After the Council of Elders, Allen and Luffy returned to the dock where the Thousand Sunny was re-berthed. Inside the cabin, the crew members, who had just returned from their exploration, were excitedly sharing their experiences, but when they saw the solemn expressions on Allen and Luffy's faces, the noise gradually subsided.
"What's wrong?" Nami asked sharply. "Did the talks not go well?"
Allen recounted the three elders' proposals—regarding the " Well of Origin," the conditions for removing the mark, and the dangerous reconnaissance mission—to everyone in detail.
A hush fell over the cabin. The joy of acquiring knowledge was replaced by the heavy pressure of reality.
heated debate
"Are you kidding me!" Usopp was the first to jump up, his voice trembling. "Going to a region where the Abyss is active for reconnaissance? That's a hundred times more dangerous than storming Marine Headquarters! We've just caught our breath from the bloody battle on Green Shade Star!"
"But if we don't remove that mark, we'll be like holding a torch in the dark, constantly being hunted down." Sanji lit a cigarette, his brow furrowed. "Passively taking hits isn't a solution either."
Chopper, clutching the medkit, whispered, "But... the Abyss Will... it sounds more terrifying than any disease..."
"Passive defense will never win a war." Zoro, sword in hand, his eyes sharp, said, "If reconnaissance can yield crucial intelligence and give us the initiative, the risk is worthwhile. Moreover, clearing the markers is vital to our subsequent actions."
Robin crossed his hands under his chin, calmly analyzing, "The council is using us. They need cutting-edge intelligence but are unwilling to easily deploy their core forces, or perhaps there are internal divisions preventing them from acting in unison. We are both the spearhead and the probing stone."
Franky patted his steely chest. "It's super dangerous, but for Allen and the team's future safety, I think it's worth it! And who knows, we might even get our hands on Abyss technology samples!"
Brook tilted his head. "Yo ho ho ho, even though I'm just bones now, the feeling of Abyss Mark still gives me the creeps~ It would be great if it could be removed."
Jinbe calmly began, "This matter concerns the survival of the entire team. I believe that although the risks are great, the rewards will be enormous if we succeed. The key is whether we have sufficient confidence in our success."
Ace's fist flamed with flames as he said firmly, " Allen's affairs are my affairs. Wherever he goes, I'll go with him. The World-Purifying Flame might be of some help."
Nami glanced at her arguing companions, then at the marked coordinates of the unknown and dangerous star system on the navigation screen, and finally her gaze settled on Allen: " Allen, what do you think? Your decision is the most important."
Allen's weighing of options and Luffy's intuition
All eyes were on Allen.
Allen remained silent. He felt the restrained yet persistent " Scent of the Abyss " in his chest, recalling the madness of the ancient consciousness, the tragic state of Green Shade Star, and the troublesome nature of the Data Ghosts. Passively waiting would only allow the crisis to accumulate. Although the Council was suspected of being exploitative, the " Well of Origin " was currently the only known way to remove the mark.
More importantly, what he received from the " World Seed " within him was not fear, but a "desire" to face threats, to strengthen himself, and to expand his protective reach. The Watcher Alliance cannot remain merely a slogan.
"I think we should go," Allen finally spoke, his voice clear and calm, "There are three reasons."
"First, removing the markers is imperative. Otherwise, we will be unable to move an inch, and we might even endanger our homes."
"Secondly, knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory. We know too little about the Abyss, so proactive reconnaissance and obtaining firsthand intelligence will also benefit us."
"Third," he looked at Luffy and all his crewmates, "I believe in our strength. No matter what we face, as long as we're together, there's no obstacle we can't overcome."
"Well said!" Luffy slapped his thigh, stood up, and flashed his signature, completely untroubled smile. "I knew you'd say that, Allen! This fussing isn't our style! That Abyss sounds like a formidable opponent! Perfect timing, let's go and meet them!"
Luffy's intuition and decisiveness often break through the crew's hesitation. His pure, courageous spirit in the face of adversity inspires everyone.
Usopp looked at Luffy and Allen, his legs still trembling, but he gritted his teeth and said, "Since the captain and Allen have both said so... then I, the great Usopp, will reluctantly do my part and create another miracle!"
Chopper straightened his back and said, "I... I'll prepare all the panaceas and power-up Rumble Ball!"
Nami sighed, but her eyes remained resolute. "Alright, since I've decided... then I'll optimize the flight path! I'll stake my reputation as ' Cat Burglar Burglar' Nami on it!"
Robin smiled slightly, "Then, before we set off, I will try my best to collect all the fragmented information about that star system from the public database."
Zoro, Sanji, Franky, Brook, Jinbe, and Ace all nodded in agreement, their fighting spirit rekindled.
Determination and Preparation
The team quickly reached a consensus. Adventure and challenge were etched into their very souls.
Allen conveyed the Council of Elders ' decision to the Star Eye through Xingtong: to accept the reconnaissance mission.
Soon, an encrypted mission briefing and star map were transmitted. The target area, known as the " Corrupted Star Abyss," is one of the known peripheral areas where Abyss forces have penetrated deeply, and has recently shown abnormal energy fluctuations. Mission requirements: Infiltrate the " Corrupted Star Abyss," identify the source of the energy fluctuations, obtain as much intelligence as possible on Abyss troop deployments, new types of units, or any information related to the " World Devourers " project, and return safely.
Meanwhile, the council also provided some support: a detailed report on known environmental data of the " Corrupted Star Abyss "; a batch of specially made camouflage coating materials that can shield the perception of lower-level Abyss creatures to some extent; and a one-time emergency jump Beacon that can only be used in extremely dangerous situations, but its destination is random and its use may cause damage to the ship's hull.
There is no turning back, only moving forward.
The Thousand Sunny Refitted set sail once again, leaving behind the harbor of knowledge and safety, the " Seat of All Knowledge," turning its bow around, and heading headlong into the " Corrupted Star Abyss," a place full of unknowns and dangers.
This time, they not only carried the hidden danger of being marked, but also actively plunged themselves into the darkness to unveil the veil of the Abyss, seeking a glimmer of hope for themselves and for the Xinghai.