The Ion Tempest slowly descended above the island, and Lina and the others already saw Kuro and his group waiting in the square below.
Rolan sent a message to Law and Bepo, who were still training in the cabin. They emerged moments later.
Rolan surveyed Law, who was covered in cuts and bruises, and raised an eyebrow, curiosity in his voice, "Law San, what happened in there?"
Bepo rushed to his captain's side, worry clear in his expression.
Law lifted his head, voice calm though weary, "Just training, nothing remarkable."
Rolan could sense Law's aura, noting that the young pirate was pushed nearly to his limit. It was clear that he trained relentlessly, pushing his body to the brink, recovering, and doing it again.
Despite his position as one of the weaker members of the Ion Tempest, Law's growth was obvious. His proficiency with Observation Haki and physical resilience had climbed dramatically. He fought with precision, and his combat instincts were sharp.
Rolan acknowledged this inwardly. Law was not only driven by revenge, he was someone who never backed down from a challenge.
"We're in the New World now," Rolan declared.
Law's body stiffened at those words, surprise flickering in his eyes, "This is already the New World?"
He immediately popped a Senzu Bean in his mouth, and his wounds healed almost instantly. Bepo exhaled in relief.
They had grown up together. Bepo knew better than anyone how hard Law pushed himself, always charging forward without hesitation.
"Yes," Rolan replied, eyes half-closed. "But before we head to Dressrosa, we have business here."
As the Ion Tempest touched down in the square, everyone disembarked.
Franky adjusted his sunglasses, grinning as usual, "After more than a month at sea, you all look even sharper than before."
Crocodile stood nearby with a slight smile, knowing their attendance at Big Mom's Tea Party was all but certain now.
A streak of lightning crackled beside Crocodile as Enel laughed loudly, "Yehahahahaha, Rolan, you've finally arrived! Are we going to war with the Big Mom Pirates?"
Rolan glanced at Crocodile and Enel, expression blank. Those two thrived on chaos.
"Yes, we're going to the Tea Party," Rolan said flatly, "Whether it turns into a fight depends entirely on Big Mom's intentions."
Law regarded the assembled group silently, his heart thundering. Through his Observation Haki, every person before him emanated strength far surpassing his own.
He had theorized the Ion Tempest was powerful, but seeing them in person gave Law a true sense of their overwhelming presence.
"Kuro San, is this the Surgeon of Death, Trafalgar Law?" one of Kuro's companions asked.
Law nodded formally, "I am Trafalgar D. Water Law, user of the Ope-Ope no Mi."
Franky cracked open a bottle of iced cola and handed it to Law, "Here, Law, drink up. Don't brood so much."
Franky's genial nature masked a keen awareness. He had noticed Law's tension.
Law accepted the cola, offering a genuine thank you.
Kuro then spoke, "Shall we proceed? We'll talk after we return."
He led the group toward the large building at the center of the square.
Inside the massive conference hall, Rolan sat at the head of the table.
He regarded those seated around him, a mixture of respect and calculation in his eyes. They had survived treacherous seas to arrive here, and that was no small feat.
"Thank you all for your efforts," he said plainly.
Kuro and the others shook their heads, enjoying the moment.
Rolan continued, "The New World is infinitely more perilous than the Grand Line ever was."
Enel scoffed, voice distant and unconcerned, "Yehahahaha, I've sailed the New World long enough, I've yet to see anything worth fearing."
Except for Enel, excitement showed on most faces.
Rolan remained serious, "Do not underestimate anyone. One miscalculation could destroy us."
He paused, adding, "That said, the New World also brings opportunity—more resources, fewer Marines in our path."
Kuro stood and shared their recent experiences in the New World. He described a tense confrontation with the Big Mom Pirates' envoys during their travels.
Enel laughed loudly at this, "Yehahahahaha, Emperors' crews are nothing special, this one move and they fled!"
Crocodile shot Enel a withering look, "Hardly. They retreated because of my overwhelming strength."
Enel rose, towering over Crocodile slightly, "What was that? You Sand Crocodile?!"
Rolan watched their bickering with mild irritation, then intervened, "Enough."
Both men grumbled, folding their arms and looking away.
Rolan turned back to Kuro, "How long until the Tea Party?"
Kuro counted, "Four days. Many powerful figures are already heading to Totto Land. The earlier you arrive, the more respect you show to Big Mom."
Rolan frowned at the notion of seeking Big Mom's approval.
"How long from here to Totto Land?" he asked.
Kuro considered, "Normally five days. With Nami's navigation, we can do it in two."
Rolan nodded, "Then we rest here for two days before departing. You all deserve it."
The relaxed murmur among the crew showed their relief.
Their first weeks in the New World had been brutal. Weather shifts and pirate threats had tested them without pause.
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