A young sailor who set out to sea to save his mother returns from the Grand Line but that was not the end of the story, only the beginning.
Very soon, a new legend began to spread across the Grand Line.
It was the tale of the "Dream Island." It was said to be an incredible island, like something out of a fairy tale. It did not remain fixed in one place, but drifted freely throughout the Grand Line.
On that island lived countless legendary creatures, Sphinxes, griffins, chimeras, flame-like fairies, and even dancing trees. It was said that when those sailing the seas reached the island, a fairy would appear, guiding them ashore and allowing the island's god to grant their wishes.
Whether it was gold and treasure, food and ships, or healing and health, everything could be obtained.
Of course, there were also rumors that the island's god did not favor greedy individuals obsessed with wealth, so any gold or treasure taken from the island would soon dissipate into the air.
But no matter what, people longed for it and as time passed, more and more rules about the island began to spread. It was said that those who wished to make a wish had to bring enough valuable items, gold, silver, jewels, or precious artifacts.
In addition, they would need to offer their own life and a portion of their lifespan to obtain truly valuable rewards.
Among all rewards, the most precious of all was the island's unique "treasure."
Its name was… The Fountain of Youth.
Those words alone were enough to drive countless people into madness.
Especially after a certain merchant paid over three billion Beli and sacrificed the lifespan of fifty attendants in exchange for a single drop of the Fountain of Youth, and was truly restored to youth for a period of time.
The entire Grand Line was soon filled with people searching for the Dream Island.
Nobles from various kingdoms, greedy pirates, profit-driven merchants, countless ambitious individuals flocked toward it. Many had already begun to see the Dream Island as their greatest opportunity for wealth and power. To find the island, drain the Fountain of Youth, capture those Phantom Beasts, the sheer profit involved was enough to make their heads spin just imagining it.
However, it didn't take long for people to realize, this fairy tale-like island was far from weak. It was said that some well-known pirates of the Grand Line once landed on the island with weapons in hand.
None of them ever left.
Over time, even more legends emerged.
Some claimed that they learned from the island's "Miss Fairy" that all the mythical creatures on the island had the duty to guard it.
Among them, the strongest were called the "Phantom Beast Lords," servants of the island's god. Anyone who set foot on the island with malice or evil intent would ultimately perish in their jaws.
Only those who arrived with goodwill and followed the island spirit's rules would have a chance to see their wishes fulfilled.
Across the Grand Line, even children's rhymes inspired by this sea legend began to spread:
"Dream Island, land of desire,
Moon for sails, and stars for oars.
Fairies sing within the mist.
Lost souls, dream-chasers,
Pray with honest hearts, return with blessings.
But the greedy who draw their blades,
Vines and rainbow springs become their noose,
And their bones fall into the sea."
"…Honestly, doesn't that rhyme sound a bit off? What kind of kids came up with that?"
Inside the great meeting hall of Marineford's main tower, the Tenshukaku… Roy gave that sharp critique right after hearing the nursery rhyme.
"True enough."
Beside him, the one chatting with him was an old acquaintance, Hamo, the Giant Vice Admiral known as "Giant Blade."
Yes, the very same one Roy had defeated during the Three-Forces Military Exercise, and from whom he had incidentally learned the combat techniques of Elbaf.
"This nursery rhyme really lacks impact."
At this moment, however, the Giant Vice Admiral, who had become acquainted with Roy through battle, appeared rather cheerful. Warriors of Elbaf never hold grudges. On the contrary, Roy's strength during that encounter had earned the admiration of this power-worshipping Giant.
So now, he laughed heartily. "The rhymes we sang as kids were way better, behead them, crush their bones, raise the war banners, let the blood fly…"
"Alright, alright, that's enough."
Roy quickly waved his hand to stop him. "Your Giant tribe's childhood education is… certainly very vigorous."
"Yeah, though it's a shame King Harald banned the spread of those rhymes back in the day…"
Vice Admiral Hamo smacked his lips, then looked at Roy. "By the way, Black Kirin, why are you sitting next to me?"
He glanced at Roy curiously. "This is a temporary meeting for Headquarters officers… based on rank, you should be sitting over there, right?"
As he spoke, he pointed out the reason Roy was seated here.
In fact, the grand meeting hall was already packed and judging by the insignias on their uniforms and their imposing auras, every single one present was at least a Commodore or higher.
Seated at the very front were Sakazuki and Borsalino.
Kizaru looked as laid-back and careless as ever.
Sakazuki, on the other hand, sat in silence, exuding an aura that warned others not to approach.
The third Admiral, Kuzan, was not present. He had recently been tasked with guarding Mary Geoise and would not leave easily. Behind the two Admirals sat Gion, while the other Admiral candidate, Tokikake, was away on a mission.
This seating arrangement was standard during such meetings, Admirals in front, Admiral candidates next, followed by Vice Admirals and Commodores.
So logically, Roy, the "Black Kirin", should have been seated there.
Of course, this rule wasn't strictly enforced and Roy was a perfect example of that.
"… "
He was silent for a moment before deciding to tell the truth.
"This is my first time attending a meeting like this. I was worried that if I sat in the front and fell asleep, Fleet Admiral Sengoku might come after me."
"…Huh?"
Bang.
Just as the Giant Vice Admiral was left speechless, the doors to the meeting hall opened.
And in walked Sengoku.
At his side was the "Great Staff Officer," Tsuru.
But what surprised Roy was, there was a clear fist mark on Sengoku's face, and even his nose was wrapped in bandages, visibly bleeding.
For reference, almost every Commodore and above stationed at Headquarters was present.
Except for one person.
That person was Monkey D. Garp. So the source of that punch mark didn't need much explanation.
Even so, Roy was a bit surprised.
He had heard from Zephyr that although Garp had always been carefree around Sengoku, often joking, laughing, and even throwing punches, he usually held back after Sengoku became Fleet Admiral, at least avoiding hits to the face.
Which made Roy genuinely curious, what exactly had happened between those two this time?
He even felt a bit of regret. If he had known the meeting would start off this explosively, he would've sat in the front row just to properly enjoy the drama.
"Everyone, prepare for the meeting."
At this moment, Sengoku, despite the fist mark on his face, spoke calmly.
"Today's topic is, 'The Twelve Zodiac.'"
He got straight to the point, and his words made Roy pause slightly before turning serious.
…Wait a second.
Did the gossip just land right on his own head?
(End of Chapter)
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