Somewhere in the vast ocean, the colossal figure of Zunesha pressed forward, its massive form parting the waves.
A veil of misty white light enveloped its body, making it appear as a towering, ethereal silhouette from a distance—like an enormous straw hat hovering over the sea.
Strangely, despite Zunesha's tremendous movements, no sound echoed through the air. It moved with an eerie silence.
...
Atop Zunesha, Joy Boy sat cross-legged on a giant tree. His skin emitted a soft, radiant glow, and wisps of white flame flickered across his body. A flowing ribbon of white flame swirled around him, rustling the surrounding leaves in a rhythmic dance.
Above him, a straw hat hovered in midair, slowly spinning. White specks of light continuously emerged from it, merging into the vast protective barrier surrounding Zunesha, as if replenishing its energy.
Rustle…
A bush below the massive tree shook as Pedro parted the foliage and stepped forward.
Wearing a crown atop his head, he gazed up at Joy Boy with deep reverence in his eyes.
Joy Boy, as if sensing his presence, opened his eyes. Twin beams of tangible white light shot forth, illuminating a large tree in front of him. The tree began to twist unnaturally, its trunk swelling rapidly. Thick branches contorted into writhing tendrils, one of which reached down to lift Pedro, bringing him before Joy Boy.
Pedro turned his head, eyeing the receding tree limb with awe.
Joy Boy grinned and sprang to his feet. He patted Pedro on the shoulder and asked, "Fun, isn't it?"
Pedro composed himself and replied, "Truly a remarkable power!"
Joy Boy crossed his arms, a playful smile on his face. Compared to the battered state he was in when he first arrived on Zunesha, he now exuded confidence.
After reclaiming the "legacy" he had once left behind on this island, he had spent time honing his abilities. Now, his fusion with Luffy's body was nearly complete, his strength increasing daily. He was not far from regaining his peak.
With a mere motion, he could now influence the world around him. According to his own words, he could unshackle all things from the constraints of rules and let them dance freely in this world.
He glanced at the straw hat spinning high above and then turned to Pedro. "Pedro, how is everyone's training coming along?"
The crowned Pedro lowered his head in a formal report-like manner.
"Everyone has fully mastered the use of Haki. They are now true Mink warriors!"
"No—free warriors. Don't forget our name, the Freedom Army!"
"Yes! The Freedom Army!"
At the mention of "freedom," Pedro's expression flushed with excitement, as if energized by sheer passion. He continued, "During the past full moons, I have guided the younger ones who hadn't yet mastered their transformations. They can now control their urges when transforming!"
Hearing this, Joy Boy's smile widened. He placed both hands on Pedro's shoulders and praised,
"Pedro, you've done an incredible job! I'm truly grateful to have you as a companion!"
Hearing Joy Boy's words, Pedro's enthusiasm soared. He puffed out his chest and declared,
"This is my duty! Don't worry, Joy Boy, I will help you eliminate the Celestial Dragons and free the world!"
Joy Boy's eyes welled up with emotion. He embraced Pedro tightly.
"Good! Good! We'll make the name of the Freedom Army shake this world!"
With that, he grasped Pedro's shoulder and leaped down from the massive tree, landing on the elastic ground below.
Pedro steadied his emotions and asked, "Joy Boy, what's our next move? Just say the word. The entire Mink Tribe follows your lead!"
Joy Boy shook his head slowly. "Pedro, you're mistaken. Not all of your people have accepted us yet."
Pedro's face darkened instantly. He scoffed, "It's all because of those traitors, Wanda and Carrot!"
...
After regaining his powers, Joy Boy had foreseen Carl's arrival the previous day. Using Zunesha's immense form, he had submerged them beneath the sea's surface, relying on the giant straw hat's barrier to block out the water and mask their presence. This allowed them to evade Carl's detection—narrowly avoiding an encounter.
During this time, he also noticed Wanda and Carrot traveling with Carl, realizing that they had leaked his whereabouts to the Marines.
Thinking about this, Joy Boy sighed. "I should've seen this coming. I never expected them to reveal our existence to the Navy. I even ran into them when I was leaving the island. I should have stopped them then."
Seeing Joy Boy blame himself, Pedro quickly reassured him, "This isn't your fault. It was my mistake for not keeping my people in check!"
A cold glint flashed in Pedro's eyes as he declared grimly, "If I meet them on the battlefield, I won't show mercy!"
Joy Boy waved a hand dismissively. "No need for that. They're still young. Let's leave them be. Right now, the Celestial Dragons are growing suspicious. Before the battle begins, we must be even more cautious and focus on strengthening ourselves."
"You're right. Joy Boy, how is your strength coming along?"
Joy Boy narrowed his eyes, clenched his fists, and felt the surging power within him.
"Just a little longer. But by the time Zunesha reaches our destination, I will be fully restored. This time, I won't fail!"
As he spoke, an overwhelming surge of Conqueror's Haki burst from his body. The sheer force of his presence sent shockwaves rippling through the air. Pedro, feeling the intensity of his aura, grew even more elated—as if he could already see the day when they would overthrow the Celestial Dragons.
...
Meanwhile, deep within Mary Geoise, in the Chamber of Flowers—
Seated upon the Empty Throne, Imu slowly raised their head, their gaze ice-cold as they looked ahead.
Their fingers traced the armrest of the throne, and in response, the sky over Mary Geoise darkened with heavy clouds. An ominous pressure filled the air, blanketing the entire city in an oppressive force.
Outside the Chamber of Flowers, the Five Elders' expressions changed simultaneously. As one, they fell to their knees, bowing toward the throne's direction.
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