"So weak-willed, and you still want to awaken the Dragon attribute?!"
"I think you should just give up and keep focusing on awakening your Devil Fruit ability instead!!!"
Hiss—
A razor-sharp slash gleaming with cold light suddenly tore through the air, surging viciously toward the Flame Knight opposite him.
That terrifying slash seemed to carry a hint of spatial intent within it, arriving before Sanji in the blink of an eye.
A faint dragon's roar was hidden inside the attack, adding several layers of overwhelming presence.
Yet facing Zoro's all-out strike, Sanji showed no intention of dodging. Instead, he condensed all of his Armament Haki, gathering it onto both arms and crossing them in a massive "X" before his chest, attempting to block Zoro's assault head-on.
BOOM!!!
Blazing flames instantly swept outward, followed by a violent shockwave that seemed capable of flattening everything. It blasted apart the fire and continued raging in all directions.
And as he sensed the dragon-like aura contained within the slash, Sanji's eyes suddenly flared with boiling flames.
"Impossible!"
"If that moss-head can do it, there's no way I can't!!!"
Along with his fierce anger, an unyielding fighting spirit surged violently within Sanji's heart.
At the same time, his eyes abruptly changed, transforming into a pair of fiery crimson, awe-inspiring dragon pupils.
Beneath his flaming armor, dark red scales slowly began to surface across his body.
However, as Sanji felt the changes in his body, his expression became even more ferocious!
Because this was not what he wanted to see!
In that instant, words Zoro had once said to him echoed in his mind like whispers from a dream.
"The body isn't the only path for attributes… guide the attribute with will, let the attribute assimilate the soul…"
"Don't let power control everything. You are the true master—make all energy obey you…"
"..."
"..."
Fragmented echoes kept surfacing in Sanji's mind.
Though he and Zoro usually didn't get along at all, Sanji had engraved every word of Zoro's guidance deep into his heart—and believed in it completely.
Don't let power dominate yourself. Use will to change the direction power takes!
Countless thoughts flashed through Sanji's mind, yet they were like countless falling feathers, leaving him unable to grasp a single one.
At that moment, the intent contained within the slash seemed to sense Sanji's predicament, suddenly letting out another dragon's roar.
The sharp slash advanced another step, piercing directly into Sanji's body.
Thin streams of blood flowed from the wound, only to be instantly scorched away by the intense heat of the flames.
Yet through that wound, a sudden surge of dragon-attribute energy forcibly pried open the rapidly healing flesh and domineeringly drilled into Sanji's body.
At this moment, Zoro's low voice inexplicably echoed by Sanji's ear:
"Curly-brow, this is my final Dragon Sword Intent!"
"Use your body to feel it properly!"
"…Moss-head," Sanji murmured softly. Feeling the dragon-attribute energy surging within him, he slowly closed his eyes.
Time itself seemed to freeze at that instant.
The boiling flames gradually died down. The raging slash slowly faded away…
Even Sanji's life force seemed to quiet itself.
And Sanji's consciousness completely sank into a strange state of stillness.
No one knew how much time passed.
When he finally opened his eyes again—
The dragon pupils in Sanji's eyes had completely disappeared.
And all the signs from before indicated that Sanji had not awakened the Dragon attribute…
His awakening, like Zoro's earlier, had merely applied dragon-attribute power to his body, transforming it into that of a flame dragon.
But in truth…
This was not the strongest way to use Pokémon attributes.
After all, whether it was Sanji or Zoro, they were both pure-blooded humans.
Naturally, the human body suited them far better.
That was why Sanji was willing to give up the boost from bodily dragonization and instead focus on an awakening method that applied Pokémon attributes externally to the body.
And now, perhaps… he had succeeded!!!
…
…
"The commotion over there has finally settled down, hasn't it?!"
Watching the flames fade from the horizon, Chopper and Robin—who were sparring in Fish-Man Karate—also stopped their movements.
After shaking the sweat from their heads, curiosity appeared in both of their eyes.
Pressed for time, Chopper glanced at the watch he'd bought on Fish-Man Island, then looked up at Robin.
"Robin, let's stop today's training here."
"I still need to go learn mechanical principles from Franky, and this afternoon there's Brook's music class… so I need to hurry."
"Mm~!"
Hearing Chopper's packed schedule, Robin showed no surprise at all. Instead, she smiled reassuringly.
"I'll let Jinbe-sensei know for you."
"And don't forget tomorrow's classes!"
"Thanks, Robin. Don't worry—I won't forget!"
With no time to spare, Chopper wasted no words. He grabbed the backpack near the training grounds, slung it over his shoulders, and without taking a single Rumble Ball, directly entered his human form with leg-strength enhancement. His body turned into a swift blur as he dashed toward the temporary workshop at the edge of the Sea Forest.
Ever since Red told him that the problem with Devil Fruit awakening had been resolved, little Chopper had shed all his worries, and his once-innocent smile had returned to his face.
And ever since he displayed extraordinary sniping talent under Usopp's guidance, every single day of his life had become incredibly fulfilling!
Zoro's swordsmanship lessons, Usopp's sniping class, Sanji's cooking, Nami's meteorology, Robin's history, Brook's music, Franky's mechanical principles, and Jinbe's Fish-Man Karate…
In the end, everyone in the Straw Hat crew discovered something astonishing—
Little Chopper showed remarkable talent in every class!
Though he was still far from the world-class geniuses of the Straw Hat Pirates, given the talent Chopper displayed, if he devoted himself for several years along any of their paths, he would at least reach the minimum standard of world-class level.
If a comparison had to be made, Chopper's overall talent was roughly on par with Caesar's in the scientific world.
Enough to achieve great things—yet forever separated from the absolute strongest by an insurmountable gap.
This was the power granted to Chopper by the Human-Human Fruit!
All-round talent! All-round brilliance!
If time allowed, after mastering everything in the world, the future Chopper might even become another kind of Vegapunk!
Reality proved Red's guess to be correct!
In his view, the pure Human-Human Fruit had already surpassed other Mythical Zoan types like the Great Buddha or Great Nyudo forms, ranking second only to the chosen one—Luffy's Nika form.
And now, Chopper had successfully reached an introductory level in every course.
Before long, he was sure to become the most popular member of the Straw Hat Pirates aside from Red!
After all…
No one could refuse such a capable little assistant like Chopper!
…
…
Time flew like a galloping horse.
In the blink of an eye, the Straw Hat Pirates had already stayed on Fish-Man Island for over a month.
And while the entire crew focused on training and strengthening themselves, countless events were unfolding across the seas.
Though the Straw Hat Pirates had entered a period of seclusion, the outside world did not grow quiet because of their disappearance.
Thanks to Luffy's sky-high bounty and the crew's actions, the Straw Hat Pirates had now officially earned the title of "the Fifth Emperor of the Sea"!
Although everyone instinctively distinguished Luffy from the other Four Emperors and didn't truly believe the Straw Hats could rival forces that had dominated the New World for decades—
The fact that the Straw Hat Pirates had become an Emperor-class crew was undeniable.
And they were the first pirate crew to earn the title of Sea Emperor before even entering the New World.
At the same time, Morgans and the World Economy News Paper released a series of explosive reports that left the world stunned!
These reports included—but were not limited to—the structure of Celestial Dragon residences, footage of slain Celestial Dragons, estimates of Celestial Dragon casualties during the Straw Hat incident, the internal layout of Pangaea Castle, aerial schematics of Mary Geoise's buildings, the abilities of the Five Elders, and the existence of the ruler of the Empty Throne—Imu…
Although every article began with a small disclaimer reading [Source unknown—readers please judge authenticity for yourselves], everyone knew—
The World Economy News Paper never published baseless reports.
Most importantly, Mary Geoise had only just been invaded days ago, and immediately afterward, Morgans released a flood of detailed reports—many featuring images of ruined areas.
Anyone with half a brain could guess that these intel leaks had to come from the Straw Hat Pirates' recent "uproar in heaven"!
Naturally, the World Government was furious.
After failing to capture the Straw Hat Pirates and the Supernovas, the Five Elders issued a direct order: the joint forces were to redirect their focus, treating Morgans and the World Economy News Paper with the same level of priority as the Straw Hat Pirates themselves.
The paper was declared contraband worldwide, second only to the Void Century's Poneglyphs.
However, the World Government still couldn't fully control the world—let alone the distribution of newspapers.
The World Economy News Paper had essentially become the world's equivalent of an underground website.
Impossible to obtain through official channels, but easy enough to find if you knew where to look.
And the information it provided ignited heated discussion among the world's top powers.
Five Elders each possessing at least Emperor-level combat power, an Imu whose strength was unknown yet commanded their kneeling, and the Marines, Cipher Pol, and other military forces under the World Government—
For the first time, the world truly glimpsed just how terrifying the power controlled by the World Government really was.
And the group paying the closest attention to all this was, without a doubt—the Revolutionary Army.
…
…
"Sir Issho, thank you for your support!"
"Among the rescued individuals you brought this time, over three hundred have chosen to join the Revolutionary Army's main forces and contribute to the liberation movement…"
"As for the remaining hundreds, we've arranged them in logistics roles where they can do what they're able."
Grand Line, White Soil Island · Baltigo.Inside the Revolutionary Army's secret base.
With a bright smile, the blond Sabo reported to the blind Issho on behalf of the Revolutionary Army.
After listening, Issho smiled slightly and nodded in satisfaction.
"Heh… as long as everything proceeds smoothly, that's the best outcome."
Then, without hesitation, he continued,
"Since my task is complete, I appreciate your hospitality during this time."
"I believe it's time for us to depart."
"Wait, Sir Issho!"
Seeing Issho about to leave, Sabo quickly raised a hand to stop him.
After gathering his thoughts, he looked up again, sincerity shining in his eyes.
"Working with you, Sir Issho, I can see your dissatisfaction with the world as it is—and the kindness and compassion in your heart…"
"So I believe you understand our ideals and goals: pursuing freedom and equality, and rising up against oppression and injustice!"
As his words fell, Sabo's expression became resolute.
"Once again…"
"On behalf of the Revolutionary Army's leader, Monkey D. Dragon, and all our members…"
"I formally invite you to join the Revolutionary Army, and help us shatter the Celestial Dragons' enslavement of the world!!!"
"..."
"..."
Sabo's words burned like fire, raising the temperature of the room.
After hearing the invitation, Issho fell silent.
But moments later, a calm smile curved at the corner of his lips.
"Sabo-dono, thank you—and the Revolutionary Army—for your recognition."
"Unfortunately, I've already joined another faction. I can't do anything more for the Revolutionary Army."
This time, Issho didn't hesitate.
He stood up, gestured to the noticeably taller Koby beside him, and stepped toward the door.
Yet just as he reached the doorway, perhaps moved by admiration for the Revolutionary Army, he suddenly stopped and spoke again:
"Sabo, before we part, allow this old man to leave you with one more sentence…"
"It was something a friend said to me not long ago."
"Whether you aim to overthrow the World Government, or to realize the dream of liberating the world…"
"When facing such a colossal enemy, what you must do is—unite all the forces that can be united."
"And when your goals align, perhaps it's acceptable to borrow the strength of pirates as well~"
With that, Issho stepped forward once more.
It was clear that he felt genuine sympathy for the Revolutionary Army.
His connection to the Straw Hat Pirates was already known to them.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have brought so many rescued victims of Celestial Dragon oppression to the Revolutionaries.
These rescued people were much like those in the Straw Hat Grand Fleet—individuals with no home, or no desire to return home.
They hated the World Government, yet also held no affection for pirates and didn't want to become pirates themselves.
Kind-hearted Red understood this perfectly. After all, pirates like Luffy were rare in this world.
So he contacted Issho, asking him to find the Revolutionary Army and help accept these former slaves.
And thus, the earlier conversation came to be.
At this moment, however, Sabo hadn't fully grasped Issho's true meaning.
He simply repeated the phrase—
"Unite all the forces that can be united…"
After repeating it three times, he suddenly looked up and saw Koby following behind Issho out the door.
And suddenly—
A spark of inspiration flashed in Sabo's mind!
That's right!
Unite all the forces that can be united!
If so, he couldn't afford to let go now!
"Sir Issho!"
Sabo shouted again, stopping Issho and Koby.
He rushed forward and said excitedly,
"You're right, Sir Issho!"
"I need to unite all the forces that can be united!"
"Since you already belong to another faction, I won't push further."
"But…"
A sly glint flashed through Sabo's eyes as he turned to Koby with a grin.
"If I'm not mistaken, Koby doesn't belong to any organization yet, right?!"
"With his personality, there's no way he'd become a pirate…"
"So, Sir Issho, I would like to formally invite Koby to join the Revolutionary Army and become a proud revolutionary soldier."
"Koby, would you be willing?!"
"Ah… what?!"
Caught completely off guard, Koby froze on the spot.
Issho, on the other hand, was stunned for a few seconds—then burst out laughing.
In the next moment, he gently patted Koby's shoulder.
"It's alright, Koby."
"Follow your own heart."
"Rest assured—even if you choose to join the Revolutionary Army, I'll stay here for the time being and continue guiding your training."
"I believe… that's exactly what Sabo-dono hopes to see, isn't it?"
"Hehe~"
Called out directly, Sabo chuckled and didn't bother hiding it.
"After all, that's what you taught me, Sir Issho—unite all the forces that can be united!"
"Koby's strength shouldn't be underestimated either. He's exactly the kind of talent our Revolutionary Army wants to recruit~!"
(End of Chapter)