One Piece Nine Tails - Chapter 287

“A like-minded companion has been born, but I cannot bring him here.”

Zehp said softly, “You might meet him on the sea in the future. While he is more dazzling than you all in terms of destiny, destiny is destiny, and fate is fate. He might not be stronger than you with my guidance.”

“Is it the boy more dazzling than Kid?” Killer asked curiously.

Zehp had often mentioned this so-called supernova, saying he was ten times more dazzling than Kid and would become their leader when brought here.

Killer, naturally competitive, didn’t like the sound of this but respected Zehp too much to voice his concerns.

Now, hearing that the boy wouldn’t be coming, Killer’s curiosity peaked.

Zehp nodded. “The new era is about to officially begin in a few days. You must be prepared to embrace this new era.”

“Yes, Father!” Killer replied confidently.

He didn’t believe he would be any less impressive than the supernova to be born in a few days.

…

As Zehp anticipated, on May 5th, the day Garp’s grandson was to be born, the Twilight Hermits convened again.

The Twilight Hermits’ meetings were irregular, sometimes held weekly, only after several months.

This time, the gathering felt particularly weighty to the members because there were several new faces.

In addition to the familiar figures like Adam, Mirror, Fire, Driver, and Elimination, three new members had joined: Thunder, Sword, and Strength.

These three were Enel, Dracule Mihawk, and… Roger!

Yes, Roger, now a soul, had finally awakened and was walking in the virtual realm set by Genichi, having regained his memories not long ago.

Roger was naturally surprised to be summoned here but quickly accepted it, remembering his conversation with the Water of the Rear. He knew he would be pulled into this organization and was advised to hide his true identity and not let anyone know he had died. Thus, he listened attentively to Adam’s introduction of the Twilight Hermits alongside the other newcomers.

Since the Thunder God had consumed Thunder’s Devil Fruit, Enel had no alternative fruit. However, Genichi saw potential in him and brought him in with the Thunder Card. Similarly, Mihawk was chosen as the holder of the Sword Card.

“It seems the new era we’ve been waiting for is finally approaching,” Zehp said, probing Adam for more information.

Though Zehp could read celestial signs, he could never quite understand Adam. While Zehp sensed the new era’s arrival, he wasn’t sure if it aligned with Adam’s vision.

Adam replied calmly, “Although we’ve reached a significant node, it’s not enough to declare the new era’s arrival. Everyone… there’s no need to rush. Just wait patiently.”

New era?

Roger found this concept fascinating. Having reached Laugh Tale, he knew a new era would begin about twenty years after his death. He had come too early. He wondered if the era the Twilight Hermits awaited was the same.

Roger soon realized the organization’s proper function: a grand marketplace where members exchanged information.

Sakazuki said, “Everyone must have heard about the demon child circulating widely across the seas. If anyone has information about her, I’m willing to trade.”

His words caught everyone’s attention, especially Zehp and Robin.

Zehp and Sakazuki were the first members. Over the years, Zehp had suspicions about Fire’s identity, thinking that he might be a Navy officer, possibly Sakazuki, due to his ability to manipulate flames. Though not entirely sure, the suspicion alone made Zehp wary.

Robin, on the other hand, was mainly on edge. Sakazuki was referring to her, the demon child, so naturally, she paid close attention.

Since escaping the Black Order, Robin had secretly crossed the Red Line to the first half of the Grand Line, believing it safer than the Black Order’s primary territories in the New World. The Black Order’s influence was less pervasive there.

“I’m curious about what this demon child has done to warrant such attention from the World Government,” Shanks inquired, breaking Robin’s thoughts of continued evasion.

Sakazuki frowned. He wasn’t entirely sure but suspected it was linked to Ohara’s disappearance, though he couldn’t disclose this.

Zehp, however, spoke calmly, “The child might be connected to the disappearance of the Tree of Knowledge.”

The Tree of Knowledge had become synonymous with Ohara, as “Ohara” couldn’t be uttered publicly. Zehp’s mention of the Tree immediately conveyed his meaning to the others.

Except for Enel and Roger, who were out of the loop. Enel knew nothing of the world beyond his sky island, and Roger, now a soul, was puzzled by the Tree of Knowledge’s sudden disappearance.

Shanks, deep in thought, realized the global shock of Ohara’s disappearance could be tied to a mere child.

Both Sakazuki and Robin were stunned.

Sakazuki was surprised that Mirror knew about the incident, while Robin felt a wave of fear, worried that the Twilight Hermits might target her next. The Ohara incident left many curious about the truth.

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