Several days after the Reverie ended, in the New World, on Egghead, commonly known as "Egghead Island."
The gears of fate kept turning.
Guided by their voyage, the Straw Hat Pirates landed, as if destined, on this strange island brimming with futuristic technology, ruled by the world's foremost scientist, Vegapunk.
Upon learning that his visitors included Monkey D. Luffy, the boy who had just defeated Kaido, been crowned the "Fifth Emperor," and awakened Nika,
Vegapunk showed little hostility. He merely activated the island's outer defense system and released a few artificial sea beasts as a token obstacle and test.
Naturally, these obstacles posed little threat to the Straw Hat Pirates as they were now.
After landing, Luffy and the others soon discovered a secret hidden on the island:
The wreckage of a giant Ancient Robot that had taken part in an attack on the Holy Land of Mary Geoise two hundred years ago.
Afterward, they formally met Vegapunk on the island-either his original body or one of his satellites.
Vegapunk seemed to harbor some special interest in, or expectations for, Luffy. Their interactions unfolded in a subtle, tense atmosphere.
Unfortunately, the peace did not last long.
While the Straw Hat Pirates were talking with Vegapunk, CP0 agents led by Rob Lucci slipped into Egghead without a sound.
Their objective was clear: after the plan to seize the Mother Flame had failed completely, the World Government's highest authorities, the Five Elders, had issued a new order:
Retrieve Vegapunk and his vast Database-his Brain-and never let them fall into the hands of the Navy or any other faction.
Conflict inevitably erupted.
Luffy encountered his old adversary, Rob Lucci, once again in Egghead Island's forest of steel.
Looking at the boy who had defeated him at Enies Lobby and now bore the title