One Piece: With Sign-in System

Meanwhile, on the Straw Hat Pirates' side…

They were currently traveling with Princess Vivi, making their way toward Alabasta.

Along the way, they passed through Drum Island.

"So this is the place where the infamous Drum Island Incident happened…"

With a cigarette dangling from his lips, Sanji scanned the surroundings, his gaze sharp.

Because of the battle between Ron and Kizaru, the landscape of Drum Island had been permanently altered. A massive rift had split the earth open, allowing seawater to flood in, forming an enormous inland lake spanning several kilometers. The lake's surface gleamed like a mirror under the cold sky.

And in front of them stood Drum Mountain—or rather, what was left of it.

The once towering peak, over a thousand meters tall, had been kicked clean in half. Now, only its lower half remained, snow-covered and silent, a testament to the sheer power that had been unleashed here.

The scars of that earth-shattering battle were still visible, whispering the tale of a clash between monsters.

"…What terrifying power."

Nami murmured as she gazed at the severed mountain in the distance, a chill running down her spine.

The strength of Admiral Kizaru… and the strength of that man…

Both were far beyond anything they could currently comprehend.

"…What? What are you all talking about? What's the Drum Island Incident?"

Usopp, who was completely unaware of the events, looked utterly confused.

Sanji and Nami turned to him in surprise.

"…Wait, you don't know?"

Even Vivi seemed shocked. "That was one of the biggest events to shake the entire world!"

With his arms crossed over his chest, Zoro, carrying his three swords at his waist, nodded. "Yeah. Even back at my dojo, I heard about this."

His sharp gaze swept over the shattered landscape.

"…I just didn't expect the damage to be this insane."

"Ron really is amazing…"

Luffy couldn't help but be in awe.

"…Even you know about this?"

Usopp was beyond shocked.

Luffy nodded. "I've heard a little about it."

For Usopp, that was the most shocking part of all.

Even Luffy knew about it?!

Just how big of an incident was this?!

…

On Drum Island.

The Straw Hat Pirates encountered Dr. Kureha, a seasoned doctor, and Chopper, a reindeer with a unique ability.

After spending some time with them and getting acquainted, the crew finally learned the full story of the Drum Island Incident from Dr. Kureha herself.

For Usopp, this was his first time truly understanding the sequence of events behind the incident.

And when he found out that the vast lake they had passed earlier was originally a towering mountain over a thousand meters tall, which had been obliterated due to a battle between two people, his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

"W-WHAAAT?!!"

Dr. Kureha, exhaling a cloud of smoke, casually continued, "Not just that lake. Every massive crater, every jagged rift, every patch of ruined forest, that entire colossal stone forest, and even that mountain made entirely of shattered boulders…

They were all left behind by that one battle."

She chuckled, her voice tinged with a hint of lingering shock.

"At the time, I almost thought the entire island was going to be destroyed. But, fortunately, it managed to hold together."

"…Destroy an island…?"

Usopp stood there, completely stunned.

He couldn't even begin to imagine it.

There were monsters in this world—people capable of wielding such destructive power?!

…

Meanwhile, at Revolutionary Army Headquarters.

After spending two days at the base, Ron finally came face-to-face with the leader of the Revolutionary Army—Monkey D. Dragon.

Inside a dimly lit conference room, four figures sat around a circular table.

Ron, Captain of the Calamity from the Skies.Monkey D. Dragon, Supreme Commander of the Revolutionary Army.Sabo, Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army.Emporio Ivankov, Grand Line Army Commander of the Revolutionary Army.

"…This is our second time meeting, Ron, the Traveler."

The deep, commanding voice of Dragon filled the room.

His piercing gaze locked onto Ron from across the table, the black tattoo on his face partially concealed beneath the shadow of his dark cloak.

The last time they had met was ten years ago, in the Goa Kingdom.

Back then, Ron had merely been a young boy, just starting his journey.

And yet, even at that time, Dragon had already taken notice of him.

However, the level of strength Ron had attained now, at such a young age, was beyond even Dragon's expectations.

"…Whether it was what happened back then, or what happened with Kuina, I haven't forgotten," Ron said with a soft smile.

"The Revolutionary Army has helped us a lot."

"But…"

Ron's smile sharpened slightly.

"…That's not why I came here today."

Dragon, Sabo, and Ivankov all focused their gazes on him, their curiosity deepening.

For the past two days, no matter how much Sabo pressed him for answers, Ron had remained tight-lipped, refusing to reveal anything.

All he had said was that he wanted to speak to Dragon in person.

Now, under their intense scrutiny, Ron finally spoke, revealing his purpose for coming here.

"Dragon…"

His voice was calm—but the weight behind his words was anything but.

"…I'm here to propose an alliance between me and the Revolutionary Army."

Sabo and Ivankov's expressions shifted the moment they heard his first sentence.

Dragon's eyes narrowed slightly.

"…Your enemy is…?"

Ron's next words sent a shockwave through the room.

"…The World Government."

Sabo and Ivankov froze.

Dragon's gaze grew even sharper.

"…The Revolutionary Army has always been fighting against the World Government," he said, his voice unreadable. "You're proposing… an alliance with us?"

Ron shook his head.

"My way of thinking… is different from yours."

A flicker of uncertainty flashed through Dragon's sharp gaze.

Under the watchful eyes of the three Revolutionary commanders, Ron continued:

"The Revolutionary Army was founded with the goal of overthrowing the Celestial Dragons, who rule over the World Government with their oppressive and unjust regime. Over the years, the Revolutionary Army has indeed grown stronger…

But your progress is minimal at best.

The most you've achieved is overthrowing the governments of a few nations. But the rule of the Celestial Dragons, who control the entire world, still stands firm.

And at this rate? Who knows how many more decades it will take before their reign is truly overthrown?"

Ron's voice remained calm, yet the weight of his words pressed down upon the room.

He continued:

"This is only because the World Government's main focus is still on the pirates.

But… if they ever decide to mobilize the full strength of the Marines—if they ever truly see the Revolutionary Army as a threat…

Would the Revolutionary Army even stand a chance?"

Silence filled the room.

Dragon's gaze hardened as he stared at Ron, his expression unreadable.

"So… what exactly are you saying?"

Ron exhaled slowly.

"If you truly want to destroy the World Government, then relying on your current 'small skirmishes' and 'gradual progress' is pointless."

His voice was eerily calm as he spoke his next words.

"The only way… is to gather overwhelming power, launch a decisive strike, and wipe Mary Geoise off the face of this world."

The room went still.

Dragon, Sabo, and Ivankov were utterly shocked by his statement.

"…Destroy Mary Geoise?"

Ivankov's large eyes widened in disbelief.

"H-How could that even be possible…?"

Sabo swallowed, a bead of cold sweat forming on his forehead.

"The World Government has elite forces stationed throughout Mary Geoise…

Not to mention, Marine Headquarters—Marineford—is located just beneath the Red Line, right next to Mary Geoise!

If Mary Geoise were to be attacked, Marineford would immediately send reinforcements…"

Dragon's gaze remained locked on Ron.

"Beyond that… the Five Elders and the powerful guards protecting the Celestial Dragons are stationed within Mary Geoise."

His tone was firm.

"Just reaching Mary Geoise alone is already a near impossible feat.

And to destroy it completely?"

He shook his head slightly.

"Even if all Four Emperors of the sea joined forces, that still might not be enough."

Ron nodded.

"…It is difficult."

His agreement surprised them.

"But… it's not impossible."

Dragon, Sabo, and Ivankov fell silent, their eyes locked onto Ron.

Then, slowly, Ron extended his hand into empty air—

And from seemingly nothing, he pulled out a wooden chessboard, setting it onto the round table before them.

The chessboard was intricately crafted, covered in finely detailed wooden pieces, each representing different forces in the world.

Without hesitation, Ron swept away all the pieces, leaving the board completely empty.

Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, he placed it at the center of the table.

His expression unwavering, his eyes still closed, he reached for a single wooden piece—

A piece engraved with a single word:

"Kaido."

He carefully set the Kaido piece onto the board.

"The final war that will reshape the world…"

Ron's voice was soft, yet it carried the weight of certainty.

"…Whether they want to or not…

Everyone will be dragged into it."

...

The meeting in Baltigo was one that only four people in the entire world knew about.

No one else had any idea what had transpired behind those closed doors.

But one thing was certain—

After that meeting, Dragon and Ron officially formed an alliance.

However, whether the Revolutionary Army would truly act according to the plans laid out in that discussion…

That depended on Ron's next move.

For now, this alliance was merely the prologue of the prologue.

…

The moment Ron left Baltigo, Dragon wasted no time.

He issued an urgent command to the entire Revolutionary Army—

Saint Dorrea must fall.

The ongoing battle in Saint Dorrea had dragged on long enough. If Ron's words in that meeting were true, then they had no more time to waste.

The Revolutionaries had to end the war swiftly, overthrow the government of Saint Dorrea, and move forward without hesitation.

Every second counted.

…

Several days later—

The Straw Hat Pirates, now accompanied by their new ship doctor, Chopper, finally set sail from Drum Island.

Their next destination?

Alabasta.

But what Luffy didn't expect…

Was that he would run into someone completely unexpected.

"Ace?!"

Luffy's eyes widened in shock and joy.

Seated comfortably at a table in a small Alabasta restaurant, Portgas D. Ace looked up, flashing a familiar grin.

"Yo, Luffy."

His voice was warm, filled with the ease of an older brother reuniting with his long-lost sibling.

"It's been a while, huh?"

Three years.

Three long years had passed since the two brothers had last seen each other.

And now—

They sat across from one another at the same table, stuffing their faces with food as if nothing had changed.

Between mouthfuls, Luffy finally learned why Ace was in Alabasta.

"Marshall D. Teach?" Luffy swallowed a large chunk of meat. "Is he one of your crew?"

"…He was."

Ace's expression darkened slightly.

"But he did something… that can never be forgiven."

His eyes grew cold.

"He betrayed the Whitebeard Pirates. And now, he's been expelled from our crew."

Ace continued eating as he spoke.

"I came here because I'm hunting him down. That guy—he calls himself Blackbeard now."

His voice carried a hint of warning.

"He's dangerous and deceitful, Luffy. If you ever run into him, make sure to stay far away."

Luffy nodded as he gulped down another bite of food.

"Got it."

Then, as if just remembering something, Luffy suddenly looked up.

"Oh yeah, Ace—I saw Ron in the East Blue!"

Ace paused.

"…You saw him?"

Luffy nodded enthusiastically.

"Yeah! He had a fight with that guy called Hawkeye, and then the next day, he left."

Luffy then grinned.

"Oh, and he also told me that Sabo isn't dead."

Ace's eyes widened.

"…What?"

For a moment, Ace forgot about the food in his hands.

He stared straight at Luffy, his expression intense.

"Sabo is alive?!"

"Yep!" Luffy nodded firmly. "Ron said Sabo is with the Revolutionary Army now. He didn't come back to find us because he lost his memory in an accident."

Ace's fingers clenched into fists.

"…So that's what happened…" he murmured.

Sabo… wasn't dead.

All these years, he had thought he lost his other brother forever.

But now…

A small, almost relieved smile crept onto Ace's lips.

"…That's good," he muttered. "That's really… really good."

…

After spending some time together in Alabasta, Ace and Luffy eventually went their separate ways.

Ace had his own mission—to hunt down Blackbeard.

Meanwhile, Luffy and his crew had their own destination—

Alabasta's royal capital.

With Vivi leading them, the Straw Hat Pirates continued their journey deep into the heart of the desert.

At the same time—

Smoker and Tashigi arrived in Alabasta, closely following their trail.

The final battle for Alabasta was drawing closer.

…

At the same time—

Ron, who had been away from Kuina, Robin, and the others for over two months, finally returned to the Sabaody Archipelago.

His destination?

A certain familiar bar.

As he stepped through the wooden doors of Shakky's Rip-Off Bar, he was greeted by a familiar voice.

"Shakky," Ron spoke with a smile. "It's been a while. How have you been?"

Shakky looked up.

For a brief second—

She was stunned.

The boy she had met years ago… the one who was just a nameless swordsman back then…

Now stood before her as a towering young man, calm and composed, his reputation stretching across the seas.

He had become a man on par with the Four Emperors.

"…Of course, I'm doing well," she finally replied, a rare trace of nostalgia in her eyes.

Then she tilted her head slightly.

"What about you?"

Ron's expression didn't change.

"I've been doing well too."

Then, he casually asked—

"Is Rayleigh here?"

Shakky shook her head.

"No, he left for Rusukaina Island. Kuina and the others are there too."

Ron remained silent for a moment—

Then, slowly, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

"…I see."

Shakky watched Ron as he walked toward the bar's entrance, then couldn't help but ask, "Are you heading over there? They should be back in two days."

"No, I trust Rayleigh. I just want to take a walk around the Sabaody Archipelago and clear my mind."

Ron smiled, waved his hand without looking back, and stepped out of the bar.

Just now, through his Observation Haki, which covered the entire island, he sensed the presence of two familiar figures.

He planned to pay them a visit.

…

In the busiest and most vibrant district of the Sabaody Archipelago—

Two women, dressed in casual clothes, walked side by side down the bustling streets, blending into the lively crowd.

"It's been so long since I've felt this relaxed," Hina remarked, her red suit neatly tailored to her figure. A pair of sunglasses rested on her forehead, and her pink hair flowed over her shoulders. She gazed around with a contented expression, enjoying the rare leisure.

"But…"

She turned to look at her companion. "Gion, you're a candidate for Admiral now. Is it really fine for you to be away from headquarters?"

"Just for a day. It's no big deal."

Gion smiled elegantly. Her mature, alluring face was framed by long, wavy hair, and in her hand, she carried a small paper bag. "Spending every day cooped up at headquarters is unbearable. Sometimes, you need a change of pace. If anything, I should be thanking you for inviting me out."

Hina glanced at her curiously. "So, has the situation improved a little compared to before?"

"The number of pirate crews entering the Grand Line does seem to have decreased in the past six months."

"Not necessarily a good thing," Gion said, shaking her head. "While the quantity has gone down, the quality has gone up. For us Marines, that makes things even more troublesome."

Hina frowned slightly. "So, the ones making it through are all the troublesome types?"

Her mind drifted to the names that had been causing waves lately—

The Kid Pirates – Captain: Eustass Kid, First Mate: Killer.

The Hawkins Pirates – Captain: Basil Hawkins.

The Drake Pirates – Captain: Red Flag X. Drake.

The On-Air Pirates – Captain: Scratchmen Apoo.

The Fire Tank Pirates – Captain: Capone Bege.

The Fallen Monk Pirates – Captain: Urouge.

Each of these newly emerged pirate crews boasted captains with bounties exceeding one hundred million berries, instantly cementing their status as Supernovas.

It was rare to see so many of them appear all at once.

"Hey, Hina," Gion suddenly lowered her voice, glancing around. "Have you heard the latest rumors?"

Hina snapped out of her thoughts. "What rumors?"

"Some people claim they saw a ship docked at the Sabaody Archipelago… a ship that resembles the floating vessel of Calamity from the Skies."

Gion's words made Hina's eyes widen slightly.

A storm of emotions surged within her, momentarily rendering her speechless.

"You mean… that person might be on this island?" Hina hesitated, her tone uncertain. "That shouldn't be possible… The last reports placed him in the East Blue, didn't they?"

"Calm down. We can't confirm if the report is accurate just yet."

Gion placed a reassuring hand on Hina's shoulder and smiled faintly. "Aside from enjoying a shopping trip, I also came here to verify this information myself."

-------------------------

T/N:

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