RNP Chapter 249 Guild Invitation, An Ark Beneath the Vast Ocean
Chapter 249 Guild Invitation, An Ark Beneath the Vast Ocean
Chapter 249 Guild Invitation, An Ark Beneath the Vast Ocean
In the New World, near the edge of the Red Line, a fleet flying the flag of the Cross is anchored on a relatively calm sea.
Compared to the imposing momentum at the start, the atmosphere in the fleet now seemed somewhat somber and hesitant.
On the flagship's deck, Diamanti was loudly complaining to a video Den Den Mushi, his tone filled with resentment and frustration.
"Dover! Are we just going to stand by and watch?!"
"That bastard Blackbeard caused such a commotion in Impel Down, now the whole world is talking about his Kamui!"
"If our Cross Society were to slink back like this, where would we put our pride?!"
The Den Den Mushi (snail phone) mimics Doflamingo's exaggerated sunglasses.
"Fufufufu—Diamanti, calm down. Face? In the face of a force that can split the sea, how many Berries is face worth?"
Next to the Den Den Mushi, another dramatic voice rang out—it was the spirit of Shakespeare.
"Oh, my dear Master! You are mistaken! Face, or rather honor, is one of the core driving forces that has propelled countless heroes to write epic tragedies!"
"His Excellency Diamanti's current resentment provides excellent material for a drama!"
Doflamingo waved his hand impatiently: "That's enough, Shakespeare. It gets boring to keep repeating the same things."
"Diamanti, listen. Blackbeard is a ticking time bomb, and we don't even have the fuse."
"The navy has already suffered a setback; we don't need to risk it. Don't forget our real goal is to strengthen the guild and gain a more advantageous position in this chaotic world."
He paused, his tone shifting to one of cunning calculation.
"However, you can't let this trip be in vain. Since we can't go to Impel Down for the time being, let's change direction and head downwards."
"Downwards?" Diamanti was taken aback.
"That's right, Fishman Island." Doflamingo's image revealed a playful smile.
"That blue fat guy Jinbe, didn't he summon an amazing Heroic Spirit? He even managed to block the attack from the Knights of God—"
"Although the government suppressed the news, the photos released by that old fox Morgans can't be faked."
"Go and reach out to him, express our Crusade's goodwill, and invite him to join. A former Shichibukai, plus a heroic spirit capable of resisting the Knights of God—this power is worth fighting for."
Diamanti frowned: "But Doflamingo, Fishman Island has been acting strangely lately. It's almost completely cut off from the outside world, and even the number of pirates around there has decreased significantly."
"That's why we should go and see!" Doflamingo said with certainty.
"Remember, this is an invitation, not a threat. Bring my Vivre Card and the encrypted Den Den Mushi; I will speak with King Neptune or Jinbe personally."
"Keep an eye on your men, don't let those idiots cause trouble! Especially you, Diamanti, shut up your act!"
Although somewhat reluctant, Diamanti bowed his head and replied, "Understood, Dover."
"Fufufu—Go! The waters around Fishman Island are deep; perhaps—you can catch a big fish there."
Doflamingo's image disappeared.
Meanwhile, in Dressrosa, beneath the King's Heights, lies a secret laboratory.
Caesar Courant, dressed in a white lab coat, was gesturing wildly and shouting at some complex instruments and energy reaction data.
"Oh—! Incredible! The energy composition of these Heroic Spirits completely defies the laws of physics!"
"Look at this fluctuation, look at its interference rate with the real world! If we could analyze and replicate it—"
In the center of the laboratory, a specially designed device binds three strange streams of light that are constantly changing shape.
They have no fixed form, sometimes like vortexes, sometimes like tentacles, emanating pure yet immense magical energy fluctuations.
This was born from an unusual energy source that suddenly appeared in the sea near Dressrosa not long ago.
Or, according to Shakespeare and Kojiro, it is a primordial magical life form naturally born from the nodes of the spiritual veins.
They were captured by the perceptive Kojiro and Mihawk and brought back to the laboratory.
Beside him, Mihawk held Hawkeye, staring expressionlessly at the center of the laboratory.
Kojiro stood quietly to the side, seemingly sensing the karma and obsession contained within the wreckage.
Shakespeare spoke in an aria-like tone.
"You ruthless hand that attempts to deconstruct mystery and poetry! But I must admit, your data can also provide a more solid foundation of reality for my drama!"
"Lord Caesar, please continue, and make this inhuman logic clearer!"
Mihawk said calmly, "The essence of power, though different, leads to the same goal."
"Analyzing them might allow me to take my swordsmanship to the next level."
His self-illumination was sharp, as if it wanted to cut through the surface of that energy and look directly at its core.
Kojiro nodded slightly: "Good idea. If we can understand the source of their obsession, we might be able to cut them off more precisely when we wield our swords."
Under Doflamingo's remote control, the Cross Guild, ostensibly led by Diamante to Fishman Island, is secretly accelerating its research into the power of Heroic Spirits, attempting to gain its own leverage in this wave sweeping the world.
The Crusaders fleet begins coating and prepares to dive.
Although Diamante had been warned by Doflamingo, he still couldn't completely hide the arrogance on his face.
He gave instructions to his men.
"Everyone, be on your guard! Once we're on Fishman Island, no one is allowed to make a move without my orders!"
"We're going to invite them, not to fight! Anyone who ruins Doflamingo's plans, I'll throw them to feed the Sea Kings!"
The fleet slowly sank into the sea, heading towards the deep-sea paradise thousands of meters below.
As the dive deepened, the surrounding light gradually dimmed, and occasionally luminous deep-sea creatures swam by, adding a touch of mystery.
When the coated fleet finally pierced through the darkness and saw Fishman Island surrounded by a huge double-layered semi-circular bubble shield, even Diamante's eyes flashed with surprise.
Fishman Island remains beautiful, with its coral architecture and schools of fish creating a dreamlike scene.
However, upon closer inspection, some inconsistencies can be observed.
Near the edge of the protective shield, there are traces of ruins that have not yet been fully restored. The charred and damaged areas tell the story of the terrible attack that occurred here not long ago.
Moreover, unlike previous rumors that Fishman Island was frequently harassed by pirates, the area around the protective barrier was unusually clean, with even large sea monsters rarely seen, as if an invisible hand had cleansed the surrounding environment. The atmosphere on the island also seemed more solemn than before.
Before the arrival of the Crusader fleet, King Neptune had already held an emergency meeting with Jinbe on the throne.
"The Crusaders—Doflamingo's men—have suddenly arrived. What is their purpose?"
Neptune's massive body leaned against the throne, his brow furrowed, and he held the trident, a symbol of royal power, in his hand.
Jinbe stood calmly to the side, arms crossed, and said in a deep voice.
"According to intelligence, their original target was probably to go to the front line to deal with Blackbeard's movements, but for some reason they turned to us."
"Doflamingo is a cunning and unpredictable man; he won't act without self-interest. His sending Diamante here, I'm afraid—"
They came for me, and for that other person.
His gaze was fixed on a certain direction deep within the Dragon Palace, a forbidden area where Noah was temporarily resting.
Neptune sighed. "The existence of Noah, though vaguely described in Morgans' World Economic Herald, with its enormous shadow and description of resisting divine punishment, is enough to arouse the covetousness of various forces. Doflamingo can't possibly be uninterested. How should we deal with this?"
Jinbe thought for a moment and said, "They are ostensibly offering an invitation and showing goodwill, so we shouldn't refuse them outright, lest we give them a handle to use against us."
"We can make contact first and see what their specific intentions are. As for Lord Noah—his compatibility with this world seems to have some limitations, and he needs time to settle and adjust. It is not advisable for him to show himself easily for the time being."
"Your Majesty, we must hold this line."
Neptune nodded. "Do as you say. Stay alert and react as needed."
Guided by the port of Fishman Island, the fleet slowly docked.
The guards of the Dragon Palace Kingdom were already waiting there, led by a seahorse mermaid minister, whose expression was serious and vigilant.
"Guests from the Cross Society, His Majesty Neptune and Lord Jinbe are waiting at the Dragon Palace."
The Right Minister's voice was neither humble nor arrogant.
Diamanti straightened his cloak, trying to appear more sincere: "Lead the way."
Passing through the still bustling Kuala Lumpur Koh Place, where residents' eyes now hold more scrutiny and hidden hostility.
Diamanti could clearly feel the tension permeating the air.
After experiencing the devastating blow from the Knights of God and the miraculous protection of Noah's Ark, Fishman Island's attitude towards outsiders, especially human pirate forces, has undergone a subtle but profound change.
Inside the Dragon Palace, the atmosphere grew even more somber.
King Neptune sat on his throne, his brow slightly furrowed.
Jinbe stood to the side, arms crossed, his breathing steady, but his eyes sharp.
Several princes were also present, looking tense.
"Fufufufu—Your Majesty Neptune, Jinbe, it's been a long time."
The image of Doflamingo was projected onto the Den Den Mushi, and he spoke first, breaking the silence.
"Joker—" Neptune said in a deep voice.
"What brings your subordinates here so suddenly?"
He directly used Doflamingo's code name in the underworld, showing his distrust.
Doflamingo didn't seem to mind and laughed, "Don't be so nervous, Your Majesty. After all, I am also the ruler of a country."
"
"I have come here with sincerity."
"The Cross Society was established to provide a platform for mutual assistance and cooperation among all former Shichibukai and their allies."
"Brother Jinbe is powerful and highly respected. We have always hoped to invite him to join us in dealing with this increasingly chaotic world."
Jinbe spoke slowly, his voice low and deep.
"Doflamingo, I have no interest in your guild. All I want to do now is protect Fishman Island."
"Don't be so quick to refuse," Doflamingo coaxed patiently.
"The situation at sea is changing rapidly. Blackbeard has acquired that kind of godlike power, the Navy is retreating, and the World Government's attitude is ambiguous."
"Can Fishman Island really guarantee its safety on its own? Think about the visit by the Knights of God not long ago."
The mention of the Knights of God made Neptune and Jinbe's expressions even more unpleasant.
That sudden and devastating blow—if not for—Fishman Island would probably no longer exist.
Diamanti interjected at the opportune moment, attempting to demonstrate sincerity.
"Yes, Jinbe! Joining our Crusade is like gaining powerful allies like Hawkeye, Doflamingo, and their heroic spirits!"
"Anyone who dares to cause trouble on Fishman Island again will have to think twice!"
Doflamingo's image continued, "Furthermore, I've heard—Fishman Island is under the protection of a powerful guardian? A legendary being—"
"Fufufu, what an amazing power! I wonder if we will be lucky enough to witness its power? It would give us more confidence in the safety of Fishman Island."
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He finally revealed his true intentions and set his sights on Noah.
Neptune and Jinbe exchanged a glance, understanding dawning on them. They had indeed come for Noah.
Jinbe replied in a deep voice, "That person is very similar to the being in our ancient legends."
"That being is not a power that can be displayed at will; his existence is solely to protect the promise between Fishman Island and humanity."
"I appreciate the Cross Society's good intentions, but I cannot agree to join. As for the safety of Fishman Island, we have our own plans."
His refusal was decisive and left no room for negotiation.
Doflamingo's smile remained unchanged in the video, but his eyes turned colder.
"Fuck, fuck, fuck—what a pity. In that case, we shouldn't stay any longer."
"Diamanti, prepare to return—"
Just as he was about to order the evacuation, a sudden change occurred!
A Dragon Palace guard rushed in and reported loudly.
"Your Majesty! Lord Jinbe! An unidentified vessel has been detected approaching from the outer edge of the protective barrier! The energy reaction—is very strong! And it carries—malicious intent!"
Almost simultaneously, an energy detector in Diamanti's arms also emitted a piercing alarm!
"What's going on?!" Diamanti took out the detector, only to see a spirit origin reaction filled with a predatory and greedy aura, rapidly approaching!
The atmosphere inside the Dragon Palace instantly became tense!
Jinbe's eyes narrowed: "This feeling—it's a Heroic Spirit! And they don't seem to have any good intentions!"
Neptune immediately ordered: "Activate Level One Alert! Close some port access routes!"
Doflamingo's image also turned serious: "Diamante! It seems there are guests who are even more uninvited than us!"
"Prepare for battle! Remember, on Fishman Island, act according to circumstances!"
Beyond the massive bubble shield of Fishman Island, in the deep darkness.
A pirate ship with tattered sails is speeding towards us, breaking through the heavy water pressure.
The Blackbeard Pirates' flag and insignia are faintly visible on the ship's hull.
A figure stood at the bow of the ship.
He had purple hair, wore a tricorn hat, carried a curved knife at his waist, and wore a cruel and greedy smile on his face.
It was Captain John, summoned by Blackbeard Teach!
"Hehehe!! I sense it! An aura of treasure so intense it's maddening! And—a powerful and ancient soul fluctuation!"
Captain John licked his dry lips, his eyes gleaming with excitement that seemed to pierce the deep sea.
"That kid Teach was right, Fisherman's Island really does hold some good stuff! That mysterious Heroic Spirit who could hold off the World Government's lackeys—"
"And the treasures and history accumulated on this island itself will all become Captain John's collection!"
Standing beside him were several arrogant members of the Blackbeard Pirates.
The wicked king grinned.
"Captain John, Captain Teach said that this operation will be led by you. Finding clues about Davy Jones is crucial, but incidentally—capturing this island and that Heroic Spirit would be an even greater achievement!"
Captain John grinned maliciously, "Don't worry, kids! When I was sailing the seven seas, you were still playing in the mud!"
"Whether it's finding Davy Jones or stealing treasure, leave it to me!"
"As for the Ark—even the strongest Heroic Spirits have their weaknesses! Didn't Captain Teach give us that backup plan? Then—hehehehe!"
He patted a strange conch shell at his waist that emitted an ominous aura.
"Speed up! Just smash their shells open!"
Captain John waved his arms, and the hideous ghost ship, radiating a dark red magical light, charged fiercely towards the bubble shield of Fishman Island, like a harbinger of disaster in the deep sea!
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