Hirwa's expression turned exceptionally grave. "The World Government has never stopped investigating ancient history. They may have noticed something before us and been following us in secret all along."
On the warship in the distance, Aokiji had already stepped onto the bow. Slowly raising one hand, he pointed at the Cloud-Clearing Ship. Even from such a distance, everyone could feel the bitter cold rushing toward them.
"Ice Age." Aokiji's low voice seemed to pierce through space as a massive sheet of ice spread across the sea at an astonishing speed, attempting to freeze the entire vortex.
"There's no time! We have to pass through the vortex now!" Hirwa shouted, pushing the controls to maximum output. The Cloud-Clearing Ship let out a shrill cry and shot toward the passage at the vortex's center like an arrow loosed from its bow.
Lin Ye raised the Dawn Blade, its golden radiance growing even brighter and forming a barrier against the oncoming ice. Ace and Sabo also unleashed their powers with all their strength, buying the craft time for one final burst forward.
Just as Aokiji's ice was about to touch the craft's tail, the Cloud-Clearing Ship plunged into the passage at the vortex's center and vanished amid silver-blue light. The vortex immediately resumed its normal rotation, sealing the entrance. Aokiji's freezing attack only froze a small section of the outer waters and could not affect the vortex itself.
Accompanied by a dizzying sensation, the craft sped through a tunnel that seemed to be made of pure light. Everyone felt a powerful sense of weightlessness, and then the scene before them began to twist and warp as their vision was swallowed by blinding white light.
"Hold on tight!" Hirwa's voice echoed beside them. "We're about to reach Moonlight Island!"
The instant the Cloud-Clearing Ship