The magic of the false revelry dissipated, and Vista Island fell into a strange tranquility. At first, there was a sense of bewilderment, but soon, a more genuine and relaxed atmosphere began to replace the previous near-frenzied clamor. People talked to each other, their faces displaying a variety of natural emotions—some were uncomfortable with the sudden quiet, some enjoyed the long-lost peace, and others began to reflect on their previous overly excited state.
The true nature and conspiracy of " Lord of Laughter " Doma were soon exposed. The angry (this time genuinely angry) people spontaneously organized and dismantled the devices used to channel Emotional Energy around the Hall of Laughter. Doma himself was temporarily imprisoned, awaiting legal judgment, not the eternal divine position he dreamed of.
The Straw Hat Pirates became heroes for revealing the truth and saving the island (albeit in a rather thorough way). Although they didn't receive the expected "mysterious prize" (which was actually just bait used by Doma to attract high-quality "batteries"), they gained the heartfelt gratitude of the residents of Vista.
Nami looked at the pile of collector powder with some regret. "If only we could have sold it intact..."
Usopp puffed out his chest, enjoying the genuine praise, which he found more fulfilling than manipulated cheers.
Chopper happily helps treat some residents who are weakened by emotional exhaustion.
Sanji used authentic local ingredients to prepare a delicious and heartwarming meal for everyone, including some helpful residents, earning him sincere applause.
Zoro thought it was nice to be quieter; at least his ears would have some peace and quiet.
Franky examined the wreckage of the dismantled energy guiding device and thought the design was brilliant, but its application was terrible.
Brook improvised a soothing and melodious tune for the island, which had calmed down. This time, there were no wild cheers, only quiet listening and knowing smiles.
Robin learned more about ancient beings like the " Lord of Feasts " from the ancient stone platform and the records left by Doma, enriching her historical knowledge.
Jinbe believes the island needs time to repair its distorted social mentality.
Ace and Luffy felt that although they hadn't had enough fun, they had dealt with the bad guys, so it wasn't bad.
Luffy patted his stomach. "The previous matches were quite fun, but the meat tastes even better now!" (Perhaps because his emotions have stabilized and his sense of taste has returned to normal?)
Allen declined the residents' request for him to stay and become the new leader. He stood in the harbor, watching the island rediscover its true rhythm. The smiles, no longer uniform, though not "perfect," were full of life and diversity.
"Genuine emotions, even sadness or anger, are part of life," Allen said to Ace beside him. "Forcing oneself to pursue a single kind of 'joy' is the greatest tragedy of all."
Ace nodded and smiled, "A world full of noise, laughter, and tears is much more interesting."
The Log Pose, already fully charged, pointed firmly to the next destination.
On the day of departure, those who came to see them off were no longer enthusiastic crowds, but many residents with gentle smiles and clear eyes. They brought some homemade, simple yet heartfelt gifts and food.
"Thank you for helping us find ourselves again."
Goodbye, my benefactors! Welcome back to the real Vista again!
"Goodbye, everyone!" Luffy waved his Straw Hat vigorously. "Next time, we'll have a real feast!"
"Beautiful ladies~, may you always have genuine smiles!" Sanji bid farewell gracefully.
"Take care." Robin smiled and waved.
Zoro confirmed the course, hoping they wouldn't encounter any strange air currents this time.
"Let's go, cousin. This experience was truly unique." Ace stretched his limbs.
Allen nodded slightly, taking one last look at the island that had shed its glitz and glamour and returned to reality. Ending a false dream and protecting the possibility of truth—this was one of the meanings of his journey.
The Thousand Sunny slowly sailed away from Vista Harbor, leaving behind the island that no longer echoed with deafening music but was brimming with the warmth of human life.
Nami looked at the Log Pose on her wrist, which was pointing in a new direction, and a thoughtful expression appeared on her face. "Judging from the direction of the pointer and the ocean current, the next stop seems to be... an island shrouded in thick fog and mysterious legends all year round. There is very little information marked on the nautical chart, except that the locals call it ' The Island of Oblivion ' Akasha."
" The Island of Oblivion?" Usopp immediately had a bad feeling. "That sounds dangerous! Could there be ghosts with amnesia?"
Chopper hid in fear. "Forgetfulness? Is it that kind of illness that makes you forget everything?"
Luffy, however, was even more excited. "The Mysterious Island! Adventure, adventure!"
Robin's eyes lit up with interest. "Forgotten history often hides astonishing secrets."
Zoro snorted, "As long as we don't get lost in the fog again." (A bold statement!)
Sanji thought that there might be a vulnerable lady in the mist who needed a knight to save her.
Franky and Brook also began to speculate about the situation on the island.
Jinbe calmly observed the fog gradually thickening on the sea ahead.
The flame in Ace's hand flickered, seemingly uninterested in the mist.
Allen gazed at the increasingly dense sea fog, which seemed capable of swallowing all light. His senses penetrated deep within it, and he vaguely caught a kind of... abnormal sedimentation and distortion related to time and memory.
"Forgotten...?" Allen murmured to himself, "Perhaps, there's more settled there than we imagined."