Shirahoshi was Poseidon, but Poseidon was not Shirahoshi.
There was nothing wrong with that logic.
Especially when gods really did exist in this world...
"There's a thousand-year-old stone monument on Laugh Tale. The empire erected it long ago to commemorate its achievements, but it later became the vessel that sealed her away."
Ron spoke slowly under everyone's shocked gaze.
"Oric knew she was weakened. But to be safe, and to tie down our forces, he sent Shirahoshi there and swapped their souls."
"That's why Poseidon isn't under his control at all. As a Celestial Dragon, even he has to run the moment he sees her."
"You went to Laugh Tale?"
Akainu's eyes widened. Then he frowned. "No, you wouldn't have had time! So..."
"I see. That's the real reason Vice Admiral Dorte got back before me?!"
"Then Princess Shirahoshi might still be alive?"
Jinbe's question came out urgently.
He didn't care about the Great Treasure. Fish-Man Island was gone; all he cared about was the last hope of his people.
"I don't know. But Dorte examined it, and it was like any other lifeless object. There wasn't a trace of activity... Maybe only someone like Roger, who could hear the Voice of All Things, could tell whether Shirahoshi is alive."
Ron shook his head, and Jinbe's expression fell.
No one present thought there was anything strange about Ron sending someone to Laugh Tale, where the famed "One Piece" lay. They were planning to kill a god, after all. They could afford to think big.
"But we have to take Poseidon's threat seriously. She wants revenge, plain and simple. The World Government and everyone else are all targets to her."
"Devil Fruit Users especially. She won't accept them."
Ron didn't explain why. The truth would be too crushing.
Devil Fruits were