Island in the Mist

The Gale cleaved through the waves, the cries of seagulls torn to pieces by the wind.

Lin Feng stood at the bow, narrowing his eyes as he recalled his battle with Onigumo.

"An eight-armed Marine vice admiral was indeed a bit troublesome, but not enough to stand in my way."

"Still, those old geezers at Marine Headquarters probably won't let this go."

Lin Feng stroked his chin, a thoughtful glint flashing through his eyes.

"Forget it. I'll deal with whatever comes. With my current strength, worrying won't do any good."

Lin Feng shook his head and cast those chaotic thoughts aside.

"Fifty thousand Slash Points. Not a bad haul."

The corners of Lin Feng's mouth lifted slightly. The Slash Points he had gained from defeating Onigumo would let his strength rise another step.

But it was still far from enough.

If he wanted to gain a foothold in these seas filled with powerful warriors, he had to become stronger!

"What should I do next?"

Lin Feng rubbed his chin and sank into thought.

His original plan had been to head to the first half of the Grand Line, find companions, and form his own pirate crew.

But now, Ace had already set sail to pursue Blackbeard, and the shadow of the Paramount War was steadily drawing nearer.

He had to raise his strength as quickly as possible so he could protect the people he wanted to protect in the coming storm.

"Looks like it's time to explore some uncharted waters. Maybe I'll find a new opportunity."

Lin Feng clenched his fist, his gaze resolute.

"Hmm?"

Suddenly, the outline of a small island appeared in Lin Feng's field of vision.

The island was shrouded in thin mist, flickering in and out of sight as it gave off an ancient, powerful aura.

At the bow of the Gale, Lin Feng pressed a hand against the long blade at his waist, his brows tightly furrowed.

"This is..."

A series of palpitations came from his chest, resonating with that island.

"Let's take a look!"

Lin Feng yanked hard on the sail. The Gale shot toward the mysterious island like an arrow released from its bow.

Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters, Marineford.

Inside the enormous conference room, the atmosphere was so grave it was suffocating.

Senior Marine officers filled the long tables.

Every face was etched with shock and disbelief.

"Onigumo... is dead?"

Sengoku's deep voice shattered the frozen silence.

The voice was quiet, yet it struck like thunder from a clear sky, making the room even more oppressive.

"Yes, Fleet Admiral."

A Marine soldier lowered his head, his report trembling slightly.

"According to the surviving soldiers, Vice Admiral Onigumo was unfortunately killed while pursuing Lin Feng, captain of the Whitebeard Pirates' 17th Division."

"Lin Feng..."

Sengoku repeated the name, unable to conceal the wariness in his voice.

"A newcomer who just joined the Whitebeard Pirates actually managed to defeat Onigumo?"

Aokiji rubbed his chin, unable to hide his surprise.

"We must eliminate him as soon as possible!"

Akainu clenched his fists, his words filled with killing intent.

"How is that possible?"

"Could his strength have already reached admiral level?"

The Marine officers in the conference room erupted into discussion, every one of them stunned.

"Silence!"

Sengoku slammed his hand down on the table. The tremendous bang immediately shut everyone up.

Garp picked his nose nearby, muttering, "Nothing special."

"Now isn't the time to discuss this!"

Sengoku's gaze swept across the room. "Our top priority is to reassess Lin Feng's strength and formulate a new response."

"Send out the order. Raise Lin Feng's bounty to 600 million Berries!"

Sengoku said in a deep voice, "Also, monitor his movements closely. The moment you find any trace of him, report to me immediately!"

"Yes!"

The Marine soldier accepted the order and left.

"Six hundred million Berries..."

The conference room once again filled with discussion.

After all, Ace's bounty was only 550 million Berries.

Yet Lin Feng, a newcomer who had only just set sail, had a bounty that surpassed Ace's!

It was simply unheard of!

"Just who is this Lin Feng?"

"Is he really that powerful?"

"It seems we all underestimated him."

The Marine officers continued discussing the matter, their faces grave.

Lin Feng's bounty had been raised to 600 million Berries, surpassing Ace's 550 million Berries.

Like a hurricane, the news swiftly spread across the entire world.

New World, Totto Land Waters.

"Mamama, a newcomer worth 600 million Berries. How exciting."

A massive woman, built like a mountain of flesh, let out a strange laugh.

Wano Country, Onigashima.

"Wororororo, that old Whitebeard has taken in another extraordinary son."

A burly horned man took a swig of liquor and burst into laughter.

"Six hundred million Berries! My God, just who is this Lin Feng?"

"His bounty is even higher than Flame Fist Ace's!"

"Unbelievable!"

"The Grand Line is going to get lively again."

All across the world, people discussed Lin Feng with curiosity and shock.

Somewhere in the first half of the Grand Line.

Aboard the Straw Hat Pirates' Going Merry.

"Six hundred million Berries?!"

Luffy's eyes widened as he stared at the wanted poster in his hand, his face full of disbelief.

"This guy called Lin Feng is actually that strong?"

"I'm definitely going to beat him!"

Luffy shouted.

"And become Pirate King!"

"Luffy, calm down."

Nami said.

"This Lin Feng won't be easy to deal with."

"Yeah, Luffy."

Usopp added.

"His strength is probably even greater than we imagined."

"Hmph, I don't care!"

Luffy said.

"I'm definitely going to defeat him and prove that I'm the strongest!"

"Haha, Luffy's as spirited as ever."

Zoro smiled, a glint of fighting spirit flashing in his eyes.

"Lin Feng? I'd like to spar with him if I get the chance."

Sanji lit a cigarette and slowly exhaled a ring of smoke. "That Lin Feng seems like a dangerous guy, but we're not afraid of him."

"Still, Lin Feng's bounty is indeed ridiculously high."

"Yeah, 600 million Berries is no small amount."

Nami said.

"Looks like we need to work even harder too."

"Yeah!"

Everyone answered in unison. Somewhere on the Grand Line, on an island.

"Six hundred million Berries? This Lin Feng is also a master swordsman."

A tall man in a cowboy hat looked at the wanted poster in his hand, a teasing smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

Aboard the Whitebeard Pirates' Moby Dick.

"Pops, take a look at this."

Marco held a wanted poster and hurried over to Whitebeard, unable to hide the excitement in his voice.

Whitebeard had been drinking deeply from a sake bowl. Hearing this, he paused. His thick white mustache trembled as he took the wanted poster, his eyes falling upon it.

"That kid Lin Feng is really something now."

Marco stood beside him with his arms folded, a proud smile on his face.

"Oh?"

Whitebeard raised a thick brow, looking over the contents of the wanted poster with interest.

"Gurararara, 600 million Berries. That brat has grown fast."

Whitebeard laughed heartily, his voice like a booming bell that made the deck tremble slightly.

"Yeah, Pops." Marco nodded, his eyes full of gratification.

"Lin Feng's strength has already far exceeded what we expected. That kid has really brought honor to the Whitebeard Pirates."

"Gurararara, of course." Whitebeard set his sake bowl heavily on the table, pride gleaming in his eyes. "He's my son!"

"By the way," Whitebeard suddenly recalled something. The smile on his face faded slightly as he looked at Marco and asked, "How is that brat Ace doing now?"

"Ace..." Marco's expression became complicated. He hesitated before finally saying, "He's still pursuing Blackbeard."

"Sigh, that foolish brat." Whitebeard let out a long sigh and helplessly shook his head. "He really makes people worry."

"Pops, don't worry." Marco hurriedly reassured him. "Ace will be fine."

"I hope so." Whitebeard raised his sake bowl and took another drink, as though trying to drown his worries in alcohol.

"Gurararara, enough about that." Whitebeard suddenly laughed and raised his sake bowl high. "Boys, let's have a feast!"

"A toast to my son, Lin Feng!" Whitebeard roared powerfully, his voice carrying across the entire Moby Dick.

"Yeah!!!" The pirates on deck erupted in thunderous cheers. They raised their cups and celebrated to their hearts' content.

Meanwhile, Lin Feng was steering the Gale as it slowly approached that mysterious deserted island.