One Piece: Conquering Wanokuni at Start

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After learning the truth and gathering all the information they needed, Laugh Tale no longer held any meaning for them. The group boarded Unit Zero again, and Alex led everyone back through the path created by the upside-down Sunlight Tree Eve.

Before leaving, the younger crew members gazed at Laugh Tale with mixed feelings. Their eyes narrowed as confusion set in.

"So this is it?" one of them muttered.

Laugh Tale had been the ultimate destination for countless pirates since the Great Pirate Era began. Though they found what they expected, the reality was still disappointing. The island was just ruins with ancient writing - not the mountains of gold or world-changing weapons many had imagined.

Unlike the emotional young pirates, Hancock noticed Law standing silently apart from the group. Ever since Robin had explained the history, he hadn't said a word.

She approached him. "What do you think about the immortality operation mentioned in the history?" Hancock asked directly.

The chattering around them stopped immediately. Everyone knew why Hancock brought this up. Everyone except Kaido was here because they admired Lord Alex.

The immortality operation was clearly important. Im had gained control of Uranus after becoming immortal. If they followed the same path - gaining immortality, then uniting Uranus with Pluton and Poseidon - victory would be even easier.

They all knew the highest power of the Op-Op Fruit was the "immortality surgery" that could grant eternal life, but it came with a terrible price - the user would die afterward.

Though Law was their friend and family, nothing was more important than Lord Alex. Everyone remained silent except for Kaido, who continued drinking noisily.

Law finally spoke. "I don't think much about it. If not for Lord Alex, Lami and I would have been ashes in that town years ago." He looked directly at Alex. "I'd give my life for Lord Alex. Even ten lives would be worth it."

Lami watched her brother with a mixture of pride and worry. She didn't try to change his mind or beg him to reconsider. She wasn't a child anymore. Growing up in the Sky Kingdom had taught her about duty and loyalty. If she had her brother's abilities and medical skills, she too would willingly sacrifice herself for Lord Alex.

Alex sat comfortably on the sofa with his legs crossed, holding Hiyori in his arms. He smiled at Law's declaration.

"The immortality operation does lead to death," Alex said calmly, "but that doesn't mean there's no solution."

He stroked Hiyori's hair thoughtfully. "Death from using an ability is simply the end of lifeforce or the loss of a soul. And life is something our Sky Kingdom has plenty of."

Alex continued, "We have Pure Gold, which is worth hundreds of lives. And with Mansherry's healing powers growing stronger through training, we'll need much less Pure Gold than before."

Everyone's eyes turned to Hancock. Besides lifespan extension, the only power related to souls belonged to the former Empress standing before them.

Alex noticed their looks. "Yes, Hancock can control souls to some extent. But for complete safety, we could also use a fruit that brings souls back to life."

"You mean Brook from the Straw Hat Pirates?" Robin asked. "The one with the Revive-Revive Fruit?"

"Exactly," Alex replied with a laugh. "If someone else can save my loyal follower, why not use that to our advantage?"

Law nodded gratefully. The determination in his eyes grew stronger. If there was a way to avoid permanent death, his sacrifice would be even more meaningful.

Thanks to Alex's words, the young leaders of the Sky Kingdom once again focused their attention on the Straw Hat Pirates.

One week later, news spread across the world: Kaido had surrendered to the Sky Kingdom, and Alex had collected all four Road Poneglyphs.

The revelation about the final island threw the world into chaos. Everyone was talking about the same thing - the end of the Grand Line that no one had reached since the Roger Pirates over 20 years ago, the place where the Great Secret Treasure was hidden.

If true, this meant Kaido and the Sky Kingdom could obtain the legendary treasure and use it to rule the world.

Pirates everywhere went wild with excitement, especially after Morgans confirmed the news in his newspaper.

In just days, the world's attention focused on the New World, particularly on the Sky Kingdom and Kaido's territory.

This treasure that could change the world was something every pirate dreamed of finding. But the Sky Kingdom's fearsome reputation made even the boldest pirates hesitate. Instead of attacking directly, most hid in distant waters, watching and waiting.

Days passed, and the excitement about the Last Island continued to grow.

Almost all pirate conflicts stopped as everyone watched this historic event unfold. The Marines and World Government were equally focused on the situation.

The Five Elders knew this was no ordinary power struggle. This wasn't like the usual territory battles or even comparable to the Summit War.

This situation truly threatened the World Government's foundation. Two major powers were at play, with even the Revolutionary Army temporarily sidelined.

One was the person with Joy Boy's inherited will and fate. The other was Alex, who had become far more dangerous than Rocks ever was.

In terms of strength, influence, and impact, Alex was their number one enemy.

And now he had collected all the Road Poneglyphs - a terrifying development.

The Five Elders knew exactly what Laugh Tale really was - the remains of the Great Kingdom, the natural enemy of the gods!

If Alex learned the truth there, the consequences would be unimaginable.