A gamble: the resonance between the Flame Key and the Dawn Blade

"The energy of the seven keys is our greatest asset, but it also makes us easy to track," Lin Ye explained. "Akainu and his fleet are probably tracking us by sensing those energy fluctuations. But if we can turn that to our advantage..."

"Separate the keys," Vice Admiral Tsuru suddenly suggested. "We could put them aboard different ships and send them along different routes, reducing the risk of being caught in one sweep."

Ace immediately shook his head. "That would only make each holder an isolated target. The keys' strength lies in their unity. Splitting them up would only weaken our defenses. Besides, Lin Ye and I need the keys present to use our abilities to their fullest."

The meeting room fell briefly silent as everyone considered possible countermeasures.

"Lure the enemy deeper in," Dragon finally said, breaking the silence. "We can send out an escort ship carrying decoys that mimic the keys' energy fluctuations. It will follow our original course and draw Akainu's attention. Meanwhile, the main fleet will change course and accelerate through the fog."

"That could work," Silvers Rayleigh agreed with a nod. "But someone will have to volunteer for that dangerous mission."

"My deputies can handle it," Sabo immediately offered. "They're all experienced members of the Revolutionary Army, capable of carrying out high-risk missions like this."

Dragon considered it for a moment, then nodded. "It's settled. Have the decoy fleet prepare to depart. The remaining ships will change course and prepare to accelerate through the fog."

The plan was quickly put into action. A small escort ship was chosen as the decoy, and technicians installed seven specially designed resonators aboard it to mimic the energy fluctuations of the seven keys. Sabo's deputies led an elite squad aboard the escort ship, ready to carry out the