"They are erasing this Tapestry!"
Allen's words were like a thunderclap, resounding across the bridge of the Thousand Sunny. The crew, who had been immersed in the beauty of the miracle of life, instantly entered battle mode.
"The exact location?" Zoro's voice was calm and composed, his three swords already half an inch from their sheaths, gleaming coldly. He unleashed his full Observation Haki, attempting to pinpoint the "pale" area Allen had mentioned, but the feedback he received felt like being trapped in a Void, completely out of place with the vibrant " Tapestry " around him.
Allen closed his eyes and focused intently, his " Power of Definition " extending like the most precise probe towards that discordant area. A slight sheen of sweat appeared on his forehead as he analyzed, "The coordinates are to the right front, approximately three ' Tapestry fluctuation units' (he subconsciously used his perceived measurement). The 'life information' in that area is covered by a forced 'silence' rule... not destruction, more like... 'archiving' and 'sealing'? No, closer to 'denying its existence'." He searched for the precise words to describe this eerie feeling. "Their energy signals are very subtle, seemingly engaging in some kind of resistance against the underlying rules of this ' Tapestry,' but in a very brutal way, like forcibly covering a painted canvas with pale paint."
Nami quickly marked the location Allen had indicated on the star map (which had now switched to a simulation of the energy flow inside the " Tapestry "), her expression grave. "The energy readings in that area are extremely abnormal, the life fluctuation index is close to zero, and instead there is a... highly restrained spacetime distortion. Did they establish an outpost there? Or some kind of... 'purification' device?"
Usopp operated the sensors, his voice trembling, "My God! How did they get in? And... won't forcibly covering the ' Tapestry of Life ' cause a backlash from this area itself?" He raised a crucial question: Wouldn't such a massive aggregate of life consciousness have no self-defense mechanisms?
"Perhaps the resistance of ' Tapestry ' itself is part of their 'purification' process," Robin mused, her arms crossed over her chest, her gaze sharp. "Like the immune system attacking a virus, the Temporal Overseer are the 'doctors' trying to forcibly suppress or even eliminate the immune system." This analogy sent a chill down everyone's spine.
"Who cares what kind of doctor he is!" Luffy lowered his Straw Hat, the shadow obscuring his eyes, but his undeniable anger was clearly discernible. "Anyone who casually erases someone's history and life is a villain! I'm going to beat them all to a pulp!" His rubber fists clenched tightly, the knuckles cracking.
"Agreed." Sanji lit a new cigarette, took a deep drag, and his eyes were unusually cold amidst the swirling blue smoke. "There's no reason to forgive those who trample on the beauty of life. The kitchen's newest ' Diable Jambe: Sparks ' just needs a trial run." He slightly moved his ankle, and it seemed as if scorching energy was gathering at the toe of his shoe.
" Franky, can we get closer silently?" Allen asked the boatman.
Franky checked the data on the control panel and shook his head. "SUPER—Difficult! The energy flow around that pale area is extremely chaotic, like two giants wrestling. Forcing our way in would likely result in instant detection. Moreover, the ' Tapestry's ' own light and whispers are interrupted there, leaving us without cover."
Brook's bony fingers lightly touched the strings. "Yo ho ho ho~ Since we can't hide it, perhaps we can try another way? For example, how about I play a ' Soul King Requiem ' full of 'passion for life'? Although I have no soul to lose, my music might be able to disrupt the 'silent' ritual of those pale fellows?" He made a suggestion that seemed absurd but was in line with his characteristics.
Chopper had already shouldered his little medkit and said firmly, "I'll have all the emergency medicine ready! Whether it's physical damage or... that kind of rule-based corruption, I'll do my best to heal!"
Allen quickly weighed his crew's analysis and suggestions. He looked at Luffy: " Luffy, direct conflict is probably unavoidable. But we need a strategy. The Temporal Overseer ' methods are unpredictable, especially their ability to freeze time."
"I know!" Luffy grinned, revealing his pearly white teeth. "But their abilities aren't limitless, right? Zoro can cut through them, Allen can neutralize them, we'll always find a way! Let's rush over there and stop them from causing any more destruction!"
"That's right," Zoro chimed in. "Tricks might not work against absolute power. How about splitting up? One group can draw their attention from the front, while the other looks for an opportunity to sabotage their equipment or key personnel?"
"That's a very good analysis." Allen nodded, affirming Zoro and Luffy's judgment, while also incorporating Brook and Franky's opinions. "So, the plan is as follows: Franky, activate the ship's secondary engine to create some energy noise, feigning an attack from the side to draw some fire. Brook, your music is a good idea. Play it at full power when we get close, using the melody of 'life' to disrupt their 'silence,' even if it only causes a momentary disturbance, it's still a victory."
"SUPER--Got it! Watch my noise symphony!" Franky excitedly patted the Coke engine on his chest.
"Yohohoho~ The moment has finally arrived for musicians to show their true value!" Brook adjusted his bow tie.
"The main assault team consists of myself, Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji," Allen continued, outlining the plan. " Nami, Usopp, Robin, and Chopper will remain on the ship, providing long-range support and intelligence analysis using the ship's firepower and Robin's abilities, while also being ready to provide backup at any time. Chopper, I'll leave the medical preparations to you."
"Leave it to me!" Chopper nodded vigorously, his eyes filled with unwavering determination despite his fear.
Nami gripped her Clima-Tact tightly. "I'll cover you with lightning Gentle Breeze!"
Usopp set up his giant slingshot, " Kuro Kabuto ": "Watch me turn them into sieves with my ultimate move, Stardust Meteor!"
Robin smiled slightly, "I will observe carefully and find the weaknesses in their abilities."
With the plan set, the Thousand Sunny adjusted its course, like a sea monster poised to pounce, and headed towards the ever-expanding "pale" area. The closer it got, the stronger the suffocating "silence" became, as if even its own vitality was being drained away. Compared to the " Tapestry of Life " flowing with billions of colors and whispers around it, it looked like an ugly, lifeless patch.
When they were still some distance from the edge of the pale area, Franky activated the noise jamming, and a dazzling surge of energy erupted from the side of the ship. Almost simultaneously, Brook stood at the bow, violin resting on his collarbone, and a stirring, powerful melody, " The Soul King: Hymn of Life," filled with an indomitable will to live, suddenly resounded! The ripples of the music, like tangible impacts, crashed into that pale region!
"Now!" Luffy roared, grabbing Allen, Zoro, and Sanji with his rubber arms, " Gum-Gum Bazooka!" The four of them shot towards the center of the pale area like cannonballs!
The moment they entered that area, everyone felt their bodies sink, as if they were trapped in sticky glue, their thoughts and movements becoming sluggish. But Brook's music, like warm sunshine, tried to dispel this stagnant force, while the invisible aura emanating from Allen also neutralized the effect of Time Slowdown to some extent.
They saw it clearly.
At the center of the pale region, three Temporal Overseer clad in pale armor floated. They formed an equilateral triangle, with a constantly rotating, hourglass-like pale crystal device suspended in the center. It was this device that continuously released ripples of "silence," eroding the surrounding " Tapestry of Life," stripping away its colors, and annihilating it with whispers. Below the device, the once vibrant " Tapestry " had become a gray, lifeless "canvas."
The lead inspector raised his head, and a cold, mechanical, synthesized voice rang out without any fluctuation:
[High-risk variable ' Torch Dragon ' and its derivative interference terms detected. Attempting to hinder the timeline correction process. Executing... purge protocol.]
Pale energy gathered in their hands, transforming into spears and chains that distorted spacetime. Behind them, the hourglass device spun at an abruptly faster speed, unleashing an even more powerful force of "silence" like a tidal wave!
The battle suddenly erupted on this border between life and Void!