One Piece: Investing In Whitebeard At The Start.

Three days ago—on the night Vane left the Sabaody Archipelago.

The deep sea was dark, but it wasn't pitch black. Countless glowing marine creatures and luminescent fragments floated throughout the waters, casting a soft, dreamlike glow. It was a mysterious realm—an underwater fairytale with vibrant colors and otherworldly sea life.

"My lord, look at the roots of the Sabaody Archipelago! They're from the Yarukiman Mangrove trees! They're enormous... and so beautiful. I wonder how many years they've been growing."

Kalifa pointed excitedly at the tree roots beneath the Sabaody Archipelago, speaking to Vane beside her.

From above, the Sabaody Archipelago looked like a typical group of islands covered in soil and forest, but in truth, each "island" was a massive mangrove root. Only from beneath the surface could you truly see that the entire archipelago sat atop these colossal trees.

They were currently at the front of the Red Line, the midpoint of the Grand Line. Far beneath them, 10,000 meters deep, lay Fish-Man Island.

"It's alright. We'll come back someday. There are plenty of islands in the New World just as fascinating as Sabaody," Vane replied, watching the island fade into the distance.

Though he'd lived on that island for some time, he felt no strong attachment to it. A man seeking strength had no business lingering in one place. Compared to the first half of the Grand Line, the New World was exponentially more thrilling and dangerous. The pirates of Paradise and the New World weren't even on the same level. There were only a few individuals in Paradise with the potential to be true kings—but in the New World? The rulers were many, and so were those who wielded Conqueror's Haki. Still, even that varied—some could tear the skies open, while others barely managed to knock out a few weaklings.

Kalifa asked, "Have you ever been to the New World?"

"No."

"Then how do you know so much about it?"

"Reading."

Reading? Kalifa knew Vane was brushing her off again, but she couldn't really argue. He'd always been the cool, aloof type.

At that moment, Vane pointed toward the darker waters ahead and below. The ocean there turned pitch black—like an abyssal trench. It resembled a black hole in the sea floor. Who knew what awaited inside?

"We're going through there. To reach the New World and Fish-Man Island, we pass through that tunnel. The current will pull us down and bring us to the island."

"I understand, my lord."

Kalifa quickly turned the helm and directed the ship into the unknown depths. A cold chill swept through the waters, and Kalifa shivered involuntarily.

It was eerily quiet. Combined with the pitch-black surroundings, the mood felt ominous.

Along the way, she spotted countless sunken ships—most shattered or broken clean in half. Some were surrounded by piles of jewelry and gold scattered along the seafloor. But enormous Sea Kings circled those riches like silent sentries. It wasn't easy to claim such treasure—you'd have to deal with the guardians first.

Nearly all these wrecks had been caused by Sea Kings. To them, passing ships were no different from schools of small fish.

As they descended, the Sovereign slowly entered the abyssal depths below.

Vane stood at the bow, staring into the darkness. Though the ship had lamps, their light barely penetrated the thick waters. Visibility was extremely limited.

He closed his eyes and activated his [Observation Haki], scanning the area for a specific target: a giant octopus known as the Kraken, a legendary Sea King said to dwell in this trench. Responsible for countless shipwrecks, the creature had become a myth whispered among sailors.

But Vane didn't intend to kill it. He wanted to recruit it—as an escort to Fish-Man Island. Navigating 10,000 meters of deep sea was already perilous enough without getting lost or attacked by predators. And this Kraken? It was the perfect guide.

"Found it."

He sensed it immediately. The Kraken, a gargantuan presence lurking in the abyss, slowly opened its massive eyes and fixed its gaze on the vessel above. It was less than fifty meters away, close enough to snatch them in an instant. Dozens of broken ships lay strewn around it like discarded toys.

"It found me," Vane said with a smirk.

He met its gaze—two glowing orbs peering up through the gloom.

"Kalifa, I'm stepping out for a moment."

Before she could react, Vane had already shrugged off his coat and leapt through the ship's protective membrane, plunging into the icy water.

"My lord! Wait—where are you going!?"

But he didn't answer—he was already swimming toward the glowing eyes.

Despite being submerged, Vane was completely unfazed by the cold. His body could withstand the pressure and hold its breath for hours. The only limitation was freedom of movement—underwater combat had its own restrictions.

The Kraken, spiritual and intelligent, assumed Vane was a threat.

It lashed out, a massive tentacle sweeping through the water with terrifying speed.

But Vane was faster.

In a flash, he appeared on the octopus's head and delivered a crushing punch—not with his Devil Fruit powers, not with armament or bones—just raw, terrifying strength.

The blow sent a wave of bubbles through the sea as the Kraken's skull dented inward. It thrashed violently, and Vane hit it again. And again. Each strike hammered obedience into the beast.

"Can you understand me?" Vane asked.

The Kraken blinked. It had clearly submitted.

A classic case of respecting strength.

"Take me to Fish-Man Island. You know the way, don't you?"

It blinked again.

Two minutes later, Vane returned to the ship. The Kraken had already taken position, coiling its tentacles to carry the vessel as it dove deeper.

With this guide, Vane and his crew would soon arrive at Fish-Man Island.

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Y'all be stingy with Powerstones.... (⁠＠⁠_⁠＠⁠;⁠)