Sabaody Archipelago.
Following the ice trail created by Zino, the Orca Pirates arrived at Sabaody with ease. Before heading into the New World, they needed to restock essential supplies—and Sabaody was the perfect stop for that.
While Sanji and a few others were out shopping, Zino took the chance to focus on training his elemental abilities. But first, he decided to check his system status—it had been a while since he last reviewed it.
[STATUS]
Name: Monkey D. Zino
Epithet: The Storm
Pirate Group: Orca Pirates (Captain)
Bounty: 2.25 Billion Berries
Devil Fruit Ability: Nomu Nomu no Mi (Swallow-Swallow Fruit)
- Primary Power: Ability to swallow and control elemental substances.
- Current Limitation: Can only control one element at a time.
Swallowed Elements:
1. Air – Stage 4 (Level 112)
- Techniques: Hokoken (Roaring Fist), Hokokyaku (Roaring Kick), Fujin (Dust Storm), Arasatsujin (Storm Slaughter), Ran-geki (Storm Clap)
- Special Abilities: Palm Vortex (Stage 2 unique skill), Partial Element Transformation (Stage 3), Elementalization (Stage 4)
2. Medicine – Stage 2 (Level 52)
3. Smoke – Stage 1 (Level 36)
4. Ice – Stage 3 (Level 82)
- Techniques: Hokuteiken (North Emperor Fist), Hyouken (Ice Fist), Kori Kosei (Ice Construct), Hyodo (Ice Path), Ice Age
- Special Abilities: Palm Vortex (Stage 2), Partial Element Transformation (Stage 3)
5. Sand – Stage 1 (Level 34)
- Technique: Decay
6. Solid Cloud – Stage 2 (Level 57)
- Technique: Nimbus (Island Cloud Creation)
7. Lightning – Stage 4 (Level 108)
- Techniques: Raiha Ryu Styles, Thunderclap Styles
- Special Abilities: Palm Vortex (Stage 2), Partial Element Transformation (Stage 3), Elementalization (Stage 4)
8. Diamond Cloud – Stage 1 (Level 15)
Skills:
- Rokushiki Techniques: Soru, Geppo, Shigan, Rankyaku, Tekkai, Kami-e, Rokuougan
Advanced Skills:
1. Observation Haki – Stage 3: Advanced Evasion (Level 60)
2. Armament Haki – Stage 3: Emission (Level 45)
3. Conqueror's Haki – Stage 2: Conscious Control (Level 31)
Ships:
- Main Ship: Silent Orca
Ship Crew:
Alvida, Zoro, Nami, Kaya, Usopp, Sanji, Gin, Nojiko, Miria, Hibari, Binko, Mikita, Kruz, Creed, Friday, Stev, Chloris, Moris, Marianne, Vivi, Karoo, Nico Robin, Galdino, Baral, Crocodile
Vessel Ship:
- Billion Work – Captain: Daz Bones (1st Division Commander)
Territory:
1. Spring Island
2. Alabasta
3. Skypiea
4. Beast Island
"Eh?!" Zino blinked in surprise as his eyes landed on the number beside his bounty. "Two... two billion and two hundred fifty million berries? Wasn't it supposed to be just one billion?!"
He stared at the number for a while in disbelief, making sure he wasn't reading it wrong. Just a few days ago, he remembered his bounty being around one billion—a number he already thought was high. But this? This was a massive jump.
Suddenly, the System chimed in with a calm explanation:
[There is an update on your bounty. You will hear the official news soon.]
Zino narrowed his eyes. "This rise is way too sudden... What could be the reason for such a massive increase?"
[It's simple,] the System replied. [When you and Ace arrived almost simultaneously at Marineford during the war, the World Government speculated that you were the one responsible for rescuing him. Then, with your overwhelming display—kicking Akainu with ease and clashing on equal ground with Aokiji—you instantly established yourself as a direct threat to their power.
Furthermore, your bold actions—breaking into Impel Down and appearing at Marineford in the middle of the war—labeled you as a highly dangerous individual. You're not just another pirate. You've done what few would dare. That's why your bounty jumped beyond what's normal, even among Supernovas.]
Zino scratched the back of his head and let out a small laugh. "Well, I guess it can't be helped. Still... being seen as that dangerous is a bit over the top."
He sighed but couldn't hide the grin slowly forming on his face. "Anyway... it seems my reputation is steadily rising. Not bad."
As he continued to read through his system status, he noticed several things he hadn't seen before. His thoughts lingered on the elemental levels.
Interesting, he mused silently. My elemental abilities didn't stop at level 100... they kept rising. That means there's no clear level cap—at least not one I know of yet.
Then he noticed two new sections: Vessel Ship and Territory.
His eyes skimmed the data again. One vessel ship was now officially registered under his command—Billion Work, led by Daz Bones. And as for territories, he now held four: Spring Island, Alabasta, Skypiea, and Beast Island.
As he was still analyzing it, the System added,
[You declared your ambition to become a Yonko. So, I've adjusted the system information accordingly to reflect that ambition. As you grow, your power structure and influence will too.]
Zino nodded thoughtfully and closed the system interface with a wave of his hand. The numbers were important, but training still mattered most.
He stood up and began channeling his focus into the ice element. His breath slowed, his hands glowed with cold energy, and frost began forming beneath his feet as he honed his technique. But just a few minutes into his training, a loud voice interrupted him.
"Captain! Captain! Big news!"
It was Stev, running across the open area in a panic, waving a crumpled newspaper in his hand like it was on fire.
Zino raised an eyebrow as Stev approached. "What's going on?"
Breathless, Stev handed over the paper and pointed at the headline. "You're in the paper! Look—this whole section is about you!"
Zino casually took the paper and scanned it. Sure enough, the article described his sudden rise in notoriety, mirroring almost exactly what the System had explained moments ago. It highlighted his intervention in the Marineford War, his clash with the Admirals, and his suspected involvement in the Impel Down infiltration.
Stev shook his head, still trying to process the number. "Captain... they really bumped your bounty to 2.25 billion! That raise is insane! You've officially become one of the top names in the world now."
Zino gave a small, knowing smile, unfazed by the news. He calmly flipped through the newspaper, skimming the contents. But as his eyes landed on another article, his expression shifted slightly.
"Huh? Kruz also got a bounty increase?" he said with a raised brow.
"Oh! Right—I forgot to mention that part," Stev replied, snapping his fingers. "He's in the same article too. They gave him a whole paragraph."
Zino's gaze focused on the section detailing Kruz, titled "The Void - A Hidden Threat?". The article speculated that Kruz, known as "The Void," played a critical role in the Whitebeard Pirates' successful escape from Marineford. Eyewitness accounts and post-war investigations hinted that several Orca Pirates had been discreetly present during the battle, especially near the rear lines.
The government believed Kruz's mysterious space-tearing Logia ability was the likely reason the Whitebeard crew managed to vanish so cleanly, especially since several ships—including the Moby Dick—disappeared without a trace.
As a result, the World Government didn't hesitate. Kruz's bounty had been instantly tripled, jumping from 310 million to a staggering 930 million berries.
"Oho... he's getting serious acknowledgment now," Zino said, a hint of pride in his voice.
Zino turned the page and noticed a few other familiar names listed with updated bounties. Crocodile, Jinbe, and Ace had all received bounty increases as well.
- Crocodile – 350 million berries
- Jinbe – 438 million berries
- Portgas D. Ace – 950 million berries
Zino smiled as he read Ace's new bounty. "Almost doubled, huh? That's more like it."
He wasn't surprised. With Ace now confirmed alive, his identity as the son of Gol D. Roger and the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates placed him squarely back on the global radar. And with his public appearance at Marineford—despite being saved—his reputation as a top-tier threat was reaffirmed.
"Ace's new bounty finally reflects the real power of a Yonko commander," Zino muttered. "I wonder if he's already read this."
He flipped through the rest of the paper but found no further updates about his other crew members. It seemed their brief appearance during the war wasn't enough to earn them official attention yet. Zino figured that was probably for the best—for now.
Just as he was about to fold the paper, another headline caught his eye. His expression instantly turned serious.
"Blackbeard Pirates Imprisoned in Impel Down!"
Zino's brows furrowed. "What...?"
He read further, eyes widening.
Marshal D. Teach, better known as Blackbeard, had apparently attempted to infiltrate Impel Down. However, in a surprising twist of fate, he and his crew were captured during their infiltration.
The report detailed that some of his crewmates had died after being exposed to Magellan's poison fury. After that, Marshall D Teach was locked away in Level 6, while the rest were locked in different levels.
Zino stared at the page for a few seconds, stunned. "That's... unexpected. So this is how it turns out, huh? The karma finally caught up with him."
He looked up at the sky, the clouds drifting lazily above the Sabaody trees.
My involvement is really starting to change the story now, he thought.
He silently handed the paper back to Stev, still processing everything. Taking a deep breath, Zino returned to his earlier position and resumed his ice elemental training.
He closed his eyes, allowing the cold energy to flow through his body. With every breath, he tried to draw closer to level 100—hoping that once he crossed that threshold, he could unlock elemental transformation, just like a true Ice Logia.
...
Zino and his crew spent only one full day in the Sabaody Archipelago. After restocking supplies and doing some light maintenance, they were ready to move again. By the next morning, preparations were already underway to begin the next phase of their journey—entering the New World.
As Zino surveyed the bustle on the shore, he turned to face Daz Bones, who stood confidently by the now-coated ship, Billion Work.
"So… you guys are planning to sail separately to the New World?" Zino asked, one eyebrow raised.
Daz Bones gave a small nod. Having recently awakened his Haki, he looked more self-assured than before. "Yeah. We'll head to Mermaid Island first. Then continue into the New World from there."
Zino nodded in understanding. The route to Mermaid Island—via Fishman Island—was traditional but dangerous. Still, with Haki and a coated ship, it was doable.
He then glanced at the figures gathered behind Daz Bones. Immediately, his expression changed to one of quiet surprise.
Sanji. Robin. Gin. Mikita. Galdino. Marianne. Usopp. Zoro.
All of them stood near Billion Work, looking ready to board.
"You guys…" Zino looked at them strangely. "What gives?"
A pause.
"We want to see Mermaid Island," several of them answered in unison, almost rehearsed.
Zino stared blankly at them, speechless. After a long sigh, he looked at Daz Bones again.
"You sure they're okay sailing with you?"
Daz Bones blinked and scratched his head. "I… I'm not sure."
Clearly, this wasn't part of the original plan. But it was obvious that this group had made up their minds. They were curious—maybe even obsessed—with the myths and legends surrounding Mermaid Island. Since Zino had already stated he would not be taking that route to enter the New World, this was their only chance.
Zino massaged the bridge of his nose in exasperation. "Fine," he muttered, then pulled out a Den Den Mushi from his coat and handed it to Daz Bones. "Use this. If anything happens, or you reach the New World before us, call me immediately."
"Understood." Daz Bones received the snail carefully and slipped it into his pocket. He then turned to Crocodile, who had been standing silently nearby.
"Boss, you're not coming with us?"
Crocodile's mouth twitched slightly. A few months ago, he would've followed without hesitation. But now, after seeing Daz Bones awaken Haki—something he himself hadn't yet achieved—his pride was slightly bruised.
"Tch. Don't call me boss anymore," he grumbled. "And no, I'm not going."
Daz Bones didn't press further. He gave a short nod and turned back toward the ship.
Zino, sensing potential risks ahead, made one more move. "Friday," he called out.
A red orb came forward.
"Go with them."
Friday nodded without question. His ability to create portals would be an insurance policy, in case anything went wrong.
With final farewells exchanged, the crew on Billion Work boarded their coated ship. The glossy hull shimmered as it slid into the calm sea.
From the deck of the Silent Orca, the remaining crew watched as Billion Work activated its coating mechanism. A bubble formed around the ship, and moments later, it dived beneath the surface. The sea rippled once, then stilled. The ship was gone.