The new era surged forward with unstoppable momentum.

The appearance of White King Magnus heralded the prologue of this new age.

But could anyone truly remain atop the clouds forever?

"The clamor of ants. A remnant of a bygone era, left behind by the old world, yet he dares to call himself the herald of a new age. Utter folly."

"Pay him no mind. In the end, he's only human."

"Let the Navy keep themselves busy. This world requires balance."

"And the matter of pure gold?"

"Have CP continue gathering intelligence. If Magnus intends to train new blood… then let's 'send' him some talented ones of our own."

"Agreed."

"No objections."

"…"

Another day began in the unassuming council chamber, where the world's highest authority continued to pass judgment with cold detachment.

Even the Gorōsei could no longer deny it—Magnus had become a true force to reckon with.

At this point, to launch a full-scale siege against him would be far too costly.

But over the course of centuries, the seas had seen their share of dazzling prodigies—and the Gorōsei had perfected their counter.

Outlive them.

No matter how mighty an ant may seem… it's still just an ant.

It would fall to sickness, to age.

Besides, Magnus had not yet grown to a level where they were willing to pay any price to eliminate him. The Navy could maintain the balance for now.

Only one thing truly troubled them—

Pure Gold.

The legendary metal said to grant eternal life.

The Gorōsei alone knew it wasn't mere legend. Pure gold was real, and it could indeed extend a person's life far beyond natural limits.

But such defiance of nature always came at a price.

Wherever pure gold appeared, a massive Sea King would inevitably follow.

For now, they merely suspected Magnus possessed pure gold—no giant Sea King had been sighted near him.

And yet, something clearly rejuvenated him.

The Gorōsei did not fear the strong.

But the strong with unnaturally long lives? That they could not ignore.

History forgets.

But those who remain alive do not.

Magnus himself hadn't expected word to spread about his having pure gold.

But as the saying goes—

If everyone thinks you have something, you'd better really have it.

And Magnus did have intelligence on pure gold.

"The situation's like this: pure gold exists, but it's not yet in my hands. I've simply learned where it is through certain channels."

Facing his senior White Wolf crew, Magnus made no effort to conceal the truth.

Before, he hadn't mentioned it, not wanting to raise false hopes.

But now that he had solid information, they could begin preparing.

"One hundred fifty years ago, pure gold appeared in a place called Alchemi. A father, desperate to save his daughter from a terminal illness, created it.

"In the end, pure gold was forged—but it brought calamity. A giant Sea King lantern fish devoured Alchemi and vanished into the depths."

"And now… I know where that lantern fish is."

The last time Magnus checked, it had been spotted a month ago, deep in the Calm Belt near the East Blue.

Now—

[Pure gold is located in the midsection of the Grand Line, approximately nine thousand meters beneath the surface near the Sabaody Archipelago, moving slowly toward Fishman Island.]

Still in the deep sea, but near Sabaody at least—not the treacherous Calm Belt. And with Fishman Island being the home of their shipwright Dean, it would be a good place to rest and plan.

It had been a month since Magnus' return to Sphinx.

Even now, it was clear to everyone: Sphinx, for all its growth, was no true fortress.

Too remote. Too vulnerable.

So long as Magnus posed no direct threat to the World Government, they left Sphinx alone. But the moment he crossed a line, they would come for it with everything they had.

Sphinx could serve as their visible base, but the crew's true strength would always lie in their mobility.

Magnus already had several territories in mind to secure for the future.

First: Wano.

A land rich in minerals, naturally fortified by mountains and warriors of fierce spirit.

Second: Fishman Island.

Ten thousand meters beneath the sea, directly below Sabaody. The government could only invade by sending elites—and risk losing them all if the fishmen retaliated or abandoned the island.

Fishman Island was also the crucial passage between the first half of the Grand Line and the New World. Controlling it—or simply allying with it—would hugely benefit their operations.

Lastly: Skypiea.

But that one could wait.

Wano could be done anytime.

Fishman Island, however, could not wait—not with his loyal old crewmates aging fast.

Roya still retained about seventy percent of his prime strength.

In another two years, he'd likely fall below fifty.

Rocks and Newgate's talent was evident, and even Ripley would inevitably surpass the veteran members given enough time.

And then there was Linlin—a monstrous prodigy beyond all others.

The old guard was fading, and the new guard was rising. In two years, Magnus might no longer have to face the Navy's top admirals alone—he'd finally have people who could share that burden.

"Dean, start preparing."

Magnus hadn't returned to Sphinx to linger.

The White Wolf Pirates that remained at sea were the ones the World Government truly feared.

A tiger that never showed its claws was just a big cat.

"Tsuki, care to join me for a little tour of Fishman Island?"

"As if this poor girl has a choice…"

Tsuki gave him a resentful glance, though her heart held no real complaints.

The prophecy was still decades away—traveling with Magnus and seeing more of the world could only help her when the time finally came.

And perhaps—

Perhaps the change had already begun, and she was witnessing it unfold.

Tsuki hadn't yet decided.

But staying with Magnus… she didn't dislike it.

October.

The White Wolf Pirates prepared to set sail for Fishman Island.

(End of Chapter)

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