After recording the magnetic field, the Shinigami Pirates left the Kingdom of Rommel.
Days passed.
The Soul Society ship continued its voyage across the vast sea, heading toward the next island.
In the blink of an eye—
half a month went by.
And during that time—
Ren Kuro received shocking news.
The legendary "Ultimate Devil Fruit"… had appeared in the North Blue.
Standing at the edge of the deck, Ren Kuro gazed out at the sea, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
"So… after two years, it's finally appeared."
The so-called Ultimate Devil Fruit—
was, in truth—
the Op-Op Fruit.
A Paramecia-type fruit with extremely unique abilities.
Its ultimate power—
was the ability to perform the Perennial Youth Operation.
Once performed—
the user would die—
but the recipient would gain eternal life.
Because of this—
it was called the Ultimate Devil Fruit.
Its value surpassed even the highest pirate bounties.
The World Government was willing to pay—
5 billion Berries—
just to obtain it.
Two years ago—
Ren Kuro had already received information about this fruit.
And he knew—
Donquixote Doflamingo had also set his sights on it.
According to the latest intel—
the fruit was now in the hands of:
Diez Barrels.
And would soon be traded—
on Minion Island—
with the Marines.
And behind the scenes—
Doflamingo was orchestrating everything.
"North Blue… Doflamingo… the Op-Op Fruit…"
Ren Kuro murmured each name softly.
Then—
he made his decision.
"We cross the Calm Belt."
"We go to the North Blue."
"And take the Op-Op Fruit."
A pause.
"And while we're at it…"
"…we eliminate the Donquixote Family."
Just then—
Yoruichi appeared beside him.
"What's with that expression?" she asked casually, patting his shoulder. "We're about to reach the next island. You should be in a better mood."
"We're already close?" Ren Kuro frowned slightly.
He had originally planned to head straight for the North Blue.
After all—
the deal would take place in about half a month.
"Cosma Island. It's near Dressrosa—and part of this route," Yoruichi explained with a smile. With her background in the Stealth Force, she had everything on the ship running perfectly.
"Then we'll stop there briefly."
Ren Kuro nodded.
"We resupply."
"After one day…"
"…we leave the New World."
"Head to North Blue."
Yoruichi blinked.
"Leave the New World? Suddenly?"
"For the Op-Op Fruit."
"And to kill Doflamingo."
His answer was immediate.
Yoruichi's expression turned slightly serious.
"…So that fruit really is that important."
"It is."
Under normal circumstances—
crossing the Calm Belt was nearly impossible.
Even Marine ships required Seastone hulls to pass safely.
But—
for a crew made entirely of Shinigami—
it wasn't a problem.
Which was exactly why—
Ren Kuro was confident.
Cosma Island
The arrival of the Shinigami Pirates had already caused a massive stir.
But before the commotion could settle—
another presence appeared.
A man—
who struck fear into everyone present.
The one closest to the title of the world's greatest swordsman—
Dracule Mihawk.
As one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, his reputation had spread across the entire Grand Line.
Combined with his unmatched swordsmanship—
he was one of the most dangerous men alive.
Fortunately—
he was a lone wolf.
Rarely seen.
Unpredictable.
That was precisely why the World Government had recruited him.
"..."
After stepping ashore—
Mihawk said nothing.
His hawk-like eyes swept across the crowd.
Even pirates with bounties over 100 million—
didn't dare meet his gaze.
It felt as if—
their souls were being seen through.
"I have a question."
His voice was calm—
but carried absolute pressure.
"Answer me."
Everyone nodded instinctively.
"Is the man known as 'Shinigami' on this island?"
"What—?! You're looking for him?!"
The crowd erupted.
Mihawk frowned slightly.
"I said…"
"…just answer."
A terrifying killing intent spread.
Instantly—
everyone felt like they were standing at death's door.
"H-He is! The Shinigami Pirates are on this island!"
"…Good."
Mihawk turned—
and walked away.
"I finally found you."
Behind him—
the massive black blade Yoru rested like a cross—
glinting under the sunlight.
After he disappeared—
only then did the crowd collapse in relief.
"That was close… we almost angered him…"
Everyone was drenched in cold sweat.
"Someone like him… personally searching for Shinigami…"
"…this is going to be huge."
"A clash between the strongest swordsman… and that monster crew…"
"Who will win?"
Excitement—
and fear—
spread through the crowd.
A storm—
was coming.
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