The Gears of Fate

"Is everything ready?" Dragon stood on the deck, the sharp sea wind whipping his cloak, his gaze fierce. The Dawn was the Revolutionary Army's fastest, most advanced ship. Built from special materials, it could not only reach remarkable speeds but also mask its presence to some extent, evading Marine radar.

"All set, Mr. Dragon," Corazon reported from behind him in a low voice. "As instructed, we chose the most concealed route. We expect to reach the rendezvous within thirty-six hours."

Dragon nodded slightly. "Pass the order along. Maintain the highest alert throughout the voyage. These waters are no longer safe."

With a blast of its horn, the Dawn slowly left the Revolutionary Army base and sailed toward the mist-shrouded horizon. The soldiers on deck looked solemn. They knew how much this journey mattered—it could be the move that decided the fate of the world.

Dragon returned to his cabin and spread a huge nautical chart across the operations room. The areas marked in purple had spread like a virus, covering nearly twenty islands and vast stretches of sea.

"Three more islands sent distress signals, then went silent." The intelligence officer handed him the latest report, worry in his voice. "According to their final transmissions, the residents began displaying abnormal behavior en masse. Many developed strange purple markings, their eyes changed color, and some even... underwent changes to their bodies."

Dragon studied the map. After a moment of silence, he asked, "How is Sabo's mission progressing?"

"They successfully escorted Boa Hancock out of Amazon Lily and are on their way back to base. But... Amazon Lily has fallen completely. Cipher Pol Aigis Zero has turned it into some kind of 'hatchery,' and large numbers of soldiers infected by Void Corruption are gathering there."

"And Kuma?"

"We lost contact with him twelve