Weeks passed.
The world hadn't yet recovered from the war at Marineford, but the ripples it caused continued to spread like cracks across a frozen sea.
Pirate crews reorganized. The Marines replaced their fallen. The seas boiled with unrest. And in the shadows—new enemies began to stir.
The world was entering a new age.
And the bloodline of D. stood at its center.
Somewhere in the New World
A massive ship carved through misty waters. Its sails bore no flag, its name erased. Inside, high ceilings and dark lanterns cast flickering light over a group of cloaked figures seated around a round table.
At the head sat a man in a crisp black coat, golden monocle glinting.
"So… Gol D. Arkan lives," he said. "And he did what not even Whitebeard could: he ended a war with presence alone."
Another figure leaned forward. "The World Government is still shaken. And the Marines are weakened. If there was ever a time to strike…"
The man raised his hand. "No. Not yet. The world needs to believe it has found peace again. That is when we will burn it."
A chilling silence fell.
The emblem on the table—a seven-eyed serpent—glowed faintly.
Meanwhile — on a small tropical island
Ace stood near a campfire, his arms crossed, watching Luffy eat like a starved beast.
"Slow down, you're going to choke."
"Mmph—can't! Haven't eaten meat in forever!" Luffy beamed.
Nearby, Jinbe chuckled. "At least his spirit recovered."
Marco sat in the shade of a palm, reading the latest bounty posters.
He raised an eyebrow. "They raised your bounty again, Luffy. And yours too, Ace. But… they didn't list Arkan."
Ace looked away. "He doesn't want to be found."
Marco nodded. "Even legends get tired of being chased."
At the edge of the island
Arkan stood at a cliffside, staring at the sunset.
He hadn't spoken much since the war.
The sea breeze swept through his hair.
A small voice spoke behind him.
"Are you going to leave again?" It was Ace.
Arkan didn't turn. "Yes."
Ace approached slowly. "You don't have to carry the world alone."
"I'm not." Arkan glanced back. "I'm preparing it for what's coming."
Ace frowned. "You think another war is coming?"
Arkan's eyes narrowed. "Something worse. Marineford was just the fire. The true storm hasn't arrived yet."
Elsewhere — Mary Geoise
The Five Elders met under veils of secrecy.
One slammed his cane against the floor. "How did we allow him to slip through our hands again?"
"He was never in our hands to begin with," another muttered.
A third one spoke: "If Arkan resurfaces, we initiate Protocol Zero."
"Even if it means violating the ancient pact?"
"Yes. He cannot be allowed to move freely."
Back on the island
Luffy approached Arkan with his usual grin. "When I become King of the Pirates, I'll find you again."
Arkan chuckled. "You're more like Roger than you realize."
"I don't care about Roger," Luffy grinned. "I'm me."
Arkan's smile widened. "Then maybe the world still has a chance."
He turned, cloak billowing.
With one last look at his brothers, he disappeared into the jungle path.
A new journey was beginning.
But not of fame or power.
Of preparation.
For something darker. Deeper.
For in the New World… shadows had begun to move.
And the name Gol D. Arkan was once again whispered in fear.