Juno closed the panel in front of him, feeling the familiar warmth of the System fade into the back of his mind. He took a deep breath, his senses sharper than ever before, and stepped away from the console. The low hum of the laboratory filled the air as he walked toward the exit. As he approached the door, he paused, wondering what the outside world had in store for him.
He opened the door, the cold air rushing in to greet him, and stepped out into the daylight. The chill in the air made him shiver, a stark contrast to the warmth of the lab. His eyes briefly caught sight of Vegapunk and a few scientists typing away on keyboards, their eyes glued to the monitors in front of them. Juno didn't give them much thought. His mind was already focused on the memories of his past life, guiding his steps as he walked through the narrow corridors of the research facility.
Passing through the door, Juno felt a gust of cold wind as he emerged outside. The open expanse before him stretched out to the horizon, with dense forests lining the edge of the island. Despite the overwhelming sense of isolation, he wasn't scared. He had memories of the island from his research on Vegapunk's history, and he knew this place like the back of his hand.
Karai Bari Island. A small, secluded island in the South Blue, where Vegapunk had spent his childhood. The island was far removed from the bustling world outside. It was quiet, peaceful, and isolated. The perfect place to work without distraction.
As Juno looked around, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of chill. The weather here was colder than he remembered, the sea breeze biting at his skin. He pulled his coat tighter around his shoulders, trying to shake off the chill. He reached into his pocket, recalling the memories of a local village nearby. There was a small shop where he could get some supplies, maybe a hot drink to ward off the cold.
Juno's feet led him along the worn path toward the village, his mind still running over everything that had transpired. The System, his newfound powers, the chilling reality of the world he now found himself in—it was all so overwhelming. But one thing was certain: things were about to change.
The village was small, its few wooden buildings nestled between the trees. The people, mostly scientists and villagers, greeted him with polite nods as he passed. It wasn't a lively place, but the sense of familiarity gave Juno a sense of comfort. He continued walking through the village until he arrived at a small shop where he bought a newspaper, its front page filled with news that would shape the future.
Juno made his way back to the lab, his steps heavy but purposeful. He held the hot chocolate milkshake in one hand, savoring its warmth as he read the newspaper in the other. The headlines were disturbing, but they also made him realize the magnitude of what was unfolding around him.
"1477 of the Sea Circle Calendar... that's really far away in the past, even 23 years before the 'Great Pirate Era,'" Juno muttered, his brow furrowing as he glanced at the first headline.
The bold text caught his attention:
[The Rocks Pirates in the Grand Line]
Juno read on, his gaze sharpening as he absorbed the details. The Rocks Pirates, under the notorious Rocks D. Xebec, had entered the Grand Line, bringing chaos and destruction to the seas. Their reputation was terrifying, and the World Government was already monitoring their movements.
"They're like a storm... and we're in their path," Juno muttered, his thoughts racing. "This isn't good."
Flipping the page, he noticed several other stories that piqued his interest.
The Rise of the Golden Age of Pirates: Pirates were beginning to form alliances, and rumors of treasure beyond imagination were stirring unrest. This could only signal the dawn of a new, dangerous age.
Garp's Pursuit of the Rocks Pirates: Rear Admiral Garp was already clashing with the Rocks Pirates, trying to halt their progress. The World Government was concerned about Garp's personal vendetta against them and what this could mean for the balance of power.
The Mysterious Sea Kings of the Grand Line: Sea Kings had been sighted in unprecedented numbers, disrupting trade and causing panic among mariners.
The Legend of the Void Century and Ancient Weapons: New information had surfaced about the Void Century, and whispers were spreading about the legendary weapons and the ancient kingdom. The World Government was already attempting to suppress this knowledge.
New Bounty Posters Released: Pirates like 'The Silver Ghost' were causing trouble across the East Blue, evading capture while stirring up chaos. It was clear that piracy was on the rise.
Juno finished reading, his mind buzzing with the weight of it all. The world was changing rapidly, and it was clear that things were only going to get worse. The Winds of Change were blowing, and soon, they would reach Karai Bari Island.
"Looks like the winds are shifting," Juno said quietly, standing up from his chair. "And I need to be ready."
He looked out the window, his eyes narrowing as he thought about the future. The world was on the brink of chaos, and he would be right in the middle of it all. But that was fine with him. If anything, it just made things more interesting.