A Dangerous Lead
The library's soft glow lit Robin's face as she read the combined inscriptions from the first two key fragments.
"The last is said to lie 'where fire and shadow dance over the bones of kings.'"
Lilith frowned. "Sounds like a volcano. And the bones thing is… reassuring."
Nojiko crossed her arms. "In the New World, that could be anywhere."
Reiju tapped her nails against the table. "Unless… this is talking about the Charcoal Rift."
Robin nodded slowly. "An active volcanic island chain between Big Mom's and Kaido's former territories. Both claim it. Neither controls it."
Bell-mère lit a cigarette. "Meaning whoever's there right now is going to shoot at us just for showing up."
Vegito grinned. "Perfect."
Entering the Rift
The Heaven's Embrace descended into a hellscape. Rivers of molten rock poured into the sea, sending up clouds of steam. Jagged spires of blackened rock jutted out of the water like broken teeth.
And sure enough — ships were already exchanging cannon fire in the shadow of the largest volcano. On one side flew the skull-and-flame flag of the Red Hair Pirates; on the other, the jagged crescent of Blackbeard's fleet.
Carrot's ears went flat. "Uh. That's… a lot of guns."
Reiju smirked. "Looks like we walked into a Yonko slap-fight."
The Third Key's Location
Robin pointed to the volcano's base. "The text says the final key fragment is hidden inside the Hollow Spire — a cavern system only accessible at low tide."
Lilith pulled up a holo-display. "Low tide is in… fifteen minutes."
Bell-mère blew out smoke. "That's enough time for you to either sneak in or knock out everyone in the bay."
Vegito's tail flicked. "Guess which one I'm doing."
Yonko Crossfire
As the Embrace swooped low over the water, a Blackbeard ship turned its cannons toward them — and promptly exploded in a blossom of smoke as Vegito flicked his wrist.
From the opposite side, a Red Hair sniper took aim — and Mikita, already in the crow's nest, spun her parasol to deflect the bullet midair.
"Rude!" she called down.
Shanks himself stood on the deck of his flagship, watching Vegito with narrowed eyes… then gave a faint grin and motioned for his crew to stand down.
The Hollow Spire
The Embrace landed on a narrow strip of volcanic rock just as the tide fell away, revealing a yawning black mouth in the cliffside.
Inside, the cavern pulsed with heat, walls slick with obsidian glass. Steam vents hissed from the floor, and faint light ahead marked the central chamber.
The Guardian of Fire
The chamber was a cathedral of flame — rivers of molten rock running in channels along the floor. At the center stood a massive figure clad in blackened armor, its form shifting between solid and smoke.
Its voice echoed like a furnace. "Who seeks the final heart?"
Vegito cracked his neck. "That'd be me."
The guardian drew a blade made entirely of molten steel, swinging in a blur. Vegito caught it barehanded, molten drops hissing against his skin without leaving a mark.
The crew fanned out — Kuina's sword clashing with sparks against the molten blade, Carrot darting in Sulong form to blindside the guardian, Wanda and Tristan covering her with electro strikes.
Reiju's poison gas seeped into the vents, making the guardian stagger — and Vegito took the opening to drive a fist through its chest, dispersing it in a blast of flame and smoke.
The Final Key
A stone dais rose from the molten floor, holding a crystal sphere glowing with shifting red light.
Robin read the inscription: "Third of three. When united, the gate shall open at the Empty Throne."
Nojiko whistled low. "That's… not subtle."
Vegito smirked. "Good. I like when my enemies know I'm coming."
The Exit — and an Unwanted Audience
As they emerged from the Hollow Spire, the tide already rushing back in, two figures stood on the rocks — Benn Beckman and Shiryu of the Rain.
Beckman gave a polite nod. "Shanks says… thanks for not blowing up his ships."
Shiryu smirked. "Teach says… you'll be a problem later."
Vegito strolled past them toward the Embrace. "Tell Shanks he's welcome. Tell Teach I already am."
Departure and Decision
Back aboard, Robin placed the third fragment beside the others. As they touched, the three spheres merged into one, projecting a faint hologram of the Empty Throne in Pangaea Castle.
Lilith whistled. "Guess we know where the world-ship plans are locked."
Bell-mère crossed her arms. "Breaking into Mariejois is suicide for anyone else."
Vegito's grin widened. "Exactly."
Course for Elbaf
For now, though, Vegito's gaze shifted to the chart. "Before we crash the World Government's front door… we're going to Elbaf."
Carrot's tail fluffed up in excitement. "The land of giants!"
Shirahoshi clasped her hands. "I've always wanted to meet them!"
Robin smiled faintly. "Elbaf is also home to some of the oldest oral histories in the world. We may find more than just allies there."
The Heaven's Embrace rose into the clouds, leaving the smoke and fire of the Rift behind — bound for the legendary isle of warriors.
[World State Updated]
Crew: All three key fragments acquired.
Objective: Final location for world-ship schematics revealed — the Empty Throne, Mariejois.
Next Arc: Elbaf — land of giants, ancient tales, and potential new allies.