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The highly provocative "Pirate World Expo" preview on the light screen, along with the four bold characters "Frenzy Operation," instantly washed away the heavy, murderous atmosphere that had permeated God Valley due to Zephyr's death.
For pirates—who are naturally drawn to adventure, freedom, and lively excitement—this was undoubtedly an extremely appealing new chapter.
The scene shifted, and the familiar Straw Hat crew once again became the focus.
"Pirate World Expo?! Is this for real?!"
Usopp waved a rather extravagantly designed invitation card printed with skull wine cups and carnival patterns, his face full of excitement and disbelief.
"I heard it's a super grand event that might only happen once every twenty years! I can't believe we actually made it in time!"
The other members of the Straw Hat crew gathered around, their faces brimming with curiosity and anticipation.
To them, such an event that sounded purely dedicated to fun and adventure was the perfect breather.
"I heard that as long as you participate, there are tons of super fun treasure-hunting activities! Maybe we can even find legendary treasure!"
Chopper's eyes turned into sparkling stars; he had zero resistance to the word "treasure hunting."
"Treasure hunting?!"
Luffy's ears perked up immediately; his eyes burst with a brilliance brighter than the sun: "I'm going! I'm going! Nami! Turn the ship around right now! We're heading to that World Expo thing!!"
Everyone was already accustomed to their captain's utterly predictable reaction.
Though Nami was equally interested in "treasure," as the navigator she focused on practicality: "Got it, got it! Stop yelling! Let me check the chart… The location is a bit out of the way, but since you're insisting, Luffy…"
She grumbled verbally, but her fingers moved swiftly across the chart, quickly plotting the course: "All hands! Change course—destination: Pirate World Expo!"
The Straw Hat crew's action speed was, as always, astonishing.
Before long, the Thousand Sunny sailed into a sea region decorated like a festival.
From afar, countless pirate flags of all kinds fluttered above the island; the harbor was packed with ships of every size and bizarre shape!
The air was filled with the clamor of grilled meat, fine liquor, and laughter.
Upon landing, the Straw Hat crew was instantly overwhelmed by the incredibly lively scene before them.
Huge amusement rides, stalls overflowing with gourmet food, bustling crowds of pirates in all sorts of outfits… The entire island felt like a dream paradise built exclusively for pirates.
Compared to the oppressive, painful, belief-clashing heaviness of the earlier "Z chapter," this place was practically heaven!
Luffy dashed between stalls with grilled meat in one hand and juice in the other, devouring everything in sight.
Though Zoro was somewhat annoyed by the excessive noise, he still found a stall with high-quality sake.
Sanji wandered the food area, constantly sampling and noting new dishes.
Nami, Usopp, and Chopper played various games, winning small prizes.
Robin quietly browsed stalls selling ancient books and strange collectibles.
Franky marveled at all kinds of mechanical devices and power equipment.
Brook was invited to join several pirate bands for impromptu jam sessions…
Every face wore a pure, relaxed smile as they fully immersed themselves in this pirate-exclusive carnival.
They temporarily forgot the dangers and heavy responsibilities of their journey, losing themselves in this rare joy.
The pirates in God Valley, watching this scene, couldn't help but be infected; many showed knowing or envious smiles.
Watching them enjoy it felt as though they themselves were experiencing a rare moment of rest and indulgence.
However, this pure joy did not last long.
Soon, the event entered its climax segment.
"Ladies and gentlemen, pirate friends! Next up is the most thrilling special program of this Expo—brought to you by Miss Annie, the genius performer with the Phantasm-Phantasm Fruit! The Dream Flame Dragon Dance!!"
With the host's loud announcement, a gorgeously dressed young woman with a sweet smile stepped to the center of the venue.
She gently raised her hand; a hazy glow emanated from her palm. Then came a breathtaking sight—a massive, lifelike flame dragon made entirely of light, shadow, and energy appeared out of thin air!
It coiled above the venue! The dragon was vividly realistic, scales clearly defined, eyes flickering with lively flames.
It reared back and let out a silent roar that seemed to shake the soul, then spewed dazzling, scorching flames toward the sea!
Though not real fire, the grand spectacle and stunning visual impact instantly pushed the atmosphere to an even higher peak!
Cheers, whistles, and gasps of amazement filled the sky!
The Straw Hat crew, like the many pirates around them, watched in stunned awe, utterly thrilled.
What drew even more attention from the powerhouses in God Valley was that as the camera panned across the crowded crowd, one familiar—or soon-to-be-familiar—face after another appeared.
"That's… 'Captain' Eustass 'Captain' Kid!" (Magnet-Magnet Fruit)
"'Magician' Basil Hawkins!" (Straw-Straw Fruit)
"X Drake… oh, he later became a Marine undercover?" (Ryu Ryu no Mi, Model: Allosaurus)
"'Sea Roar' Scratchmen Apoo!" (Oto Oto no Mi)
"'Big Eater Girl' Jewelry Bonney!" (Toshi Toshi no Mi)
"Gangster 'Capone Bege'!" (Shiro Shiro no Mi)
"Murder Machine 'Killer'!" (Kid's vice-captain)
And more… Almost the entire lineup of the Worst Generation Supernovas was present!
Except for Marshall D. Teach, who had already ascended to Yonko status, the brightest and most vicious rising stars of this era all seemed drawn to this grand Pirate World Expo!
Even Buggy, who became a Warlord of the Sea, showed up to join the fun—not just the old Supernovas; new ones like Bartolomeo and Cavendish were also invited.
However, since the people in God Valley hadn't seen the Dressrosa arc, they were puzzled and surprised by Luffy's "little brother" (referring to Bartolomeo).
Back to the point: at the Pirate World Expo, they mingled in groups of three or five, or wandered alone!
Blending into the reveling crowd were sharp-eyed figures with extraordinary presence, adding a distinct edge of danger and tension to the grand event.
"It's quite the spectacle…"
In God Valley, Whitebeard looked at those young faces that would one day shake the world and commented in a low voice.
"A bunch of brats who don't know the height of the heavens." Kaido snorted, though his eyes carried scrutiny.
"Mam-ma-ma~ Kaido, don't get too full of yourself. When you're calling others brats, don't forget—in front of us, you're still just a brat yourself!"
Big Mom looked at Kaido beside her and teased him playfully; Kaido truly had no comeback, because right now he was still too "green."
"Ladies and gentlemen!"
While discussions continued on the God Valley side, the true "main course" arrived as the opening fanfare of the carnival ended!
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