"Ah!!! Is this… is this the truth of the Clan of D?!"
Usopp staggered back two steps in shock, his eyes wide as he stared at the half-planet in the sky. It had been split in two by darkness, forming a shape eerily similar to the letter "D."
"D… D… is this what D represents?!"
His face flushed red, his entire body trembling uncontrollably.
"Hoo… hoo…"
He clenched his fists tightly, his pupils dilated as he watched the fragments of the planet suspended in the sky. Darkness continued to consume them, layer by layer, breaking them into smaller and smaller pieces. Their once vibrant brilliance gradually faded as he muttered:
"A broken planet ruled by darkness… forced apart into pieces… incomplete worlds…"
"Are those who carry the name of D the warriors who seek to change this… the ones who want to bring the world back together?"
"Even after being hunted, erased, and suppressed by the World Government for hundreds, even thousands of years…"
"Even after forgetting the true meaning of the 'D' in their names…"
"They still carry it as a symbol of defiance… continuing to live on in this world…"
"So that one day… they can awaken alongside others who share that same name…"
"And gather once more… to rebuild… to stand against the darkness of the World Government…"
"This… this is just…"
Usopp suddenly threw his head back, his voice bursting out in raw excitement:
"AHHHHHHH!!! THIS IS TOO COOL!!!"
Swish!!!
A blazing light suddenly erupted from his eyes, surging with overwhelming passion.
Yes… it truly burst out.
Sizzle!!!
"…" "Hmm?" "Such intense energy…"
Those standing beside Usopp were among the strongest figures in the world, yet even they were momentarily taken aback by the sheer intensity of the radiant energy pouring out of him.
"Is Yasopp's son also capable of the powers of the Mori Mori no Mi, like Admiral Aramaki?"
Shanks tilted his head slightly, a faint smile forming as he observed Usopp's outburst.
"Though… he's using it in a completely different way. That boy has real potential."
The light radiating from Usopp bore some resemblance to the power of the Pika Pika no Mi used by Kizaru.
Both produced intense light.
But Usopp's energy felt different. It was warm, gentle, and full of life.
It was the solar energy he had absorbed during the day through photosynthesis, now unconsciously released due to his overwhelming excitement.
Who said plants couldn't radiate heat and brilliance?
"As expected of Shirogai and Luffy's companion…"
Shanks withdrew his gaze with a soft chuckle, resting his hand on the sword at his waist as he reflected silently.
Someone like Aramaki, who chooses to submit to authority and uphold false justice, could never release such pure, life-filled energy, even with the same Devil Fruit.
Because what they pursue is not true justice.
To them, justice is nothing more than an unbreakable chain placed upon others to maintain absolute control.
If you oppose their justice, then you are wrong.
There is no gray area.
Submit, and you are righteous.
Resist, and you are condemned.
A man who knowingly stands on the side of oppression yet cloaks himself in justice will never shine with such warmth.
Some people live in darkness but yearn for light, burning brightly to illuminate others, even if it costs them everything.
Others live in the light, yet cast shadows over those below them, crushing the very hope others cling to.
One is inspiring.
The other is despicable.
…
"The Clan of D is incredible! This is a man's dream!!!"
Usopp pumped his fists into the air, his entire being overflowing with energy.
"I'm fired up!!! I've decided!! I'm becoming a D too! No… I already am one!!!"
At this point, Usopp was quite literally on fire with passion.
Fiery red maple leaves burst from his body, spreading rapidly in all directions. In an instant, the entire area was covered in blazing, blood-red leaves that danced wildly in the wind.
"I'm changing my name!! From now on, I'm Banchina D. Usopp!!!"
"Hey, take it easy!"
Yasopp stood amidst the spreading branches, wearing a helpless smile.
"You're burying your old man in leaves here. And maybe ask for my opinion before you go changing your name, you idiot!"
"Huh?! Sorry! Sorry!"
Usopp hurriedly looked around and retracted the blazing leaves back into his body.
"To reunite a broken world… to remove all division…"
Nico Robin ignored the chaos below, her gaze fixed on the shattered planet above. The darkness continued to devour it, leaving only a few fragments untouched.
"So this is what D represents…"
She hesitated before turning to Shirogai.
"Shirogai, doesn't this align with the goal of the Revolutionary Army? They aim to overthrow oppressive rule and free nations trapped in darkness…"
"Yes, exactly."
Shirogai nodded with a faint smile.
"The Revolutionary Army was born from that very will. It follows the path laid out by the meaning of D."
"Monkey D. Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army, once served under the World Government. By chance, he uncovered the truth behind the 'D' in his name."
"After that, he abandoned everything and formed the Revolutionary Army alongside those who shared his vision."
"So that means…"
Robin began to speak, but both Shirogai and Shanks suddenly turned toward the distant sea.
"Have they finally arrived?"
"A bit later than expected," Shirogai replied.
"So many familiar presences…"
Shanks smiled faintly as he stared at the horizon, where countless black dots had begun to appear.
"It seems the Marines have deployed nearly all of their top forces."
"I wonder what they're planning."
A grin spread across his face as he gripped his sword.
Shirogai chuckled softly.
"Interesting… very interesting. What do you think, Shanks? Why would the Marines send everything they have to face us now?"
Shanks' lips curled into a fierce, confident smile.
"They're probably…"
"Looking for death."
===
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