"Anything else?" Takuro asked, his voice flat and unimpressed.+2
Robin nodded, her eyes scanning the ancient symbols. She continued, "Besides the apology, it also mentioned... the Ancient Weapons".+1
At the mention of that phrase, everyone who understood its weight turned pale. Gion's pupils contracted sharply, and her hand instinctively moved toward the hilt of her sword, Konpira. Even Whitebeard, a man who had seen everything the sea could offer, furrowed his silver brows even deeper.+4
"The text specifically names the Ancient Weapon, Poseidon. Furthermore, it suggests that the giant ship Noah, which is moored near Fish-Man Island, was built for a purpose directly related to this weapon," Robin explained.+1
She looked over at Neptune, whose eyes had suddenly sharpened with a defensive light, and at Queen Otohime, who appeared to be struck by a sudden, pale premonition.+1
"Finally, it records a legend about Poseidon. It says that when a mermaid princess appears with the ability to communicate with and guide the Sea Kings, a 'Guide' will also appear alongside her. Together, they will lead Fish-Man Island toward its true future".+1
As she finished, Robin let out a soft, tired sigh. While these secrets were world-shaking, they weren't the core historical truths about the Void Century or the Will of D. that she truly sought. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment.+1
But for the others, the silence was deafening. King Neptune's mouth hung open, his massive frame swaying as if he were about to collapse under the weight of the information. Joy Boy's apology, the truth of the Noah, the location of an Ancient Weapon, and the legend of the Guide—these were secrets that could shatter the world's balance, all carved on a stone they had guarded for eight hundred years without understanding a single word.+1
Queen Otohime covered her mouth, her eyes wide with disbelief. Her mind immediately raced to her newborn daughter, Shirahoshi. Deep down, she felt a terrifying certainty that the power of Poseidon was connected to her child.+1
Gion took a deep breath of the cold sea air, trying to steady her racing heart. 'Ancient Weapons... Poseidon... No wonder the World Government would go to such lengths to erase Ohara,' she thought. 'This power is enough to overturn the entire world'.+4
However, in the middle of this heavy, dramatic silence, a voice rang out that was filled with obvious annoyance:+1
"That's it?" +1
Takuro was actually picking at his ear, looking bored out of his mind. He even let out a small, dismissive yawn.+1
"Wh-what?!" Neptune snapped, wondering if he had misheard. To this man, a Poneglyph containing the fate of the world and the future of an entire race was only worth a shrug? +1
Takuro glanced at the stone tablet with zero interest in his crimson pupils.+1
"It's just a bunch of talk about old agreements, apologies, and some mysterious 'Guide,'" he said, his voice overflowing with disdain. "A lot of rambling that turns out to be nothing but empty promises and outdated prophecies. Honestly, it sounds like the self-consolation of losers and a spiritual crutch for the weak".+1
Takuro pursued pure, absolute power—the kind of strength found in the clash of fists and the mastery of Ki that pointed toward the origin of the universe. To him, talk of fate and relying on hidden weapons seemed pathetic.+4
"The true future isn't decided by waiting for some damn Guide or finding an old weapon," Takuro said, looking at Neptune and Otohime with brutal honesty. "It's forged by your own strength!" +1
His words hit the air of the Sea Forest like a heavy hammer, shattering the quiet reverence that had lasted for centuries.+1
"This is boring. Let's head back," Takuro announced, turning away without a second glance at the stone. He walked away as if he had just sat through a dull play.+1
"Wait... you're just leaving?" Neptune stammered, still reeling from the mention of an Ancient Weapon.+1
Queen Otohime watched his back, her expression complex. She realized that Takuro's mind wasn't on the dusty past; he was focused on a future that was far more direct and terrifying. Robin adjusted her skirt and silently followed, already used to Takuro's blunt way of doing things. Whitebeard said nothing, his massive steps steady as he followed the man he had chosen to submit to.+1
Back at Ryugu Palace, the atmosphere was completely different. Takuro sat confidently on Neptune's throne, and no one dared to tell him to move. He scanned the room and moved directly to the next topic.+1
"Alright, the minor stuff is done," Takuro said. "Now, let's talk business—the specific plan to attack Mary Geoise".+4
The words echoed through the hall like a clap of thunder.+1
"I've been waiting for this day, Boss Takuro!" Fisher Tiger was the first to shout. The flames of revenge burned in his eyes, and his huge muscles bulged as he clenched his fists. He had waited far too long to settle the score with the Celestial Dragons.+4
In contrast, Whitebeard sat cross-legged and calm, his massive naginata resting across his lap. He simply gave a faint "Hmm," as if they were discussing a tea party rather than an assault on the World Government's holy land.+4
Neptune and Otohime, however, were pale with panic. To them, attacking Mary Geoise sounded like a suicide mission. They could already see the Marine Admirals and CP0 agents flattening their home.+4
"Lord Takuro, isn't this... a bit rushed? Perhaps we should think about this more carefully..." Neptune tried to suggest, his throat dry.+1
"Rushed?" Takuro scoffed, cutting him off. "Who said we're going right now?" +1
Tiger looked startled. "Then what are we waiting for? When do we move?" +1
"No rush," Takuro said, tapping the armrest of the throne, a calculating glint appearing in his eyes. "We need to be prepared. Thoroughly prepared".+1
"Preparation? What kind of preparation?" Tiger asked, confused. He figured with Takuro's god-like power, they could just punch their way through anything.+1
Takuro's lips curved into a sharp, confident smile. "The preparation to call in more people".
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