Chase Through the Passage and the Appearance of Moonlight

Silva's expression turned exceptionally grave. "The World Government has never stopped investigating ancient history. They may have noticed something before we did and have been secretly following us all along."

On the warship in the distance, Aokiji had already stepped onto the bow. He slowly raised one hand and pointed at the Cloud-Splitting Ship. Even from so far away, everyone could feel the biting 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 astonishing speed, attempting to freeze the entire vortex.

"We're out of time! We have to pass through the vortex now!" Silva shouted, pushing the controls to maximum output. The Cloud-Splitting Ship let out a shrill cry and shot toward the passage at the vortex's center like an arrow loosed from a bow.

Lin Ye raised the Dawn Blade, its golden light intensifying into a barrier against the oncoming ice. Ace and Sabo also unleashed their powers with all their strength, buying the aircraft time for one final burst forward.

Just as Aokiji's ice was about to touch the aircraft's tail, the Cloud-Splitting 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 iced over a small section of the outer waters and could not affect the vortex itself.

Amid a dizzying sensation of the world spinning around them, the aircraft sped through a tunnel seemingly made of pure light. Everyone felt an intense weightlessness, then the scene before them began to twist and warp as blinding white light flooded their vision.

"Hold on tight!" Silva's voice echoed in their ears. "We're about to reach Moonlight Island!"

The instant the Cloud-Splitting Ship entered the