Night fell.
The moment Red returned from the Pokémon world, he received intelligence sent back by the Heart Pirates.
Under Issho's ruthless hand, the entire upper echelon of the Donquixote Family—led by Donquixote Doflamingo himself—had been completely wiped out.
A vast underground empire was reduced to ashes overnight.
The number of factions and resources implicated was beyond counting.
But…
This was the pirate world!
A world where strength reigned supreme, where the strong were kings!
"As expected… you can't place your hopes on an enemy's weakness."
Watching the downfall of the Donquixote Family, Red couldn't help but think of the Straw Hat Pirates' current situation.
Although the World Government hadn't made any moves against the Straw Hats for several months now, that didn't mean they were sitting arrogantly atop the heavens, waiting for mortals below to climb the mountain and slay gods.
According to recent intelligence provided by the Akatsuki…
Not long ago, an organization had begun pouring enormous sums of money into buying up Devil Fruits circulating on the market. This forced the Akatsuki—who had already been collecting Devil Fruits themselves—to apply to Nami for another massive budget increase just to compete in bidding wars.
What was absurd was—
Even after Nami begrudgingly approved an additional 20 billion Beli, the Akatsuki still lost to that mysterious, financially overwhelming force.
At this point, the identity of that force was practically screaming its name.
An organization capable of producing such staggering liquid funds at this time… there was really only one answer.
The World Government.
Although Red had no idea what kind of preparations the World Government was making in secret, he didn't dare lower his guard in the slightest.
Judging by anime-world logic and narrative necessity, Imu's existence was very likely similar to Naruto's final boss, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki—
Seemingly easy to grasp, yet in truth wielding power far beyond the world's normal scale.
Whether it was the planetary code names represented by the Five Elders, or the fleeting glimpse of a galactic model in Ohara…
All of it clearly proved that the universe in this world was no meaningless background setting.
Perhaps… the power Imu displayed was connected to that distant, boundless cosmos itself.
"So in the end, the sea the Pirate King must conquer… is the sea of stars?"
Red chuckled helplessly.
Compared to the mysteries of the universe, ruling the pirate world almost seemed simple by comparison.
"I really am curious… what kind of ending this world will have."
The red Poneglyph from Whole Cake Island was already in the Straw Hat Pirates' possession, translated by Robin into detailed coordinates.
Of the remaining three, one was on the back of the wandering elephant Zunesha—Zou.
Another was hidden in Wano Country, which was occupied by the Beasts Pirates.
As for the last one, Red strongly suspected it was located in the so-called "strongest nation in the world"—
Elbaf.
After a moment of hesitation, Red raised his hand… then finally placed it on the Den Den Mushi. He pressed a number and made the call.
The line was quickly answered, followed by the voice of an elderly man:
"Ah, Mr. Red? What is it this time?!"
At the same moment, on Egghead Island—Egghead.
Vegapunk took the Den Den Mushi receiver from his Punk Clone, Edison, his face lighting up with curiosity as he spoke.
Although the young man on the other end always humbly claimed he didn't understand science, after several exchanges, Vegapunk had discovered that Red's mind was filled with remarkably fascinating ideas.
Setting aside that mysterious Pokémon world he mentioned, just concepts like allowing people to enter a second world to extend their mental lifespan through virtual games, portable communication devices similar to Den Den Mushi that required no breeding yet allowed global communication, civilian aerial vehicles capable of moving through cloud layers, or weapons that harnessed the immense power released by atomic fission to deter the entire world…
To Vegapunk, some of these ideas could be realized with little more than a flick of his fingers.
Yet others made him marvel—things that felt as though they shouldn't exist in this world at all.
Most crucially…
Red had once asked whether it was possible to use Devil Fruit powers to create a device capable of endlessly sustaining habitable environments for humans or living beings—and then build a spacecraft that could travel and transport through outer space.
Because spaceflight and the cosmos were topics rarely spoken of in the pirate world, even setting aside Red's identity as the Straw Hat Pirates' vice-captain…
Vegapunk felt a genuine fondness toward this young man with such unconventional thinking.
And although Red could sense Vegapunk's goodwill, he still maintained deep respect toward a scientist, speaking calmly:
"Doctor Vegapunk… it's like this."
"Didn't I ask you earlier to help refine Laboon's body modification plan? How is that coming along now?"
"Ah… Laboon?" Vegapunk froze for a moment before realization dawned.
"Oh! You mean that island whale, right?!"
A confident smile appeared on Vegapunk's face.
"Don't worry. I've modified countless sea-beast weapons already. An island whale is nothing more than a small matter."
"By the way, Mr. Red—earlier you mentioned using the Sing-Sing Fruit's abilities as a reference to build a virtual reality world…"
"I wonder, where is that Sing-Sing Fruit user you mentioned right now?"
"Uh…"
Red hadn't expected Vegapunk to take his offhand mention of virtual reality games so seriously, and he was momentarily stunned.
But with his mind now focused solely on helping Laboon evolve as quickly as possible, he thought for a moment before replying:
"How about this, Doctor Vegapunk…"
"While the World Government's oversight on your side is still relatively light, we'll help you locate the Sing-Sing Fruit user and bring them to Egghead."
"And on your end, please put in some extra effort as well. Laboon isn't an ordinary sea beast—he's an important companion of our pirate crew."
"And he may very well become one of our key weapons in opposing the World Government."
"Hm?! Is that so?!"
Having just learned of Laboon's importance, Vegapunk paused. The Den Den Mushi representing his expression nodded vigorously as he said:
"Very well—then it's settled!"
"Rest assured. I'll spare no effort in transforming your companion into my most perfect work."
"Thank you for your hard work, Doctor Vegapunk."
To avoid prolonged calls being intercepted, neither Red nor Vegapunk intended to talk much longer.
As for why Vegapunk trusted Red so deeply…
On one hand, Red possessed many ideas that even Vegapunk found novel. On the other, after acting on Red's reminder, Vegapunk and several of his clones conducted a covert investigation—
And truly discovered data related to "betrayal" within York's brain records.
Although York hadn't taken any action yet, she already harbored the thought of "becoming the sole Vegapunk."
After uncovering this, Vegapunk broke out in a cold sweat and immediately worked with the other clones to disguise and restrict York's mental processes.
Even so, as they were all Vegapunk, he couldn't guarantee that York would never harbor betrayal again in the future.
But this was already the best possible solution.
And this discovery only deepened his trust in Red, the one who had warned him in the first place.
…
…
Meanwhile.
After hanging up, Red didn't hesitate for even a moment. Using Hyperspace Hole, he immediately arrived before the entrance to the Room of Spirit and Time.
With the accumulated reserves of recent days, after leaving behind enough energy to support one template-loaded battle, Red poured all surplus energy into the chamber.
The Room of Spirit and Time was still far from the absurd levels seen in Dragon Ball…
But its vast interior space was already more than enough to accommodate the entire Straw Hat crew's training.
Including Usopp, who needed expansive areas to research insects and plants.
However…
Due to limited power supply, the current time ratio inside the chamber was only 1:3.
Meaning that for every day that passed in the pirate world, three days passed inside the chamber.
And now, aside from Nami and Usopp—who frequently entered and exited to manage underground business affairs—
Luffy, Zoro, and the others had been fully immersed here, training nonstop.
Curiosity about the universe and the future, the pursuit of ultimate strength, and the obsession with protecting their companions…
Driven by all these factors, Luffy, Zoro, and the others had effectively trained for nearly half a year.
All daily supplies were delivered by Homies dispatched by Red, constantly traveling in and out of the Room of Spirit and Time.
Although they hadn't spent much time leveling up in the machine recently, the experience gained from daily training still boosted their base levels significantly.
Luffy had risen from level 72 to level 75.
Though it seemed like a mere three-level increase, the growth it represented was nothing short of astonishing.
Those three levels were enough to turn Luffy from being knocked down by Kaido's Thunder Bagua into someone who could now exchange several moves with Kaido before being defeated.
And with Pokémon-ization and the power of Nika layered on top of that…
In this world, perhaps only the mysterious Imu could still stand as Luffy's true opponent.
Second to that would be Red-Haired Shanks, who had never once revealed his full strength.
"Who knows… maybe someday Luffy and Shanks will really cross blades."
Red grinned as he stepped into the Room of Spirit and Time.
Perhaps because he was about to go search for Shanks' daughter, his thoughts had wandered a bit.
And the moment he entered, the scene before him immediately drew his attention.
A gigantic monster nearly ten meters tall stood with its hands raised in a karate stance.
Despite its enormous body, it radiated an agile, lively aura.
"Ah-da~!!"
The massive creature burst into motion, its train-like voice rumbling as it let out a cheerful shout.
This monster was none other than Tony Tony Chopper, who had entered his Monster Enhancement state.
Facing him was a blue, rotund figure hovering midair, maintaining a solid horse stance.
His hands at his waist were poised yet restrained, releasing faint blue ripples of water.
Aqua light flashed in the blue man's eyes.
The next moment, he shouted loudly:
"That's not how you use this move, little brother Chopper!"
As he spoke, torrents of water surged around him like crashing waves.
With a wide sweep of his arms, the massive flow split in two, forming two enormous watery "arms" that surged toward Chopper.
"Fish-Man Karate: Turbulent Current Over-the-Shoulder Throw!!!"
BOOM!!!
Chopper's massive body was instantly seized by the twin currents.
Before he could react, the blue man spun sharply.
And just like that, Chopper was cleanly thrown over the shoulder by the twin streams, slammed straight into the ground.
Bang!!!
Thanks to the spotless floor of the Room of Spirit and Time, Chopper's fall didn't kick up any dust.
With a soft groan of pain, his body slowly shrank back into his usual adorable form.
At that moment, the culprit responsible for everything—the blue man—hurried over and asked anxiously:
"Are you okay, little brother Chopper?!"
"I-I'm fine, I'm fine."
Back in his normal size, Chopper seemed even more agile.
He sprang to his feet with a kick of his legs, rubbing his aching back with one hand while waving the other.
"I'm really fine!"
"That was amazing!!!"
"Jinbe, can you teach me that move?! I want to learn it!!!"
"Hahaha, of course."
Jinbe laughed heartily, then waved his hands, condensing gentle droplets of water that he sprinkled over Chopper's body.
Life Dew—an ability that consumed energy to condense water with miraculous properties, healing those it touched.
While it couldn't restore stamina like a Super Potion, it was still an extremely practical technique.
Most importantly…
Jinbe himself possessed an exceptionally strong affinity for Water-type energy.
Jinbe had arrived in the Pokémon seas half a month after the great incident ended, bringing the Sun Pirates and a group of young Fish-Men from Fish-Man Island who wished to experience the outside world.
And on that very day, Jinbe formally relinquished his position as captain of the Sun Pirates and joined the Straw Hat Pirates as a full-fledged member.
The long-anticipated addition was celebrated with a grand welcome banquet, announcing to the entire Pokémon seas—
The Straw Hat Pirates had gained yet another new member.
Not long after joining, Jinbe gave Red and the others a huge surprise.
Perhaps due to innate Fish-Man racial talent, under Zoro's guidance, Jinbe completed full Pokémon-ization in less than a month.
Of course…
None of that had anything to do with why Red came to the Room of Spirit and Time today.
"Chopper, Jinbe~"
Just as the two finished sparring and prepared to rest, Red's figure suddenly appeared beside them.
"Red?!" ×2
Both of them showed mild surprise upon seeing him.
After all, Red was the only member of the Straw Hat Pirates who could grow stronger without rigorous training…
And his appearance here meant one thing—
Something was about to happen.
Sure enough.
Red smiled lightly, then pulled the two of them into a hug, one on each side, laughing as he said:
"Let's go!"
"Find Luffy and Brook~"
"I'll take you somewhere amazing!!!"
(End of Chapter)