In the Holy Land of Mariejois, the Five Elders sat in harmonious silence. But the tranquil atmosphere vanished the moment they heard the news: Rodin was heading for Water 7.
"What audacity!"
"Is he after the Pluton blueprints?"
"Pluton? But he threatened to destroy the Warlord system. Is there a connection between the two?"
"No matter the cost, he must be eliminated this time."
The Warlord system had already lost two of its members. If they were to find new replacements, this immediate threat had to be neutralized. Otherwise, no one would dare take the title.
Above Mariejois, dark clouds gathered, a silent omen that a storm was brewing.
The death of 'Moria' spread throughout the New World, another Warlord taken down by the Rodin Pirates. The bounties were immediately refreshed, a sight that made every pirate's eyes widen.
The crew's total bounty, once 2.5 billion, had now skyrocketed to 4 billion Berries! Captain Rodin's bounty alone had climbed to 1.2 billion Berries, making it the fastest-growing bounty in history!
The Rodin Pirates had proven their determination to eliminate the Warlords.
Naturally, the biggest reaction came from the remaining Warlords themselves. 'Hawkeye' Mihawk, 'Heavenly Yaksha' Doflamingo, 'Empress' Hancock, and 'First Son of the Sea' Jinbe—all of them were immediately mobilized.
They would not refuse. Each of them had their own reasons for being a Warlord, and this matter was directly related to their own safety. They all accepted the compulsory mobilization and prepared to confront Rodin's crew.
The Four Emperors, of course, were aware of the Marines' actions, but none of them chose to interfere. On a certain island, however, Shanks stared intently at the new bounty poster of the 'clown girl' and frowned. As for Kaido, his response was pure coincidence. Drunk as he was, he had no idea what was going on. His raid on Marine Headquarters was just a random impulse!
It was getting dark in the first half of the Grand Line, in the city of Water 7. The waterways here were a complex network of canals and transport systems, all running smoothly.
That is, until a unique ship with a faint yellow glow broke the peaceful rhythm.
"Look up at the sky!"
"My God, that ship is flying!"
"How is that possible?"
"Quick, get your video Den Den Mushi! Record this!"
Not only on the island, but also on a passing Sea Train, passengers were glued to the windows, their eyes wide with disbelief.
"Is that from the Galley-La Company?"
"No way, I can't imagine what kind of power could make it fly!"
"Look! It has the word 'God' on it! Could it be… a ship from the Celestial Dragons?!"
On the ship, Rodin stepped out of the training room, letting out a small sigh. He never wasted a moment, even during travel.
"We've finally arrived," he said.
"Yes, Mr. Rodin," Tashigi replied, emerging from the control room.
As the 'Ship Spirit,' she had been unable to accept her new reality at first. But she was slowly getting used to it. She lived in a virtual world now, unable to see her family or colleagues. She could no longer experience the highs and lows of being human. Her future was tied to this ship; if it was destroyed, she would be too.
But Tashigi was a strong woman, and she was alive. Wasn't that the greatest gift?
"It's okay," Rodin said, noticing her somber mood. "If there's a chance, I'll help you get your body back."
Tashigi's beautiful eyes lit up. "Is there really a way?"
"Yes," he nodded, feeling a pang of sympathy for the kind woman. Once a ship spirit, she could never leave the ship's virtual space. Her life would be long, but only as long as the ship survived. It was a trade-off.
"Lock on to Dock No. 1," he was about to command when a gust of sand coalesced into Crocodile's figure.
With her long legs and fishnet stockings, she approached him.
"Why have you been avoiding me?" she purred, her finger reaching up to trace his jawline.
Rodin caught her hand. "Training is the most important thing," he said, resisting the temptation. "My strength surpasses yours, Madam Crocodile."
The scent of her alluring perfume was growing stronger, and Rodin could see the desire in her watery eyes.
"Can you accept being surpassed by a man?"
"You're getting more and more confident," she scoffed, moving closer and running her hand inside his clothes, caressing his back with a mischievous grin.
Rodin grabbed her hand and pulled it out. "That's enough. In your world, this is already considered harassment."
"But in your world, this is nothing," she laughed, a cunning smile on her face. "You can do the same to me. It's mutual satisfaction…"
He quickly put a hand over her mouth.
"Mmm!" Crocodile let out a muffled gasp, her eyes shining mischievously.
Tashigi's face flushed as she watched the interaction.
"Don't make that expression, it's misleading," Rodin said, taking his hand away. "Tashigi, stop daydreaming and control the ship."
It was time for his mission to begin.
"Ah… right!" she stammered, quickly refocusing.
The flying ship descended, heading toward Water 7, as onlookers on the ground shouted in a mix of awe and speculation.
"Quick, go see who's on board!"
"I bet it's someone from the Galley-La Company!"
"Idiot, only a Celestial Dragon could have a ship like that!"