When Purilite was captured and released undercover, Spandine naturally had to have some precautions, so he made a Life Card before Purilite set off.
If it were someone else, it wouldn't matter; they would surely be able to create an appropriate Life Card.
However, Purilite is a user of the Act-Act Fruit. He carries hair and other materials from various people to create puppets. The materials Spandine had were not from Purilite but from other people.
A Life Card made from someone else's materials naturally doesn't belong to Purilite. That's why Purilite was already dead, but there was no change in the Life Card in Spandine's hand.
The agent he referred to as Fleit had entered the Grand Line according to the Life Card's fluctuations. By a stroke of luck, he ended up in the right place, because the person Purilite had used to make the Life Card had fortuitously joined the actual John's Grand Fleet.
So Fleit couldn't find Purilite but accidentally found John, which led him to a certain conclusion.
Purilite had indeed betrayed their agreement with Spandine, fully joining the John Pirates.
"Officer Spandine, I'm currently in the First Half of the Grand Line, Natehuo Kingdom. I haven't found Purilite, but the Life Card is reacting intensely. He should be nearby, and I've also discovered John here."
"That guy's Fruit Ability can disguise others. It's normal that you can't see him, but are you sure that's John?"
"I'm certain. Accompanying him is another great pirate, also once a member of the Rocks ship, currently identified as 'Silver Axe.'
Inside a hotel in Natehuo Kingdom, Fleit cautiously reported his findings. Two remnants of Rocks gathered together was not good news for him.
According to his investigation, they've been in Natehuo Kingdom for a significant period, and if Purilite's previous information was true, then the treasure of Rocks likely has a considerable connection to this place.
The size of states along the Grand Line varies greatly, with unique geography creating diverse island cultures. Smaller states can be traversed entirely in a day, while larger ones boast vast lands and populations.
Natehuo Kingdom is a large country in the Grand Line, with a total area roughly half that of Alabasta, and a mild climate with a perpetual spring throughout the year.
It is also one of the World Government's member countries, so Fleit has to be mindful of the locals when operating here.
"Officer Spandine, should we request aid from a nearby branch..."
"Idiot, if the Navy knows, everything will be exposed!"
"But this group's threat level... Natehuo Kingdom is a member country, and if something really happens, it won't be easy to explain."
"Haven't they done anything yet? Continue to monitor. I'll apply for personnel to assist you. With this treasure, my future in the World Government will be secure, and you'll benefit too."
"Yes, I understand."
As a CP agent, being on the frontline daily is incredibly dangerous. His ideal is to become an office executive, issuing commands without risk.
The credit from discovering Rocks' treasure could achieve this, and based on his investigation, John has been waiting all this time, not behaving like a pirate at all.
Although Natehuo Kingdom is a member of the World Government, the World Government is not particularly attentive to member countries' affairs and may not help in times of difficulty. However, if this country fails to pay the Heavenly Tribute, they'll be stripped of their member status.
At that point, the country will be abandoned by the Navy, becoming a lawless area, so member countries strive to maintain their status.
Membership doesn't necessarily ensure citizens' safety, but being a non-member country is certainly more dangerous.
The World Government wants the Heavenly Tribute regardless of how it's procured. The Kingdom of Woka, where Kaidou was born, secured it through external wars.
Natehuo Kingdom is similar. Their fleet even has the status of legal pirates. This is why Natehuo Kingdom doesn't ban pirates from entering; the country is dubbed the Gray Kingdom, with many pirates fencing goods here.
To protect its interests, the place even has unwritten rules within the pirate world.
Fleit disguised himself as a regular smuggler to settle in, while Arceus and the others followed the Life Card's guidance to gradually approach.
John's previous location kept changing, so Arceus and the others frequently had to adjust their course. They've been sailing for over three months since departure.
The Windless Zone poses no obstacle to them. With the power device crafted by Queen and its external rotor, they can speed through the Windless Zone, with Sea King Types posing no threat, significantly saving time.
They were still using that patrol ship. Asie and Queen had a pleasant time together, sharing in the joy of sweets.
Due to over a hundred years of only eating meat, Asie has an inordinate love for fruits and vegetables, which sparked his initial connection with Queen.
Moreover, his top-tier talents in materials science and chemistry surpass even Queen. The two top scientists had a particularly friendly exchange, and crucially, Asie wasn't competitive but engaged in mutual praise with Queen, satisfying his vanity.
Additionally, there was an even more critical reason: someone was finally on board to help with chores.
Compared to Asie, Olga's life was less enjoyable. It's been over a hundred years since she last studied. As a scientist, Asie knew the importance of learning, so he began tutoring her.
Kaidou genuinely wanted Olga to be an intern aboard the ship, taking the responsibility more seriously than Rocks, providing focused teaching, and overseeing Olga's physical training daily.
King and Shaina were practicing on their own. They had entered the basics of Haki and needed more practice to master it fully before learning higher levels.
According to the Life Card's response, they were getting closer to their target. Having completely absorbed the Dark Type Plate, Arceus called Shaina over.
"Great Sacred Beast, is there anything you need?"
"Can you dance?" Shaina was unsure why Arceus asked such a question, but she still responded.
"A little, it's the Lunarians Race's ancient ritual dance. If you want to see other dances, I could learn them."
"No need, I just want to teach you a special dance, a combat dance—Sword Dance."