Lightning tore through the skies of the New World as the sea boiled beneath it.
Something had been released.
Something ancient. Something wrong.
Location Unknown — Containment Site Delta
The ground split like paper as chains the size of towers snapped one by one. Alarms screamed. The underground facility collapsed in on itself.
And from the rubble… Exodus rose.
Over twenty feet tall. Flesh covered in rune-etched steel. Eyes burning with green flame. His chest bore the brand of the Serpent's Eye—still glowing.
He did not speak. He did not roar.
He simply walked.
And the earth trembled.
Mary Geoise — Observation Chamber
Veyron watched through a mirrored panel as data scrolled beside him.
"He retains the genetic imprint of three failed D-lineages," a technician muttered. "Enhanced through void-blood manipulation."
Another figure in shadow asked, "Will he obey?"
Veyron smiled. "He doesn't need to obey. He only needs to destroy."
East Blue — Dawn Island
A peaceful village slept beneath a quiet moon.
Until a shadow fell across it.
A single step from Exodus crushed an entire hill.
He looked toward the village. The Eye on his chest pulsed.
Target acquired: Garp's Home.
Meanwhile — Thousand Sunny
Robin burst into the room. "He's been released."
Arkan turned slowly. "Exodus."
"How do you know?" Nami asked.
"Because I felt it." Arkan's voice was steady. "It's not just a weapon. It's… a grave, wearing skin."
Zoro stood. "So we fight it."
"No," Arkan said. "We prepare. If we face it now, we lose."
Luffy slammed his fist into his palm. "Then we train."
Arkan nodded. "We need allies. And answers. Robin—decode everything you can from the symbols in the temple. Brook, I need you to search for the Song of the D. Franky—enhance the Sunny. This isn't just travel anymore… it's war."
Back on Dawn Island
Garp stood in his old marine coat, fists bare, facing the walking god of destruction.
"Didn't think I'd go out protecting the village I tried to retire in."
He cracked his knuckles.
"You're not the first monster I've punched."
Exodus charged.
Garp met him head-on.
The clash split the forest.
Marine Headquarters
Fleet Admiral Ryokugyu stood in silence as reports poured in.
"Dawn Island under attack. Unidentified entity. Garp engaged."
His jaw clenched. "Deploy everyone. Call Fujitora. Get surveillance on the Straw Hats."
Thousand Sunny — Midnight
Arkan stood at the bow, his coat flapping in the wind.
He whispered softly:
"I'm coming, old man. Just hold out."
And as the moonlight lit the sea, the Sunny turned westward—toward the birthplace of the Will of D.
Toward fire.
Toward war.