Just then, Marco walked over with a serious expression.
"Shiki, Ron wants us to handle the Seastone vein matter as soon as possible. What are your thoughts?"
Shiki smiled, a hint of confidence in his tone.
"Don't worry, I've already contacted a few underground black market merchants. They're willing to buy the Seastone at a high price. However, we need to sell it in batches to avoid drawing the attention of the World Government and the Marines."
Marco nodded, a trace of satisfaction in his expression.
"Good. Ron hopes we can convert the Seastone into cash for research funding. The future of the Eternal Kingdom relies on technological support."
Ace interjected, "Why bother with underground black market merchants? Just go to Doflamingo."
"Exactly, Ron has a task for us anyway, so we can take care of it along the way," Jozu agreed.
A flicker of surprise crossed Shiki's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
"Is that so? That Flamingo guy has that kind of capability?"
"Hahaha, we'll find out when we go see him."
Shiki, of course, agreed—the easier, the better.
Then, remembering something, he looked at Marco and said, "Research funding... That Ron kid really thinks ahead."
"The power of technology is indeed incredibly strong!"
"Let's go!"
"Let's go find that Flamingo dude!"
"..."
...
On the high platform of Skypiea,
Ron had just finished arranging some miscellaneous tasks.
Returning to his residence, he found Nami and Robin pacing back and forth in the courtyard.
Conis, who was responsible for hosting them, hurried over to greet Ron when she saw him arrive.
"Ron-sama, they..."
"I know, you can go attend to your duties," Ron nodded slightly.
Conis nodded as well without saying anything more and turned back to help in the laboratory.
"Ron-san, I must go save Luffy!" Nami's voice trembled slightly, firm yet filled with urgency.
"I can't just stand by and watch them trapped somewhere—they must be desperate!"
Nami's face was still etched with anxiety and unease.
Her hands were clenched tightly into fists, her nails nearly digging into her palms, her eyes full of worry.
Since Luffy was captured, there had been no news, weighing on her heart like a heavy boulder, making it hard for her to breathe.
Every day of delay increased the danger for Luffy and the others.
She could no longer wait.
Ron stood before her, his expression as calm as ever, as if everything was under his control.
His gaze was deep and composed as he slowly began to speak.
"Nami, calm down. Luffy is absolutely safe for the time being. His grandfather is Marine Vice Admiral Garp, and Garp would never stand by and let his own grandson come to harm."
"Garp? Luffy's grandfather is a Vice Admiral?!" Nami's usually lively eyes widened instantly, her pupils contracting sharply as if pulled by invisible strings.
She had never imagined that Luffy, who always wore a bright smile and charged forward fearlessly, had such an impressive background.
Though he had never mentioned his origins, they had all assumed Luffy had a tragic past.
Since he never brought it up, they never asked...
Now, this sudden revelation was like a massive bomb, stirring up towering waves in the calm lake of her heart!
"What?!" Even Robin's typically composed expression shattered completely, revealing uncontrollable shock.
Nami didn't have a clear understanding of the weight carried by the title of Vice Admiral, as her focus had always been on finding companions and pursuing treasure.
But Robin was different—she knew full well the influence a Vice Admiral wielded within the Marine hierarchy.
What truly astonished her was that Luffy had such an astonishing connection!
And... the name Garp carried an identity far beyond what ordinary people could ever attain.
"Ron, are you saying... Luffy's grandfather is the Marine Hero Garp?!" Robin's voice trembled slightly.
Ron nodded faintly, his face showing no hint of denial.
In his view, it wasn't surprising that she knew Garp was the Marine Hero.
After all, she had been hunted by the Marines since childhood, surviving like a lone wolf cub, drifting painfully between various pirate crews.
Growing up in such an environment, she had long become familiar with the world's rules and its most renowned figures.
"That's right. Garp holds the title of Marine Hero, and his strength and status are not to be underestimated." Ron's tone remained as calm as still water, as if he were discussing the most mundane of daily matters.
"With him around, there's no need to worry about Luffy's safety for now."
Hearing Ron's words, Nami's panicked emotions settled somewhat.
However, her brows remained tightly knitted, like two inextricable knots.
"But... what about the others? Zoro, Sanji, Usopp—what about them? I can't just save Luffy and abandon the rest!"
Her eyes shone with unwavering determination, reflecting her deep concern for her companions and her unbreakable promise to stand by them.
Ron nodded slightly, his gaze softening with understanding.
"I understand how you feel." He paused before continuing, "However, I've already sent people to inquire about their whereabouts."
"Luffy's situation is still unclear, but according to the information we've received, the others are said to have been transported to Impel Down."
"Impel Down!!!"
Upon hearing the name, Robin exclaimed once more, her voice tinged with fear and unease.
"Robin, what's wrong? Do you know that place?" Nami looked at Robin with curiosity and concern.
A flicker of barely perceptible fear passed through Robin's eyes, her face turning as pale as paper.
That name was like a deep curse, accompanying her since childhood, taking root deep in her heart, becoming a nightmare she could never erase.
"No one imprisoned in Impel Down has ever escaped alive, so..." Robin's voice trembled slightly as she slowly revealed everything she knew about Impel Down.
Upon hearing Robin's introduction, Nami's face instantly turned as pale as paper, a deep sense of helplessness spreading through her heart.
But Ron comforted her, "Although the security is tight, it's not impossible to escape from that place. What we need is patience and a plan, not reckless action."
Nami bit her lip.
Though still anxious inside, she knew Ron was right.
Reckless action would only make things worse.
She took a deep breath, trying hard to calm herself down.
"Then... what should we do next?"