The " Starry Sky Watcher Network " operated stably for a period of time, and the commotion caused by the Otherworldly Resonance in the Xinghai subsided significantly. The Straw Hat Pirates's name, after " Fifth Emperor of the Sea," " Liberators," and " Starry Sky Healers," was expanded to include " Network Weavers," and their influence spread like ripples to distant star systems.
However, the bigger the tree, the more the wind blows. The Straw Hat Pirates's recent activities, especially the power and technology they have demonstrated that can influence the rules of the universe, have inevitably attracted the attention of some hidden eyes in the shadows of the universe.
On this day, the Thousand Sunny received a highly encrypted communication request from a secretive source. The sender identified himself as the " Deep Dark Chamber of Commerce," a renowned organization in the interstellar black market and intelligence circles, but also an elusive and morally ambiguous group.
The communication was connected, and an agent wearing an elaborate mask and whose voice had been altered appeared on the screen.
"We have long admired the name ' Starry Sky Watcher '," the agent said with a businessman's smooth tone, "Our guild deeply admires your recent promotion of the ' Order Harmonics ' technology, as well as the capabilities you have demonstrated in dealing with the ' Dimensional Erosion ' event."
Nami, acting as the diplomatic representative (and treasurer), responded, "Thank you. May I ask what brings you here?"
"To get straight to the point," the agent leaned forward, "Our Chamber of Commerce is very interested in two things. First, the complete blueprint for ' Order Harmonics ' technology, especially the design of its core frequency generation module. Second, more detailed information about Mr. Allen's ability to ' Definition ' rules, including its origins, characteristics, and growth limits."
The atmosphere in the cabin instantly froze. The other party's purpose was obvious: either they wanted to steal the technology for profit or other purposes, or they had designs on Allen's abilities.
"Technology is meant to be protected, not traded," Nami firmly refused. "As for Allen's abilities, that's a matter of personal privacy, and I cannot disclose that."
"Heh, don't be so quick to refuse." The agent seemed to have anticipated this. "Our merchant guild is willing to pay an unimaginable price—enough to buy the wealth of several star systems, lost ancient technology, and even top-secret information about the ' Sea of Origin ' and the ' Sea of Stars Council '... Or, do you have someone you wish to resurrect? Our merchant guild might be able to find a way..."
"We have no interest!" Luffy shouted into the communicator. "Our power is for adventure and protecting our friends, not for selling to you!"
The agent's mask obscured his expression, but his tone turned colder. "It's a pity. However, the universe is vast, and many things can change. Perhaps one day you will change your mind, or... you may encounter a time when you need the Chamber of Commerce's 'help.' At that time, you can contact me again. Farewell."
Communication interrupted.
" The Deep Dark Chamber of Commerce..." Robin frowned slightly. "I've seen scattered records of this name in some forbidden documents. They say their history is extremely ancient, their tentacles reaching every corner of the multiverse, pursuing goals that ordinary people cannot understand. Being targeted by them is not a good thing."
"What's there to be afraid of!" Franky struck a super pose. "Let them bring it on! It'll be a good opportunity to test my latest upgraded super weapon!"
Allen pondered, "They mentioned the ' Sea of Origin ' and the ' Sea of Stars Council '... It seems this organization knows quite a bit of inside information. We need to be more careful."
This encounter served as a wake-up call for the team: the universe is not only populated by allies like the Revolutionary Army and neutrals like the Observers, but also by potential threats lurking in the shadows with unclear objectives, such as the Deep Dark Chamber of Commerce.
At the same time, the Domain Compass detected another unusual signal. This time, it was not Otherworldly Resonance, but a discontinuous distress signal from a distant, desolate star system in the universe. The signal was encoded in a very ancient way, interspersed with some grammatical fragments that Robin found familiar, similar to Poneglyph.
"A new adventure is calling!" Luffy instantly forgot about the Deep Dark Chamber of Commerce and excitedly pointed in the direction from which the signal came on the star map.
Should we continue to strengthen the network to deal with potential shadows, or should we heed this ancient call from an unknown corner of the world?
The Straw Hat Pirates's answers are always the same.
"Set off!"
The Thousand Sunny adjusted its course and embarked on another journey of exploration, heading towards the source of the enigmatic distress signal. The Xinghai stretches endlessly, and their adventures are boundless.