The atmosphere at the " Root of the Azure Sun " shelter became more tense and expectant than ever before. The encrypted message sent by Chief Ogen was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples in the remaining Resistance network of Qingyang II.
Over the next two days, the leaders of the other three main Resistance forces arrived one after another, risking being discovered by the Crystal Husk Empire patrols.
From the refuge in the northern Red Rock Mountains came a Lava Tribe warrior leader with an exceptionally burly build and skin as red-hot as a branding iron, named Lava Hammer Goron. He had a fiery temper, a voice like clashing rocks, and initially held strong suspicions about the Straw Hat Pirates, believing that visitors from outer space could not be trusted.
Hailing from the vast western Marsh sanctuary is a calm and collected female leader of the Aquatic Tribe, her skin covered in fine blue scales and gills behind her ears, named Tide Whisperer Lan. Wise and cautious, she carefully observes every move of the Straw Hat Pirates, paying particular attention to the knowledge and power displayed by Allen and Robin.
From the Southern Howling Wind Canyon Refuge comes a Winged Tribe named Wind Chaser Guy, who is light-footed, has transparent wings on his back, and moves like the wind. He shares the same origin as the Winged Tribe of Kumokakure Village, but his wings are more adapted to the planet's environment. He has a relatively cheerful personality and shows the greatest curiosity and welcome to the Straw Hat Pirates's arrival.
With the addition of Ogen, representing the Forest Tribe ( the Root of the Azure Sun ), and representatives of the Underground Tribe and the lizardmen, all the major leaders of the remaining free people of Qingyang II gathered together for the first time.
The meeting was held in a stone-paved plaza in the center of the cave, and the atmosphere was somber. The leaders' gazes frequently swept over the Straw Hat Pirates who had been invited to attend, especially Luffy, Allen, and Robin, who were seated at the head of the table.
Chief Ogen spoke first, briefly explaining the Straw Hat Pirates's rescue of the forest team, showing the star map, and mentioning the " Observers."
"... That's the situation. These space travelers might be the 'variable' mentioned in our ancient prophecies, capable of igniting the flame of hope."
"Variables? Prophecy?" Molten Hammer Goron snorted, his voice gruff as he stared intently at Luffy. "These kids who look like they haven't even grown their hair yet? Ogen, have you been scared off by the Crystal Corpse and started believing in this kind of Void stuff? They might be part of the Empire's new conspiracy!"
" Goron, watch your words!" Chief Ogen frowned.
"I trust Chief Ogen's judgment." Wind Chaser Kay flapped his wing membranes, looking with interest at the Straw Hat on Luffy's head. "Besides, they did indeed help you defeat a Purgers squad; their strength is undeniable."
The Whisperer Lan turned to Robin and Allen, her voice calm and unwavering. "The star map tokens and the knowledge about the ' Observers ' are not easily forged. I'd like to hear these guests explain their purpose and... their abilities."
All eyes turned to them.
Luffy grinned and stood up abruptly. "I'm Monkey D. Luffy, the man who will become the Pirate King! I didn't like those machines, so I'll help you blow them away! If that Crystal Husk Empire or the Observers dare to block my way, I'll beat them all to a pulp!"
This straightforward, even somewhat reckless, declaration stunned the leaders. Goron even let out a sneer.
Allen calmly continued, "We come from the blue planet, and by chance, we learned of the Observers ' existence and the threat they pose to countless civilizations. Our goal is to unite all forces still Resistance. Helping you is both a matter of morality and to strengthen the alliance against the Observers. As for our abilities..."
He extended his finger, and a Power of the Stars condensed at his fingertip, radiating a warm and vast aura. At the same time, a faint trace of the pressure of the Torch Dragon was released.
Sensing this power far beyond their comprehension, the leaders, including the most skeptical Goron, all changed their expressions. This power was balanced and peaceful, yet unfathomable, completely different from the cold sense of destruction emanating from the Crystal Husk Empire.
A glint of light flashed in Lan's eyes. "This energy... is extremely peculiar and powerful."
Robin then displayed the markings on the Star Map Tablet regarding Qingyang II, as well as the flight path pointing to the next " Sparks " coordinates. "This is the last legacy of the lunar civilization, guiding us here to find allies. Our journey will not end here, but we can help you resolve the immediate crisis— the Crystal Husk Empire."
Nami added at the opportune moment, showing a scan of the Ark Maxim and some performance data (non-core data processed by Franky ), proving that they possessed powerful interstellar travel and combat capabilities.
Using a combination of persuasion and firmness, and speaking frankly, the Straw Hat Pirates's combined approach effectively dispelled most of their doubts.
After a moment of silence, Goron finally said in a deep voice, "... If you really have the ability to help us take down those iron lumps, I, Molten Hammer Goron, will consider you my friends!"
Xi Yuzhe Lanwei nodded slightly. "On behalf of the Marsh Sanctuary, I agree to the alliance."
Wind Chaser Kai laughed, "We should have joined forces long ago! Count us Wind Valley!"
Chief Ogen smiled with satisfaction, "Excellent! From this day forward, the Qingyang Free Peoples Alliance is officially established! And our Star Alliance will be our strongest external support!"
With the alliance formed, the next key task is to formulate a counterattack plan.
" The Crystal Husk Empire's monitoring stations and ports in orbit are our greatest threat," Lan said, pointing to the simple sand table. "It can not only monitor the entire globe but also deploy troops at any time. We will never have peace until we destroy it."
"But the orbital station is heavily defended, with warships guarding it. We simply don't have the capability to fight in space," the Underground Tribe elder said worriedly.
All eyes turned to the Straw Hat Pirates again, especially to Allen and Franky.
Franky patted his chest confidently. " The Ark Maxim given to us by the orbital station! SUPER—no problem! However, we need you to provide detailed structural diagrams and defensive weaknesses!"
Allen nodded. "We can take charge of destroying the orbital station. But at the same time, we need to launch a feint attack on the ground to draw the attention of the Imperial ground forces and create an opportunity for us."
"Leave the ground feint to us!" Goron pounded his chest. "We've been wanting to have a real fight with those tin cans for ages!"
A bold operational plan aimed at uprooting the Crystal Husk Empire's rule in Qingyang II gradually took shape during discussions among the leaders of various factions.
The flames of the Battle of Azure Sun are about to ignite from the earth and rise into the starry sky!