The Paradise Plan

"The Dawn Blade, the Knower's Eye, and the Eye of the Sky—three keys that opened the Gate of Truth," Ace said at last. "What we saw will completely change how we understand this world."

Whitebeard set down his jug and fell silent for a long time. The captain's cabin was so quiet that they could hear the wooden ship creak as it rocked with the waves. Everyone watched the old captain, waiting for his reaction.

At last, Whitebeard spoke, his voice heavier than usual. "Roger told me a few things, but I never imagined the truth would be so... complicated."

The division commanders exchanged startled looks. This was the first time Whitebeard had brought up a private conversation with Roger.

"When Roger was gravely ill, he came to see me alone," Whitebeard said, his gaze turning distant as though he were back in those days. "He told me he hadn't sailed around the world in search of treasure. He'd done it to uncover a truth buried for eight hundred years. 'D,' the letter etched into our bones, carries a mission far greater than we ever imagined."

Whitebeard rose and walked to an old safe at the far end of the room. He entered the code and took out an ordinary-looking wooden box. Inside was a strange, transparent glass plate etched with indecipherable Ancient Script.

"Roger gave me this and told me to pass it to the true heir when the time was right." Whitebeard laid the plate on the table. "For decades, I couldn't make sense of these words. But now... Marco, give it a try."

Marco was the most learned person aboard. He carefully picked up the plate and studied it by lamplight. As he tilted it, the writing suddenly took on depth, forming a holographic projection.

"This is