......
The light screen's earlier revelation of the two's identities triggered a series of intense reactions among the various factions in God Valley.
Although Ginny's identity wasn't explicitly stated, just the names "Bartholomew Kuma" and "Emporio Ivankov," along with the label of "future core cadres of the Revolutionary Army," were enough to send shockwaves through everyone's hearts.
These two figures who would stir up storms across the world in the future were right here in God Valley at this moment, appearing before them in such weak and helpless states!
"So… they're here too."
Wrapped in bandages and breathing weakly, Dragon slowly shifted his gaze, landing on the three children surrounded by the pirates.
The light screen had already made it clear that in the future, he would fight side by side with these two, founding the Revolutionary Army that would shake the very foundations of the World Government.
What made him feel even more the invisible hand of fate at work was that Dragon clearly recognized these three children as some of the slaves he had risked everything to rescue by shooting at the Celestial Dragons earlier!
At the time, he had acted purely out of righteous indignation and hatred for the Celestial Dragons' atrocities, never imagining that the ones he had unintentionally saved would turn out to be his most important future comrades.
This entanglement of cause and effect brought a complex, indescribable expression to his pale face.
"That big kid is… a remnant of the Buccaneer Tribe!"
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter's voice carried an irrepressible cold fury. He stared fixedly at Kuma, the killing intent in his eyes practically turning solid.
It wasn't just Kuma—his gaze swept over Ivankov, then darkly flicked toward Rocks in the distance.
Clearly, the Five Elders were aware of certain inside information regarding Rocks's Davy Clan identity.
"The Buccaneer Tribe, the Lunaria Tribe, and those 'D's that shouldn't exist… are all 'errors' that must be completely erased from history!"
The other four Elders—including Saint Saturn, who had just regained consciousness and whose aura was still feeble—looked at the three children with undisguised disgust and icy judgment.
To them, the very existence of these "forbidden bloodlines" was a blasphemy against the World Government's authority and the divine order.
In stark contrast, Roger was full of astonishment and curiosity.
He squatted in front of Kuma and Ivankov, looking them over from every angle and clicking his tongue in wonder: "Well, well, well! So you two little guys are here too! The future Okama King and the Tyrant?
Heh heh, this is really interesting!"
Roger's attitude held none of the Five Elders' killing intent, nor the awe or scheming that ordinary people might feel toward "future big shots." It was more like a big kid who had discovered something fun—pure curiosity.
"Let's protect these three as well!"
Rocks's voice rang out, decisive and unquestionable.
He glanced at the blatant murderous intent on the Five Elders' side and sneered: "The way those old geezers over there are looking at these kids—it's like they've seen irreconcilable enemies.
Since we've already protected Garp's son, these two future Revolutionary Army cadres and that little girl shouldn't fall into the World Government's hands either."
Rocks's words were directed at Roger, but they were also a declaration to his own subordinates and all the non-World Government forces present.
Protecting these three children wasn't just defying the Five Elders' will—it was planting pieces on the board in advance for the future confrontation with the World Government.
"Hey, little guys…"
Roger toned down his exaggerated expression, trying to make his voice sound as gentle and trustworthy as possible—though right now he was covered in blood, and his hearty smile carried the wildness of a pirate.
"Don't be scared. Sure, we're not exactly good guys, but we're definitely more reasonable than those five old freaks over there.
For now, stick with us. At least until we get out of this damn place, no one will touch a single hair on your heads."
Kuma, Ivankov, and Ginny were somewhat stunned by this sudden "protection."
They had gone from being treated as slaves, imprisoned, witnessing a bloody great battle, to being discovered by these infamous great pirates…
Their emotions were riding a rollercoaster.
But Rayleigh's words, Rocks's clear stance, and the chilling looks from the Five Elders opposite quickly made them understand their situation.
"F-Follow… you guys?"
Ivankov was still a bit hesitant, but Kuma had already silently nodded.
Though young, his special background and experiences had made him far more mature than his peers, and he was better at reading the situation.
Ginny tightly clutched the hem of Kuma's clothes, her small face full of tension, but her eyes showed absolute trust in her companion.
"That's right, follow us."
Rayleigh stepped forward, his tone calm yet carrying a reassuring strength: "The light screen has already shown us some of the future.
We don't know if it's inevitable, but at least… right now, you three need to be safe. We and the World Government are enemies to begin with."
He glanced at the Five Elders, the implication clear.
And so, under the watchful eyes of various parties with their own thoughts, Kuma took Ginny's hand, Ivankov followed beside them, and they cautiously retreated to the area between the Roger Pirates and the Rocks Pirates…
They joined Eris—who was holding little Teach—along with Gloriosa and Shakky, who were looking after the Shanks brothers, and the others.
Their little group of "protectees" had just grown larger.
When Ivankov's gaze inadvertently swept over the massive Charlotte Linlin nearby, his body visibly stiffened, a flash of lingering fear crossing his face.
After all, he had snatched the Paw-Paw Fruit right out of this "Mom's" hands.
Big Mom naturally noticed his glance. Her huge eyes flicked over, carrying scrutiny and a hint of displeasure, but in the end she merely "hmph"ed and looked away.
The fruit had already been eaten—dwelling on it was pointless. Besides, with the complicated situation right now, she had no mind to start a conflict over a fruit that was already gone.
The situation in God Valley, with the addition of these children, became even more delicate and tense.
The Five Elders' killing intent, the pirates' "protection," the future seeds of the Revolutionary Army… all the threads intertwined.
And while everyone's thoughts were in turmoil—whispering discussions or quietly staying vigilant—the light screen in the sky did not pause…
It continued playing fragments of the future, periodically drawing everyone's attention back to the ever-changing scenes.
In the scene, the Thousand Sunny—which had narrowly escaped death—was moored at the shore of a small island that looked peaceful and serene, with lush vegetation.
The island wasn't large, but the scenery was pleasant—completely different from the apocalyptic sight they had faced during the encounter with Zephyr.
After the fierce battle with Zephyr's fleet and the explosive impact, the ship had sustained damage in many places—especially the side rammed by the black warship, where the planks were cracked and ropes snapped.
"Let's rest and recover here for now! We need to properly repair the Sunny!"
"Agreed!" Usopp raised both hands high. "I was scared to death earlier! We need a safe place to calm our nerves!"
"And we need to replenish our food supplies too."
Sanji lit a cigarette, looking at the somewhat empty kitchen storage.
"Leave it to me! Super!"
Franky had already changed into work pants and struck his classic pose, full of energy: "This little bit of damage—I can fix it in no time!"
To restore Nami and Robin's bodies in the future, they had to find Zephyr—and Luffy needed to settle things with him too!
[Writing about Kuma now is to set up for the later Egghead Island events. Everyone's seen the movie countless times anyway, so mixing in something different isn't bad, right~]