Allen's official return and physical reconstruction were like a strong wind, dispelling the last gloom that shrouded the world. Under the coordination of Sabo and others, the Allied Forces efficiently carried out post-war order reconstruction and resource allocation. Meanwhile, the Straw Hat Pirates and their core allies began preparing for the next, and perhaps final, Grand Voyage.
A week later, on Lodestar Island (the former site of the Navy's G-1 branch, now the temporary headquarters of the Allied Forces and an important port).
After emergency repairs and modernization, the port has been completely transformed, becoming a hub connecting the four seas and gathering forces from all sides. Today, the port is bustling with activity, with countless ships flying flags representing different factions, yet all maintaining a tacit silence. Representatives from all over the world, surviving monarchs, Revolutionary Army officers, former naval commanders, and major pirate crews all have their eyes on the most eye-catching behemoth in the center of the port— the Thousand Sunny, which has been upgraded and modified again under the remote guidance of Franky and Vegapunk, combining Pluton technology and Treasure Tree Adam wood!
It was much larger than before, its streamlined hull covered with a special coating that shimmered with metallic luster. Above the sails, the Straw Hat and Skull Flag fluttered in the wind, with a faint silver-purple dragon pattern encircling its edge. The iconic lion figurehead at the bow seemed to have even more lively eyes. This was no longer just a pirate ship, but an ark carrying the hopes for the future of the world.
On the shore, the Straw Hat Pirates had all arrived, fully prepared and ready to go.
Luffy adjusted his straw Straw Hat, his smile as bright and pure as ever. Zoro, with three swords at his waist, had eyes as sharp as an eagle's. Nami was adjusting the new all-weather weather navigation system, while Robin held a thick book with a mysterious pattern on the cover (supposedly newly deciphered information from ancient ruins). Chopper excitedly ran around on the deck, inspecting the upgraded medical room. Franky showed off the various "SUPER~" devices he had added to the Thousand Sunny. Brook tuned his violin, preparing to play the departure song. Jinbe before the helm, like a pillar of strength.
Sanji, leaning against the ship's railing, elegantly exhaled a smoke ring. After that life-or-death ordeal and the baptism of symbiosis, his temperament had become more reserved, his eyes more profound, and the fusion of his kicking skills and the World-Purifying Flame seemed to have taken a new direction.
Standing at the forefront was Portgas D. Allen. He was still dressed in simple black, his black hair fluttering slightly in the sea breeze. He didn't deliberately exude an aura, but his eyes, which seemed to see through light and darkness, and the harmonious feeling he exuded with the world, naturally made him the focus of everyone's attention.
Ace and Sabo stood at the dock, seeing them off. Ace punched Allen in the chest and laughed, "Don't die out there, you rascal!" Sabo adjusted his glasses and handed them an encrypted Eternal Pose and a specially made Den Den Mushi: "This is all the information the Revolutionary Army and the Allied Forces' intelligence network can provide regarding the ' Final Sea Route ' and potential 'extraterrestrial threats.' Stay in touch."
Allen took it and nodded solemnly.
Further away stood representatives from various factions who had come to see them off. Their eyes held complex emotions: awe, gratitude, and anticipation for the future. They knew that the people on this ship were heading to a realm that even the World Government at its peak had never truly explored, to face challenges that might come from beyond the stars. They were pathfinders, and guardians.
"That's about it." Allen turned around and looked at his companions.
Luffy waved his hand, grinned, revealing his signature smile, and shouted with all his might that long-awaited opening line, a symbol of freedom and adventure:
"Setting sail--!!!"
"Oh--!!!" The crowd responded in unison, their voices filled with boundless pride and anticipation.
Brook strummed her violin, heralding the start of the adventure. Franky activated the latest Coca-Cola hybrid system, and the Thousand Sunny revved a deep, powerful roar. With Jinbe steady turn of the rudder, the massive ship began to slowly drift away from the harbor.
On the shore, the crowd seeing them off erupted in thunderous blessings and cheers.
Just as the Thousand Sunny was about to completely leave the port and enter the vast sea, Allen slowly raised his right hand and gently swiped it towards the Calm Belt and the turbulent currents ahead.
There was no earth-shattering sound, nor dazzling light.
But everyone could clearly see that the sea in front of the Thousand Sunny, which was originally turbulent, full of undercurrents, and capable of swallowing giant warships, instantly became calm! This was not a natural phenomenon, but rather that the spatial structure of that area had been temporarily "smoothed" and " Definition "! The seawater was as smooth as a mirror, air resistance was reduced to a minimum, and even the sunlight seemed to favor this newly opened Sea Route, gilding it with a layer of gold.
The Thousand Sunny, as if sailing on a smooth road paved by the gods, suddenly increased in speed, transforming into a streak of light and disappearing instantly on the distant horizon in a way that Transcendence common sense, leaving only the "temporary Sea Route " that was slowly returning to normal and countless stunned and awe-inspiring gazes in the port.
"Is this... the power of time and space...?" a former Marine Vice Admiral murmured to himself, utterly convinced.
Sabo gazed into the distance, a smile playing on his lips, "Go, brothers. The future of this world is in your hands."
Ace stood with his hands in his pockets, gazing at the sky, platinum flames dancing on his fingertips, his eyes filled with confidence in his brothers' future.
The Thousand Sunny (modified) sailed on an incredibly calm sea.
Luffy excitedly ran around on the deck, Zoro continued his training in a quiet corner, Nami and Robin were studying the new nautical charts and Poneglyph, Chopper and Franky were working on new equipment, Brook was playing a cheerful tune, Sanji was preparing a celebratory feast in the kitchen, Jinbe Sanji steadily steering the ship.
Allen stood alone at the bow of the ship, letting the salty sea breeze caress his face. He felt the vast, Xinghai -like, and freely flowing Power of Zhulong within him, and the unbreakable bond between him and his companions. His gaze was fixed on the unknown " Final Sea Route " ahead, a route that connected to the ultimate secret of this world, and perhaps even led to the stars and the sea.
His left eye reflected the shimmering sea and the infinite possibilities of the future; his right eye, on the other hand, seemed to see an even grander and more dangerous panorama at the end of time and space.
This time, it's not a fight for survival, but a fight for exploration, for protection, and for Transcendence.
The Torch Dragon sets sail, destined for the Xinghai! An ultimate adventure that Transcendence imagination and spans time and space has officially begun!