The Grand Line.
The White Soil Island, Baltigo.
Inside a spacious room that appeared ordinary, even somewhat crude, a group of people had gathered.
The room was filled with men and women of different heights and builds, yet every one of them carried an intimidating presence.
Several among them were famous figures known throughout the seas.
At the center of the crowd stood a man with a fierce, somewhat sinister appearance. His long, messy layered hair added a sharp edge to his features, while the footprint-like mark on the left side of his face made him even more striking.
Whether it was a specially designed tattoo or the result of someone planting a powerful kick on his face was impossible to tell.
Under his leadership, everyone was engaged in a serious discussion.
Bang!
Suddenly, the door burst open.
A dark-skinned woman wearing a wool felt hat rushed inside, breathing heavily.
"Leader, good news! Incredible news!"
Clutching a newspaper tightly, the woman shouted excitedly at the man as though she had just won a fortune.
"Ahiru, you're already the Vice Captain of the Eastern Army. Why are you still so reckless?"
Beside the man, a bird-like figure draped in a black leather coat spoke helplessly.
The woman was none other than Ahiru, Vice Captain of the Revolutionary Army's Eastern Army.
The bird-like man was Karas, Commander of the Revolutionary Army's Northern Army.
And this place was the headquarters of the Revolutionary Army.
As for the footprint-faced man, he was the very person Ryūjin had been searching for.
The leader of the Revolutionary Army.
Luffy's father.
Dragon.
"Ahiru, what kind of news has you this excited?" Dragon asked curiously.
"Leader, the Marines are about to be finished! Isn't that amazing?" Ahiru exclaimed, her eyes practically shining.
"Ahiru, what kind of nonsense are you talking about?" Sabo laughed, shaking his head.
"How could the Marines suddenly be finished? You haven't been drinking, have you?"
"That may be our goal, but you don't need to shout it out like that."
The other executives joined in, teasing her and dismissing her claim.
"It's true! Demon Eye Ryūjin has declared war on the Marines! Look!"
With a triumphant expression, Ahiru slapped the newspaper down in front of them.
"What?!"
Everyone immediately crowded around.
"Demon Eye Ryūjin declared war on the Marines?"
Moments later, the room fell silent.
Then it exploded into chaos.
"The heavens are helping us!"
"Leader, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"
"Ahiru is right! The Marines might really be finished this time!"
"With Demon Eye Ryūjin's strength, Marineford could be torn apart!"
The executives were both shocked and thrilled.
To them, this was undeniably incredible news.
Sabo's expression turned serious.
"This is indeed our opportunity. If we seize it properly, we may truly be able to overthrow the World Government."
Looking around, he saw excitement burning in every executive's eyes.
None of them could sit still.
Demon Eye Ryūjin declaring war on the Marines was undoubtedly the greatest opportunity the Revolutionary Army had ever encountered.
Even Dragon's eyes gleamed.
They were right.
This was an extremely rare chance.
"Leader, I think it's time we make contact with Demon Eye Ryūjin."
The stunning Belo Betty, Commander of the Eastern Army, voiced her opinion.
Ever since Ryūjin rose to fame in the East Blue, the Revolutionary Army had been observing him.
They possessed a considerable amount of intelligence regarding him.
Although he had shaken the world countless times, he was not someone who slaughtered people indiscriminately.
More importantly, he stood opposed to the Marines.
Someone like that was an ideal candidate for recruitment.
In truth, many members of the Revolutionary Army had suggested approaching him long ago.
However, Dragon had always remained cautious.
Ryūjin's strength was simply too terrifying.
It was powerful enough to wipe out the entire Revolutionary Army.
As its leader, Dragon couldn't afford to act carelessly.
"You are right."
Dragon nodded heavily.
"It is time to make contact with Demon Eye Ryūjin."
They had observed him for long enough to feel a degree of confidence in his character.
Furthermore, the shockwave caused by Ryūjin's declaration of war was simply too massive.
The Revolutionary Army had no intention of missing this opportunity.
If possible, they wanted to ride that wave.
And create even more chaos.
---
The Invitation
Sabaody Archipelago.
Pier 51.
"Ryūjin, the coating is finished."
Silvers Rayleigh adjusted his glasses and pointed toward the ship docked nearby.
"As expected of Silvers Rayleigh. Your craftsmanship is flawless."
Ryūjin looked at the vessel wrapped in a transparent coating membrane and nodded in satisfaction.
To be honest, it was practically a work of art.
Swish!
With a thought, he stored the entire ship inside the Chibaku Tensei Space.
The vessel was far too large to move using Kamui, so this was the simplest solution.
It was another ship Ryūjin had created through Wood Release.
During his stay in Sabaody, he had not only acquired three Devil Fruits from the underground auction house but had also commissioned Rayleigh to coat the ship.
After all, reaching Fish-Man Island required traveling beneath the sea.
Coating was essential.
Ryūjin himself could move underwater without issue, but the others could not.
Naturally, this was merely preparation.
Since Fish-Man Island contained a poneglyph and he was already near it, there was no reason not to make arrangements in advance.
His primary target remained unchanged.
Big Mom.
Fish-Man Island could wait.
"I'm glad you're satisfied," Rayleigh replied with a smile.
Over the past few days, Ryūjin had visited Shakky's Rip-off Bar several times and had become quite familiar with Rayleigh.
After exchanging a few more words, Ryūjin said his farewell.
Soon afterward, the group boarded their ship and departed from Sabaody Archipelago.
The man who had publicly killed two Celestial Dragons simply sailed away in broad daylight.
When news of his departure spread, countless people on the archipelago breathed sighs of relief.
The Celestial Dragons were especially delighted.
Some nearly celebrated openly.
No one had ever frightened them as much as Ryūjin.
"Crocodile, set course for Cake Island."
Standing at the bow, Ryūjin enjoyed the sea breeze as he casually issued the order.
"Yes, Lord Ryūjin."
Crocodile answered immediately.
The ship set sail once more toward Cake Island.
At the same time, they continued monitoring developments across the sea.
"Master, Lord Ryūjin."
Miss Friday stood on the railing as she delivered her report.
"The Marines have begun recalling forces from their branches to Marineford. The Three Admirals have also returned one after another."
"All indications suggest they are preparing for Lord Ryūjin's challenge."
Ryūjin nodded inwardly.
Everything was progressing exactly as he had expected.
"What about Big Mom?" he asked.
"She's remained on Cake Island this entire time, hasn't she?"
"Yes. Since Kaido was eliminated by you, Lord Ryūjin, Big Mom has kept a low profile and hasn't left Cake Island."
"I see."
Ryūjin waved a hand.
"Continue monitoring the situation. Report anything important immediately."
"Understood, Lord Ryūjin."
Miss Friday responded before spreading her wings and flying away.
"I've got to ask, how long do you plan on staring at us?"
The moment she disappeared into the distance, Ryūjin casually looked toward the mast.
His words startled everyone.
Crocodile, Nami, and Robin all turned toward the mast.
There was nobody there.
Only a single crow perched quietly above.
They looked back at Ryūjin.
Could he really be speaking to a crow?
"Karas, I've already seen through you. Is there any point pretending?"
Ryūjin chuckled softly.
Flap! Flap! Flap!
As his words fell, countless crows suddenly emerged from all directions.
The flock converged upon the crow atop the mast.
More and more birds gathered together.
Then, before everyone's eyes, a bald man wearing a black coat and a bird-beak mask appeared.
Karas.
Commander of the Revolutionary Army's Northern Army.
At that moment, Karas was deeply shocked.
His ability wasn't a disguise.
That crow had been genuine.
His Devil Fruit allowed him to transform into crows freely.
Yet even so, Demon Eye Ryūjin had seen through him instantly.
The man truly was unfathomable.
"Get down here."
Crocodile snorted and unleashed a sand tornado toward Karas.
The attack roared through the air.
Flap! Flap! Flap!
Just before being struck, Karas dispersed into a flock of crows.
The birds descended onto the deck and reunited.
Karas reappeared.
"Demon Eye Ryūjin, please don't misunderstand. I mean no harm."
Seeing this, Crocodile withdrew his attack and stood to the side with a cigar hanging from his lips.
"Talk."
Ryūjin glanced at him casually.
"What are you doing on my ship?"
Before Karas could answer, Ryūjin raised an eyebrow.
"Let me guess."
"Dragon wants to meet me?"
It was hardly a difficult conclusion.
A man like Dragon would naturally take interest in someone who had turned the Marines upside down.
"That's correct."
Karas nodded.
"I've come under the Leader's orders to invite you for a discussion."
"To receive an invitation from the leader of the Revolutionary Army."
Ryūjin shrugged.
"I'm honored."
Outwardly he appeared indifferent, but inwardly he was quite pleased.
He had already instructed Baroque Works to search for Dragon's whereabouts.
Unfortunately, they had made no progress.
He had even considered using Sengoku's resources to investigate.
Yet before he could act, Dragon had approached him first.
That was an unexpected surprise.
Karas was equally delighted.
Who was Demon Eye Ryūjin now?
A man who had challenged the Seven Warlords, crushed Emperors, and shaken the Marines.
Compared to him, the Revolutionary Army seemed insignificant.
Yet Ryūjin's attitude toward them was unexpectedly polite.
There was no arrogance.
No superiority.
That was undoubtedly a good sign.
"Meeting the world-famous Demon Eye Ryūjin is also an honor for the Revolutionary Army."
Karas spoke enthusiastically.
"In that case, perhaps we can arrange a suitable time and place..."
"No need."
Ryūjin interrupted him immediately.
"Lead the way now."
He stretched lazily.
"I've been stuck on this ship long enough. I'm about ready to grow mold."
"Perfect timing to get some fresh air."
"Demon Eye Ryūjin, please wait a moment."
Karas nodded respectfully before taking out a Den Den Mushi and contacting Dragon.
After a brief conversation, he put it away.
"Demon Eye Ryūjin, please follow me."
Flap! Flap! Flap!
Before his words fully faded, Karas transformed into a flock of crows and soared into the sky.
===
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