Ever since defeating Kaido, Eli Winters and his crew had continued their voyage across the North Blue. Nearly half a year had passed since that monumental battle, and they had explored almost every island in the region. During their journey, Eli had gathered a fair number of treasures and strange artifacts, though none that could immediately boost his strength.
For months, they had searched for the elusive Kingdom of Germa, yet it remained hidden. Eli had originally assumed Germa was a nation with fixed borders and territory. Only after extensive questioning did he learn the truth Germa wasn't a conventional kingdom at all. It was a vast, mobile fleet made up of enormous fortress-like ships. Each "ship-house" sailed freely across the seas, but whenever the king issued a command, they could instantly assemble into a colossal war formation, forming one of the most formidable military powers in the world.
During these months, Eli's companions had all grown stronger. Fiona's mastery of swordsmanship had advanced to new heights her combat ability now rivaled that of a Marine Rear Admiral. Big Pan's Eight Desolate Staff Technique had reached the sixth level, making him capable of matching an Admiral in a short fight without faltering. Felina, meanwhile, had learned not only to command clouds but also to control the wind itself, giving her unmatched power on the open sea. Her strength now rivaled that of a Marine Vice Admiral.
Chiyo, having eaten a Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit, had improved at a startling pace. She had awakened Armament Haki and, when combined with her Devil Fruit abilities, could now overpower even a Rear Admiral. The fishman brothers, Dortai and Simon, had also progressed steadily and were now capable of challenging weaker Vice Admirals in combat.
Eli himself, however, hadn't changed much in raw power. His physical growth had slowed due to his age, so he spent most days in leisure, enjoying the calm between storms.
That afternoon, light rain fell across the deck of the Silver Dragon. Instead of fishing as usual, Eli and Big Pan lounged in the recreation room, playing a co-op video game. Nearby, Felina and the others relaxed over desserts that Chiyo had baked, while Simon and Dortai busied themselves at the control room, navigating the ship a routine task they performed daily, though sometimes Fiona or Big Pan would lend a hand.
Suddenly, the ship's loudspeaker crackled to life with Simon's voice.
"Captain! We've spotted a suspicious vessel ahead snail-shaped, bearing the number '66' on its sails! It appears to be one of the Germa 66 Kingdom's sub-fleets!"
Eli's face lit up. "Finally," he murmured, his lips curling into a smile.
The rest of the crew exchanged excited glances. Eli had told them before why he wanted to find Vinsmoke Judge the scientist-king capable of granting Devil Fruits to weapons. It sounded absurd, almost impossible, but none of them doubted Eli. If he believed it could be done, there was a reason.
They hurried to the deck. The rain had already stopped, leaving a faint mist hanging over the sea. Following Simon's pointing hand, they spotted a massive snail-shaped vessel sailing away from them.
It was obvious the ship had recognized the Silver Dragon.
And its captain was doing everything in his power to flee.
Eli Winters' name had long spread across the world, echoing through every port and pirate den. Even Kaido the so-called strongest creature alive had been crushed by him. Who would dare provoke such a monster?
Lately, whenever pirates in the North Blue glimpsed the Silver Dragon's gleaming sails, they turned tail and fled, terrified that even a moment's hesitation might turn them into offerings to the sea. No one wanted to test whether they were tougher than Kaido.
"Dortai," Eli ordered calmly, "full speed ahead. Chase that snail ship."
"Aye, Captain!" Dortai's fingers danced over the console, pulling levers and pressing buttons with practiced precision. The Silver Dragon's engines roared awake like a slumbering beast, its power reverberating through the hull.
In an instant, a surge of pure thrust erupted from the ship's rear, propelling it forward at breakneck speed. The sudden acceleration pressed everyone back slightly, though none of the seasoned crew lost their footing.
The Silver Dragon had always been a top-class vessel, but with its new propulsion system, its power now bordered on the unbelievable. The ship shot through the mist like a silver lightning bolt, slicing across the sea as it closed the distance.
This new engine was one of Eli's rarest treasures a "sign-in reward" he'd received months ago. Said to originate from a highly advanced civilization, its technology far surpassed anything in this world. The moment he'd acquired it, Eli had installed it on the Silver Dragon, waiting for a chance to test its might.
Today, it roared to life for the first time and it didn't disappoint. The power was immense, the stability flawless. The ship glided like a blade through water, fast, smooth, and unstoppable.
"System products never disappoint," Eli thought with a smirk.
On the other vessel, Charles Brown, captain of the Germa sub-fleet, was drenched in cold sweat. He could only watch as the Silver Dragon closed in with terrifying speed. His instincts screamed at him to flee, yet he dared not fire a single cannon. To attack Eli Winters was to invite annihilation not just for himself but for the entire Germa Kingdom.
"Damn it," Charles muttered bitterly. "First day back in the North Blue, and I run into the Sky Emperor himself."
He barked an order to halt the ship. As the engines stilled, he walked to the deck and waited solemnly, knowing resistance was pointless.
Moments later, the Silver Dragon drew alongside. Standing at its prow, Eli gazed up at the snail-shaped warship, marveling at its structure. "What a world," he thought. "Only here could something like this exist."
Eli and his companions leaped effortlessly onto the Germa vessel. Charles hurried to meet them, bowing low the moment they landed. "Welcome, Lord Sky Emperor!"
Eli didn't seem surprised that the man recognized him. "Who are you? Is this one of Germa 66's ships?"
"Yes, my lord," Charles replied quickly. "I am Charles Brown, commander of the Fourth Division of the Germa Kingdom."
"Good," Eli said. "Then take us to your king, Vinsmoke Judge. I have business with him."
Relief washed over Charles' face. At least they weren't here to destroy them. Still, anxiety lingered. "May I ask, my lord," he said cautiously, "what matter brings you to His Majesty?"
Eli regarded him silently for several seconds, until beads of sweat rolled down the man's temples. Then Eli finally spoke, voice calm but heavy with authority. "Don't worry. It's not a bad thing. You have a Den Den Mushi aboard, don't you? Contact your king directly."
"Yes, sir!" Charles wiped his brow and quickly made the call. "Please, make yourselves comfortable. I'll arrange food at once."
Eli waved dismissively, granting permission. As Charles hurried off, the rest of the crew began exploring the strange ship.
"This place is insane," Big Pan exclaimed, eyes wide. "Look at those walls! It's like part of a floating city!"
Eli nodded, studying the structure. "You're not wrong. Judging by the design, this must have been built as part of a much larger complex."
Felina smiled, intrigued. "I've heard of this! The entire Germa Kingdom is made up of these mobile ship-fortresses."
Their escort led them into a lavish dining hall, where servants soon arrived with trays of exquisite dishes. The crew sat down without hesitation adventure had long taught them never to waste a free meal.
Meanwhile, on the other end of the Den Den Mushi, Vinsmoke Judge listened in silence as Charles Brown reported every detail.
By the time the transmission ended, Judge's brow had furrowed deeply. His eyes gleamed with unease.
He recalled the past year the rise and fall of his kingdom's conquests. After leading Germa's elite to victory across the North Blue, crushing the Four Nations in a swift campaign, their dominance had lasted only sixty-six days. Then came Doflamingo's expansion relentless, corrosive, unstoppable. Forced back, Judge withdrew his forces and sought new opportunities in the East Blue.
But the East proved even harsher. With the legendary Marine hero Garp stationed there, pirates couldn't thrive and thus, neither could Germa. Every advance was met with fierce resistance. Each victory cost more than it was worth.
Then came the news that Doflamingo had been slain by Eli Winters. Judge had rejoiced, seeing a chance to reclaim his lost dominion. Yet now, that same man sought him out.
What could such a power want with him?
Charles' voice broke his thoughts. "Your Majesty, if you wish, I can delay him keep him from reaching you."
Judge exhaled slowly. "No. Bring them here. I'll meet Eli Winters myself."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
When the line went silent, Judge summoned his children, his mind already racing through contingency plans. Even if he couldn't fight Eli, he would face him as a king should prepared for anything.
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