A crisp sound echoed, and the ground suddenly trembled.
Tender green sprouts burst forth from the soil, rapidly growing and thickening at a visible pace.
Towering ancient trees rose from the ground, their branches intertwining and weaving together to form roofs and walls.
In mere moments, rows of neat and orderly wooden houses stood where there had once been a desolate, empty lot.
A brand-new Marine base had taken shape right before everyone's eyes.
The Marines stationed at the Sabaody Archipelago branch were utterly stunned.
It was the first time they had ever witnessed such a miraculous Devil Fruit ability!
Once the new Sabaody Archipelago Marine base was fully formed, Ivan stepped forward, scanning the pristine structure before speaking calmly:
"From now on, this will be the new Sabaody Archipelago Marine branch."
Only then did the Marines snap out of their daze, their expressions of astonishment gradually transforming into profound reverence and awe.
They bowed in unison, their voices ringing out louder than before:
"Thank you, Vice Admiral White Dove! Long live Vice Admiral White Dove!"
Who could have imagined it?
The moment Vice Admiral White Dove arrived, their living conditions had undergone a dramatic transformation.
Who wouldn't love a superior officer like that?
In response to their salutes, Ivan gave a slight nod and smiled as he walked toward the largest room.
Next, he had a big gift for the pirates currently on this island!
At this time, it would still be several days before the Straw Hat Crew arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago.
However, all the other Supernovas had already reached the archipelago.
With these lively newcomers active on the seas, Ivan, as a senior figure, found himself with plenty of entertainment.
Of course, while he casually referred to them as "newcomers," he seemed to forget that he was only twenty years old himself—younger than most of these so-called rookies.
But on these seas, age was no measure of status; strength was what truly mattered!
Now possessing strength at the level of an Admiral, Ivan could indeed be considered a senior figure.
However, Ivan did not act under the identity of White Dove. Instead, he left a Wood Clone at the base while his true body vanished from the base in an instant.
At the same time, he used Wood Release to create a spiral-patterned mask, which he placed over his face, leaving only his eyes exposed.
The moment the mask settled into place, his demeanor completely shifted. The gentle and composed Marine Vice Admiral Ivan quietly faded away.
Emerging from the shadows was the covert operative of the Shadow Garden—Uchiha Madara!
…
Sabaody Archipelago, Grove 37, Amusement Park Area.
Countless floating bubbles drifted through the air, refracting light and casting shimmering patterns. The streets were bustling with pedestrians weaving through the crowds, creating a lively and noisy atmosphere.
On one of the streets, Kid and Killer walked side by side, passing between various amusement rides.
"Have you heard?" Kid remarked casually. "That Vice Admiral White Dove from Headquarters is coming to Sabaody soon."
Hearing this, Killer frowned slightly and advised earnestly:
"Kid, lay low for a while. That White Dove Ivan is definitely not someone to mess with.
You should know—he was recently promoted to Admiral Candidate. His strength must be incredibly formidable!"
"Hah?" Kid sneered, his eyes filled with disdain. "Admiral Candidate? Just a fancy title the Marines cooked up. Why should I avoid him? I'm heading for the New World, and no one can stop me. A mere Vice Admiral isn't even worth my attention."
Seeing his captain's arrogance, Killer shook his head helplessly and gave up trying to persuade him.
After all, knowing Kid's personality well, he understood that any advice would be useless.
Just then, Kid abruptly changed the subject:
"But that Shadow Garden is quite interesting. They operate mysteriously, act ruthlessly, scheme in the shadows, and stir up the seas everywhere.
Too bad their dreams are so childish. A bunch of people still thinking about saving this one, protecting that one—utterly naive.
In these seas, is there any such thing as redemption? The only truth is being strong enough to crush everything."
His gaze sharpened, battle intent surging as he grew more and more excited:
"I've wanted to clash with Shadow Garden for a long time. The outside world hypes them up like they're gods. If I happen to run into one, that'd be perfect—I'll tear them apart with my own hands!
Once I defeat Shadow Garden, the world will know my strength is no less than those big shots stirring up storms. I just haven't had the chance yet!"
Beside him, Killer felt a heavy weight in his heart, shaking his head helplessly as he tried to dissuade him again:
"Captain, don't be reckless. Shadow Garden's waters run too deep. We're no match for them. Provoking them rashly will only lead to our own destruction."
"Destruction?" Kid threw his head back and laughed, his eyes brimming with absolute confidence. "How will we know who's stronger without trying?"
As the two conversed, they remained completely unaware that in the unseen shadows of the alleyways, a figure wearing a spiral mask stood silently, listening intently to every word of their conversation.
In the shadows, Ivan, wearing the spiral mask, suddenly radiated a chilling aura.
He truly hadn't expected this Kid—not only mocking White Dove but also brazenly challenging Shadow Garden.
Insulting his public identity and crossing the line with his hidden organization—this was practically a death wish.
"Very well. You won't leave Sabaody Archipelago alive. That's a promise."
Before the words faded, his figure vanished from the spot, carrying a sharp, murderous intent as he stealthily closed in on Kid and Killer.
On the streets of Grove 37, Kid was idly kicking a pebble at his feet, chatting casually with Killer.
But the next second, a bone-chilling cold swept over him without warning, shooting from his feet to the top of his head, instantly enveloping his entire body.
The cold was so piercing, it felt as if a pair of icy eyes were fixed on him, watching his every move.
This sensation—even when Kid had been on the brink of death before—he had never experienced anything like it!
"Huh?" Kid abruptly halted, the arrogance on his face instantly replaced by wariness and confusion.
He instinctively tensed up, scanning his surroundings suspiciously.
But no matter how hard he looked, he found nothing unusual, which only deepened his confusion.
What was that feeling just now?
"What's wrong, Captain?" Killer noticed his odd behavior and asked quietly.
Kid frowned, rubbing his temples uncertainly:
"Nothing. Probably just my imagination."
He shook his head, pushing aside the inexplicable chill, and regained his usual arrogance, patting Killer on the shoulder.
"Let's go, keep exploring, and see if there are any clueless scum around. I could use some exercise."
...
The sea breeze carried the clamor of the amusement park, sweeping toward the shores of Sabaody Archipelago.
A massive ship was anchored arrogantly by the coast—the Kid Pirates' "Victoria Punk."
Ivan stood in the shallows, his gaze sweeping over the vessel.
Atop the ship, a flag fluttered noisily, bearing the distinctive emblem of the Kid Pirates.
No words were needed—this was his target.
With a light step, he moved forward as casually as a stroll, leisurely approaching the large ship. Before long, he caught the attention of the pirates stationed on board.