Chapter 39 – Toward the Red Line
Inside the Chamber of Authority at Mary Geoise, tension surged like a storm ready to break. One of the Five Elders, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, slammed his cane against the ground, his expression filled with disbelief.
"What do you mean Whitebeard and the King of Wano, Ren, haven't started fighting but are working together?" Saturn's voice echoed coldly. "What kind of joke is this?"
From the Den Den Mushi, Sengoku replied with visible irritation. "Isn't that CP's job—to gather information? How should I know that?"
His tone sharpened further. "Right now, Whitebeard and Kaido are engaged with Garp and Vice Admiral Borsalino."
Another Elder, Shepherd Ju Peter, spoke next, his voice low and suspicious. "What about this 'Ren'? Why hasn't he shown up yet?"
"Is he hiding from us?"
Sengoku exhaled slowly, trying to control his temper. "As I said, that's CP's responsibility. How are we supposed to know that?"
A sharp killing intent filled the room as Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro spoke. "Sengoku… watch your tone. You are speaking to the Five Elders."
"I'm sorry," Sengoku said, though his clenched teeth betrayed his anger.
Finally, Topman Warcury spoke with authority. "We will send CP to investigate the situation."
He paused before adding, "You will order Garp to retreat."
The Den Den Mushi went silent.
---
Meanwhile, far from the political storm, Ren flew across the sky on his flaming cloud. Beside him were Yamato, Ulti, Page One, and Jack.
The vast ocean stretched endlessly beneath them, its surface constantly shifting under the chaotic weather of the New World.
"Whoa…" Ulti leaned forward, eyes sparkling. "The sea looks different every second."
Page One nodded quietly, his gaze fixed ahead. "So this is the New World…"
Ren smirked as he guided the flame cloud forward. "Enjoy the view while you can. It only gets crazier from here."
After a full day of travel, the massive wall of the Red Line appeared before them.
Ulti's eyes widened dramatically. "Is that the line that divides the seas? It's huge!"
Page One stared in amazement as well. "It's like a mountain that never ends…"
Before Ren could respond, a pirate ship suddenly burst upward from the sea nearby. It rocked violently as it stabilized—clearly a crew that had just entered the New World.
Ren's Observation Haki swept over them instantly.
A grin spread across his face.
"Go, Yamato and Jack—I choose you!" he declared dramatically.
Yamato's mouth twitched in annoyance. "You bastard, don't treat me like a Pokémon."
Ren nudged her lightly. "Come on, it'll be fun."
She huffed. "Fine… just this once."
Yamato and Jack leapt down onto the pirate ship.
The pirates froze in shock.
"Huh? Kids?" one of them muttered.
Then another noticed Yamato's horns. "Wait… that girl… if we sell her, we'll be rich!"
"And that guy looks like a Fishman!" another shouted.
"Hahahaha! We hit the jackpot the moment we entered the New World!"
Ren's voice echoed from above. "Yamato, use Ice Beam!"
Yamato's eye twitched again, but she couldn't deny she enjoyed playing along.
Cold energy gathered in her mouth before she unleashed a freezing blast.
The deck instantly turned to ice.
Ren nodded in approval. "Not bad. Pretty good for your age."
Yamato beamed proudly at his praise.
Jack transformed into his massive mammoth form and charged forward, crushing stunned pirates beneath his weight.
"Yamato—Raimei Hakke!" Ren called out again.
Yamato shouted back, "You idiot! I haven't learned that move yet!"
Ren waved casually. "Real combat is the best teacher. Try it—you might learn it now."
Yamato clicked her tongue but charged forward anyway.
She drew her kanabo and clashed with the pirate captain. Steel met iron with a loud crack as sparks flew.
Above them, Ulti pouted impatiently.
"I want to fight too," she complained.
Ren shook his head and gently rubbed her hair. "You don't have a Devil Fruit yet. If you get hurt, it'll be troublesome."
Page One glanced at Ren. "Can I go?"
Ren raised an eyebrow. "I thought you wouldn't want to fight."
Page One shook his head. "I want to try."
Ren smiled slightly. "Alright, go ahead."
Page One transformed into his ancient Zoan form and leapt down, joining the battle.
Ulti puffed her cheeks in frustration. "I still want to fight…"
Ren simply picked her up and placed her on his lap, patting her head.
"Be patient," he said calmly.
Ulti immediately calmed down, a smile forming as she began cheering loudly. "Pay-pay! Beat them up!"
Yamato glanced up and froze.
"Hey! That's my spot!"
Ulti stuck out her tongue. "Blah!"
Yamato's eye twitched in anger.
Her attacks immediately became more aggressive.
Jack continued battling the vice-captain, while Page One efficiently handled the remaining pirates.
Within minutes, the fight was over.
The defeated pirates were tied to their own mast, completely broken.
Yamato, Jack, and Page One returned to the flame cloud.
"Good job," Ren said with a satisfied smile. "You've all improved a lot. I'm proud of you."
Yamato grinned brightly.
Jack scratched his head awkwardly, slightly embarrassed.
Page One smiled quietly, clearly happy.
Ulti immediately grabbed Page One and shook him. "You did great, Pay-pay! Big sis knew you wouldn't disappoint me!"
Yamato ignored them and jumped straight back onto Ren's lap.
Ulti froze.
"You white-haired girl—that's my spot!"
"Blah! It was mine before you even knew Ren!" Yamato shot back, sticking out her tongue.
The two immediately started bickering again.
Ren sighed, though a small smile formed on his face as he guided the flame cloud upward.
They soared over the towering Red Line, heading toward Sabaody Archipelago.
Ahead of them, a new stage awaited.