Over the next few days, the North Star Base entered a peculiarly busy rhythm.
The Straw Hat Pirates's presence is both a huge pressure and a source of endless curiosity for the soldiers and researchers at the base. Every day, people from different departments try to approach the separate reception building under various pretexts, or to keep a distant view of the giant silver ship docked in the special hangar.
Admiral Du Kao's orders were clear: give the Straw Hat Pirates ample respect and space; any contact must be made through designated liaison officers Rena and Du Qiangwei, and only with their consent.
The morning sunlight streamed through the windows into the conference room of the reception building. On either side of the rectangular conference table sat two groups of people with very different styles.
On the left are representatives from the Super Soldier Company: Du Kao, Lian Feng (in holographic projection), Rena, Du Qiangwei, Ge Xiaolun, and Yu Qin, who was specially brought in—this gentle healer showed great interest in Chopper's medical skills (especially the manipulation of his body by the Rumble Ball ).
On the right are the core members of the Straw Hat Pirates: Luffy, Allen, Nami, Robin, Franky are "sparring" with Liu Chuang in the training ground next door; Zoro Sanji "exchanging cooking skills" in the kitchen; Usopp and Chopper are studying the remains of the Taotie in the hangar; Brook is "collecting inspiration" in the base's music room; Jinbe is reading oceanographic data about this world.
"First, here's an overview of the current situation on Earth, as well as information on the alien forces we know of." Lian Feng's projection controlled the screen, and a detailed electronic document appeared on the tablets in front of everyone—this was a special device that the base had prepared overnight for the Straw Hat Pirates; it was easy to operate and supported voice input.
The document contains a wealth of information:
• Current Status on Earth: Global defense posture after the Battle of the Juxia, deployment of the Super God Academy branches in various countries, and Black Armor Company.
• Main hostile forces:
• The Taotie Legion: An invading force under the command of Death God Karl in the Styx Galaxy. They revere death and slaughter and possess interstellar fleets and rudimentary Void weaponry.
• Demon Civilization: Led by Morgana ( Liang Bing ), with the ideology of "Freedom to Fall," they excel in gene implantation, Wormhole sniping, and mind control, posing an extremely high threat level.
Potential threats: Triangle Bodies (intelligent marine life, mental attack), Hua Ye's Heavenly Palace Order (male angelic hegemony), etc.
• Allies and Neutral Forces:
Angel Civilization: The highest known civilization in the universe, adhering to " Order of Justice," currently led by Angel Yan, but internal divisions exist.
• The Lieyang Civilization: Rena's homeland, pursuing national peace and prosperity, and mastering Stellar Drive technology.
• The Deno Remnants: The original civilization of Lian Feng, Du Kao, and others, possessing highly advanced genetic and Dark Energy technology.
• Key concepts:
• Dark Energy / Dark Plane: the known sources of power and information storage in the universe.
• Gene Engine / Super Gene: Technology that grants superhuman abilities through gene editing.
• Void / Anti-Void: Advanced technology that touches upon the underlying rules of the universe, the core of Death God Karl's research.
• God-Slaying Weapon/Conceptual Weapon: A special weapon capable of effectively killing a god.
The Straw Hat Pirates watched intently. Luffy, though he didn't understand much of it, was excited by the alien warships and monsters in the pictures. Nami and Robin quickly skimmed through the economics, geography, and culture sections, trying to understand how this world worked. Franky's eyes lit up at the technology section.
"Then, here is the existing research data on 'spatial anomalies' and 'dimensional theory'." Lian Feng switched documents. "Unfortunately, there are very few known records about 'parallel worlds' or 'interdimensional travel,' and most of them belong to myths, legends, or unproven theoretical conjectures. Only a few clues may be relevant."
Several items are listed on the screen:
1. Mythological records: Many ancient civilizations (including Huaxia ) have legends of "heavens beyond heavens", "blessed lands", and "other worlds", but there is no concrete evidence.
2. The Deno Archives: A damaged record mentions that during the study of the " Great Clock " (the universe's most advanced celestial computer), an extremely brief "dimensional resonance" phenomenon was detected, but it could not be reproduced.
3. Angel Knowledge Base (partially shared): Angel Zhui once reported that while monitoring a remote galaxy, he observed a "non- Wormhole temporary perforation" in the spatial structure, which healed instantly without any cause being found.
4. Karl's Research Notes (Excerpt): In his notes, Death God Karl hastily wrote vague statements such as "Beyond the Void, is there still an 'outside'? Is the Sea of Rules unique?"
"So, there's no direct way to send us back right now?" Nami astutely concluded.
"Yes," Lian Feng said frankly, "But your arrival itself is the greatest evidence and clue. Reverse deduction is far more feasible than studying from scratch. We suggest starting from two aspects: first, a thorough study of your spaceship, especially its navigation system and energy records during the journey; second, analyzing the 'incompatibility points' between your own power and this world—this incompatibility is likely a manifestation of the differences in the rules of the two worlds. Finding it might be able to pinpoint the 'coordinates' of your world."
Allen nodded. "I agree. Franky can fully cooperate with the spaceship research. As for our own power analysis..." He looked at his companions.
Luffy nonchalantly replied, "Take any test you like! Just don't tie me up!"
Robin smiled and said, "I'm very interested in the archaeology and historical records of this world; perhaps I can find unexpected connections in the myths and legends."
" Chopper is fascinated by the concept of Gene Engine," Yu Qin said softly. "He agreed to share some medical and life science knowledge with me, provided it doesn't involve core secrets."
"SUPER~ No problem!" Franky patted his chest. "I can share part of my General System and Ark Maxim's blueprints! But the core Star Core Reactor and bio-metal synthesis technology... that depends on the situation!"
The meeting proceeded in a pragmatic atmosphere. Several collaborative research projects were established between the two sides:
1. "Ark" Project: Led by Lian Feng and Du Qiangwei, with Franky's cooperation, to research the space technology and energy system of the Ark Maxim.
2. "Rule Mapping" Project: Led by Rena Yu Qin, with the participation of Ge Xiaolun ( Anti-Void Ability User), this project attempts to analyze the essence of the Straw Hat Pirates's power system ( Haki, Devil Fruit, Power of the Stars ) and to find its connection and differences with the Dark Energy system.
3. "Tracing the Origins of Ancient Books" Project: Robin, Nami, and history and mythology experts from the Super God Academy will collaborate to identify commonalities or "time travel" records in the legends of the two worlds.
4. "Tactical Cooperation" Training: Informal confrontation drills and tactical cooperation attempts are conducted between the Super Soldier Company Squad combatants and the Straw Hat Pirates combatants to enhance understanding and refine combat methods.
"Finally, there's the issue of your base." Du Kao pulled up a satellite map, pointing to the central Pacific Ocean. "This newly formed volcanic island, tentatively named ' Newborn Island No. 1,' has an area of approximately 120 square kilometers, freshwater resources, and vegetation is growing rapidly. The five permanent members of the UN Security Council have tentatively agreed to designate the island as a 'Special Cooperation Zone,' serving as your temporary base on Earth. Construction and renovation work can be handled by you independently, or we can provide engineering support."
Nami immediately began calculating construction costs, her eyes transforming into the symbol of Beli. Luffy excitedly pointed at the map. "An island! Our new base! I'm going to plant our pirate flag at the highest point!"
"Before that," Du Kao said solemnly, "We need to address an imminent threat together. According to intelligence, the main fleet of the Taotie is gathering near Pluton Star's orbit, and the demons' activities are becoming increasingly frequent. The next large-scale attack could come at any time. At that time, we may need your combined strength."
"No problem!" Luffy clenched his fist. "Those metal lumps, I'll knock them all away, no matter how many come!"
Following the meeting, research and collaboration quickly commenced.
The hangar area, next to the Ark Maxim.
Du Qiangwei and a group of engineers surrounded Franky, listening to his enthusiastic explanation. "... So, the Jet Wind Dial doesn't just provide simple propulsion, but 'absolute control' over the airflow around the hull! Combined with the Moon's 'Space Matrix Runes,' it achieves that smooth Space: Folding! Of course, the most SUPER~ thing is the Star Core energy source provided by Allen; that thing is practically a miniature universe..."
Lian Feng's projection was rapidly recording every detail, its eyes gleaming with admiration. "A completely different approach to energy conversion... the combination of bioenergy and space technology... this isn't even on the same technology tree anymore, it's practically another 'forest'..."
Special training ground.
Zoro's Three-Sword Style clashed fiercely with Liu Chuang's God-Slaying Axe, sparks flying everywhere. Liu Chuang possessed immense strength, but Zoro's swordsmanship and use of Haki were more refined and versatile.
"Haha! That was great! Let's go again!" Liu Chuang laughed and charged forward once more.
" Three-Sword Style: Leopard, Harp, Jade!" Zoro's figure vanished in a blur.
On the other side, Ge Xiaolun is trying to understand the concept of " Haki ".
"So, Armament Haki is about 'enhancing oneself and weapons,' Observation Haki is about 'sensing,' and Conqueror's Haki is about 'intimidation'..." Ge Xiaolun scratched his head, "This sounds... a bit like how our Super Gene enhance the body, sense Dark Energy, and suppress the mind?"
"Not entirely," Allen stood before him, extending his hand, his palm covered in dark Armament Haki. " Haki focuses more on the manifestation of 'will.' You can understand it as using a strong will to 'command' the material world to change its hardness, flow, or generate pressure according to your wishes. It doesn't rely on external energy; rather, it originates from the potential of life itself."
Ge Xiaolun attempted to imitate it, but his Dark Energy only formed a shield on his body surface, which was completely different from the texture of Armament Haki.
"Willpower..." Ge Xiaolun pondered, "My Anti-Void ability is, in a way, also ' Definition ' reality... Could there be something in common?"
Rena, meanwhile, was studying Nami's Clima-Tact. When she saw Nami summon lightning, gales, and mist with a small Clima-Tact, the sun goddess was stunned.
"Weather operations... so precise? How much energy and computational power does that require?" Rena asked incredulously. "Are you really human?"
Nami proudly raised her chin. "I invented this by combining Sky Island meteorological science and Weatheria climate technology! Of course, Allen also helped optimize the energy circuit."
Medical center.
The conversation between Yu Qin and Chopper was full of academic atmosphere.
" The Rumble Ball forcibly triggers body transformation and potential unleashed by temporarily disrupting the wavelengths of Zoan Devil Fruit?" Yu Qin looked at the extremely complex human energy fluctuation diagram hand-drawn by Chopper. "This concept... is similar to the 'gene lock activation' of the Gene Engine, but the principle is completely different. Devil Fruit... truly a kind of 'rule bestowal'?"
Chopper nodded. "Yes! Dr. Kureha said that Devil Fruit are 'treasures of the sea,' containing 'the rules of the world.' Eating one is equivalent to gaining the right to use certain fragments of those rules. My fruit allows me to understand the languages of all animals and possess their characteristics and abilities."
Yu Qin murmured as she recorded, "Fragments of rules... authority... this seems to have some philosophical similarity to the way Karl's research on ' Void Substance ' grants abilities, but the origins are completely different..."
Base Library.
Robin was surrounded by scanned copies of ancient books and papers on mythology. An elderly professor with white hair was beside her, and the two were having a heated discussion.
"... Therefore, your world's records of the ' Void Century ' and ' Ancient Weapon ' bear a striking structural resemblance to our legends of 'Prehistoric Civilization' and 'Mythical Wars.'" The old professor adjusted his glasses. "Both represent sudden breaks in the line of glorious civilizations, both left behind powerful relics, and both involved the intervention of 'gods' or 'demons'... This cannot be entirely a coincidence."
Robin elegantly picked up his teacup. "Perhaps, in different worlds, certain 'story templates' or 'historical patterns' repeat themselves. Or... in an even more ancient era, one unknown to us, were there some kind of connection between worlds?"
Meanwhile, deep within the base, in a top-secret conference room.
Du Kao, Lian Feng (himself), and Chief Huang (a higher-ranking Huaxia general) are holding a closed-door meeting.
"Sir, this is our preliminary assessment report on the ' Straw Hat Pirates '." Du Kao handed over an encrypted document.
Chief Huang carefully reviewed the documents, his expression serious. "Pirates from a parallel world... possess a power system we cannot understand... their individual combat strength is generally at or even exceeds the standard of a third-generation super soldier, and core member Allen... has no upper limit that can be assessed."
He raised his head, his gaze sharp. " Old Du, tell me the truth. Are they controllable?"
Du Kao paused for a moment, then slowly said, "If 'complete obedience' is the standard, they are uncontrollable. They value absolute freedom and have their own set of behavioral logic and moral principles. But..."
He then changed the subject. "If we use 'whether they are a threat to Earth' as the standard, I think that, at least for now, they are not a threat, but rather a powerful asset. Their sense of justice and desire to protect the weak are genuine. Moreover, their desire to return home is strong, which to some extent is also a kind of 'restraint'."
Lian Feng added, "From a technical standpoint, their power system is completely different from ours, which means that many of our suppression methods (such as the Void Engine ) may have limited effect on them. Forcing hostility is extremely risky. However, through cooperation, we can learn from the entirely new ideas contained in their technology, and may even find new ways to combat the Void."
Chief Huang pondered for a long time before finally nodding, "I understand. We'll proceed with your plan: deep cooperation and complete honesty. However, necessary precautions and observations are essential. Furthermore, the security level for this intelligence should be raised to the highest level. It must not be leaked to any other forces, especially... the Demons and Karl."
"Yes!"
Styx Galaxy, Death Song Academy.
In the spacious hall, Death God Karl stood quietly before his desk, perusing an ancient book. He appeared gentle and serene, like an ordinary scholar.
Sno stood respectfully below. "My god Karl, the King Shi Hao has sent word. The vanguard fleet attacking North Star... was completely annihilated. It was destroyed by the Super Soldier Company and... a group of unknown individuals working together."
Karl paused slightly as he turned the pages. "An unknown individual?"
"Yes. According to the incomplete data transmitted back by the flagship, those individuals did not have Dark Energy signatures, but possessed multiple abilities that violated known physical laws. The strongest among them was suspected of possessing spatial manipulation, temporal influence, and a 'white light' capable of completely erasing matter and energy."
Karl slowly raised his head, a thoughtful glint in his eyes. "No Dark Energy signature... yet it can interfere with spacetime, even erase concepts... Interesting."
He put down his book, walked to the window, and gazed at the boundless starry sky. "In our research on the Void, we have been trying to understand and grasp the ultimate truth of this universe. But now it seems... beyond the universe, there may be 'landscapes' we have never imagined." - Sno
"Exist."
"Have the Shi Hao halt their large-scale attack on Earth. Gather more intelligence on these 'unknown entities' first. Also..." Karl's voice was gentle yet undeniably firm, "Contact Morgana. I think she'll be very interested in these 'new friends'."
"Yes."
Demon One, Morgana's Palace.
Morgana listened to Ato's report with her legs crossed.
"... The above is the preliminary intelligence regarding the complete annihilation of the Taotie Fleet on the North Star. The enemy's combat strength exceeded expectations, and powerful, previously unrecorded units appeared."
Morgana swirled her wine glass, a hint of interest playing on her lips. "No Dark Energy signature? And you can still 'erasure' a warrior equipped with Basic Void Engine? That freak Karl must already know, he's probably trembling with excitement right now."
She downed the drink in her glass in one gulp. "Interesting. This wretched place, Earth, really is full of hidden talents. First those brats from the Super God Academy, and now a bunch of oddballs have popped up... Ato."
"Queen."
"Send a few clever demons to patrol the vicinity of North Star. Don't attack, just observe. I need to know where these suddenly appearing beings came from."
"Yes, sir."
The eyes lurking in the shadows have already quietly focused.
Meanwhile, at the North Star Base, the Straw Hat Pirates's collaborative research with the Super Soldier Company was just getting on track.
Knowledge from two worlds and two different power systems are colliding and merging like never before.
No one knows what kind of fruit this fusion will ultimately bear.
For those of you who have read this far, I wonder if you like the development of this plot? Any opinions or suggestions are welcome.