Water 7's outline gradually sharpened on the horizon. The floating city, famed for its shipbuilding, resembled a pearl set into the azure sea. Canals crisscrossed it, water gates rose and fell in orderly succession, and vessels of every kind wove through the waterways in a bustling scene.
"Whoa! What a huge city!" Luffy leaned over the railing, his rubber eyes wide. "It looks so fun!"
Ace studied the docks cautiously. "There are quite a few Marine warships. Everyone, be careful."
Sabo's leg injury had largely healed, and he deftly took down the sails. "According to Hancock's instructions, we should find someone named Iceburg."
Allen quietly spread his Observation Haki, sensing the entire city. Water 7's presences were varied and lively. Most belonged to ordinary craftsmen and citizens, but some powerful presences were mixed among them-several clearly belonged to Marines.
What concerned him more was that the Ark Core was vibrating violently, resonating with some energy buried deep underground.
Matching-frequency energy source detected... coordinates: beneath the city center... energy signature: Pluton... status: dormant...
Pluton! The battleship Pluton, one of the Ancient Weapons, was actually beneath Water 7!
Turmoil surged through Allen's heart. No wonder the World Government placed such importance on Water 7. No wonder Cipher Pol 9 had been lurking here for so long!
"Let's find somewhere to stay first," Allen said quietly. "Remember, we're ordinary travelers now. Don't reveal your abilities."
Everyone nodded. Their experiences over the past several days had taught them the necessary caution.
Following Hancock's instructions, they arrived at a shipyard in the city center-the Galley-La Company. It was Water 7's largest shipbuilding company, and its president was Iceburg.
The receptionist looked slightly surprised to see the travel-worn boys. "How can I help you?"
Allen took out Hancock's letter. "We're looking for Mr. Iceburg. We have an important letter to deliver."
The receptionist's expression shifted slightly after examining the letter. "Please wait a moment." She hurried into an inner room.
A short while later, a man with short blue hair emerged. He was around thirty, dressed in work clothes, with sharp yet weary eyes and the aura of a powerful fighter. This was Iceburg.
"I'm Iceburg." He scrutinized them. "This letter is..."
"From Lady Hancock." Allen handed him the letter.
Iceburg opened and read it, his expression growing grave. After finishing, he gave Allen a searching look. "A descendant of the Portgas family... come with me."
He led them into a secret room and, after confirming no one was nearby, asked solemnly, "Do you know what this letter says?"
Allen shook his head. "Lady Hancock only told us to give it to you."
Iceburg sighed. "She asked me to protect you and provide a ship capable of reaching Laugh Tale. But this is very dangerous. The World Government is doing everything it can to hunt you down."
Ace frowned. "Why would you help us?"
Iceburg gave a complicated smile. "For certain reasons, I owe the Portgas family a favor. More importantly..." He lowered his voice. "Like you, I'm a guardian of the ancient legacy."
He pressed a hidden button on the wall, and a concealed door slowly opened. "Come with me. I'll show you something."
Behind the hidden door was a staircase descending into unfathomable depths. The farther down they went, the more violently the Ark Core vibrated.
At last, they reached an enormous underground dock. At its center, a battleship of unimaginable size lay quietly berthed. Its streamlined hull gleamed with a metallic sheen, its bow bore a peculiar dragon-shaped design, and the entire vessel exuded an ancient, powerful aura.
"This is..." Allen held his breath.
"One of the Ancient Weapons, Pluton," Iceburg said with reverence. "Or rather, its prototype. The real Pluton is several times larger than this."
Luffy's eyes shone. "What a cool ship!"
Ace, however, asked warily, "Why are you showing us this?"
Iceburg's expression turned serious. "Because we're running out of time. The World Government has discovered Pluton's existence. Cipher Pol 9 has been unusually active lately, seemingly searching for a way to activate it."
He looked at Allen. "Hancock said in her letter that you possess the 'Eden' core. May I see it?"
After a moment's hesitation, Allen took out the Ark Core. The instant it appeared, the Pluton Battleship gave a low hum, and lines lit up across its hull!
"Just as I thought..." Excitement flashed in Iceburg's eyes. "The core is resonating with Pluton! Legend says only the true heir can awaken it!"
Just then, Allen's Observation Haki suddenly warned him. "Someone's coming! A lot of them! It's Cipher Pol 9!"
Iceburg's expression changed. "Damn it! They must have detected the core's energy fluctuations! Follow me, quickly!"
He led them in a swift retreat through another secret passage. Sounds of combat came from behind them; evidently, Iceburg's men were fighting Cipher Pol 9.
"Go to Dock Seven!" Iceburg said urgently. "I've prepared a ship there! I'll hold them off!"
Allen hesitated. "But you..."
Iceburg pushed open a hidden door. "Don't worry about me! Remember, Pluton must never fall into the World Government's hands! If things get desperate... activate it!"
He thrust a peculiar key into Allen's hand. "This is Pluton's control key! Only someone of the Portgas bloodline can use it!"
They were forced to part ways. Allen rushed toward Dock Seven with his younger brothers, while the sounds of Iceburg fighting Cipher Pol 9 rang out behind them.
A medium-sized sailing ship stood ready in Dock Seven. It looked ordinary, but its details revealed exceptional craftsmanship.
"Get aboard!" Allen urged. "We have to leave immediately!"
But just as they were about to set sail, a figure blocked their way. It was a blond man in a black suit, his expression cold-Rob Lucci!
"Portgas D. Allen." Lucci's voice was icy. "Hand over the ancient legacy, and I'll leave your corpses intact."
Allen shielded his younger brothers behind him. "Cipher Pol 9's lapdog... you think you alone can stop us?"
Lucci blurred, appearing before Allen in an instant! His Shigan shot straight for Allen's throat!
"So fast!" Allen unleashed his Power of Zhulong and narrowly dodged! But his sleeve had already been slashed open!
"A Six Powers expert..." Allen's gaze grew grave. "Ace, Sabo, Luffy! Get ready to fight!"
Battle erupted! Lucci was far stronger than expected. His leopard-form martial arts, combined with the Six Powers, put Allen under immense pressure! Other Cipher Pol 9 members arrived one after another, engaging Ace and the others!
"Tekkai!" Lucci took Ace's Fire Fist head-on without a scratch! "Too weak, flame brat!"
"Rankyaku!" A vacuum slash hurtled toward Sabo! He blocked with his steel pipe, but the impact split the webbing of his hand!
"Shigan!" Luffy's rubber body was pierced! He cried out in pain!
"Luffy!" Allen's eyes blazed with fury as his Power of Zhulong erupted at full force! "How dare you hurt my little brother!"
Light and darkness intertwined! The Torch Dragon Domain unfolded! Cipher Pol 9's movements were visibly affected!
"An interesting ability." Surprise flashed in Lucci's eyes. "But it's not enough!"
"Rokuogan!" A terrifying shock wave blasted straight toward him!
"Torch Dragon Secret Art: Light and Darkness Reincarnation!" Allen countered with all his strength! The two forces collided violently!
At that moment, Pluton's key suddenly shone! It resonated with Allen's Power of Zhulong! Violent tremors rose from underground! All of Water 7 began to shake!
"What's happening?!" Lucci stared at the ground in shock.
The Ark Core flew out on its own and projected a hologram. "Pluton activation sequence engaged... bloodline authentication required... Portgas bloodline detected... authentication successful... initiating awakening sequence..."
"No!" Lucci's expression changed drastically. "Stop him!"
But it was already too late! The ground split open! The enormous Pluton Battleship burst out of the earth! Its massive hull blotted out the sky!
"So this is... the power of an Ancient Weapon..." Allen stared in awe at Pluton, which had awakened by only one percent.
Energy began gathering in Pluton's gun barrels! Its target was Cipher Pol 9!
"Retreat!" Lucci made an immediate decision, and Cipher Pol 9 swiftly withdrew.
Pluton did not pursue them. Instead, it slowly lowered its gangway. A mechanical voice sounded. "Welcome aboard, honored heir."
Allen hesitated for a moment, then led his younger brothers aboard Pluton. The interior was filled with technology beyond imagination, with various holographic interfaces glowing around them.
Pluton systems online... energy level: 1.3%... weapon systems partially available... navigation system: ready...
Allen tentatively touched the main control console, and the interface lit up. "Please enter your destination."
After a moment's thought, he spoke a name. "Laugh Tale."
Destination confirmed: the final island, Laugh Tale. Estimated voyage time: 79 days. Warning: insufficient energy. Replenishment along the route recommended.
Just then, Iceburg's voice came through the communicator. "Allen! Can you hear me?"
"Mr. Iceburg! Are you all right?"
"Safe for now." Iceburg was panting. "Listen, the World Government has already sent an Admiral after you! You have to leave immediately!"
He paused, his tone solemn. "They must have detected the energy fluctuations from Pluton's awakening. More pursuers will be coming. Be careful..."
The transmission suddenly cut off, leaving only static.
Allen gripped the control lever. "Everyone, hold on! Our real adventure starts now!"
The Pluton Battleship slowly rose into the air, then suddenly accelerated! It turned into a streak of light and shot into the distance!
Water 7 rapidly shrank from view. Standing on the bridge, Allen gazed out at the vast sea, his heart filled with determination.
No matter how many hardships and dangers lay ahead, they would press bravely onward.
Because they were the heirs to the ancient legacy, the pioneers of a new era.
The Pluton Battleship cut across the sky, heading toward the final island.
Meanwhile, in Mary Geoise, five shadowy figures stared in the direction Pluton had departed.
"Pluton has awakened..." "The Portgas bloodline..." "Before he gains complete control, we must..." "Deploy all of CP0..." "If necessary... use Uranus."
The final battle quietly began.