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"Indeed. Theoretically, that [Isolation Field] could even block the effects of Seastone and seawater. He could even survive in a vacuum." Vegapunk calmly explained, shifting the blame. "So…Arthur's escape has nothing to do with me. It was entirely due to his own abilities."
"That fruit truly is one of the strongest. Its power is…remarkable."
Sado Nath, standing behind Vegapunk, wanted to speak up, but hesitated, deciding to keep Vegapunk's unusual behavior in Eternal Hell to himself.
"You're saying he overcame a Devil Fruit user's inherent weakness to the sea, escaped immediately after you saw him—just to frame you?" Saint Shepherd Ju Peter asked, his eyes narrowed.
"How else could a scientist like me, under the watchful eyes of two bodyguards, help a prisoner escape?" Vegapunk countered.
The Five Elders fell silent, Vegapunk having successfully deflected their suspicions.
Arthur, conserving his stamina, flew slowly across the Calm Belt.
A News Coo, wearing a small hat and carrying a satchel, drifted lazily across the sky.
The News Coo, startled by Arthur's sudden shout, squawked, feathers flying as it came to an abrupt halt, its beady eyes wide with fear.
"You recorded the breakout at Impel Down, didn't you?" Arthur asked, his smile not reaching his eyes.
Big News Morgans' News Coos were everywhere, their information network more extensive than even the World Government's, privy to secrets both big and small. Morgans, playing both sides, collaborated with pirates and maintained a delicate balance with the World Government, occasionally burying inconvenient truths in exchange for favors—allowing him to thrive in the New World.
"Take a message to Morgans—Report my escape—If he doesn't—I'll pluck every feather from his feathered hide when I reach the New World." Arthur's threat was cold, absolute.
He wasn't seeking notoriety. He wanted Jessica to know he was safe.
Morgans, despite his vast network and resources, couldn't hide from Arthur.
There was no escaping his reach. Morgans couldn't defend against him forever.
If he valued his life, he would comply.
Arthur had one more crucial task before rejoining Jessica. He wouldn't be returning to Sabaody yet. Without a Den Den Mushi, this was the only way to contact her.
The News Coo, nodding frantically, indicated it had understood.
"Go!" Arthur waved it away.
The News Coo, relieved, shot off like a rocket, regretting its lack of flight training.
Arthur continued his slow journey across the Calm Belt. He spotted an uninhabited island, lush with vegetation, teeming with wildlife.
He landed—to recover from the poison, flush it from his system, and regain his full strength before undertaking his next mission—infiltrating the Marine Science Division.
He wasn't sure if Jessica had protected the Castle-Castle Fruit. It didn't matter. He could retrieve it later. Acquiring Vegapunk's technology was his priority now.
He'd been planning this for a while. At Impel Down, surrounded by World Government agents, he hadn't had a chance to ask Vegapunk about imbuing inanimate objects with Devil Fruit powers. He'd steal the secret himself.
The Marine Science Division was undoubtedly a heavily guarded fortress. He needed to be at his peak before attempting infiltration.
Arthur hunted some game, built a fire, and cooked his meal.
Meanwhile, the News Coo, having used some unknown method to contact Big News Morgans, delivered Arthur's message.
Morgans, a master manipulator, a survivor in the treacherous world of news and espionage, instantly understood the threat.
Without hesitation, he published the story: "Riot at Impel Down! 'Thunder God' Arthur the Sole Escapee!"
Cleverly, Morgans didn't explicitly blame Arthur for the riot, saving face for the Marines and World Government, framing Arthur's escape as a stroke of luck.
He'd offended no one, securing his own position.
Sabaody Archipelago, Jessica's Dream House.
Jessica, relieved by the news, wept tears of joy.
She had been agonizing over how to rescue Arthur, even considering eating the Door-Door Fruit herself.
"Arthur escaped! I was useless during the ambush. He'll face even stronger enemies in the future. I can't be a burden!" A shadow of doubt crossed her face.
After much deliberation, she made a decision. She would leave Arthur—temporarily, return to Marine Headquarters, use her father's connections to enlist in the Marines, and train under Admiral Zephyr, becoming stronger.
She left the two Devil Fruits and a letter with the Giberson Family, owners of the renowned Sabaody Storage facility, "The Hidden Hand," entrusting the key to a waiter at "Jessica's Dream House."
Arthur, his strength returning as the poison seeped out of his pores, his Enhanced recovery accelerating the process—felt himself nearing his peak. A good night's sleep, and he'd be back to his old self.
After bathing in the cool seawater, he found a massive tree near the shore and settled down on a thick branch, closing his eyes.
Time passed. The moon rose high in the sky, its silvery light reflecting on the calm sea.
Waves, unusually large for the windless Calm Belt, crashed against the shore. A massive whirlpool formed on the horizon, jolting Arthur awake.
How was this possible? There was no wind!
"A Sea King? A massive one?"
As the thought formed—
A colossal shadow rose from the depths, illuminated by the moonlight, its sheer size dwarfing the island beneath Arthur's feet.
The creature's head bore a bioluminescent lure, brighter than the moon itself, radiating a golden light.
"A giant anglerfish! With a golden lure!"
Arthur's gaze was fixed on the glowing lure, his eyes wide with a mixture of awe and apprehension.
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