Luffy opened his eyes and found that the Anchor Stone's glow had returned to normal. He took a deep breath, gripped the stone, and stood up. Whatever dangers lay ahead, he had resolved to face them.
Leaving the meditation room, Luffy found Sabo, Ace, and the other crew members waiting on deck. The Shadow Dance's sails were already unfurled, shimmering in the dawn light.
"Ready?" Sabo asked with an encouraging smile.
Luffy nodded, his determined gaze fixed on the distant horizon. "It's time to set sail. Whatever lies ahead, we'll face it."
Ace patted his younger brother's shoulder. Though his face was still a little pale, the familiar fire burned in his eyes. "We'll move forward together."
With Dragon's final instructions and everyone's well wishes, the Shadow Dance slowly left the Revolutionary Army's base, heading into unknown and dangerous waters. Luffy stood at the bow, the Anchor Stone hanging securely against his chest. Purple patterns flickered beneath his skin, flowing to the rhythm of his breathing.
He gripped the railing and silently vowed, Wait for me, Lin Ye. This time, I'll bring you back, and then we'll stop the Five Elders' plan together.
The Shadow Dance had been sailing through the Dark Triangle Sea for three days. These notorious waters were even eerier than the legends claimed-no birds called, no fish leaped, and even the waves striking the hull sounded strangely muffled, as though some invisible force were swallowing the sound.
Everyone aboard unconsciously lowered their voices. Even the normally exuberant Luffy had grown unusually quiet. He stood at the bow, gripping the Anchor Stone against his chest and feeling its faint but steadily strengthening vibrations.
"It's getting hot," Luffy murmured as Sabo approached. "And it's shaking harder and harder. Lin Ye said the Anchor Stone would react like this