Luffy opened his eyes and found that the Anchor Stone's glow had returned to normal. He took a deep breath, gripped the stone, and rose to his feet. No matter what dangers lay ahead, he had already made up his mind to face them.
Stepping out of the meditation room, Luffy saw Sabo, Ace, and the other crew members waiting on deck. The Shadow Dance's sails had already been unfurled, gleaming faintly in the morning light.
"Are you ready?" Sabo asked with an encouraging smile.
Luffy nodded, his gaze fixed firmly on the distant horizon. "It's time to set out. No matter what's ahead, we'll face it."
Ace patted his younger brother on the shoulder. Though his face was still somewhat pale, that familiar fire burned in his eyes. "We'll move forward together."
With Dragon's final instructions and everyone's blessings, the Shadow Dance slowly departed from the Revolutionary Army base and sailed toward unknown, perilous waters. Luffy stood at the bow, the Anchor Stone resting steadily against his chest. Purple Patterns flickered beneath his skin, flowing in rhythm with his breathing.
He tightened his grip on the railing and murmured inwardly, Wait for me, Lin Ye. This time, I'll definitely bring you back, and then we'll stop the Five Elders' plan together.
The Shadow Dance had been sailing through the Dark Triangle Sea for three days. This infamous stretch of water was even stranger than the legends claimed—there were no birdcalls, no fish leaping from the waves, and even the sound of water striking the hull seemed especially muffled, as if some invisible force had Devoured it.
Everyone aboard unconsciously lowered their voices. Even Luffy, usually bursting with energy, had become unusually quiet. He stood at the bow, clutching the Anchor Stone at his chest as he felt its faint