Though their movements appeared casual, their eyes couldn't conceal flickers of excitement and greed, as if they were already calculating how to get a share of the spoils.
Seeing this, Enel and Izo exchanged glances, secretly laughing to themselves while maintaining nonchalant expressions.
They slowly stood up, straightened their clothes, then turned and walked away from the banquet hall with unhurried steps.
Unbeknownst to them, the moment they left, the Big Mom Pirates' banquet hall erupted into chaos.
"Those fools actually revealed such an important secret!"
"Hahaha, arrogant bastards. Whitebeard's high bounty must have gone to their heads too."
"Complete idiots. I don't know how that shrewd Ron ended up with these two as his guards."
"Shh... keep your voice down. Now that we have this information, the initiative is in our hands!"
"..."
Big Mom set down the cake in her hand as a glint of greed flashing in her eyes.
"Impel Down... the sixth level... the blood and abilities of those powerful inmates! If those two hadn't mentioned it, I'd almost forgotten!"
"That place holds countless heinous criminals," Big Mom's voice grew more sinister, each word carrying an icy chill, "including many with incredibly powerful abilities... If we could harness their power, our Charlotte Family would become unstoppable!"
Standing nearby, the eldest son Perospero couldn't resist licking his lips upon hearing Big Mom's words.
His slender tongue darted back and forth at the corner of his mouth like a venomous snake waiting to strike, his eyes gleaming with excitement as if he could already envision the scene of his power being greatly enhanced.
"MAMA, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" Perospero exclaimed excitedly, his voice filled with barely concealed joy.
"If we can seize the initiative and take the powers of those ability users, our strength will increase dramatically! By then, the entire world will tremble beneath our feet!"
Katakuri, in stark contrast to Perospero, appeared relatively calm.
His profound eyes revealed a trace of steadiness and wisdom, as if he alone maintained a clear head amidst this fervent atmosphere.
"However, this matter requires careful handling," Katakuri said solemnly, each word carrying immense weight.
"Impel Down is, after all, a crucial stronghold of the World Government, with extremely tight defenses there."
"Magellan's strength shouldn't be underestimated either - he possesses the powerful Poison-Poison Devil Fruit ability. The slightest carelessness could plunge us into irreversible disaster. We must formulate a thorough plan to ensure complete success."
"But there's no need to be overly concerned, and Logia users are barely affected."
"As long as we're careful, we can achieve this with zero losses!"
After listening to Katakuri's words, Big Mom nodded slightly.
"Correct, this operation must be flawless," Big Mom nodded, a flash of ruthlessness in her eyes.
"Perospero, immediately gather our personnel. At the same time, prepare the ships to ensure our operation can proceed swiftly."
"Katakuri, you're responsible for formulating the action plan - consider every detail thoroughly. We must enter Impel Down before Ron and Shiki!"
"We depart immediately after the enchantment is complete!"
"Yes, MAMA!"
"Yes!"
...
Meanwhile, Enel and Izo hurried back to Ron's side with quickened steps.
At that time, Ron stood quietly on a highland with an open view, his gaze profound and distant as if contemplating some major decision.
When Enel and Izo approached, he turned his head slightly, his eyes revealing a hint of anticipation.
The two didn't dare show the slightest negligence, quickly organizing their thoughts before reporting every detail of what they had just experienced to Ron.
After listening, Ron's lips curved slightly upward into a satisfied smile.
"Well done. Now we'll see how Big Mom performs."
Hearing this, Enel frowned slightly with a trace of worry flashing in his eyes.
After hesitating for a moment, he couldn't help but ask.
"Sir, if Big Mom truly enters Impel Down before us, won't our plans be affected?"
His heart was filled with doubts.
Having heard that Impel Down's defensive capabilities shouldn't be underestimated - even a powerhouse like Shiki had to sever both legs to escape - if Big Mom's actions disrupted their original plan, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Ron slightly shook his head, his gaze fixed firmly on the distance, a trace of confidence in his tone.
"No. Big Mom's actions will only further disrupt the defenses of Impel Down, which is actually an opportunity for us."
"Moreover, given Big Mom's personality, she will definitely charge head-on into Impel Down, drawing the World Government's attention. Meanwhile, we can quietly accomplish our objectives."
Izo listened quietly nearby, nodding in agreement.
"That's right, Big Mom's actions will draw most of the firepower for us. We only need to strike at the critical moment to achieve twice the result with half the effort."
Ron slowly stood up, his figure appearing particularly imposing under the setting sun.
"Next, we just need to wait."
"Once Big Mom finishes her enchantment and takes action, we'll set off immediately. Impel Down... will soon become our stage."
...…
Egghead Island.
Inside the laboratory, blinding fluorescent lights illuminated the entire space.
Vegapunk stood before the experimental table, his iconic massive head gleaming with a metallic sheen under the lights.
On the experimental table, A vibrant green potion flowed slowly within a test tube, shimmering with an eerie glow as if possessing life.
"Success!"
Vegapunk's voice carried unconcealable excitement as he adjusted his thick glasses.
"The Seraphim Project has been completed ahead of schedule, and this byproduct, the Super Green Blood Potion, will completely change the battlefield."
In the corner of the laboratory, several white-coated clones were recording data.
"Doctor, can this potion really allow ordinary people to use all types of Devil Fruit abilities?"
"...More or less."
"???"