High above a vast stretch of sea in the New World, more than ten thousand meters above the surface, a cluster of floating islands drifted silently through the sky. Dozens of smaller islands circled a massive central landmass like loyal guardians forming a natural aerial fortress.
The outer islands were dense with wild vegetation and jagged stone formations. From deep within the forests came the thunderous roars of unseen beasts, each cry echoing with enough force to make even seasoned warriors uneasy.
At the center rose a colossal island, far grander than the rest. Sprawled across its surface was a breathtaking complex of ancient palaces, radiant with gold and carved with ornate designs. Pavilions and towers stood in elegant formation, exuding ancient luxury and overwhelming majesty.
A shadow streaked across the sky like lightning. It was a massive winged tiger, its wings beating with terrifying force. Clutched in its claws was a yellowed sheet of paper, clearly carrying important information. With rapid, powerful strokes, the beast soared toward the palace complex.
Moments later, a figure shot out from the palace square. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with two gleaming swords tied to his legs. His long golden hair flowed wildly down his back, nearly brushing the ground like a lion's mane. Most striking of all was the large ship's rudder embedded at the top of his head, standing upright like a rooster's crimson crown.
If Eli Winters were here, he would have recognized the man instantly. This was none other than Golden Lion Shiki, the pirate whose name once stood alongside Roger and Whitebeard.
Shiki snatched the report from the flying tiger's claws, his golden hair swaying as a manic laugh rumbled from his throat.
"Geahahahaha. Whitebeard has fallen so far. To think he needs help dealing with a rookie. Pathetic."
After mocking Whitebeard to his satisfaction, Shiki crossed his arms, the corners of his mouth lifting with amusement. A familiar fire lit his sharp hawk-like eyes.
Such a grand commotion. How could a legendary pirate like himself possibly sit this one out?
With a decisive turn, he faced the palace gates and bellowed, his voice rumbling like thunder.
"Dr. Indigo! Get over here right now!"
The shout shook the palace walls.
Soon, hurried footsteps echoed through the hall, and a man in a pristine white doctor's coat rushed forward. His gold-rimmed glasses gleamed, concealing sharp, intelligent eyes. Although slim, he moved with the swift grace of a hunting cat.
Dr. Indigo bowed respectfully.
"Captain, what are your orders?"
Hovering in midair, Shiki looked down at his loyal subordinate with satisfaction.
"Indigo, I'm heading out for a while. The affairs of Merveille Island are yours to handle. Especially the IQ research. Speed it up and don't let anything go wrong. Those fossilized old pirates are losing their edge. Seems like the world still needs me to restore order and take the throne of the seas. Geahahahahaha!"
His mad laughter echoed through the sky.
"Understood, Captain. I will accelerate progress," Dr. Indigo replied solemnly.
"Good. I trust you. I'm off."
Without another word, Shiki shot out of the hall and vanished from sight.
Meanwhile, on a barren island in the New World…
The Sun Pirates were resting after their recent campaigns. Fisher Tiger sat on a boulder, brows tightly furrowed. He had been troubled for days.
Big Mom had suddenly taken an interest in the Sun Pirates, repeatedly inviting them to join her crew.
For Tiger, the answer was a clear and resounding no.
But Big Mom's power was overwhelming. Resisting her was like trying to move a mountain.
As Tiger struggled with the dilemma, a large, blue-robed fishman came running, gasping but excited.
"Tiger! Great news! Big Mom has left the New World with a huge force. Only a handful of strong fighters remain at her base. This is our chance to get out of here!"
"Really? That's wonderful." Tiger's face lit up.
He paused, curious.
"Jinbe, do you know why she left?"
Jinbe's expression grew serious.
"According to reliable sources, that mysterious man known as the Sky Sovereign killed one of Big Mom's sons, three division commanders of Whitebeard's crew, and even Jack the Drought of the Beasts Pirates. Because of that, the three Yonko crews are joining forces and heading to the Grand Line to wipe out the Sky Sovereign and his group."
Tiger froze, eyes wide.
"What? The three Emperor crews are going after Eli Winters?"
Jinbe blinked, stunned by Tiger's reaction.
"Yes. Why are you so shocked, Tiger?"
Tiger began pacing anxiously, sweat forming on his brow.
"This is bad. Eli's life is in danger."
Jinbe looked increasingly confused.
"Tiger, you know the Sky Sovereign? How?"
Tiger's gaze grew distant and heavy.
"Jinbe, you remember the time I told you about the two humans who helped me when I freed those slaves in Mary Geoise?"
Jinbe nodded.
"Of course. One was Silvers Rayleigh. The other... you never told me his name."
"That man was Eli Winters." Tiger's voice carried a deep, personal weight.
"If not for him, I would've died in Mary Geoise. And without his help, I could never have saved all those enslaved fishfolk. I owe him a debt I can never repay."
Tiger clenched his fists.
"We must help him."
Jinbe hesitated.
"Tiger, our strength isn't enough. We would just throw our lives away."
"Even so," Tiger insisted, "I will not abandon a man who saved so many lives."
The surrounding fishmen voiced their agreement, but Tiger shook his head firmly.
"This battle is too dangerous. I won't drag all of you to your deaths. Jinbe, I want you to lead the Sun Pirates. I will go to Little Garden alone."
"Tiger, I can't accept that," Jinbe argued. "The crew needs you."
"Jinbe. I trust you. Please take care of everyone."
Seeing Tiger's unshakable resolve, Jinbe finally relented.
"Then please... return alive."
Tiger smiled.
"I will."
With that, he boarded a small boat and headed toward Little Garden as the Sun Pirates shouted their farewell.
Revolutionary Army Headquarters, Baltigo
Dragon read the incoming reports and nearly dropped them.
Eli Winters had provoked all three Emperor crews simultaneously.
Even Dragon found that unbelievable.
"Sage Master, what were you thinking? Why kill them all? You could have ransomed them…" Dragon sighed.
There was no turning back now.
Perhaps he could still help.
Gathering his key officers, Dragon made the decision.
He and the Northern Army commander, Crow, immediately set off for Little Garden.
Enies Lobby, the Island of Justice
Sunlight fell across the towering courthouse structures. Within the central command area, Saint Sigder stood high above the plaza, overlooking the activity below. His ornate robes shimmered as sea breeze brushed past him.
He turned calmly to a CP0 agent.
"Has Whitebeard, Charlotte Linlin, and Kaido departed for Little Garden?"
The agent bowed.
"Yes, my lord. Whitebeard has passed Fishman Island and reached Sabaody. Big Mom and the Beasts Pirates are moving at full speed."
Sigder nodded, satisfied.
"Excellent. Everything proceeds as planned. Now we watch the results unfold."
The CP0 agent eagerly flattered him.
"You are unmatched in foresight, my lord. No matter how strong these pirates are, they will only crash helplessly into your strategies."
Sigder accepted the praise and waved a hand.
"Prepare to depart. I want to witness the final scene myself."
Enies Lobby erupted into swift, tense activity.
Meanwhile…
Eli Winters had anticipated trouble, but even he never expected half the world's major powers to converge on Little Garden.
At that moment, he was welcoming an old acquaintance.
"Didn't expect you to come, Mihawk." Eli grinned at the world's greatest swordsman, who looked even more composed than before.