Chapter 50: The Sabaody Archipelago
Five months ago. The Grand Line, Third Route—"Dream Island."
The island lived up to its name, a magnificent jewel set in an emerald sea. At its center, a sea of rainbow flowers bloomed year-round, refracting dream-like colors in the sunlight. Luminous vines hung from ancient trees like natural lanterns, illuminating the groves. The air was thick with a sweet, floral, and humid scent, and the ethereal calls of unknown birds echoed in the distance. Everything was tranquil and vibrant.
But beneath this perfect beauty, a cold, sharp, killing aura hung in the air, completely out of place.
The members of the Phantom Troupe were gathered in a clearing. The ground was marked by messy footprints and the dark, still-wet stains of blood—the silent story of a one-sided slaughter.
Uvogin stretched his massive arms, feeling the surging power within. The deep, bone-deep wounds he'd suffered were already gone, stitched perfectly by Machi's Nen threads, leaving only faint pink scars. He grinned, his voice a booming, joyous roar as he looked at their leader, Chrollo Lucilfer.
"Danchō, is this the power of a Devil Fruit?"
Chrollo's form had changed. His head was now that of a rabbit, with long ears pricked up and deep red pupils. His lower body had transformed into powerful, muscular rabbit haunches, coiled with explosive, ready-to-spring power.
He hopped lightly, ascending several meters with an eerie, feather-light silence. "Yes," Chrollo said, his voice as calm as ever. "My agility and leaping power have been fundamentally enhanced. An... interesting application of this world's rules."
His gaze drifted to a local pirate lying crumpled nearby, beaten and unconscious. This, clearly, was the source of his "interesting" new ability.
"Pakunoda."
The blonde woman stepped forward. As the Troupe's memory specialist, her ability was vital in this alien world.
"According to his memories," Pakunoda's voice was cold and clinical, "this world has something called 'Devil Fruits.' They grant superpowers. They're divided into Logia (elemental transformation), Paramecia (miscellaneous superhuman abilities), and Zoan (animal transformation), which is what you just stole, Chrollo."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the other members.
"The world is split between three main powers: 'Pirates' who plunder, the 'Marines' who enforce order, and the 'Revolutionary Army' trying to overthrow the World Government."
"But the most critical piece of intel," Pakunoda continued, "is that I found traces of the boy who banished us: Kyle Link."
The casual air vanished. Everyone's eyes sharpened. Even Feitan, who always looked bored, lifted his gaze.
"They've formed a pirate crew called the 'Hunter Pirates.' And they are already wanted by the World Government."
"Bounties?" Nobunaga asked, adjusting his sword.
"That's right," Pakunoda said. "Kyle Link's bounty is 210,000,000 Beri. Killua Zoldyck's is 100,000,000 Beri. Gon Freecss's bounty is still 15,000,000."
"These bounties were updated two weeks ago. One last thing: the ultimate goal for all pirates in this world is to find the 'One Piece,' a great treasure left by the former Pirate King, Gol D. Roger."
"Treasure?!" Uvogin's eyes lit up, and he clenched his massive fists, his face practically screaming I want it. The thief's instinct was overwhelming.
Chrollo was silent. The rabbit features receded, and he returned to his normal, elegant form. He closed his Skill Hunter book.
Hisoka isn't here.
It confirmed his suspicion. Hisoka had either quit the Troupe upon banishment or, more likely, had never been a true member at all. This explained why they hadn't found a trace of him on the island.
"Based on the current intel," Chrollo's voice pulled them back, "this world is vast and dangerous, but it's also filled with opportunities. Opportunities for us to grow stronger."
"We were banished here, so we will play this world's game. And our ultimate goal, Kyle, will surely be competing for the same prize."
A rare, faint smile touched Chrollo's lips. He knew Kyle was using this world as a training ground, and them as experience points. But the roles of hunter and prey were never set in stone.
"Danchō!" Uvogin roared. "What are we going to call our crew?"
Chrollo didn't even have to think. "We are the Phantom Troupe. We will be the 'Phantom Pirates'."
"Phantom Pirates! I love it!" Uvogin yelled. "I'll go steal us the toughest ship in the port right now!" His aura exploded outward, flattening the rainbow flowers around him.
"Hey, Uvo, wait for me!" Nobunaga sighed, following him. "Try not to destroy the ship before we even get on it!"
"Yeah, yeah, stop nagging!" Uvogin shot back.
Chrollo turned back to Pakunoda. "Paku, the training method for 'Haki.' Did you get it?"
"Yes," she said, pointing to the unconscious pirate. "There are three types: Armament Haki, which hardens the body and allows one to hit Logia users; Observation Haki, which senses presence and predicts attacks; and Conqueror's Haki, a rare quality of 'kings' that can overwhelm opponents."
"This man has a basic grasp of both. I just tried... and I can confirm that we are able to learn this power as well."
"Just as I thought," Chrollo said. "Our bodies have adapted to the rules of this world. This means we can combine our Nen with Haki."
"Exactly, Danchō," Pakunoda added. "Haki, especially Armament and Observation, is just a simplified, local version of Nen application. For us, who have already mastered Aura, learning it will be trivial. Stacking the two systems... our power will undergo a massive evolution."
Chrollo nodded, remembering Kyle's Haki-clad kick. That power was potent. If he hadn't defended with Ken, it would have done real damage. That was the very combination of Haki and Ken they were discussing.
Even Chrollo felt a rare, strong anticipation to begin this new training.
"Danchō, this must be the 'Log Pose' to the next island," Phinks said, handing him a strange compass.
Chrollo tossed it to Shalnark, the Troupe's strategist. Shalnark grinned, caught it, and pulled out his phone.
He focused a wisp of Aura, touching both the Log Pose and his phone. A moment later, a perfect digital compass appeared on his screen.
"Huh. You can do that?" Phinks asked.
"Don't forget, I'm a Manipulator," Shalnark said, "I can 'copy' the directional data."
"It's a shame I can't get a signal, or I could access their networks. But my phone's basic functions and Nen-apps still work, and my ability keeps it perpetually charged."
"Tch. Convenient," Phinks muttered.
"Shalnark, you're the navigator now," Feitan's low, rasping voice came from the shadows. "Don't get us lost."
"Relax, Feitan," Shalnark said. "So, Phinks, what's the next island?"
Phinks recalled the memory. "A place called the 'Sabaody Archipelago.' Apparently, it's the final stop... the gathering point for all pirates who want to enter the 'New World'."
Sabaody Archipelago.
The name was noted.
The Spiders of the Phantom Troupe were about to weave their own bloody web across this strange, new Grand Line. A storm called "The Phantom" was gathering, ready to head for a much bigger stage.