, the past feels distant. I can barely remember what my childhood was like."
Law glanced at the sky. "Even if it was painful, there were moments worth remembering."
Crocodile smirked slightly. "You're still young. Why are you acting like you belong with us?"
He gestured toward Zoro, who was asleep by the railing.
Law only smiled faintly and said nothing.
Crocodile didn't press further. Some pasts were better left alone.
At the front of the ship, Rolan sat quietly, his gaze fixed ahead. His expression remained indifferent, but his eyes occasionally shifted toward the crew behind him.
They were noisy, reckless, and unpredictable. Still, they were his.
The ship's destination was Laugh Tale, the final island.
All the Road Poneglyphs had already been gathered.
The treasure left behind by the Great Kingdom, the so called One Piece, was within reach. It was said that whoever obtained it would gain control over the world.
Rolan had no interest in titles.
Pirate King meant nothing to him.
Letting the mystery remain untouched would keep the world moving. That was far more interesting.
The crew didn't care about titles either, so their journey remained hidden.
Everyone who mattered was on board.
Shirahoshi, Vivi, Hancock.
All present.
"Husband… after we find the One Piece, are we going to fight the World Government?"
Hancock's voice was soft, but her concern was clear.
Rolan didn't look at her. "Yes. The longer we wait, the worse it becomes."
She lowered her gaze slightly. "I don't want you taking risks."
Rolan reached out and placed a hand on her head. "If that rotten system stays, this world won't change."
For a moment, something flickered in Hancock's eyes.
Hatred.
Deep, buried, and familiar.
The World Government, the Celestial Dragons.
They were the source.
She wasn't the only one. Tesoro carried the same weight.
Both had been slaves once.
Both had suffered under those who ruled from above.
Peach Garden had become a place where people like them gathered. A place built on shared resentment and quiet defiance.
But the World Government had ruled for over eight hundred years.
Every force that had challenged it had been crushed.
No matter how strong Peach Garden had become, it was still young.
War would not be simple.
And if it failed, everything they built would be destroyed.
Rolan understood all of that.
"Don't overthink it."
Before he could continue, a sound interrupted them.
Buruburu
Buruburu
The Transponder Snail in his pocket vibrated.
Rolan pulled it out.
"Moshi Moshi. Rolan speaking."
Silence.
Then a sigh.
Rolan's eyes narrowed slightly. "What is it?"
Very few people had this number.
If this line was used, it meant something serious.
After a pause, the voice finally came through.
"Rolan… I'm not sure how to say this."
Rolan recognized the voice immediately.
Kuzan.
Fleet Admiral.
The fact that Kuzan was calling him directly already meant things were bad.
"What could trouble the Fleet Admiral like this?"
As soon as Rolan spoke, the entire ship went quiet.
Every ear turned toward him.
"This is bad news."
Rolan's expression hardened.
For someone like Kuzan to say that, the situation was already beyond normal control.
Either the Marines couldn't handle it, or it involved something bigger.
He waited.
Kuzan continued after a brief silence.
"Sabo has been captured by the World Government."
The words alone were enough to shift the atmosphere.
"Their plan is to execute him publicly… on Kri Lumbia Island. One month from now."
"What?!"
"Nani?!"