The Embercloud glided steadily through the desert skies. The crew gathered in the bridge's lounge, where Jacob had just shared his latest idea: giving Devil Fruits to some of their animals and intelligent Humandrills.
Nami folded her arms across her developing chest, sweat clinging to her skin under the dry heat. "Wait, you want to feed those fruits to animals? Jacob, those things are worth billions. We could sell them and fund five aerial fortresses, maybe even buy our own damn island."
Carina gave an exaggerated sigh. "For once, I'm with Nami. We're talking about billions here. Feeding them to a T-rex is like burning money."
Jacob leaned against the railing, unbothered. "We already have enough gold to swim in. We need long-term power; most of you are devil fruit users, and those who didn't eat one don't want it or want another type of devil fruit. And a loyal animal brigade trained by us is just what we might need. Imagine how useful they'd be during battles or when we're spread thin."
From the hallway, Yamato stepped in, still drying her silver hair with a towel. "He's right," she said, eyes sparkling. "A beast battalion under our command would be so cool."
Porche perked up from the sofa, gently brushing Suu's back. "Oh! I'd love that! Some of them already understand basic commands. Imagine if they could shift into hybrid forms? Ooh, it'd be like having a mini-crew of my own!"
Kuina nodded calmly. "The Humandrills are sharp. If they eat devil fruits, they'll be able to adapt to battle conditions even better. Some of them can develop their own sword style already."
Kaya set down her notebook and experimented with herbs, chimed in. "I'd like to observe different Zoan responses—especially on non-human subjects."
Nami gave her a long look. "Et tu, Kaya? You, as well?"
Kaya gave a slight shrug and a faint smile. "Knowledge is more valuable than gold."
Carina groaned dramatically and flopped onto a lounge chair. "Let's give up, Nami. They are ganging up on us now."
Jacob chuckled. "Let's deal with Crocodile first, we can continue this conversation later."
***
Crocodile's expression twisted with irritation as he watched Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine flail in the water. The Bananagators circled lazily, enjoying the show. He was just about to turn away when—
CRACK!
A deafening clap of thunder echoed through the walls of Rain Dinners, making the ceiling shudder. Crocodile's eye twitched. He glanced upward. That wasn't normal.
Rain began to pour outside—hard. The sound of it slamming against the roof, windows, and awnings was like a constant drumbeat. Crocodile barely had time to process it when the basement door swung open, and a soaked subordinate stumbled in.
"Sir! The machines! All the casino machines—short-circuited!" the man stammered, breathless. "The thunder fried the entire system!"
Crocodile turned sharply, his expression darkening. "What?"
Another rumble—deeper, guttural—made the chandeliers above sway. The rain was now coming down in sheets, beating so hard it sounded like the building might crack apart.
Then came a loud crash from the main hall upstairs.
A flash of lightning illuminated the Grand Casino lobby, and a silhouette emerged from the lightning among the panicked guests and stunned staff. She stood tall in the flickering light, crackling arcs of electricity dancing along her arms.
Raki.
"By the order of the Revenants, everyone out. Now." Her voice rang with authority, distorted slightly by the static that hummed in the air.
Some guests didn't move, either frozen in place or simply too slow to comprehend what was happening. That was when the floor near the roulette tables sparked and exploded in a burst of lightning. People screamed, grabbing their belongings and fleeing through the main entrance.
Back in the basement, Crocodile narrowed his eyes. "Who the hell…?"
Mr. 1 stepped forward, already forming blades on his arms. "I'll check it out."
Crocodile raised a hand to stop him. "No. Whoever they are must be a logia who can control lightning and rain; let's see what they want."
Miss Merry Christmas whispered nervously, "She's not part of Baroque Works, is she…?"
Crocodile said nothing. But he clenched his hook, the golden surface glinting with the occasional lightning flash from above.
Rain Dinners was in chaos. The downpour had grown heavier, turning the usually bustling casino into a flooded wreck. Patrons fled in droves while workers scrambled to salvage anything they could.