The seas had settled, but the ripples of Vegito's storm were spreading far beyond the horizon.
East Blue, various ports and towns — Multiple POVs
The townsfolk of East Blue, once whispering timidly about strange pirate rumors, now buzzed with wide-eyed tales of a man who had toppled kings, revived the dead, and wielded a power that none could comprehend.
Marine Base Loguetown — Vice Admiral Tsukumo's Office
Tsukumo paced his office, staring at the freshly printed bounty posters hung on the wall. One was marked with a flaming dragon: Vegito, the mysterious pirate captain whose name had become a ghost story told among seamen and marines alike.
"...500,000,000 berries. Five hundred million." Tsukumo repeated the number, his voice low and heavy with disbelief. "That's almost unheard of for someone barely two years into piracy."
His subordinate, Captain Saito, nodded grimly. "Sir, he's not just a pirate. He's rewriting what it means to be dangerous. The world government is on edge. The Five Elders are in unprecedented turmoil. Rumors of his ability to revive the dead are circulating."
Tsukumo slammed his fist on the desk. "Revive the dead? That's… impossible. Yet if true, it's a nightmare scenario. Imagine every enemy we have ever defeated walking again, now stronger, and allied with him."
Saito swallowed hard. "The World Government has ordered all branches to monitor his movements, but so far, he remains one step ahead."
Vegito's Ship, Heaven's Embrace — The Bridge
Vegito lounged on the ornate dragon-shaped railing, a huge plate of steaming roasted meats before him, laughing heartily as Nojiko recounted an amusing story about their last battle.
"Ha! You really slapped that Arlong grunt so hard he turned into mist? Man, you're terrifying, Vegito!" Nojiko said with a nervous chuckle, her purple hair fluttering in the sea breeze.
Vegito grinned and took a bite. "I told you, I'm not here to play. But don't worry, I only use my real strength on the bad guys." He winked, then turned to Nami, who was nervously twirling a strand of her orange hair.
"Hey, Nami, you okay? You look a little pale."
Nami forced a smile, voice soft. "It's just... all this talk about bounties and power… it's scary sometimes. I've spent my whole life afraid of being used or crushed."
Vegito reached out and gently squeezed her hand. "You're not alone anymore. This crew is your family now. And I'll protect every one of you, no matter what."
Crew Quarters — Later that evening
Bell-mère sat quietly, watching the young women laughing and joking. Her sharp eyes caught the warmth and the sincerity in Vegito's actions. Though once a Marine herself, she had been reborn into a new family — and her heart swelled with pride and hope.
"I never thought I'd see the day when Nami's smile could be genuine," she muttered softly. "This man… he's something else."
Marine Headquarters — Council Room
The Five Elders sat in grim assembly, the air thick with tension.
Elder 1, a stoic man with icy eyes, spoke first. "This 'Vegito'… his power to revive the dead challenges our very foundations. If he revives those who opposed us… it will be chaos."
Elder 2, twitching nervously, added, "We must find a way to stop him before he gains too much influence. The World Government's secret weapons may need to be deployed."
Elder 3's voice was a low growl. "I have dispatched CP0 agents to gather intel. If the rumors of his flying ship and godlike power are true, we must reconsider our strategies."
Heaven's Embrace — System Notification
System Update: Crew Bounties have been updated.
Vegito: 500,000,000 Berries
Nami: 150,000,000 Berries
Nojiko: 100,000,000 Berries
Bell-mère: 75,000,000 Berries
Vegito pulled up the status screen, grinning widely.
"Well, ladies, looks like the world finally noticed us!"
Nami blinked, eyes wide, and then burst out laughing. "150 million?! I never imagined I'd be that infamous."
Nojiko shook her head in disbelief. "This can't be real…"
Bell-mère's hearty laugh filled the room. "If they think this is all we can do, they're in for a surprise."
Vegito's Inner Monolog
"The bounty numbers mean nothing to me personally, but the fear they spark? That's the real currency. The world is starting to understand there's a new king on the seas, and it's only the beginning. Time to prepare for the storm to come."
Evening on the Deck
The crew gathered under the starry sky. Laughter echoed, mingling with the gentle waves. Vegito's booming laughter led the chorus as the crew sang their own renditions of sea shanties — Nami's voice a lilting melody over the rhythmic pounding of the ocean.
"Oi! Who dares challenge the King of the East Blue?" Vegito bellowed playfully, raising a mug of rum.
"Only fools!" Nojiko shouted, clinking her cup with Nami's.
Bell-mère chuckled warmly. "To the future, and to family."
They all joined in, voices rising in harmony.
Marine Headquarters — News Report
The official news broadcast crackled through marines' quarters worldwide.
"The infamous pirate Vegito and his crew continue to defy the World Government's efforts to contain their influence. Their bounty has surpassed 500 million berries, raising concerns about the balance of power in the East Blue and beyond."
Multiple POVs
CP0 Agent Report
Agent Kuro stared at the news report, then the dossier on Vegito.
"He's not just powerful. He's changing the world's very fabric. His revival ability alone is a threat unlike any we've seen."
Agent Mika, shaking her head, said, "He's also building a family — a crew filled with powerful women and unlikely allies. If we're not careful, his influence will spread uncontrollably."
Revolutionary Army Command
Sabo leaned over a holographic map, eyes narrowing.
"Vegito's strength and approach could be an asset or a threat. We should watch closely."
Koala nodded. "His respect for family and his power to revive… he might be someone worth approaching."
End of Chapter System Check
System Notification:
Crew morale: 98%
Ship condition: 100%
Upcoming missions unlocked: East Blue Exploration, Recruitment Operations
New skill unlocked for Vegito: "Dragon's Roar" (Area intimidation ability, reduces enemy combat effectiveness)
Available in shop: Advanced Haki training scroll, Devil Fruit enhancer, Healing herbs
Vegito's Final Thought
"The seas are vast, the world is watching, and my crew grows stronger by the day. Let the marines and world government quake — we are only just beginning."