Grand Line, Kenzan Island.
Amidst the curious gazes of the Longarm Tribe, Brook, reduced to nothing but bones, stood silently reading the newspaper.
In the public notices section, bold and unmistakable, was the Straw Hat Pirates' emblem accompanied by the cryptic message: "3D(X)2Y"!
"...Luffy-san, is that you?"
"I see... But to think there's a way to publish a message through the newspaper? Looks like I have to work hard too..."
"40 degrees!"
Thud!
"Ah... so difficult!"
"Less than 45 degrees and I still fall... Yohohoho..."
"Well then... shall I perform my new single?"
...
Sky Island, Weatheria.
"So, it was Admiral Wright who entrusted you with these books?"
"These may be fundamental concepts, but by learning them, you're already one of us here in Weatheria..."
Meteorologist Haredas nodded slowly as he listened to Nami's story.
"Wright was absolutely right. Advanced meteorology can indeed be a powerful weapon. Take, for example, the Weather Balls—oh!"
Haredas's face turned pale. "What did I just say?!"
"Oh~"
Nami's eyes gleamed. "I knew that strange orb in the field was interesting! So it really can be used as a weapon?!"
"Teach me how to use Weather Balls, Haredas-sensei! Teach me everything you know!"
"Impossible! This is one of Weatheria's greatest inventions! If misused, it could throw the world into chaos!"
Nami stared at the sweating Haredas.
"I need to help my crewmates... And more than that, I have a promise with Kuina-nee..."
She thought of Luffy and the others, of Kuina, who had eaten the Float-Float Fruit, and of the words she had once spoken as a child:
"If Kuina-nee ever needs my help, I'll do everything I can!"
The greatest weakness of the Float-Float Fruit... is stormy weather.
A sly smile appeared on Nami's face.
"It's not just about helping that idiot Luffy become the Pirate King. Once we reach the New World, being able to escape from Kuina-nee will be just as important!"
...
South Blue, Torino Kingdom.
After returning to the island, Chopper was led by the locals to the village's grand library, where a staggering number of books awaited him.
"This island has many plants that can be made into 'potent medicines.' Our pharmaceutical technology is top-notch, and thanks to you dealing with those giant birds, we can finally gather the necessary herbs!"
"Wow..."
Chopper gasped, murmuring to himself.
"I really judged these people by their appearances... Thinking back, their weapons are highly mechanized!"
"This tribe looks simple-minded, but this is actually a nation of advanced culture..."
"I can learn so much here..."
The islanders watched in cold sweat as Chopper muttered to himself.
"Uh... little tanuki, you do realize you're saying all that out loud, right?"
"And the first part was way too rude!"
How much can I learn in this library...
If I combine this knowledge with Aunt Kureha's teachings, Doctor 20's research, and Germa's medical technology, I can definitely become stronger!
I never want to feel powerless again!
Luffy, wait for me!
...
Grand Line, Kamabakka Kingdom.
With the return of the "Okama King" Emporio Ivankov, the entire Kamabakka Kingdom was reinvigorated! Of course, Sanji, who had been sent here by Kuma, found himself in an even deeper hell.
"If 100% of the world drank milk daily, crime would disappear! Do you believe that?!"
Ivankov passionately introduced Sanji to Kamabakka's secret martial arts training—one of the Newkama Kenpo Secret Techniques: The 99 Vital Recipes!
"Behold! The Sweethearts of this island, with their sturdy, muscular beauty! And their gentle hearts!"
"Food is environment! It shapes bones! It builds character!"
"Food creates everything in the human body! To not 'attack' is to waste its potential!"
"It's you vs. the heart of Newkama Kenpo!"
"If you win, any wish of yours will be granted!"
"But if you lose... can you still call yourself a 'man'?!"
If I overcome this, I will become multiple times stronger than I am now!
Sanji clenched his cigarette between his lips and took out a windproof lighter that shimmered with a faint golden glow. Engraved on it were the words:
"Travel light when cooking outdoors."
Clutching the lighter—a gift from Admiral Wright—Sanji considered the possibilities. With this mysterious tool and the powerful 99 Vitality Menus, what kind of transformation awaited him?
By then...
"I accept this challenge!"
"I will survive this hell!"
"Luffy! When we meet again, to witness you becoming the Pirate King, I will provide you with the best support in the world!"
...
Grand Line, Future Kingdom Baldimore.
"Amazing... These are inventions from Vegapunk's youth?"
Looking almost unrecognizable, Franky marveled at the weapon prototypes uncovered in the recently blown-open secret laboratory.
"This is insane..."
"From battleships to human cellular research—just how does this guy's brain work?!"
The Thousand Sunny still hasn't reached its full potential...
The one who can make it the 'Ship of Dreams' is you, Captain...
I need to master even greater technology, so we can withstand any adventure!
So, Luffy... let's ride the storms of the New World together!
...
Grand Line, Boin Archipelago.
"Huff... Huff... Heraclesun! I want to get stronger!"
"If Luffy is going to become the Pirate King, my strength is indispensable!"
"Listen to me, Heracles-sensei..."
"Huh? 'Sensei'-un?"
"That's right! You live on this dangerous island, you're wise and courageous. I have so many things I want to learn from you!"
"Wi—wise and courageous sensei-un?"
"Yes! You are my wise and courageous teacher!"
"My name is Heraclesun!"
"That's such a cool name!"
Adjusting his goggles, which had "Not for Peeping" engraved on them, Usopp clenched his fists with newfound determination.
Luffy! To help you become Pirate King...
I will become a true 'Sniper King'!
...
East Blue, Tequila Wolf.
"Miss Robin, next we'll be heading to Baltigo."
"Thank you... Knowing that you exist, I've been looking forward to this."
Nico Robin smiled at the Revolutionary Army soldier before her.
"Ever since that man guided me, I realized... this world is far more fascinating than I had ever imagined."
"That man...?"
"Perhaps your leader might know a thing or two."
"Dragon-sama has always wanted to meet you. I'm sure your arrival will greatly aid our cause."
Luffy... if I follow your father and join the movement that's reshaping the world, will I grow even stronger?
Wanting to become stronger for someone else... I never thought I'd feel that way before.