One Piece: Deriving All Things

The next day.

Sanders woke up slowly in his soft, luxurious bed.

Robin was curled up against him like a little cat, her soft and smooth skin pressed against his side.

After a year of proper care, her complexion was no longer the slightly tanned shade she had in Alabasta. Now, her fair skin was radiant, rosy, and hydrated, glowing with vitality.

Seeing her furrowed brows even in her sleep, Sanders felt a sudden urge. His hand began to wander beneath the covers.

"Don't mess around," Robin murmured softly, brushing his hand away.

Sanders chuckled quietly, not pushing the matter further. He kissed her smooth forehead before getting up to dress.

After leaving the bedroom, he gently closed the door behind him.

Sanders stepped out onto the balcony and sank into a lounge chair.

The morning sunlight warmed his face, and the gentle breeze carried a refreshing scent. Everything felt peaceful and serene.

Closing his eyes, Sanders immersed himself in the tranquility of the morning while pondering his next steps.

First and foremost, his personal strength.

Currently, Sanders had mastered multiple Devil Fruit abilities, but few were developed to their fullest potential. Only the Rumble-Rumble Fruit and the Float-Float Fruit had been honed extensively.

In the coming days, his priority was to refine his abilities further, analyzing gaps and making improvements based on his past battles.

The Healing Fruit, in particular, needed further development.

Even the most powerful recovery methods couldn't compare to the instant effectiveness of the Healing Fruit.

Additionally, he had promised Hancock that he would help her remove the slave brand.

Next, the overall strength of the Thunder God Pirates.

The crew hadn't been with him for long, nor had the Thunder God Pirates been established for a significant amount of time. As a result, their strength lagged behind.

Currently, only Sanders and Issho were formidable enough to hold their ground.

The upcoming period would be focused on training the crew. At the very least, they needed to become proficient in using Armament Haki and Observation Haki.

After that, it would be straightforward.

Once they had enough strength to protect themselves in the New World, he planned to send Law and the others out.

Whether they faced the endless stream of pirate challengers entering the New World or ventured into the vast seas on their own, only by enduring life-and-death battles could they truly grow stronger.

While training in isolation could improve strength, it was akin to cultivating flowers in a greenhouse.

And flowers couldn't withstand the harsh waves of the New World.

Lost in thought, Sanders opened his eyes and headed to the kitchen.

He picked up some sandwiches and mildly sweet cakes, knowing Robin had a preference for these. For himself, he grabbed a large tray of meat.

Returning to the room, he found Robin already awake.

She stood in front of the mirror, washing up, dressed in a purple silk dress with her raven-black hair casually tied into a ponytail.

Placing the food on the dining table, Sanders looked at Robin.

"Tea or coffee?"

"Coffee, please," Robin replied softly.

After finishing her morning routine, the two sat down for breakfast, savoring the peaceful moment together.

"Do you want to change the design of the ring?" Sanders asked, glancing at the ring on Robin's finger.

He hadn't put much thought into its appearance before, opting for a plain and simple design.

"No need. This is fine as it is."

"Today, I plan to chat with Acier. Someone who's lived for over 200 years must know quite a lot," Robin said, referring to Myskina Acier and her daughter.

"I'm also curious about some of Alchemi's history."

Two centuries was a long time.

The world could undergo drastic changes.

Things Acier might have casually read in newspapers or books back then could now be completely lost to the world.

"No problem, go ahead," Sanders said casually with a nod.

"By the way, Wyper's chosen location for building the small house seems to have satisfied Acier. Construction starts today, and it should be ready in a couple of days. You'll handle the arrangements, right?"

"I promised to ensure their early days were taken care of."

With Nami, the little miser, away, the finances of the Thunder God Pirates were now managed by Robin. It was one less thing for Sanders to worry about.

"You're just leaving a scientist capable of creating pure gold to his own devices?" Robin asked curiously.

A scientist capable of refining pure gold must possess extraordinary skills.

If utilized properly, his abilities could significantly benefit the crew.

"Two hundred years have passed. His knowledge is likely outdated," Sanders said.

"It's like his daughter's terminal illness—what was once untreatable can now be cured with a single injection of modern medicine."

"Moreover, after spending over a century living with dinosaurs, much of what he knew is probably forgotten. Let's leave him be for now."

"If he decides to set up a laboratory or embark on a new research project, feel free to provide him with financial support. Beyond that, we'll let things take their course," Sanders concluded.

After all, knowledge left unused for two centuries is an unknown quantity.

The most valuable thing Acier could offer was his method of refining pure gold. But Sanders didn't have much need for pure gold.

If the chunk he currently had ever ran out, he could simply go find the anglerfish with the endless supply of pure gold in its lantern.

Thus, Acier's value to Sanders was minimal.

"Understood. Once he has a stable life, I imagine he'll want to explore the advancements in science over the past century. I'll bring him some books to read later," Robin replied with a smile.

After breakfast, Robin gathered some books and went to visit Acier, while Sanders made his way to the seaside of the Sky Island.

This part of the island was home to Shirahoshi and her entourage, including Ryuboshi and the second prince of Fish-Man Island. It was designated exclusively for them, and other members of the Thunder God Pirates seldom came here.

This was also where Sanders enjoyed basking in the sunlight on the beach.

When Sanders arrived, Shirahoshi was already awake.

Several fish-men were carefully carrying a massive platter filled with her breakfast.

"Lord Sanders!"

Upon seeing him, Shirahoshi's face lit up with joy.

Using the abilities of the Float-Float Fruit, Sanders adjusted his height to match Shirahoshi's, gently patting her soft pink hair.

"How have you been? Are you comfortable here?" Sanders asked with a smile.

"Very much so! I'm very happy here," Shirahoshi replied, her eyes crinkling into crescents.

Compared to the Hard Shell Tower, this place was like a paradise.

There was the sky, lakes, forests, and even flying birds and small animals she had never seen before—all of which amazed her.

"Have you spoken to your father recently?"

"Yes! Father often calls me using the Den Den Mushi. He says Fish-Man Island is much more peaceful now, thanks to you. He asked me to thank you when I see you," Shirahoshi said earnestly.

"No need for thanks. I didn't do much. Besides, aren't we allies and friends?" Sanders said with a gentle smile.

At the mention of friends, Shirahoshi thought of Nami, her closest friend in the Thunder God Pirates. Nami had left to pursue her studies, and Shirahoshi had secretly shed tears of longing.

"Nami often calls me, too. She says she's learning from many wise elders who can make it rain or snow. She's amazing," Shirahoshi said sweetly.

"That's good to hear. If you need anything, let your brothers or anyone else know."

"Also, if your father, brothers, or anyone else wants to visit you, let me know, and I'll arrange for them to come here safely," Sanders offered.

The vast ocean was perilous for humans but far safer for fish-men and merfolk.

If King Neptune wished to visit his daughter in the Sky Island, he could travel near the Dressrosa waters, and Sanders could bring him the rest of the way.

Shirahoshi's eyes sparkled with joy at the offer.

"Thank you, Lord Sanders! I'll tell Father," she said, clearly homesick after months away from her family but still captivated by the wonders of the Sky Island.

"Enjoy your breakfast. I'm going to relax by the shore," Sanders said, gently patting her head before walking away.

Meanwhile, in another part of the sea, a Marine warship approached Impel Down.

"Vice Admiral Vergo, the headquarters has issued orders for me to escort you," a Marine rear admiral said respectfully to a man wearing the cloak of justice.

"I'll take you to the first level of Impel Down."

"Thank you," Vergo replied with a warm smile.

With his cropped hair and sunglasses, he exuded a sharp, capable aura.

Soon, Vergo and his men, under the rear admiral's guidance, reached the first level of Impel Down, where Magellan was already waiting in the reception hall.

"Vice Admiral Vergo," Magellan greeted with a slight nod, his expression cold and stoic.

"The World Government has approved Doflamingo's request to meet the Five Elders. Follow me."

Magellan led Vergo to the sixth level of Impel Down, where Doflamingo was held.

In a dimly lit cell, Doflamingo sat against the wall, hands and feet shackled with Seastone cuffs, casually reading a newspaper.

"Doflamingo, your request to meet the Five Elders has been approved. You'll be escorted by Vice Admiral Vergo to the World Government," Magellan announced, ordering the guards to unlock the cell.

"Fuffuffuffu! Excellent," Doflamingo laughed, his eerie grin widening as he gazed at Vergo.

He set the newspaper aside, allowing the guards to secure additional restraints before stepping out of the cell.

Turning back to glance at the prison one last time, Doflamingo sneered.

"Fuffuffuffu! Farewell! I'll never set foot in this place again!"

Magellan remained silent, his expression unchanged.

Though he didn't know why the Five Elders had summoned a prisoner like Doflamingo, he was aware of the man's status as a former Celestial Dragon.

Perhaps he truly wouldn't be returning to Impel Down.

Under the escort of the Marines and prison guards, Doflamingo walked out of Impel Down with a swagger that showed he feared no one.

Seeing the sky outside once again, Doflamingo sighed with emotion.

Who would have thought that just as his career was flourishing, Sanders would appear and effortlessly destroy everything he had built?

But that was in the past.

He would soon rise again!

"Hurry up, stop dawdling!"

Vergo, with a look of disdain for pirates, gave Doflamingo a shove to hurry him along.

Doflamingo glanced at him but said nothing as he stepped onto the Marine warship.

"Chief Warden Magellan, the transfer has been completed," Vergo saluted respectfully and reported to Magellan in a serious tone.

"Be cautious on the way. Doflamingo is extremely cunning. Although most of his family members have been eliminated, he still has some forces scattered across the seas," Magellan warned gravely.

"Don't worry, Chief Warden. We'll take the special sea current directly to Marine Headquarters. No pirate would dare to interfere along the way," Vergo said with a smile, then leapt onto the deck, waved goodbye to Magellan, and boarded the ship.

The warship slowly departed from Impel Down, passing through the Gate of Justice, and headed toward Marine Headquarters.

Onboard, Doflamingo was detained in the ship's brig.

After ordering the others to leave, Vergo approached the cell.

"You're finally here, Vergo!"

Vergo took out a key and unlocked the Seastone shackles and cuffs restraining Doflamingo.

"Young Master, as you know, transferring from the New World to Marine Headquarters takes some time," Vergo said with a respectful demeanor.

He was none other than the first Corazon of the Donquixote Family—a spy planted within the Marines.

"Fuffuffuffu, that's exactly why I spent months in Impel Down, just to get an audience with those five old fools!" Doflamingo said as he stretched his body.

Thin, transparent threads extended from his fingertips.

"Let the lives of the Marines on this ship announce my grand return!"

"Young Master, aren't you going to meet with the Five Elders? You might be able to negotiate to retain your position as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea," Vergo said impassively, as if the lives of the ship's crew were of no concern to him.

"I have no leverage to make those old geezers compromise," Doflamingo said with a grin.

"This time, my excuse to see them is completely fabricated. I don't know any of Sanders' secrets," he admitted with a laugh.

The so-called secrets he claimed to know about Sanders were all lies.

Doflamingo had only encountered Sanders once, during which he was easily defeated by Sanders' vice-captain. By the time he regained consciousness, he was already in Marine custody.

He was betting on the Five Elders' curiosity about Sanders' supposed secrets to secure an audience.

After all, Sanders' meteoric rise was astonishing—so fast that it defied natural explanation.

The World Government, which had ruled for 800 years, had never seen a talent like Sanders.

Even the Marine Admirals, known as monsters, only began to exhibit their immense power in their thirties.

Sanders, on the other hand, was just twenty years old.

In a mere five years, he rose from being an ordinary person to rivaling the Admirals—a feat that included time spent imprisoned in Yakushi Castle.

Thus, the World Government was extremely intrigued by the so-called secrets Doflamingo claimed to know.

The moment they heard he might possess some information, they hastily ordered the Marines to transfer him from Impel Down.

This gave Vergo the perfect opportunity.

Doflamingo stepped out of the brig.

Under the astonished gazes of the Marines aboard the ship, he unleashed the power of his String-String Fruit.

It didn't take long for the Marines on board to lose control of themselves and begin killing one another.

The ship was soon filled with screams and cries of agony.

Before long, the warship, which should have been heading to Marine Headquarters, turned around and began moving away.

Thanks to being a Marine vessel, the ship passed through the waters unimpeded.

Doflamingo and Vergo quickly disappeared into the vast sea.

"Bang!"

At Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral Sengoku slammed his fist into his desk, shattering it into pieces as he received the news.

"What's wrong, Sengoku?"

Vice Admiral Tsuru, sitting nearby, looked up in surprise.

It had been a long time since she had seen Sengoku this furious.

Even when Sanders had successfully escaped before, it wasn't like this.

"Doflamingo escaped!"

"Escaped? How did he manage to get away?"

"Vergo is strong, and Doflamingo was shackled with Seastone chains. There's no way he could have escaped, right?"

Upon hearing this, Vice Admiral Tsuru's calm face showed signs of surprise.

It was hard to believe that Doflamingo could escape such a short distance from Impel Down to Marine Headquarters!

"Vergo is a traitor!"

"He was originally from the Donquixote Family!" Sengoku said angrily.

This was a disgrace, an absolute humiliation for the Marines!

A pirate had managed to infiltrate the Marines.

And not only that, he had reached the rank of Rear Admiral!

"Vergo is an undercover agent?!!"

"I remember he joined the Marines a long time ago... to think he was an undercover agent for the Donquixote Family!"

"Doflamingo must have hidden him very well!"

"No wonder he was made the G5 base commander a while ago. He said he wanted to return to Marine Headquarters... Turns out, he was preparing to rescue Doflamingo!"

Upon hearing Vergo was an undercover agent, the room fell into a heavy silence.

A pirate had actually managed to send someone to infiltrate the Marines.

Not only had he succeeded, but he had also risen to the rank of Rear Admiral.

No wonder Sengoku was so enraged.

Wait a minute, Vice Admiral Tsuru seemed to have thought of something else.

"Could this be related to the Surgery-Surgery Fruit incident from back then?"

"Yes, he was on Minion Island carrying out a mission at that time!"

"I even personally authorized his transfer from Marine Headquarters to the G5 base!"

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T/N:

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