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After Ron's departure…

Smoker debated whether or not to report the conversation he had with Ron to his superiors.

But Ron's attitude at the time left him with an unsettling feeling.

Besides, what Ron had said was far too outrageous—so absurd that Smoker wasn't even sure anyone would believe him.

And if they questioned him about it, how was he supposed to explain it?

Was he supposed to say that, as a Marine, he had run into an old acquaintance, sat down for a drink, and during their conversation, the guy got drunk and started spouting insane things?

That would be ridiculous.

Who would believe such a thing?!

As Smoker wrestled with his thoughts, ten days quickly passed.

In the end, he chose not to report it.

…

Half a Month After Ron Left Loguetown.

By this time, Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji had finally arrived at Loguetown, officially marking the formation of the Straw Hat Pirates.

Just like in the original timeline, Zoro visited a local weapons shop, where he acquired Yubashiri and Sandai Kitetsu—completing his new set of three swords.

Including Mokuro, the blade that Ron had lent him, he had finally restored his ability to wield Three-Sword Style after his previous swords had been shattered by Mihawk.

Soon after, the crew ran into their old enemy—Buggy the Clown, whom they had fought back in Orange Town.

Just as in the original events, Buggy nearly succeeded in executing Luffy—but at the last moment, a bolt of lightning struck down from the sky, saving him.

Smoker, having sensed Luffy's potential danger to the Marines, immediately launched an arrest attempt—only to be intercepted by Monkey D. Dragon.

Once the chaos settled, the Straw Hats set sail for the Grand Line.

Smoker, now more determined than ever to leave Loguetown and pursue Luffy, immediately took Tashigi and a squad of Marines and set off after them.

Meanwhile, Dragon, who had been secretly watching over Luffy, also left Loguetown.

However, on his way back to the Grand Line, he received a message from Baltigo.

Hearing Ivankov's excited voice on the other end of the line, Dragon's expression changed drastically. Without hesitation, he ordered a full-speed return to Baltigo.

…

One Month After Ron's Duel with Mihawk.

Despite the spectacle of his battle with Mihawk, Ron had once again vanished without a trace.

No one knew where he was or what he was planning.

Kaido of the Beasts had also remained eerily silent, making no moves whatsoever.

This left many disappointed—especially those who had been anticipating an all-out war.

Even those who considered themselves puppet masters of this era, watching from above, waiting for chaos to unfold, were caught off guard.

…

Somewhere in the Grand Line – A Kingdom's Royal Palace.

Inside a grand palace on one of the islands of the Grand Line, a man stood by a tall window, his white suit immaculate, a cloak draped over his shoulders, and a white mask covering his face.

His hands were clasped behind his back as he gazed out at the distant horizon.

"Oh… so he's chosen to do nothing?"

"Now that's a bit unexpected."

Behind him, a tall man in an eccentric suit chuckled.

"Who would've thought Kaido would be this patient?"

"There are only two possibilities."

The masked man's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable weight.

"Either he has sensed that the winds are changing… or he has realized that that man is far more dangerous than he expected."

"Hah… maybe so. But what a pity."

The tall man smirked.

"If they had gone ahead and fought to the death, it would've been perfect for us. And with the Marines involved…"

He chuckled darkly.

"Perhaps the Four Emperors would have become Three."

The masked man was not just any ordinary member of CP0. He was the highest-ranking officer of CP0 at the moment, wielding immense authority within the organization.

His mastery of both types of Haki, combined with the Six Powers and the power of a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit, made him an exceptionally formidable force—one that few in the world truly understood.

He and his subordinates were the hidden blades of the World Government and the Celestial Dragons.

Even the most ruthless and fearsome figures of the world would rather avoid catching their attention than risk becoming their target.

The masked man exhaled softly, his voice calm yet carrying an unmistakable edge.

"Let's wait for another opportunity… Any movements from the Revolutionary Army?"

The tall man hesitated slightly before responding.

"Roughly speaking… not much."

"'Roughly'?"

The masked man turned his head slightly, his gaze sharp.

The tall man's expression darkened.

"My agents barely managed to get close before they were immediately detected. Every operative we've sent in so far has either been neutralized or driven out… Right now, the Revolutionary Army is sealed up tighter than a steel fortress. It's become nearly impossible to infiltrate them."

The masked man was silent for a moment before murmuring:

"…The Revolutionary Army is becoming more and more troublesome."

"But it's still within our control for now. Their high-level combat power is limited—if they had more top-tier fighters, they would be a direct existential threat to the World Government."

"Even so, we can't afford to be careless. Keep deploying agents. Even if we can't infiltrate them, we must track their movements."

"Understood."

…

Not long after entering the Grand Line, the Straw Hat Pirates encountered Princess Vivi.

The moment she heard Luffy's name, her reaction was unexpectedly intense.

And the first question she asked made Zoro, Nami, and Sanji freeze in place.

"You're Luffy…? Then, do you know Ron the Traveler?"

Luffy blinked, then grinned.

"Of course I do! Why? Do you need something from him?"

Hearing his confirmation, Vivi's emotions surged.

She had found the right people!

For a moment, she wanted to immediately ask Luffy where Ron was.

But she held herself back.

First, she needed to relay a message—one that Ron had entrusted her with long ago, back when they first met.

"I met him once, a long time ago…"

"At that time, he asked me to tell you something."

Her eyes met Luffy's as she carefully repeated Ron's words.

"He said… he will be waiting for you in the New World."

Luffy's eyes widened for a brief moment.

Then, his lips curled into a broad, determined grin.

"So next time… we'll meet in the New World?"

"Alright!"

His fist clenched as it collided with his palm, his gaze filled with fiery resolve.

"You just wait for me there, Ron!"

"Uh… um…", Vivi hesitated, biting her lip.

There was still something she wanted to ask.

Taking a deep breath, she gathered her courage and looked straight at Luffy.

"If it's possible… could you tell me where Ron is right now?"

Luffy didn't even blink.

"Nope. No idea."

Vivi froze.

"…Huh?"

"I dunno where Ron is."

"…Wait, but aren't you friends?"

"Yeah, we are."

"Then shouldn't you—"

"Nope. Still don't know."

Vivi's mind went blank.

'What…?!'

There was no rule that said friends always knew each other's locations.

But still!

This was Ron the Traveler!

He wasn't some ordinary wanderer!

Her knees buckled, and she slumped onto the ship's deck, completely speechless.

Sanji erupted in anger, his face turning red as he yelled at Luffy.

"You idiot! How could you say that to a beautiful lady?!"

Luffy tilted his head, looking completely innocent.

"But… I really don't know."

"You're not allowed to say 'I don't know' to a beautiful woman!"

"Huh? Then… what should I say?"

Zoro scoffed, crossing his arms.

"Luffy, just ignore this dumbass."

Sanji's veins bulged as he turned on him instantly.

"What did you just say, you damn moss-head?!"

"Hah?! Who the hell are you calling moss-head?! You wanna fight?!"

"Damn right I do! Bring it on!"

BAM! BAM!

Two fists came crashing down, one for each of them.

Sanji and Zoro immediately shut up, both sporting massive lumps on their heads as they collapsed onto the deck.

Nami shook her fist, her patience completely gone.

"Will you two idiots shut up already?!"

She exhaled sharply, dusting off her hands.

Then, turning to look at Vivi—who sat there looking completely miserable—Nami couldn't help but let out a small sigh.

She softened her tone slightly.

"…Why exactly are you looking for Ron?"

Vivi's hands clenched into fists.

"I… I need his help…"

Nami crouched down in front of her, watching her carefully.

"Help with what?"

Vivi trembled, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I need him… I need him to… save my country!"

Tears spilled from her eyes, her emotions completely overwhelming her.

"If I can't find him… my country will be destroyed!"

At those words, the atmosphere on the ship shifted instantly.

Luffy, Nami, Sanji, Zoro, and Usopp all exchanged glances, their expressions growing serious.

Nami frowned slightly.

"Your country is about to be destroyed? What do you mean?"

Sniffling, Vivi quickly wiped her tears away and began explaining everything to the crew in front of her.

At this point, she had no choice—she could only place her trust in these people she had just met.

And once she had finished her story…

Usopp's forehead broke into a cold sweat.

"…The Warlord of the Sea—Crocodile?"

"This… This isn't just some ordinary enemy…"

Sanji exhaled slowly, lighting a cigarette.

"A pirate trying to steal a kingdom, huh? He's got some serious nerve."

Zoro, on the other hand, grinned slightly.

"A guy that Ron once slashed down and seriously injured…"

"…Sounds like someone worth fighting."

Usopp's eyes nearly popped out of his skull.

"Hey, hey, HEY!" He practically shrieked at them.

"You two aren't seriously thinking about getting involved, are you?! We're talking about a Warlord of the Sea here!"

Nami glanced at Vivi apologetically.

"It's a shame… Ron left the East Blue a month ago."

"And right now… we have no way to contact him."

Hearing that, Vivi lowered her head, her face filled with disappointment.

But before she could lose all hope—

SMACK!

Luffy slammed his fist into his palm, flashing her a bright, confident grin.

"Alright!"

"If Ron isn't here… then I'LL be the one to punch that Crocodile guy next week!"

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