The moment the Gate of the Void closed completely, the entire battlefield fell into an eerie silence.
The rift leading to the Sea of Concepts vanished without a trace, as if it had never existed. But the lingering traces of spatial distortion at the top of the tower and the Chaos afterglow in the air reminded everyone of what had just happened.
The Triangle Bodies fleet was the first to react.
Having lost their ultimate goal of being " Threshold Bearer," their actions lost their unified direction. The leading elite Triangle Bodies commander issued a sharp information pulse:
[Target lost... Scan... Unable to locate Threshold Bearer energy signature...]
[ Chaos signals weaken... Disruptions to order increase...]
Hundreds of elite Triangle Bodies warriors hovered in the air, their compound eyes flashing with chaotic light. Some began to attack each other, disagreeing on the interpretation of the disappearance of the Threshold Bearer; others remained motionless, seemingly having lost their purpose in life.
Angel Yan keenly seized this opportunity.
"Now's the time! Fight back!"
She raised the Flame Sword high, and the divine code was reactivated. This time, her attack worked—the dark purple crystals on the bodies of the Triangle Bodies warriors affected by Allen's Balance Field began to crumble, revealing the constantly changing biological tissue beneath.
"Their defenses have weakened!" Ge Xiaolun discovered that his Anti-Void domain was working. " The Balance Field left by Allen is still affecting them!"
Indeed, those Triangle Bodies Warriors who had once approached Allen's Balance Field are now undergoing a painful process of "ordering." Their physical structures are beginning to transform from Chaos and disordered state into a stable biological form—meaning that while losing the power of the Void, they are also losing the collective consciousness connection unique to the Triangular Body Civilization.
"Who... who am I?" A Triangle Bodies elite curled up in agony, a rare look of confusion in its compound eyes. "Commander... mothership... connection lost..."
The rebellion began.
Nearly a third of the elite Triangle Bodies warriors began attacking their own kind. This was not a rational choice, but rather because the weakening of the Chaos energy had restored some of their individual consciousness, which conflicted with the collective will of the Triangle Bodies.
Chaos spread within the three " Chaos Evolution" motherships. The shipboard control systems began to malfunction, and the energy cores experienced unstable fluctuations.
"Now!" Rena unleashed her pent-up stellar energy, sending a flare beam piercing the heavens and earth, precisely striking the energy core of one of the motherships.
The violent explosion tore the entire mothership to pieces.
The other two motherships attempted to retreat, but Liu Chuang had already led an assault team into the bridge of one of them. The Tomahawk cleaved through the protective shield of the command center, and facing the panicked commander of the Triangle Bodies, Liu Chuang uttered only two words:
"Pay back the debt."
The second mothership exploded internally and turned into a fireball.
The Triangle Bodies fleet, having lost its flagship, collapsed completely. The remaining warships either destroyed each other in the chaos or fled in panic to space jump points. Only a few hundred former elite warriors, disconnected and bewildered, remained on the battlefield.
"Capture them," Angel Yan ordered. "They may no longer be pure Triangle Bodies... perhaps they are objects we can study."
Three days later, in the core area of Nether Abyss.
With the closure of the Gate of the Void and Allen's entry, the Nether Abyss lost its continuous energy source. That Chaos realm began to slowly but irreversibly dissipate.
The Super Soldier Company Alliance established a temporary command post in Earth orbit to begin clearing out the remaining Triangle Bodies Forces and assessing losses.
The losses were devastating.
More than forty interstellar warships were destroyed, including three capital flagships. Ground casualties have not yet been tallied, but are estimated to exceed 100,000. The defense systems of several cities were damaged and require extensive reconstruction.
But compared to these, the greater loss is--
" Allen Portgas is confirmed missing," Angel Yan announced somberly at the battle report meeting. "The last energy reading appeared before the Gate of the Void closed, after which it completely disappeared. Conventional tracking methods are ineffective, and Dark Plane scans have found no trace of him."
Silence fell over the meeting room.
Ge Xiaolun clenched his fist. "He said he'd come back..."
"I believe in him," Rena said calmly, but tears welled in her eyes. "That guy... he never gives up easily. He is Torch Dragon, he is Sparks, he won't just disappear like that."
Liu Chuang slammed his fist on the table. "Damn it, when that kid gets back, I'm going to beat him up... He took all the blame by himself, what does he think we are?"
But everyone knows that this wait could be very long.
"According to the last information Allen revealed, 'guiding the Chaos consciousness back to rationality' could take years, centuries, or even longer," Angel Yan pulled up an analysis report. "But the good news is that the rate of Chaos Erosion has slowed significantly after the Gate of the Void closed. The Nether Abyss is expected to completely dissipate within three months."
"Furthermore," she paused, "We've discovered that those Triangle Bodies prisoners affected by Allen's Balance Field are undergoing interesting changes."
The screen showed a picture of the prisoner camp. Dozens of former elite Triangle Bodies warriors were imprisoned in a specially designed energy barrier, but their appearance was very different from three days ago.
The dark purple exoskeleton faded, revealing a texture similar to human skin. The compound eye structures gradually merged, forming eyes that more closely resembled human eyes. Most remarkably, they began to exhibit individual differences—some sat quietly, some paced anxiously, and some attempted to communicate with the guards.
"They are 'evolving'... or rather, 'returning' to a form closer to that of ordered beings." Angel Yan zoomed in on a close-up of one of their faces. "Look, it's even starting to try to express itself with simple words."
The creature in the scene speaks in broken interstellar language, "Light... warmth... fear..."
"Our scientists believe that the Balance Field energy left behind by Allen continues to exert its influence, reversing the erosion of the Void on them. They may be reverting to some... more primitive, Chaos form of race."
Lian Feng added, "If we can help them complete this transformation, we might gain a completely new allied force—their understanding of the Void could become an important resource for our future defense against similar threats."
The meeting continued, discussing topics such as postwar reconstruction, the treatment of prisoners of war in the Triangle Bodies, and the establishment of a Void surveillance network.
But everyone knew in their hearts that there was a topic that no one had mentioned, yet it weighed heavily on everyone's mind:
What happened to that young man who walked into the darkness alone?
Meanwhile, in the world of One Piece.
The Straw Hat Pirates's separation pod wreckage was recovered by the Super Soldier Company ' rescue team. Luffy, Zoro, and the others suffered minor injuries, but were all unharmed.
When they learned of Allen's choice through the communication equipment, the entire ship fell into a deathly silence.
"He... he went through that door alone?" Nami asked, trembling.
The projection of Angel Yan nodded heavily. "He said, please believe that he will return. And... please take good care of 'our world'."
Zoro gripped Wado Ichimonji tightly, the scabbard humming softly. His expression remained calm, but a certain flame burned deep within his eyes.
Sanji silently lit a cigarette, his expression obscured by the swirling smoke.
Chopper was already sobbing uncontrollably. "Dr. Allen... why... why do I always have to bear this alone..."
"Because that's the kind of guy he is." Franky, unusually, didn't strike a dramatic pose, but instead said in a deep voice, "That was true in Dressrosa, that was true in Wano Country... and that's true now."
Brook put down her violin. "Yo ho ho ho... I really want to say 'Don't worry, he'll definitely come back,' but my skeletal heart is aching too..."
Usopp wiped away his tears. "That idiot... we promised to go on adventures together..."
Jinbe sat cross-legged, eyes closed in deep thought, but his clenched fists betrayed his inner turmoil.
Only Luffy, surprisingly, didn't cry or make a fuss.
He pulled his Straw Hat down low, the shadow obscuring the upper half of his face. After a long silence, he spoke, his voice unusually calm:
" Allen said he'll come back."
So, before he comes back--
He raised his head, his eyes filled with an unprecedented determination:
"We need to become stronger. Stronger so that next time something like this happens, he won't have to face it alone."
"So powerful... we could go in with him and come out together."
These words ignited everyone's fighting spirit.
Zoro's lips curled into a smile, "Just what I wanted."
Sanji exhaled a smoke ring. "Then we'll have to develop new battle suits and kicking techniques."
Franky struck his signature pose. "SUPER--! I'm going to build a ship that can travel through space!"
Chopper wiped away his tears. "I... I'm going to research a panacea that can cure any injury!"
Brook: "Yohoho, I'm going to create music that can convey my feelings across the universe!"
Usopp: "I... I want to become a true warrior of the sea! The kind who can protect everyone!"
Nami wiped away her tears and smiled, "We need to earn enough money first."
Jinbe opened his eyes. "I will protect our route."
Angel Yan looked at this group of warriors from another universe, and a complex mix of emotions welled up inside her. She finally understood why Allen cherished these comrades so much.
" The Super Soldier Company will establish a permanent inter-universe communication node," she said. "We will notify you immediately of any news regarding Allen."
"Furthermore," she paused, "According to the agreement, you can rest and recuperate in this universe for a period of time. We are willing to provide technical support and training facilities to help you... become stronger."
Luffy grinned, it was the Straw Hat Captain's signature, infectious smile:
"Thank you so much!"
A month later, both worlds began their own reconstruction and changes.
Super Soldier Company Universe:
The Nether Abyss has completely vanished, and the once Chaos realm has now become a peaceful starry sky. Scientists have discovered a large number of rare spacetime crystals there—remnants of the Gate of the Void that once existed, containing special energy from the balance between Chaos and order.
Among the captured Triangle Bodies "evolved" beings, more than a dozen have already completed their transformation. They have lost their Void power but gained entirely new abilities—the ability to sense subtle fluctuations in the rules of the universe. The Super Soldier Company has incorporated them into the " Rule Perception Unit," specifically responsible for monitoring Void void activities.
Legends began to circulate about Allen Portgas, the " Threshold Bearer." Some said he was a hero who sacrificed himself to save the universe; some said he was an explorer who entered the Void in search of ultimate power; and others believed that he would return one day in the future to bring a new era of balance.
Angel Yan erected a monument on the site of the Nether Abyss, inscribed with the names of all those who perished in the war. Allen's name was at the very top of the monument, but instead of "dead," it read "on the mission."
Ge Xiaolun began to delve into the Balance Field data left by Allen, attempting to develop a defense system capable of simulating similar effects. He named it " Sparks Barrier Project ".
Rena, along with envoys from the Lieyang Civilization, frequently traveled between Earth and the pirate world, establishing preliminary inter-space diplomatic relations.
One Piece World:
The Straw Hat Pirates returned to their own universe. Instead of heading straight back to the Thousand Sunny, they each began special training.
Luffy landed on Rayleigh's island and began a new round of training. This time, his goal wasn't just to become the " Pirate King," but also to gain the power to protect all his crewmates.
Zoro found Hawk Eyes, but this time, his request wasn't "to defeat you," but rather "to teach me how to cut through space."
Sanji contacted Germa 66, not to return, but to obtain the latest technological genetic data and combine it with the combat suit technology from the Super Soldier Company universe to develop a brand new combat system.
With the help of Sky Island and weather scientists, Nami studies cosmic climatology; Usopp travels to Elbaf to learn ancient shooting techniques from the Giants; Chopper ascends to the ruins of the Drum Kingdom, combining medical knowledge from both worlds to develop new medicine; Robin infiltrates the World Government ruins, searching for more clues about ancient civilizations and the connection to the universe; Franky establishes a new workshop in Water 7, with blueprints for a super battleship capable of inter-space travel; Brook searches for ancient musical scores on Music Island that can convey longing; Jinbe contacts the Deep-Sea Council, beginning to integrate the power of the Fish-Man Race.
The Revolutionary Army, the Red Hair Pirates, and Empress Hancock, among other allies, all learned of Allen's whereabouts. After a long silence, Dragon ordered the Revolutionary Army to strengthen its connections with the Super Soldier Company universe; Shanks spent the entire night drinking while gazing at the stars; Hancock locked herself in her room for three days and three nights.
A rift has emerged within the Deep-Sea Council. Some elders believe that they should seize control of Poseidon while Allen is away; however, Princess Shirahoshi firmly refuses, believing that Allen will return, and declares that the Fish-Man Race will maintain a neutral but friendly stance until Allen's return.
After Imu and the Five Elders were defeated, the World Government became a mere shell of its former self, and new forms of government began to emerge in various places. The Revolutionary Army played an important role in this, but this time, they no longer pursued a single model of World Government, but instead encouraged the coexistence of diverse civilizations.
And the most surprising thing is--
Those enemies and friends who were once defeated or redeemed by Allen are all reacting in their own ways.
Upon learning the news at the very bottom of Impel Down, Doflamingo burst into maniacal laughter. "Fufufufu... What a dramatic ending, Portgas brat!"
Crocodile, who had established his power in a desert kingdom, merely scoffed when he heard the news, but the next day, a research report on Void energy appeared on his desk.
Hancock... She finally stepped out of the room and announced that Amazon Lily Straw Hat Grand Fleet until "that person" returned.
Bartolomeo broke down in tears the moment he heard the news, and then vowed to build the world's most powerful fan club to present to Allen when he returned.
Time passed by like this.
Three months, six months, one year...
The connection between the two worlds is growing stronger, and the exchange of technology and magic is giving rise to a completely new form of civilization. In the pirate world, " Xinghai " based on the technology of the Super Soldier Company begin to appear, capable of limited space travel; while in the Super Soldier Company universe, research is being conducted on the principles of Devil Fruit and Haki, developing a new superpower system.
But there was still no news about that key person.
The Gate of the Void did not reopen, nor did it send any signal from the Sea of Concepts.
Only those Triangle Bodies evolutionaries affected by Allen's Balance Field occasionally murmur to themselves in their sleep:
"Light... burns... deep within..."
"The bridge... is under construction..."
"Patience... takes time..."
Two years later, at the Nether Abyss Memorial.
Angel Yan, Ge Xiaolun, Rena, Liu Chuang, and others gather here every year on this day. The Straw Hat Pirates also participates through inter-universe communication—they have completed the first phase of their special training and are preparing to regroup.
"Still no signal?" Luffy's voice came through the communicator.
Yan shook his head. " The Void is completely calm. But we detected subtle, regular fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background radiation—like some kind of giant 'heartbeat'."
"Heartbeat?" Nami asked.
"The heartbeat of the universe itself," Ge Xiaolun explained, "Is gradually stabilizing from a state of Chaos and disorder. This could be... a sign that Allen is working inside the door."
Zoro's voice came through. "That means he's still alive and fighting."
"It's not just a battle," Yan said, looking up at the starry sky, "It's a monumental project beyond our comprehension—rebuilding the integrity of the universe."
Everyone fell silent, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside them.
Sadness, longing, admiration, anticipation... and unwavering faith.
"We'll wait," Luffy said, his voice carrying the unwavering determination of a captain, "No matter how long."
"Then we'll wait for him to come back," Zoro continued, "And show him how strong we've become."
"Let's go on another adventure together." Everyone said in unison.
Communication ended.
Yan stood alone in front of the monument, her hand gently tracing the inscription of Allen's name.
Suddenly, she sensed something and abruptly looked up.
In the starry sky, a star that had never appeared before flickered faintly at the original site of the Nether Abyss.
The light was a blend of platinum and dark purple, like Sparks, like the eyes of Torch Dragon.
It lasted only a moment before disappearing.
But Yan was certain she had seen it.
She covered her mouth, tears silently streaming down her face.
Then, facing the direction where the star had disappeared, she whispered:
We're waiting for you.
Take your time... no rush.
"Because during the time you were building the bridge—"
She turned back, gazing at the brightly lit interstellar city behind her, and at the miraculous pirate world on the other side of the distant universe:
"We are also building our future."
When you return, you will see a... more beautiful universe.
The starry sky was silent.
But in that dimension imperceptible to anyone, deep within the interplay between Chaos and order, a wisp of platinum-colored rationality is stubbornly burning in the dark Sea of Concepts.
The area illuminated by the firelight was slightly larger than it had been a year ago.
At the heart of the flames, a dormant consciousness is slowly and steadily weaving a network of balance.
The construction of bridges is a long and magnificent process.
But one day—
It will be completed.