Wright had always struggled with developing burst capabilities.
He had mastered the use of the Holy Light to enhance strength, stamina, defense, speed, and healing, but how could he amplify these effects in a short period?
One method was to increase the output of the Holy Light for brief moments, as seen in his previously developed "Secret Art: Judgement" and other advanced techniques.
However, such an approach was overly crude, resembling the application of Haki rather than tapping into the true potential of the Holy Light.
Haki, when refined, could dramatically enhance destructive power—so could the Holy Light have similar advanced applications to boost explosive strength?
"It should be possible. The Highlord possesses so many burst techniques; if I can develop just one, that would suffice."
Returning to the G-5 Branch, after seeing Kuzan off, Wright immediately began researching a burst skill of his own.
Meanwhile, in the first half of the Grand Line, in the desert kingdom of Alabasta, King Nefertari Cobra was reviewing a report with a solemn expression.
"Pell... you're saying that the 'Demon Child,' Nico Robin, has appeared in Alabasta?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Pell's face was grave as he explained, "About a week ago, I took Princess Vivi—ahem—I went out on a patrol."
"Since Rainbase is Crocodile's stronghold, I often go there to investigate. From high altitudes, where ordinary people wouldn't think to look, I can observe the ground unnoticed."
"That was when I spotted Nico Robin in Rainbase. Initially, I didn't recognize her, but to shake off a gambler pestering her, she used her ability."
"The Hana Hana no Mi..."
Cobra muttered. Nico Robin, long wanted by the World Government, was the last survivor of Ohara, an archaeological sanctuary in the West Blue that had been eradicated by a Buster Call.
Dubbed the "Demon Child," she had a bounty of 79 million berries at just eight years old. Her abilities were no secret to a great nation like Alabasta.
Thus, when the commotion broke out, Pell recognized her instantly.
"If not for Vice Admiral Wright's warning, I wouldn't have patrolled Rainbase so frequently, and I wouldn't have discovered such an important figure..."
Pell frowned slightly. "Moreover, since entering the casino, Rain Dinners, Nico Robin has not been seen coming out."
"It has now been a full week with no signs of her leaving. That's why I believe something is amiss!"
Cobra's gaze sharpened. Rain Dinners was Crocodile's establishment—if Nico Robin had entered and remained there for a week, only two possibilities existed:
First, Crocodile had discovered and captured her.
Second... she had gone in willingly to seek him out!
As the master of Rain Dinners, there was no way Crocodile wouldn't notice her presence for an entire week.
"Either scenario spells trouble!"
Cobra knew all too well why Ohara had been wiped out, and he could guess why Nico Robin had come to Alabasta.
"I hope I'm wrong about this..."
He sighed. The situation with Crocodile was already unresolved, and now the "Demon Child" had appeared.
"Pell, coordinate with Chaka to discreetly strengthen the defenses around Rainbase!"
"Do not increase troop numbers, but replace them entirely with elite soldiers!"
"Also, continue infiltrating that 'Baroque Works' organization!"
"Vice Admiral Wright was right—Baroque Works has expanded alarmingly fast these past years. Their activities have extended beyond Alabasta and have even begun meddling in the early stretches of the Grand Line!"
Pell's expression was troubled. "Your Majesty, although we lack direct proof that Baroque Works is under Crocodile's command, its mere existence is an undeniable threat!"
Cobra's gaze was firm. "No matter... what we must do now is stay vigilant, obstruct their movements, and force them to expose themselves!"
"If they harbor ill intentions, they're bound to leave behind evidence!"
"Crocodile's rise to prominence has been far too swift... exactly as Vice Admiral Wright predicted!"
After a moment of contemplation, Cobra asked, "How is the water storage effort in the inland cities progressing?"
"Everything is proceeding smoothly!"
Pell considered for a moment before answering, "Thanks to years of both overt and covert campaigning, over 80% of the inland population has adopted water conservation practices."
"Even in the event of a drought, they can sustain themselves for more than two years!"
"Good!"
Cobra stood up. "Proceed as planned... this is a battle of endurance, and we have no reason to lose!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
...
New World, Dressrosa.
"Monet, still no word from Jack?"
Doflamingo reclined on a sofa beside the palace pool, swirling a glass of red wine.
The bespectacled Monet flipped through a small notebook and shook her head.
"Young Master, there has been no new information from Jack since his departure. He should have arrived three days ago."
"Gladius, what about our patrol fleet?"
"No anomalies have been detected within a day's journey around Dressrosa."
Gladius shook his head.
Doflamingo set down his wine glass, tapping his fingers on the table.
"Something isn't right..."
A vein bulged on his forehead.
"That reckless brute—did he run into a target and impulsively go after them instead?!"
"Fufufufufu... that idiot would definitely pull something like that!"
"Monet, contact Kaido's side and confirm Jack's movements—be polite about it. That man doesn't have the best temperament!"
"Understood, Young Master."
...
Wano Country, Onigashima, Beast Pirates' Headquarters.
Kaido lounged amidst massive sake jugs, drinking heartily.
"Kaido-sama!"
"Doflamingo has inquired about Jack. He has not arrived in Dressrosa as scheduled and requests confirmation of his whereabouts!"
"Hic!"
Kaido, bleary-eyed with intoxication, glanced at the messenger.
"Jack? Didn't arrive on time?"
"Gulp... gulp... gulp..."
"Hah!"
Tossing aside an empty jug, Kaido waved a hand dismissively.
"Don't bother me with such trivial matters!"
"That brat Jack probably found some prey to hunt... young ones are always impulsive! Hic!"
"Tell Doflamingo to wait! My All-Star... hic! is not someone a mere Warlord of the Sea gets to question!"
"Yes, Kaido-sama!"
...
New World, Marine G-5 Branch.
"Wright has been holed up for three days... I wonder how much longer Kaido's side can stay in the dark."
Smoker puffed on his cigar, watching as the G-5 base grew quieter.
Three days ago, a warship from G-1 arrived to oversee the evacuation of Marines, and aboard it was Admiral Kuzan—carrying Jack's severed head.
The sight of an admiral had greatly motivated the G-5 Marines, and traveling with him to G-1 for an "exchange program" had them thrilled.
To keep them in check, Hina led the group, accompanied by Kuina and Tashigi.
"He wouldn't attempt this if he weren't certain."
"This will be interesting..."
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