Mary Geoise, The Chamber of the Five Elders
The chamber was vast and silent, bathed in a cold light filtering through tall veiled windows. Thick carpets muffled every footstep, and even the air itself seemed heavy with authority.
At the center, kneeling so low that his forehead nearly touched the floor, Spandine trembled slightly, just enough to betray the tension crushing his chest.
Saint Marcus Mars, imposing and icy, fixed his gaze upon him.
"Spandine," he said sharply."What do you mean the Celestial Dragons are no longer welcome in East Blue?"
The silence became suffocating.
Spandine swallowed before answering.
"The creatures linked to Sora have spread across the entirety of East Blue. Every kingdom has been… purged."
He paused, choosing his words carefully.
"The corrupted Marine bases, the rotten nobles, and even a significant portion of our infiltrated agents have been eliminated."
A faint murmur ran through the chamber.
Saint Topman Warcury crossed his arms, his gaze cold but analytical.
"Had you not claimed these creatures were weak?" he asked with near casual detachment.
Spandine inhaled slowly.
"Individually, yes. But the issue is not their strength, it is their numbers."
His voice lowered.
"Apparently infinite. The islands seem to be swarming with these entities. CP launched an expedition to Lamini to subjugate them. Tens of thousands were slain, and yet they kept appearing. Our men were eventually overwhelmed, drained of stamina."
The word overwhelmed echoed harshly.
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn frowned.
"East Blue is not strategically essential."
He struck his cane firmly against the floor.
"Focus countermeasures on the islands that truly matter to us. If this phenomenon spreads to another sea, the authority of the World Government will be called into question."
The tension in the room rose another notch.
"I will execute your orders immediately, Elders," Spandine replied, bowing even deeper.
The four others slowly nodded, granting him permission to withdraw.
He was about to leave the chamber when a presence suddenly descended upon the space.
A voice resonated directly within their minds.
"Bring me a creature."
The Five Elders froze, then immediately prostrated themselves without hesitation.
"At your command, Imu-sama."
The invisible pressure vanished as suddenly as it had appeared.
A heavy silence followed.
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter straightened first. He slowly retrieved a Den Den Mushi from a drawer embedded in the wall.
"We will increase Sora's bounty once again."
His gaze swept across his colleagues.
"And I will ask Sengoku to deliver a Heartless to us."
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro stepped slightly forward, his glasses glinting in the light.
"Request several."
His voice was calm, but calculating.
"We will send some to Vegapunk at Egghead. If he can understand how they function…"
A thin smile curved his lips.
"The giant bridge has progressed more in one month thanks to these creatures than in two years with slaves. If we were to find a way to control them…"
Saint Saturn cut him off sharply.
"I oppose this."
His gaze was razor sharp.
"Egghead is one of our most important islands. You propose sending entities whose origin and limits we do not understand. Not to mention the risk to our spy stationed there. Losing access to Vegapunk's research would be a major strategic error."
"I agree with Saturn," Warcury declared. "Let Imu-sama test these creatures first."
Aboard the Vogue Merry
The Vogue Merry, more alive than ever, cut through the waters of North Blue while the Polar Tang followed submerged a few cables away. Law had agreed to temporarily board the deck, accompanied by Bepo, while Penguin and Sachi remained at the submarine's controls.
The air was colder than in East Blue, but the tension on board came from more than just the climate.
I turned toward Charles, who was checking his Den Den Mushis and recording devices with almost military precision.
"Charles, you still have your recorders?"
He immediately looked up.
"Of course. I only cut the direct line with HQ after… Admiral Akainu's remarks. But the equipment is fully operational."
I nodded, satisfied.
"Perfect. Law, tell Charles the story of Flevance. In detail. I'll handle the broadcast later."
I paused, my gaze hardening slightly.
"It's time to start shaking the foundations of the World Government."
Law studied me for a moment, fully understanding what that implied. Then he nodded.
"Fine. As long as you intend to keep your promise about Corazon… I don't mind returning the favor."
Charles sat down seriously, activating his devices as Law began recounting the truth about the White Lead, the betrayal of neighboring kingdoms, the Marine's deliberate inaction, and the massacre disguised as a 'sanitary measure.'
While the interview unfolded at the rear of the deck, I turned toward the rest of the crew.
They were all there.
Nami leaning against the railing, Kuina and Zoro exchanging quiet words, Usopp checking his bow, Kaya still discussing medicine with Lami a little further away, Sanji and Kazuki standing side by side, Elise gazing out at the sea… and Bepo, trapped between several pairs of hands still enjoying the softness of his fur.
I smiled.
And almost all of them shivered at the same time.
"How about… a little training session?"
Bepo, glancing at the girls around him, stiffened the moment I mentioned training.
Nami crossed her arms and approached me, making a falsely pleading expression.
"Jordan… we just finished a month of intensive training. Maybe we could wait a bit?"
I shook my head, amused but firm.
"Sorry, but no. We're officially on the Marine's priority list. We might have a Warlord on our tail. And I've probably angered the bounty hunters of North Blue."
Sanji exhaled through his nose.
"When you put it like that…"
Usopp raised his fist with determination.
"I'm in for training! I need to get stronger. Next time, I want to be able to pierce any defense without relying on luck."
Koby nodded immediately.
"Me too. I still need to improve."
Zoro cracked his neck.
"Works for me."
Kuina gave a slight smile.
"Always ready."
Luffy, who had been listening silently until then, stepped forward with that mix of enthusiasm and impatience that defined him.
"Are we doing the same training as usual?"
I shook my head.
"No. We're moving to specialized training. Pure physical conditioning will stay weekly. But from now on, we're going to work on your individual weaknesses."
The looks on their faces changed instantly. The atmosphere grew sharper. More serious.
I turned to Usopp first.
"Usopp, we're going to work on your physical endurance and, most importantly, unlocking your Armament Haki. Your Observation is already monstrous, but if you want to survive on the front line when it matters, your defense needs to keep up."
A wide grin lit up the sniper's face.
"That's exactly what I wanted!" he declared, clenching his fists. "Next time someone hits me, I want it to hurt them more than it hurts me!"
I nodded in satisfaction before turning to Koby.
"Koby, you'll continue improving your swordsmanship with Zoro and Kuina. You need to gain precision and better intent reading. Not just hit harder."
Koby tightened his fists against his chest.
"I'll get stronger. I promise."
His voice trembled slightly, but his determination was real.
I then turned to Nami.
"Nami, you're going to create an ice platform large enough to serve as a training zone. You'll manipulate it in real time during their duel. Add unpredictable obstacles—spikes, blocks, cracks, slippery zones."
She looked at me, already exhausted in advance.
"So I'm going to suffer… and end up with a massive migraine, is that it?" she sighed.
I shrugged with a smile.
"Maybe. But it'll refine your magical control, increase the power of your spells… and help them sharpen their environmental awareness. And with some luck, it might unlock their Observation Haki in a more stable way."
Zoro and Kuina exchanged a knowing look, then nodded with confident smiles.
"I'm good with that," Zoro said, drawing two swords.
"The more unstable the terrain, the more interesting it gets," Kuina added, already focused.
Nami rolled her eyes.
"Fine… but if I collapse from exhaustion, it's your fault."
I stepped closer, lowering my voice so only the nearest could hear.
"Don't worry. I'll reward you tonight. Essential oil massage."
A faint blush tinted her cheeks.
"I'm holding you to that," she replied with a soft hum, clearly already anticipating it.
She moved to the side of the ship, raised her staff, and the air instantly grew colder. The water around the Merry began freezing rapidly, forming a vast circular ice platform connected to the ship. Within seconds, it reached dozens of meters in diameter.
But she didn't stop there.
The surface began to ripple under her control. Ice cones suddenly shot up, forcing Zoro to pivot mid-motion. A block rose behind Kuina, making her leap backward. The ground turned slippery in some spots, rough in others.
Koby attempted an attack, but a crack split open violently beneath his feet. He adjusted his stance at the last second, managing to keep his balance.
"Focus!" Kuina called as she deflected his strike.
"I'm trying!" Koby replied, breathing hard.
Nami, brows furrowed, manipulated the platform with impressive precision. Every obstacle appeared at the exact moment a fighter thought they had found the perfect angle.
Her progress in control was obvious. She wasn't just creating ice anymore—she was shaping a living battlefield.
Fortunately, Merry silently contributed to the effort. Around the platform, the sea currents were stabilized, preventing the ice from drifting. The ship remained at an ideal distance, rocking gently, while the small aquatic spirit maintained balance.
On the ice, the three swordsmen intensified their pace. Their steps grew more precise. Their gazes sharper. Their reactions more instinctive.
From the deck, I watched with satisfaction before turning toward the others.
I faced the other half of the crew and nodded toward the sea.
"Sanji, I'll handle an ice platform for you, Kazuki, Elise, and Usopp. You'll attack with your new fire techniques, and you'll have to dodge the combined attacks of Elise and Kazuki."
I crossed my arms.
"Girls, keep refining your Devil Fruit usage. Coordination, timing, constant pressure."
Sanji cracked his neck, a confident grin on his lips.
"With pleasure. If I can legally hit someone, I'm in."
Usopp, meanwhile, paled slightly at the thought of Sanji's flaming kicks raining down on him.
"…Better to get hurt in training than die in real combat," he muttered through clenched teeth, bracing himself mentally. "I'll survive. Maybe."
Kazuki let out a teasing little laugh.
"Don't worry, we'll disrupt his attacks as often as possible."
Elise let a thin layer of liquid honey ripple around her fingers.
"Still… not too often either."
Usopp swallowed hard.
Kaya then raised her hand with an almost innocent expression.
"And me? I'm not participating in the fight?"
Sanji, Elise, and Kazuki froze instantly. The mental image of Kaya in full bloodthirsty Purple Rabbit mode had just flashed through their minds.
I shook my head.
"No. Once Law's interview is finished, you'll learn from him. And if he agrees, you'll train with him in medicine and anatomy as well."
A collective sigh of relief escaped the three others.
Kaya puffed out her cheeks and pointed at me.
"Killjoy."
I smiled without answering.
Luffy, who had been watching from the figurehead, suddenly raised his hand.
"And me?"
His tone was impatient, almost excited.
I turned to him seriously.
"You're going to study navigation."
Silence.
Then an incredulous stare.
I handed him a leather-bound book titled Fundamental Principles of Maritime Navigation.
"And at the end of the day, we'll have a duel. Because nothing works better for you than a fight."
Luffy pouted as he grabbed the book like it was divine punishment.
"I'm fine with the fight… but why do I have to study navigation? Nami's our navigator!"
His tone turned almost pleading.
I answered calmly.
"Because versatility saves lives. Imagine Nami gets sick or injured. If no one else can read a map, calculate a current, or interpret the wind, we're dead."
I glanced toward Sanji.
"Same for cooking. Same for medical care. We're going to train multiple people in each field to reduce risk."
Luffy blinked, thinking seriously for once.
"That's really something my vice-captain would say," he declared with a wide grin.
I stared at him for a moment, then pointed at the book.
"Read, Luffy."
He pouted theatrically before sitting down near the mast, the book open upside down for a few seconds before he discreetly flipped it the right way.
Meanwhile, I stepped off the deck and plunged directly into the cold water. The sea bit at my skin, but I let my magic unfold. A mass of ice formed beneath my feet, much larger than Nami's, and I gradually lifted it, pushing both my body and my elemental control to their limits.
The weight was colossal.
I held the platform with one hand, stabilizing it with streams of icy magic while keeping it raised above the surface. The muscles in my shoulders and back tightened, and I felt my stamina slowly burning away.
On this second improvised arena, Sanji launched himself forward.
His boots ignited, leaving incandescent trails in the air. He leapt toward Usopp, who threw himself aside thanks to his Observation Haki, while Elise unleashed a wave of honey in an attempt to restrict the cook's movements.
Kazuki sliced the wind in two, creating blades of air that forced Sanji to adjust his trajectory mid-attack.
"Too slow!" Sanji called out as he spun, his flaming heel grazing Usopp's shoulder.
"I hate when you say that!" the sniper shot back, reinforcing his defense with his ability while unconsciously tensing his muscles.
The ice groaned under the impacts. Fire hissed against the wind. Honey partially hardened on contact with the cold.
And I continued to support the platform, training both my body and my magic at the same time.
Above on the deck, away from the chaos of combat and splintering ice, Luffy sighed loudly, sitting cross-legged with the book open in front of him.
"…Ocean currents are influenced by… uh… atmospheric pressure… and temperature differences…"
He squinted, as if the words refused to enter his head.
Around him, the crash of Sanji's flaming kicks, the clash of blades, and the crackling of ice could easily have shattered his focus. But little Merry had decided otherwise.
Sitting comfortably on his shoulders, her legs dangling against his chest, she raised a delicate hand. A soft wind barrier formed around them, an invisible cocoon that muffled the outside noise. Explosions became distant murmurs, and the fighters' shouts faded into faint vibrations.
Merry tilted her head, studying the lines of the book with adorable seriousness.
"Keep going," she whispered gently.
Influenced by her presence, Luffy straightened slightly. His expression changed. Instead of reading with boredom, he began using the tone he had whenever he told an adventure story.
"Ocean currents… are like invisible rivers in the sea. They move because the air above pushes the water… and because some parts are warmer than others."
He looked up at Merry.
"You see? It's kind of like when you control the wind. If you push hard on one side… the water goes the other way."
Merry smiled, her small eyes shining with interest.
"So… if the wind changes, the ship changes course?"
Luffy nodded enthusiastically.
"Exactly! And if we understand how it works… we can go faster than the other pirates!"
He turned the page with renewed energy, almost forgetting he was studying.
Merry leaned forward slightly, her hair floating gently inside the wind barrier.
"Tell me what happens next."
Luffy grinned widely.
"So… there are warm currents and cold currents too. The warm ones rise… the cold ones sink… and that creates whirlpools. If we fall into one without knowing how to read the sea… we're done for."
He frowned dramatically, as if telling a terrifying legend.
Merry placed her small hands on her cheeks.
"That's dangerous…"
"Yeah," Luffy replied, puffing out his chest proudly. "But if I know how it works, I can protect everyone."
His words were simple, but sincere.
He resumed reading with newfound focus, turning each paragraph into a small illustrated story, gesturing clumsily with his hands as if miming imaginary waves and winds.
(Author's note: Sorry for the delay, but my lady had all my attention yesterday (February 14 ^^). Anyway, I'll leave you with this. I'll do a several-day time skip to start the island in the next chapter. I hope this little scene makes you happy—I'll leave you with a small cute gift.)