Vegapunk's Message

"Creak—"

The heavy obsidian door of the secret chamber was slowly pushed open, shattering the oppressive, near-solid silence within.

Sabo and Kuma walked in side by side. Though traces of fatigue still lingered on Sabo's youthful face, the tension around his eyes had eased. Kuma's mechanical joints had also been fitted with brand-new components, no longer letting out those piercing, spark-filled shrieks.

"Dragon, Rain." Sabo strode forward and said gravely to the people looking their way, "Mr. Garp's injuries have completely stabilized. Thanks to the island's best medical team working with the high-purity healing agent sent from Punk Hazard, along with his monstrous vitality, Shiryu's famed blade didn't damage anything vital. He only needs rest now. There shouldn't be any further danger."

At this news, Dragon's tightly furrowed brows finally relaxed slightly. He nodded, then turned his gaze to Sabo. "Thanks for the effort, Sabo. Tell us everything about what happened in the Holy Land. Rain is here too, so there's no need to hide anything."

At the mention of the "Holy Land," the slightly relaxed expression on Sabo's face abruptly darkened. His fists clenched tightly beneath his cloak, and lingering shock and fury surfaced in his eyes.

"In the deepest part of Pangaea Castle in Mary Geoise... I saw the greatest lie on these seas. On the Empty Throne, which was said to have remained untouched by anyone for eight hundred years and symbolized absolute equality... someone was sitting there. It was a monster completely shrouded in darkness. Even the Five Elders had to kneel and bow at that person's feet. That wasn't some so-called balance. It was a black hand that had truly controlled this planet for eight hundred years!"

Sabo drew a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly from the immense pressure he was holding back.

"And...