One Piece: Max-Level Observation Haki from the Start

The already restless sea suddenly surged with a violent swell and swirling whirlpools.

Within moments, a massive warship burst forth from beneath the waves, breaking through the surface with a deafening roar.

A strange light briefly shimmered across the ship's surface, and then it settled steadily atop the water.

Though the vessel was a Navy flagship-class battleship, it now flew a distinctly pirate-style flag.

At the helm, Jinbei turned the wheel and called out:

"Set course for Punk Hazard—full speed ahead!"

Beside him, Sanjuan Wolf, still picking his nose, used one massive arm to expertly adjust the sails.

Despite the chaotic winds, magnetic fields, and currents of the New World, the bizarre pair navigated with uncanny synergy. The warship maintained full speed, sailing toward a destination not listed on any known chart.

In less than half a day, Punk Hazard Island came into view through the spyglass.

Law lowered the scope and asked, confused:

"Lord Roya, this island was designated a forbidden zone by the World Government years ago. They say a plague or some extinction-level disaster occurred there. Why are we heading to such a place?"

Roya smiled calmly.

"Though it appears abandoned and desolate, with only ruins left on the surface, it actually conceals a massive secret research facility, where inhuman experiments have continued in the shadows."

"Big Mom and Kaido, two of the Four Emperors, are among its biggest clients. And Doflamingo, the one you despise, is the one who supplies the facility with 'test subjects' through human trafficking."

At these words, Law gritted his teeth so hard they cracked, fury burning in his eyes.

"This kind of nest of evil must be torn out by the roots!"

But Jinbei shook his head with a bitter smile.

"Places like this… are far from rare. There are countless such nests in the world. Because the ones behind them are the so-called Celestial Dragons."

"Caesar Clown runs the lab, Doflamingo supplies the materials, Kaido buys the results…"

"These people all believe they control their own fates, when in truth, they're just puppets—tools used by the powers behind the curtain to maintain the rotting world order."

Roya let out a soft chuckle.

"No matter who's running it, no matter how 'noble' their backers are—I'll destroy it just the same."

That supreme confidence and calm resolve instantly infected everyone on the bridge.

Even though this mission would clearly further escalate the conflict with the World Government, no one flinched—no one hesitated.

Far in the distance, a small Navy surveillance ship cautiously tailed them.

On board was a man known in the Marines as a mad dog—White Hunter Smoker.

With two fat cigars clamped between his lips, smoke pouring from his mouth, Smoker raised and lowered his spyglass repeatedly, keeping a close watch on Roya's ship.

He muttered,

"This heading… don't tell me they're going to that forbidden island?"

"After the accident in the Science Division, wasn't it completely abandoned? What could Roya possibly want there?"

As Roya's ship dropped anchor and lowered sails, clearly preparing to make landfall, Smoker didn't dare delay.

He pulled out his Den Den Mushi and immediately called Admiral Aokiji.

"Admiral Aokiji, I've located Roya."

"He's preparing to land on the forbidden island—Punk Hazard."

"Among his crew, I've confirmed the presence of Jinbei, Sanjuan Wolf, Magellan, Squard, McGuy, Law, and several other heavy-hitters."

Aokiji ended the call and looked to the man sitting beside him—Commander-in-Chief Kong.

Kong pondered briefly, then said:

"Punk Hazard is currently run by a classified research team, coordinated with the Donquixote Family. The island's main project—and its key product—is Artificial Devil Fruits."

The Three Admirals stiffened visibly.

And in an instant, they understood why the World Government had declared the island a forbidden zone.

If the artificial fruits proved viable at scale, they could become the most terrifying tool of governmental control in history.

Imagine… if a disciplined military force like the Navy was mass-equipped with Devil Fruit powers—what could possibly stand against it?

Kong continued coldly:

"With the strength of Roya and his crew, Punk Hazard won't last long."

"Prepare the fastest warship we have. I'll personally lead a mission into the New World—we're going to hunt Roya down!"

His eyes sharpened to blades as he looked over the three admirals—Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru.

"This time, even if it costs your lives, you will kill Roya."

"I want Punk Hazard, that toxic wasteland, to become Roya's grave."

The three looked at one another.

They now realized—Roya's attack on Punk Hazard had touched the very core of the World Government's secrets.

It was the only explanation for Kong's urgency—before the Navy could even recover from its last disastrous defeat, he was preparing for another all-out assault.

Sensing their hesitation, Kong added,

"This time, we'll use a decapitation strategy. We'll concentrate our best forces and strike at Roya directly, seizing a single opening to eliminate him in one blow."

"Also, I'll **reconscript your former instructor—Zephyr—and recruit two new Navy rookies, each equal in strength to an Admiral."

Hearing Zephyr's name, Kizaru silently groaned.

Akainu and Aokiji exchanged glances, stunned that the Commander-in-Chief would involve rookies in a mission of this scale.

New recruits… on par with the Admirals?

Was that even possible?

Kong offered no further explanation. He simply dialed Doflamingo through the Den Den Mushi.

His tone was icy and commanding:

"Donquixote, I'm ordering you to head to Punk Hazard immediately. Delay Roya for at least two days."

A burst of angry shouting came through the line, but Kong didn't listen—he cut the call abruptly.

Then, he slapped the table and barked:

"Mobilize!"

Without hesitation, he strode out of the command center toward Crescent Bay's port.

The Three Admirals, seeing his unwavering determination, felt a spark of their lost confidence return. They followed him onto the Navy's fastest warship.

—

Back on his own ship, Doflamingo slammed the Den Den Mushi across the room.

"Old bastard… who the hell do you think you are to order me around?!"

Threads shot out from his body, slicing everything around him to pieces.

Once the outburst passed, that familiar twisted smile returned to his face.

He turned to his trembling crew and ordered with a grin:

"Set sail. Return to Punk Hazard."

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