"They made some kind of deal with the Void Visitors, trading for near-eternal life and extraordinary power. The price was that they had to help the Void Visitors enter our world."
Ace stopped in his tracks. The information sent a chill down his spine. "If that's true, then the enemy we're facing is even more terrifying than we imagined."
"Yes." Whitebeard's expression was grave. "This is not merely a struggle for power—it is a battle for survival. Remember, no matter what happens, never underestimate the will of the D Clan. Just as Roger said, 'D' will surely stir up another storm."
Ace left the captain's quarters and stood on the deck, gazing into the distance. The clouds along the horizon shifted unpredictably, as though foretelling the immense changes to come. In his palm, the D-shaped mark glowed faintly, echoing the special star in the distant sky formed by the Truth Seed.
The Revolutionary Army headquarters was located on a hidden island surrounded by storms year-round, a place outsiders could hardly hope to find. Layers of defensive systems and camouflage measures had made the base one of the most impregnable fortresses in the world. Sabo's ship passed through the final reef barrier and finally arrived at the place he called home.
On the deck, his Revolutionary Army comrades warmly welcomed his return, but Sabo could sense the tension permeating the base. Soldiers hurried about, communications officers constantly relayed information, and the lights in the medical and research areas remained lit through the night.
"The world is changing," Korda, who had come to greet him, briefly explained. "Ever since the Moonlight Island incident, headquarters has remained on the highest alert."
"Where is Mr. Dragon?" Sabo asked directly. "I have important intelligence that needs to be reported immediately."
Korda led Sabo through several