"Look… I know I forced you into this situation, but you have to realize—you did the same to me," he said.
Viola looked away. "…Yeah, I know. But that doesn't mean I have to be kind to you."
"Fair enough. So here's my proposal," Ernes said. "In exchange for you giving me food and storage space, I'll find a way for you to escape this world—and return to being a goddess."
"And how exactly are you supposed to do that?" Viola asked, staring at him like he was an idiot.
"Well…" Ernes hesitated, trying to think of anything—
"I can do it."
A ghostly figure appeared, resembling an old man.
"What the— a ghost? Wait… this voice is familiar," Ernes muttered.
"Boss," Viola said, bowing immediately.
So he's the one who spoke before the flashing lights.
"In return," the ghost said calmly, "I want you to show the past and future of the One Piece world to its characters. That is what you wanted as well, isn't it?"
"…Yeah. I accept," Ernes said, nodding.
"It seems I'll have to put up with you for a while," Viola sighed.
"I look forward to seeing the results," the old ghost said, fading slightly.
Ernes grinned to himself.
"Well then… shall we finally start the chaos?"