The Seal on Ancient Memories

"Since that's the case," Sengoku said, rising to his feet, "I suggest that Aokiji head north for a field investigation to assess the movements and threat level of the Whitebeard Pirates."

Akainu looked as though he wanted to object, but a single glance from the fleet admiral stopped him.

After the meeting ended, Aokiji did not immediately leave headquarters. Instead, he carefully reviewed several ancient files in his private office. When night fell, he quietly piloted a small warship away from Marineford.

However, he did not head for the northern seas. Instead, he sailed toward a small island in an entirely different direction—a little-known remote island hidden in a corner of the Grand Line. It was said that a former Marine hero, a legendary figure from Gol D. Roger's era, lived there in seclusion.

During the voyage, Aokiji's expression was unusually grave. He opened an encrypted folder containing several blurred photographs—the battle scenes on Rabin Island, Sosa Island, and Marys Island; the image of Lin Ye resonating with the Golden Blade; and several stele fragments discovered among the ruins.

"The Clan of D..." Aokiji murmured. "The Ancient Weapons... the Void Century... all these clues seem to point to a truth that was deliberately hidden from us."

Under the night sky, the warship cut across the calm sea, and Aokiji's gaze became firm and resolute. He believed that only that reclusive elder could tell him the truth—about the secret the World Government was desperately concealing, the mission of the Clan of D., and the true meaning of the storm about to sweep across the world.

Meanwhile, at Liberty Fortress.

Lin Ye had largely recovered and was studying the stele fragments brought back from the central front with Ace and Sabo.

"These words..." Lin Ye's fingertips lightly traced the carvings on