Chaotic New World
Leaving Fishman Island, after sailing upward for a while, Nicholas noticed that there were suddenly white currents appearing beside the ship.
These currents were spinning rapidly, resembling white serpents rolling in the sea.
"Lord Nicholas, it seems our luck is quite bad," the captain remarked, observing the several massive currents surrounding them. Encountering these currents, known as the White Dragon, underwater was largely a matter of luck, with very little room for maneuvering.
"Indeed, luck seems to be against us. Encountering the 'White Dragon'... If caught in it, the lucky might be swept to the surface, but the less fortunate could be pulled back to the depths, ending in shipwrecks and fatalities. The New World truly isn't a cheerful place," Nicholas sighed, observing the raging currents.
Then, to the astonishment of the crew waiting for their fate, Nicholas leaped onto the ship's mast.
"Although I haven't tried it, isn't the arduous training endured for years to become a Ultimate Warrior the best proof at this moment?" Nicholas declared, wielding his long blade and preparing to strike.
"Ocean Slash!"
With a tremendous slash, the once-raging White Dragon seemed to be severed as if by a single blow, leaving a massive gap.
"What are you waiting for? Accelerate the ascent! The root cause of the White Dragon hasn't been severed, and it will soon reconnect." Nicholas urged the stunned crew, who hastened to activate the ascent devices and propel the ship upward.
After a long ascent, Nicholas finally glimpsed the light above, realizing they were about to reach the surface.
Finally, with a thunderous sound, the ship burst through the surface of the sea.
As the ship's hull was exposed to the air, the protective coating also burst open, giving Nicholas a sense of the unfamiliar atmosphere of the second half of the Grand Line—the New World.
Glancing at the serene sky of the New World, Nicholas remarked, "Well, luck seems to be on our side. It's a good day for sailing."
But as soon as he finished speaking, a "plink" sound came from the deck.
Turning stiffly to look, Nicholas saw a small silver stone dropping onto the deck not far from him.
Seeing the color of the stone, Nicholas had an ominous feeling.
"This is Ignition Stone. Everyone, be on high alert! Prepare for protection and fire suppression, and furl the sails!" The ship's captain exclaimed, visibly shocked.
The sky was soon covered with dark clouds, and large chunks of burning stones began to rain down, causing explosions upon contact with the sea.
Within moments, the sea boiled as the burning stones heated it to its boiling point, emitting a rumbling sound.
Witnessing the chaos left behind, the crew quickly sailed away from the dangerous area.
As they sailed in the calm waters, Nicholas was handed the latest newspaper by a crew member.
As he perused the paper, Nicholas noted the world's major events and conflicts, including uprisings and wars. However, a seemingly inconspicuous report caught his attention: the appearance of an unknown race suspected at the Rox Pirates' base.
Accompanying the report was a picture of a masked figure, over six meters tall, spotted at Hachinosu, with giant wings and flames burning at the back of his head.