One Piece Nine Tails

Shanks looked at the sprite-like being that seemed to have come to life from the Dash card, feeling a sense of wonder.

Instinctively, he reached out, but his hand passed through the sprite. When he felt a tangible object, he realized it was just the Dash card.

Rubbing his eyes, Shanks couldn't understand what was happening.

Was it an illusion?

Or perhaps he still needed to be capable of awakening the spirit within the card?

Thinking about it, Shanks sighed. Regardless, his main objective had yet to be achieved.

Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters, Zephyr and Sakazuki were just coming to terms with the information from the Twilight Hermit Society.

Sakazuki extended his hand, and a flame manifested in his palm.

"Controlling fire, huh..."

Sakazuki had yet to consume the Magma-Magma Fruit and became Akainu. At this stage, he primarily fought with a sword. He drew his blade, and with a thought, flames enveloped it.

"It seems easier to control than Devil Fruit flames..."

Logia Devil Fruit users rarely used their elements to enhance weapons, but the fire from the Fire card was different, making Sakazuki feel satisfied.

However, he decided not to reveal this ability openly.

He was a marine, after all. He couldn't use it without a reasonable explanation for this fire power. He would hide his Twilight Hermit Society identity as much as possible, knowing the Marines wouldn't tolerate members secretly joining other factions.

Putting the Fire card in his pocket, he went back to sleep.

Zephyr was similarly intrigued, now fiddling with the Mirror card.

He activated the card's power in his office, ensuring no one else was around.

In an instant, another Zephyr appeared.

"So this is the Mirror card's ability, creating an exact replica of myself," Zephyr muttered in amazement.

The mirrored Zephyr spoke, "But I can't perfectly replicate your strength. Also, I can create mirrors of other objects too. However, a mirror image is still just an image."

Zephyr was even more shocked, realizing his mirror image had its consciousness!

"I know what you're thinking," the mirrored Zephyr said calmly. "I can disguise myself as you, while you… can do what you truly desire."

Zephyr's breathing quickened.

What he truly desired...

He wanted to kill those pirates!

Zephyr clenched his fists. Ever since pirates killed his family, he had lived in torment, even considering resigning due to the constraints of being a Marine Admiral.

As an Admiral, he constantly had to guard the safety of the Celestial Dragons, necessitating significant marine power at Marineford. Typically, at least one Admiral remained to protect the Celestial Dragons, with another on standby for emergencies.

Often, only one Admiral would go out to combat pirates. In recent years, it was usually either Ann or Astrea.

In such a scenario, Zephyr couldn't go out to hunt pirates, hence his resignation request.

But Kong denied it, for Zephyr still had hope for the marines. Now, the Mirror card's arrival filled Zephyr with joy.

With this card, his mirror image could remain at Marineford while he went out to kill pirates!

Zephyr's primary role at Marineford is to train recruits and be their instructor. There werewere fewates daring enough to challenge the Celestial Dragons, and such pirates usually ruled the New World.

Thus, even if not perfectly replicating his power, the mirror image could handle his duties.

But he needed to disguise himself well.

He didn't want to sever ties with the mariMarinesreveal his Twilight Hermit Society identity. Hence, he had to ensure proper disguises while out.

"Hmm... my codename will be... Mirror Man."

Zephyr stood up, looking at a mirror in his office, and said softly.

...

Seeing that the selected three were ready, Yuan Yi focused elsewhere.

The Twilight Hermit Society is still in its infancy and not yet influential. It needed time to grow.

He now needed to consider who else to recruit...

Who would be suitable?

He sought compelling individuals or those with high potential, preferably those closely tied to the storyline...

In terms of strength, Kaido would be a good choice.

Kaido was highly capable, later becoming the world's strongest creature. However, without Wano as his base, he was still wandering the seas.

"Never mind, let's focus on..."

Yuan Yi's main focus was still on Roger.

Currently, he is close to achieving his goal...

...

"That's right."

Roger opened his eyes, laughing uncontrollably.

His laughter echoed through the vast space.

"You succeeded?"

Rayleigh, beside Roger, asked upon seeing his joy.

"Yes!"

Roger grinned. Even the prospect of imminent death couldn't dampen his spirits. His joy was irrepressible.

At this moment, he had finally entered a new world, a new realm. His Kenbunshoku Haki had reached the level he had always dreamed of.

"That's right, even without the Kozuki Clan of Wano, I can now read the ancient texts."

Roger laughed heartily. "Let's go! From now on, we head for the final island!"

"Yes!"

No matter their role, the crew cheered upon hearing Roger's declaration.

Their greatest fear wasn't Roger dying from the curse but him dying before finding the final island.

For Roger, that would be the ultimate regret.

Everyone dies. In this world, who has lived forever?

Everyone dies, and Roger has lived a brilliant life. If he could find the final island before dying, he would face death with a smile.

Now, the Roger'sld seemed like a series of data points to s Kenbunshoku Haki covered an astounding range, and even areas beyond his range resonated with sounds he wished to hear.

"To… Sky Island!"