Eve of Preparation

After that little incident, no one dared make things difficult for the three of them aboard the ship. Instead, everyone respectfully ushered Swain and the others into the Grand Line.

Passing beneath the towering Red Line brought a brief state of "blindness," as the Red Line completely blocked out the sunlight. The surrounding light dimmed in an instant, as though darkness had swallowed the entire world. The sea wind howled, and the Sea Waves crashed violently against the hull with deafening force.

Even here, they could not relax, because several ships ahead had been directly devoured by Sea Kings lurking in the area.

Those vessels were instantly torn apart by the Sea Kings' immense power. The terrified screams and cries for help of the crew drifted through the sea wind, only to be quickly drowned out by the roaring waves. The stench of blood spread across the sea, sending chills down one's spine.

Yet no Sea King dared approach the ship carrying the three of them. Red-Haired's leaking Haki alone was enough to make every Sea King keep its distance. Red-Haired stood at the bow with his arms crossed, his gaze as sharp as a blade. The overwhelming aura around him seemed to form an invisible barrier, so imposing that even the surrounding air appeared to freeze.

Besides, there was Swain, the true "Poseidon," so their journey remained remarkably steady.

About half a day later, Swain changed the ship's speed. A journey that should have taken two days was completed in one, bringing them to waters very close to the Holy Land Mariejois.

"Blessing!" Swain thought, and a ring of blue light rose from the sea, surrounding the entire ship.

The halo emitted a mysterious, gentle glow, like a protective barrier. The seawater shimmered with strange colors beneath its radiance,