The New World's First Breath
The coated Heaven's Embrace broke through the bubble exit from Fishman Island and soared into the open sky of the New World.
Above them, clouds churned in violent swirls; below, the sea was a living beast, waves rising like walls before being shattered by the ship's runic barrier.
Bell-mère stood at the bow, arms folded, squinting into the biting wind. "So… this is the New World. Feels like the weather's trying to fight me personally."
Nami gave a small laugh, but her eyes were already scanning the log pose strapped to her wrist. "Course is set. Next island's reading volatile as hell."
"Perfect," Vegito said, tail swaying lazily. "I was starting to get bored."
Punk Hazard in Sight
It didn't take long before the air itself changed — one half of the horizon shimmered with heatwaves, while the other was a jagged nightmare of ice spikes. The island seemed split down the middle, a perfect line of impossible climate.
Kuina frowned, adjusting the collar of her coat. "That's… not natural."
"It's Punk Hazard," Robin confirmed. "Once a Marine research facility. Something… went wrong."
"Wrong is our bread and butter," Vegito said. "Drop us in."
The Reception Committee
They landed on the frozen side, boots crunching into snow that looked like it hadn't been touched in years. The silence was thick — until it wasn't.
From the drifting fog, a squad of bulky men in gas masks emerged, their rifles aimed directly at the crew.
One of them raised a hand. "By order of Caesar Clown, this island is off-limits! Leave immediately!"
Vegito tilted his head. "That's cute. I like when small fry try to sound important."
The men exchanged uncertain glances. "You— you can't just—"
A single flick of Vegito's tail swept the front line off their feet, sending them tumbling through the snow like bowling pins.
"Send your boss my way," Vegito said, stepping over them. "I hate making house calls."
First Glimpse of Monet
Inside the facility, warm air replaced the icy bite, tinged with the faint scent of chemicals. The walls were steel, but the hallways wound like a maze.
It wasn't long before they ran into Monet — the harpy woman with mint-green hair, glasses, and the poise of someone who knew exactly how to mask her surprise.
"Well," she said, studying the group, "you're not Marines… and you're far too good-looking to be Caesar's men." Her eyes lingered a beat longer on Vegito. "And you must be the famous Vegito."
"Famous or infamous depends on who's talking," Vegito replied, smirking. "And you are?"
"Monet. Secretary to Caesar Clown… and an observer of interesting things."
Bell-mère shot her a look. "You're awfully calm for someone meeting the guy who just walked past your armed guards like they were paper dolls."
Monet's smile widened, just slightly. "I like to keep an open mind."
Caesar's Entrance
They found him in a high-ceilinged lab filled with glowing vats and humming machines. Caesar Clown — tall, lanky, with purple gas swirling faintly around him — threw his arms wide.
"So! You've come to Punk Hazard! You've heard of my genius, perhaps?"
"No," Vegito said flatly.
Caesar faltered. "Well, you will— wait, no, I mean—"
"Let me save you the trouble," Vegito continued, strolling toward him. "You're a mediocre scientist who hurts kids, makes bad gas weapons, and thinks cruelty makes you powerful. Spoiler: it doesn't."
The crew fanned out, some curious, others ready for a fight. Shirahoshi peeked over Robin's shoulder, clearly unsettled by the man's aura.
The Curb Stomp Begins
Caesar's smirk returned as he spread his hands, releasing a billowing cloud of poison gas.
"Let's see you breathe this, hero—"
Vegito didn't move. The gas swirled around him… and vanished. Not dispersed, not blown away — simply gone.
"Ki," Vegito said casually. "It's like Haki, but for people who don't feel like being poisoned."
Before Caesar could react, Vegito appeared in front of him, one hand closing around the scientist's throat.
"You know," Vegito said conversationally, "I don't think I've ever met anyone whose face screams 'punch me' as much as yours does."
The Knockout
The punch wasn't even flashy. Just a short, brutal arc of motion — enough to send Caesar crashing into the far wall, leaving a man-shaped dent. His body slumped forward, unconscious before he hit the floor.
The crew barely reacted — they'd seen worse from Vegito on slower days.
Monet, however, arched an eyebrow. "Well. That was… efficient."
"Stick with me," Vegito said with a grin, "and you'll see a lot more where that came from."
The Children
Robin's voice drew him toward another section of the lab. "Vegito… you need to see this."
The room beyond was filled with massive glass cylinders, each containing a child — some barely old enough to walk — suspended in a strange fluid. Their bodies were unnaturally large, swollen from chemical experiments.
Shirahoshi covered her mouth. "This is awful…"
Vegito's ki flared just enough to make the lights flicker. "Get them out. Now."
Bell-mère and Mikita smashed the cylinders one by one, carefully lifting the coughing, frightened children free. Robin and Kuina comforted them while Shirahoshi wrapped her tail protectively around the smallest ones.
Monet's First Crack
Monet lingered near the doorway, watching the rescue with an expression she tried to keep neutral. But when one of the kids reached for her, she knelt — almost reflexively — and smoothed the child's hair.
Vegito caught the moment. "Huh. Guess you're not as cold as you look."
She shot him a sideways glance. "…Don't read too much into it."
"I'll read what I want," he said with a smirk.
Exit and Promise
With Caesar slung over his shoulder like a sack of grain, Vegito led the way back to Heaven's Embrace. The rescued children followed under the watchful eyes of Shirahoshi and Bell-mère.
At the gangplank, Monet paused. "You know… there's no going back for me if I leave with you."
Vegito looked over his shoulder. "Then don't look back."
She hesitated only a moment longer before stepping aboard.
[Crew Roster Updated]
Monet (Combat Support / Recon) – joins after Caesar's defeat.
Caesar Clown – prisoner.
Rescued Punk Hazard children – to be returned to families.
Next Destination: Dressrosa — and Doflamingo doesn't know it yet, but his empire is about to be erased in one day.