The morning after Arthur obtained the Paper-Paper Fruit, the name of the Art Pirates began spreading throughout the New World. News Coo after News Coo flew across the skies, delivering newspapers to kingdoms, pirate crews, Marine bases, black markets, and countless hidden organizations.
On the front page…
The destruction of the White Fang Pirates had become the day's biggest headline.
For most people, It was merely another pirate crew disappearing from history. But for those who understood the New World, the meaning behind that report was completely different. The Art Pirates had finally begun leaving unmistakable traces of their existence.
...
Across the New World, small pirate crews immediately memorized the name. Some viewed Arthur as another rising rookie. Others quietly marked him as someone they should never provoke. Several veteran captains simply folded the newspaper before ordering their ships to avoid any route where the Art Pirates had last been seen. No one wished to become the next White Fang Pirates.
...
Far away, On the deck of the Moby Dick.
The sea breeze gently fluttered a freshly delivered newspaper. Whitebeard slowly lowered the sake cup in his hand as he heard Marco calling for him, bringing today's newspaper. Several division commanders gathered around him. Marco glanced toward the old Emperor.
Marco: "Pops, Arthur has appeared." Whitebeard remained silent for several moments before letting out a low laugh.
Whitebeard: "Gurararara..." His eyes lingered on Arthur's photograph.
For just a brief moment, an old memory surfaced. Many years ago, long before the Great Pirate Era, he had once crossed fists with Arthur's father. It had not been a battle to the death—merely a duel between two men who respected each other's strength. Neither had won, and neither had lost.
The last time he had fought Arthur was still fresh in his memory. He looked at Arthur's photograph before turning his gaze toward his sons. Arthur had grown so quickly. Faster than his own sons. Perhaps even stronger than all of them.
Whitebeard: "So... like son, like father." Whitebeard slowly folded the newspaper and handed it back to Marco.
Marco: "When did you meet his father?" Marco looked at him curiously. As the oldest son, he had never known Arthur's father.
Whitebeard: "Let's see how far that boy can sail." Whitebeard simply smiled as he picked up his sake once more.
...
Elsewhere, The underground world also received the same report. Weapons brokers, Smugglers, Slave traders, Information merchants, Every ruler of the underworld quietly memorized the name Art Pirates. A crew capable of annihilating the White Fang Pirates in a single battle would inevitably alter the balance of power somewhere in the New World. Whether they became allies or enemies. No one knew.
...
Even the Revolutionary Army received the report. Within one of their hidden bases, several officers quietly read the newspaper while discussing Arthur's rapid rise. His name had begun attracting attention from organizations across the entire world.
...
Yet among all those who read the news, one woman reacted differently.
Her name was Baccarat, the user of the Luck-Luck Fruit. She sat inside a luxurious passenger cabin aboard a commercial vessel sailing across the Grand Line. The newspaper rested upon her lap. Her emerald-green eyes remained fixed on Arthur's photograph.
Baccarat smiled faintly.
Originally, she had already decided on her future. She intended to join the world's greatest entertainment city, Gran Tesoro—the Golden City ruled by Gild Tesoro. Everything had already been arranged, and she was on her way there. All she needed to do was board Tesoro's ship, and her future as the user of the Luck-Luck Fruit would be bright.
Baccarat: "Interesting..."
The moment she read Arthur's story, something inside her changed. She slowly folded the newspaper after reading the entire article about the Art Pirates. Her Luck-Luck Fruit had taught her one thing.
"Luck always flowed toward those chosen by fate."
Baccarat: "So... where will my luck lead me? Arthur or Tesoro? I'll let fate decide." She gently rested her chin on one hand while staring through the cabin window and she quietly laughed.
BOOOM!!
Almost as though the world itself had answered her question, the merchant vessel suddenly shook violently. Passengers screamed in surprise while sailors rushed across the deck. Lightning flashed across the sky as dark clouds gathered, followed by heavy rain and powerful winds. The passengers immediately retreated to their cabins to avoid being swept into the sea. Although the storm did not last long, the main mast snapped in half and collapsed. They had no choice but to head for the nearest island to make repairs.
SAILOR: "We've suffered damage!"
Captain: "The ship can't continue sailing! The nearest island is our only option!"
The captain immediately changed course. Less than an hour later, an island slowly emerged from the mist. No permanent route led to it. No Eternal Pose pointed toward it. Its name did not appear on ordinary sea charts. Even experienced navigators rarely spoke of it. An island seemingly erased from the world's memory.
Captain: "Does anyone know what that island is?"
Navigator: "It's not on the charts, and I've never heard of an island in these waters."
Old Sailor: "A forgotten island."
Baccarat: "Perhaps... my luck has already made its choice." Baccarat quietly watched the island's silhouette from the railing. A faint smile slowly spread across her face.
...
Meanwhile, Athena had already resumed its voyage after spending the night on the island once attacked by the White Fang Pirates. Morning sunlight illuminated the dining hall. Laughter echoed throughout the room. As usual, Table manners barely existed aboard the Art Pirates. Bepo ate as though he had been starving for weeks. Sabo and Law argued over who deserved the last piece of roasted meat. Astrea had somehow managed to steal food from three different plates. Even Lancelot laughed happily while trying to imitate everyone around him. Arthur simply watched the lively scene with a faint smile. After allowing everyone to finish breakfast, He finally spoke.
Arthur: "I have an announcement." The room gradually became quiet and everyone turned toward him.
Arthur: "This Devil Fruit... belongs to Monet." Arthur picked up the wooden chest containing the Paper-Paper Fruit.
Monet: "Me?" Monet blinked.
Arthur: "The Paper-Paper Fruit perfectly complements your abilities." Arthur placed the gray-white Devil Fruit before her.
Arthur: "Your Swap-Swap Fruit requires Marks to perform long-distance movement." Everyone listened attentively.
Arthur: "Paper is the perfect medium. You'll be able to leave [Mark] almost anywhere." Arthur gently tapped the Devil Fruit.
Robin: "Documents... Letters... Maps..." Robin immediately understood.
Arthur: "Exactly. As the head of our intelligence division...you'll be able to infiltrate places far more efficiently. Collect information. Leave hidden Marks. And instantly return whenever necessary." Arthur smiled and Monet slowly picked up the Devil Fruit.
Arthur: "There's another reason." Arthur wasn't finished talking make Monet tilted her head.
Arthur: "Your Mythical Zoan...The Fox-Fox Fruit, Model: Nine-Tailed Fox... cannot fly. But paper can."
For a brief moment, everyone imagined countless sheets of paper carrying Monet effortlessly through the air. Monet's expression slowly brightened.
Arthur: "After today...you'll become the second member of the Art Pirates to wield three Devil Fruits." Arthur simply smiled.
Sugar: "Looks like I'm not the only one anymore. Congratulation, sister. " Sugar smiled proudly.
Monet: "Looks like I'll have to work even harder." Monet chuckled softly.
Arthur: "Three Devil Fruits don't simply grant greater power. They demand greater control."
Monet: "I'm ready." Monet stood.
Arthur: "Then follow me."
...
A few minutes later, Arthur and Monet entered the laboratory beneath the Athena. The heavy steel door slowly closed behind them. Like Sugar before her, Monet would undergo DNA rewrite by Heavenly Art. The impossible would become reality once again. And when those laboratory doors finally opened, The Art Pirates would possess their second member capable of wielding the power of three Devil Fruits.