One Piece: Scientist Simulator

Chapter 160: Chapter 160: Epilogue: The Eternal Wanderer



The Era After the Great Pirates

Over the years, the once-overwhelming number of pirates roaming the seas had dwindled to a mere shadow of its former strength. With the loss of the coordinates to Fish-Man Island, the majority of pirates in the Grand Line found themselves trapped in the first half, unable to breach the barriers leading to the New World.

For those seeking passage, the only way forward was through the rigorous assessments of the Adventurer's Guild, earning an Adventurer's Certificate—a document as coveted as it was difficult to obtain. Only a select few succeeded, leaving the Grand Line bereft of its infamous chaos.

The New World, once a battleground for the mightiest pirates, no longer bore the weight of the Yonko's reign. Shanks, whose strength still matched the caliber of a Yonko, had embraced a different path. The Red Hair Pirates had rebranded themselves as the Red Hair Adventure Group, their actions legitimized under the new world order.

Without the threat of the Four Emperors looming over them, the Marines redirected their full force to eradicating pirates in the Grand Line's first half. Under Momousagi's relentless leadership, piracy faced near-total annihilation.

Impel Down swelled beyond capacity with captured criminals, and Enies Lobby became a stage for weekly public trials, broadcasted live for all to witness. The corrupt judges of the former World Government had been swept away, replaced by clones—loyal, efficient, and utterly devoted to the Coalition Government. These clones also occupied key roles across various agencies, their unwavering allegiance owed to Edie, the architect of the new era.

Edie's Return to Normalcy

After slaying Imu, Edie resumed his enigmatic yet methodical life. While his presence remained as influential as ever, it was Momousagi who spearheaded the Marines' mission to fulfill the dream of "ending the era of great pirates."

Decades earlier, Gol D. Roger's words had ignited this age of chaos, a spark that had grown into a wildfire. But now, the Coalition Government found itself tasked with a daunting challenge: extinguishing the flames and ushering in lasting peace.

On the elevator descending from Mariejois to Red Harbor, Marine Chief Inspector Sengoku broke the silence with a bold suggestion:

"If we want to truly end the era of great pirates, we should arrest Roger's son, Portgas D. Ace, and publicly execute him."

Garp's expression darkened, his mouth twitching as he suppressed his anger. "Sengoku…"

Sengoku met his old friend's glare with unflinching resolve. "Garp, I am the Chief Inspector now. I know every cover-up you orchestrated in the past. It's because of you that Roger's 'evil blood' survived."

Garp's defiance faltered, his shoulders slumping. "The child is innocent…" he muttered, his voice tinged with regret.

He turned toward Momousagi, hoping for an ally. "Gion, what do you think?"

Momousagi raised an eyebrow, her expression one of mild confusion. "Roger's son… where is he now?"

The ever-knowledgeable Tsuru stepped in. "Three years ago, Ace founded the Spade Adventure Group with his brother, Sabo. They obtained their Adventurer Certificates from the East Blue branch of the Adventurer's Guild in Loguetown. Since then, they've journeyed across the Grand Line and even into the New World."

She paused briefly before continuing. "After entering the New World, Ace first challenged Kaido in Wanokuni but was soundly defeated and let go. Then, he sought out Whitebeard, only to lose to Jinbei."

Momousagi tilted her head, intrigued. "Why challenge them? Neither of them are Yonko anymore. Kaido is the current Shogun of Wanokuni, and Whitebeard is the chairman of the world's largest grain company."

Tsuru nodded. "True, but Ace seems determined to prove himself, perhaps because of their past rivalry with his father."

Sengoku sighed. "To prove himself? Or to cling to his father's legacy?"

He shook his head, his tone resigned. "After his defeat, Ace now serves as the captain of the Second Production Brigade of Jinkela Grain Company."

The irony wasn't lost on anyone. The Second Division of Whitebeard's pirates had traded their swords for plows, their legendary name reduced to a corporate title.

Momousagi shrugged, dismissing the matter. "Forget it. He hasn't done anything wrong. You can't condemn him simply because he's Roger's son."

A New Era Dawns

Despite the Coalition Government's success, challenges lingered. Pirates, while fewer, still emerged, and whispers of rebellion occasionally surfaced. Yet the world had changed irrevocably.

Wanokuni, under Kaido's rule, had transformed into a nation focused on rebuilding, its people gradually finding stability. Whitebeard, once a symbol of raw power, now devoted his days to farming and feeding the world, his influence far-reaching but benign.

Void Throne – Mariejois

Seated atop the imposing Void Throne, Edie savored a cup of freshly brewed coffee while Yamato stood nearby, pouring wine and setting the scene with her usual energetic charm.

"If you're not returning to your Wanokuni, why are you still hanging around here?" Edie asked, his tone tinged with amusement as he glanced at Kaido.

Kaido chuckled, raising his cup in response. "Oh, hey, hey! No need to act like a stranger, my good friend. Can't I just stay a little longer? Things are a bit… dull."

Yamato, always eager to please her father, interjected with a bright suggestion. "Father, if you're bored, I could have Chenlong spar with you."

Kaido's expression soured immediately. Once, he had been evenly matched with Chenlong and had even surpassed after Awakening his Fruit. But as time passed, Chenlong's strength had surged past his own. Edie's clone had not only awakened extraordinary power but had recently consumed the specially engineered Nika Fruit, granting him abilities that even Kaido found daunting.

"By the way, old friend," Edie said, his smile hinting at a plan forming in his mind. "Why don't you go and become the Pirate King?"

Kaido paused mid-sip, lowering his drink. "What are you getting at?"

Edie leaned back, his gaze thoughtful. "The era of great pirates will never truly end until someone uncovers the Great Treasure that Roger spoke of—the legendary One Piece on the final island, Raftel. Until then, people will continue chasing the dream of riches and adventure, keeping the madness alive."

Kaido raised a skeptical eyebrow. "You've got satellites in the sky now. Can't you just find it that way?"

Edie shook his head, setting his coffee cup down. "The satellites were deployed to map the world with unprecedented precision, not to hunt down mythological treasures. Despite covering every inch of the globe, there's been no sign of Raftel. Either it's incredibly well-hidden, or perhaps… it's not even in the sea."

Kaido seemed intrigued, but Edie pressed on. "Let's do it Roger's way—by following the clues. You're bored, aren't you? This should give you something worthwhile to do."

Kaido mulled it over before bursting into laughter. "Oh, oh, oh! Fine, I'll do it. But even if I find it, I'll just be the 'Second Pirate King,' trailing in Roger's shadow."

Edie smirked. "Perhaps. But you'd also be the last Pirate King, Kaido—the one who ends this age of chaos."

Kaido fell silent, the weight of those words settling over him. If he uncovered the One Piece, it would mean the end of an era, the closure of a legend.

Breaking the silence, Kaido grinned and stood up, his voice filled with resolve. "I already have one of the four Road Poneglyphs. Linlin has another. Guess it's time for a reunion!"

With that, he turned to leave, his energy unmistakable. Kaido wasn't one to waste time once a decision was made.

Edie watched him go, smiling to himself. "A reliable man, even now," he mused.

His thoughts drifted as he contemplated the broader picture. "Perhaps Nami could help with the world map…"

Nami, the skilled navigator from the original Straw Hat Pirates, had always dreamed of creating a world map. Under Edie's influence, the butterfly effect had altered her life. Her home village remained unscathed, and her adoptive mother, Belle-Mere, was alive and well.

"I wonder if her dream is still the same?" Edie pondered. "Maybe I should check in on the Straw Hats too. Who knows what they're up to now?"

Amidst the quiet hum of the grand chamber, a crisp voice interrupted Edie's musings.

"Sir Edie, the Lunar Laboratory has sent an urgent report."

Edie looked up from his coffee. "Come in."

The door creaked open as two bee soldiers stepped aside, allowing Stussy to enter. She carried a sleek, silver box that shimmered under the lights—a marvel of cutting-edge technology.

She placed it on the table before Edie and, with a press of her fingers, activated the box. A holographic projection shimmered into life, forming the image of Vegapunk, his expression serious.

"Dr. Edie," Vegapunk began, "we've detected some strange cosmic signals."

Edie's brow arched with intrigue. "Cosmic signals?"

Half a year had passed since Enel ventured to the moon. Caesar followed shortly after, accompanying Edie on exploratory missions. Months later, Vegapunk, along with a team of scientists, established a Lunar Laboratory.

Vegapunk continued, "Yes, there's a peculiar magnetic field emitting powerful electromagnetic waves. The signal is so strong it required no filtering. Based on our calculations, it's originating approximately 20 million kilometers away from the moon."

Edie's expression turned serious. "That's incredibly close—astronomically speaking."

"Why wasn't it detected earlier?"

"It appeared suddenly," Vegapunk explained, his curiosity mirroring Edie's. "We're still investigating the cause. Shall we send a spacecraft to investigate?"

Edie stood, decisive. "No need. I'll go myself."

Edie wasted no time. "Yamato, inform Hancock that I'll be away for a while."

Yamato tilted her head. "Uncle Edie, are you heading to the moon?"

"No," he replied with a faint smile. "This time, it's something even bigger."

Accompanied by Chenlong and Yuji, two of the Earthly Branches, Edie boarded the legendary Pluton battleship, modified for interstellar travel. Yuji took the helm, skillfully guiding the ship into the void of space.

After a month-long voyage through the cosmos, the Pluton reached its destination. Floating before them was a phenomenon that defied comprehension—a massive collapse in space, a gaping hole spiraling into darkness.

Edie stood on the deck, his voice a whisper. "A wormhole…"

The swirling abyss evoked countless scientific theories from his previous life: an Einstein-Rosen bridge, a portal connecting distant points in spacetime—or perhaps even parallel universes.

"Heavenly Father," Chenlong spoke cautiously, his dragon form coiled with tension. "This thing feels dangerous. Please be careful."

Edie nodded, his analytical mind racing. "It looks close, but in truth, it's far beyond comprehension."

Edie turned to Chenlong. "Go in and scout."

Without hesitation, the clone transformed into a mighty green dragon, his body shimmering with power. He soared toward the wormhole, his massive form dwarfed by the cosmic anomaly.

For over half an hour, Edie watched as Chenlong disappeared into the void. When the dragon finally emerged, his expression was grim.

"What did you find?" Edie asked.

"It leads to another universe."

Edie's eyes narrowed. "Another universe?"

Chenlong explained, "On the other side, there's no atmosphere—just a desolate planet nearby. The environment feels… alien."

Edie pondered the implications. "Another universe? Or perhaps just a distant galaxy…"

Determined to uncover the truth, Edie donned a rarely used spacesuit, his excitement barely contained. After confirming the area's stability, the Pluton battleship entered the wormhole.

The Other Side

Emerging from the wormhole, Edie was greeted by a starkly different expanse of space. Before the ship loomed a barren, orange-red planet, its surface eerily familiar.

"Mars…" Edie murmured, recognition dawning.

The Pluton's instruments confirmed it—the celestial bodies matched the solar system from his previous life. Jupiter's grandeur, Saturn's rings, and even the faint blue glow of Earth were unmistakable.

Edie's heart raced. "Could this truly be my original solar system? My original Earth?"

Yet, the star map didn't entirely align with his memories. While the planets were in their expected places, the broader constellations suggested subtle differences—an unsettling indication that this might not be the exact universe he once knew.

A Reluctant Return

After days of exploration and research, Edie made a decision.

"We've gathered enough for now. Let's head back."

The Pluton battleship reversed course, slipping back through the wormhole. As the familiar stars of the One Piece world reappeared, Edie's mind raced with possibilities.

"If that's truly another universe, and possibly my own… what does that mean for this world?"

For now, he shelved the mystery. There was still much to accomplish in the unpredictable seas of his current reality.

New World, Sphinx Island

Headquarters of Jinkela Grain Industry Company.

"Captain Ace, Vice Captain Sabo, you and me?"

Blackbeard Marshall D. Teach strolled into the room with an air of innocence.

He saw Ace and Sabo seated on a plush sofa, their attention fixed on the Devil Fruit resting on the table before them.

It was a Logia-class Dark Fruit.

Teach's pupils contracted sharply. He recognized the fruit instantly, its ominous allure matching the description in the ancient Devil Fruit encyclopedia he had studied as a child.

"Teach, we're discussing who should eat this Devil Fruit," Ace said with his usual grin. "I'm already a Mera-Mera Fruit user, so I can't consume a second one. As for Sabo, he doesn't want to be bound by the limitations of a Devil Fruit. After some thought, we concluded that you, with your contributions and seniority in the second division, are the most deserving candidate. Do you want it?"

Teach's heart pounded as the treasure he had long coveted lay within his grasp. Yet, outwardly, he kept his composure.

"Me?" Teach chuckled awkwardly. "Ah, Captain Ace, you're too kind. I've got no ambition for such power. In this era, becoming a Devil Fruit user has its drawbacks—you can't swim, after all."

Ace raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Sabo leaned back and smirked, tapping his water pipe against the floor. "Strange, isn't it? This fruit practically delivered itself to us. We just sent out a shipment of food, and when we returned, it was sitting in the cargo hold."

"That is peculiar," Teach said, feigning nonchalance while his mind raced.

The fruit seemed destined for him. It had chosen him.

Yet Teach hesitated. Years ago, this would have been his moment. But in today's world, dominated by the coalition government that had overthrown the World Government, the power of a mere Dark Fruit would not be enough to fulfill his old ambitions.

"I'll pass," Teach said finally, scratching his head with a sheepish grin. "I've got no interest in becoming a landlubber."

Ace and Sabo exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between them.

"Qualified," came a voice laced with mockery.

Dr. Edie materialized in the room, his sudden appearance causing everyone to stiffen. Without hesitation, he picked up the Dark Fruit and examined it with a sly smile.

"This fruit is my doing, Blackbeard," Edie said, his tone light yet cutting.

"Dr. Edie!" Teach exclaimed, his face pale.

Edie's smirk deepened. "Certain Devil Fruits, like the Nika Fruit and this Dark Fruit, possess a will of their own. They choose their wielder. But unlike the Nika Fruit, the Dark Fruit isn't as elusive—I found this one ten years ago."

Teach felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead. "Why? Why would you test me like this?"

Ace leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "You'd have to ask Dr. Edie for that. But here's the thing—if you had chosen to eat it just now, you'd already be dead."

Teach froze, every nerve in his body alight with dread. He realized Edie had seen through his deepest thoughts all along.

"Since you've abandoned your ambitions, I'll spare you," Edie said, pocketing the fruit.

At that moment, Whitebeard entered the room, accompanied by several division captains. His expression was stern as he regarded Teach.

"Edie told me about possible futures," Whitebeard said gravely. "But the future hasn't happened yet. Teach, kneel."

Teach's heart sank. He had been loyal, dutiful, and unremarkable—how could he be accused of treachery for what he might do? Yet, under Whitebeard's commanding gaze, he knelt without protest.

"Hahaha, let him go," Edie interjected with a laugh. "Whitebeard, I'm here to honor our original agreement."

Whitebeard's sternness melted into a grin. "I've received the winter rice seeds, Edie. And thanks to your anti-aging agent and the Immortality Surgery, I feel as strong as ever. 

Edie chuckled. "Good to hear. Farewell for now. I hope you're still alive the next time we meet."

With those parting words, Edie vanished as suddenly as he had appeared, leaving the room heavy with unspoken tension and relief.

Whole Cake Island, Cake Island, Cake Castle

"Ma~mamamama! A rare guest, Edie. I didn't expect you to visit my humble abode!"

Charlotte Linlin's booming laughter echoed through the grand hall as she gestured for her favorite chiffon cake to be served.

"You've gained weight again," Edie remarked with a deadpan expression, clearly unimpressed.

"Hmph, sweets are my solace! I've made peace with it," Linlin retorted unapologetically.

Edie, unfazed, turned to his companion. "Chenlong, give her the items."

Chenlong stepped forward, placing a neatly packaged box on the table.

"What's this?" Linlin asked, curiosity sparking in her eyes.

"Giant medicine," Edie replied evenly. "The project you commissioned—to enlarge human physiology—has finally yielded results. This fulfills our original agreement."

Linlin's face lit up with surprise and delight. "As expected of the man I like! You always keep your promises!"

She had almost assumed Edie had forgotten their deal. However, times had changed—her recent dealings with the Kingdom of Elbaf, particularly the interest their giant prince had shown in her daughter Lola, made the medicine less relevant. Linlin was preparing to mend her fraught relationship with the giants, a tension born of her childhood transgressions.

"Still, I appreciate it, Edie. As thanks, how about I let you choose one of my daughters?" Linlin offered, her grin widening.

Edie's response was immediate. "No, thank you."

He had enough complications in his life without adding one of Linlin's daughters to the mix. The repeated offers were starting to wear on him.

"This medicine," Edie continued, "must be taken consistently from an early age to be effective. Starting it during the growth phase ensures the user develops the full physique and strength of a giant. Detailed instructions are included in the package."

With that, Edie stood to leave. "Goodbye, Linlin."

New World, a Tropical Island

The red-haired man smiled as he greeted an old acquaintance. "Hive Emperor? No, perhaps King of the World suits you better now?"

Edie smirked. "Call me Doctor."

"Dr. Edie," Shanks corrected with a laugh. "I'm just a humble legal adventurer now. You're not here to arrest me, are you?"

Edie chuckled. "I'm here because you haven't come to collect your daughter. So, I thought I'd stop by."

Shanks fell silent for a moment, his gaze distant. Then he shook his head and said, "Uta's happy with you. Wandering around with me wouldn't be the life for her. Please, continue taking care of her."

"You may not see her for a long time. Perhaps not at all."

"That's fine," Shanks said softly, then brightened. "I catch her concerts now and then. That's enough for me."

East Blue, Loguetown

On May 5th, Monkey D. Luffy set sail in a modest wooden boat, embarking on his grand adventure. Along the way, he recruited Zoro, the swordsman; Usopp, the sniper; and Sanji, the chef.

Hearing rumors of a talented navigator named Nami, Luffy sought her out and invited her to join his crew.

Nami refused outright.

Eventually, the crew arrived in Loguetown, where they found themselves outside the Adventurers Guild, East Blue Chapter, completing their assessment for adventurer certificates.

"Luffy, how did you do on the exam?" Usopp asked.

"Easy! I filled in every answer!" Luffy proclaimed proudly, holding up his paper.

The crew looked at his results in dismay.

"You idiot!" Sanji barked. "Even if you'd used your feet, you could've gotten more right!"

"If you fail, we'll have to force our way into the Grand Line," Zoro said, frowning.

"That'll make us real pirates!" Usopp gasped, clutching his chest. "I can't—I have a condition that prevents me from going to the Grand Line!"

"We're pirates already!" Luffy said nonchalantly, picking his nose. Then he turned to Nami. "Now that the test is over, you'll be my navigator, right?"

"Absolutely not!" Nami snapped, waving her perfect-score certificate triumphantly.

Before she could gloat further, her paper was snatched away by a man in white who appeared out of nowhere.

"Perfect marks," Edie said, examining the certificate. "Your navigation knowledge is impressive."

Nami froze, her eyes wide. "It's you!"

Luffy squinted, trying to recall. "Edd… Eddie… something like that?"

"Boom!"

Usopp delivered a quick punch to Luffy and bowed in apology. "Dr. Edie, I'm so sorry! He's an idiot!"

"My name is Edie," the man corrected with a faint smile. "Remember it, Luffy."

Edie's gaze swept over the crew, lingering briefly on Zoro before settling on Sanji. A faint smirk tugged at his lips.

"This," Edie announced, tossing an adventurer's certificate to Luffy, "is your pass to the Grand Line. But don't forget—there are rules, and breaking them has consequences."

Turning to Nami, he added, "You have a gift for navigation. I hope you'll consider putting it to use for something greater. Mapping the world, perhaps."

The Straw Hats were still digesting the unexpected gift of their adventurer certificates when Edie spoke again, his tone taking on a serious edge.

"There's another matter I must entrust to you, Monkey D. Luffy," Edie said, pulling a weathered scroll from his coat. "This map will lead you to something of immense value—and immeasurable importance."

Luffy tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. "Is it meat?"

Sanji sighed in frustration while Zoro muttered, "Idiot."

Ignoring them, Edie continued, "This map marks the location of the Third Road Poneglyph from Zou. With it, you'll be one step closer to finding the legendary island of Raftel and claiming the One Piece."

The room fell silent. Nami's eyes lit up with excitement as she took the scroll, unrolling it to study its intricate markings.

"But there's a catch," Edie said, his piercing gaze sweeping over the crew. "The Fourth and final Road Poneglyph is missing. Kaido, the so-called 'King of the Beasts,' is also searching for it. Your task is to find it before he does."

The gravity of his words hung in the air.

"Kaido?" Usopp squeaked, his knees trembling. "That's insane! We're talking about one of the Strongest People in the World!"

"Exactly," Edie said, his voice unyielding. "But you're no ordinary pirates. Your crew has the potential to surpass even the Yonko. The world needs a new era, and you, Luffy, are its catalyst."

Luffy clenched his fists, his trademark grin spreading across his face. "Alright! Let's do it! I'll find the Poneglyph, beat Kaido, and claim the One Piece!"

"Hold on a second," Nami interjected, her mind racing. "Why give this to us? What's your angle in all of this?"

Edie smirked. "Consider it an investment. The balance of power in this world is teetering, and I aim to see it restored. Whether you realize it or not, you're pivotal to that balance. Besides..." His gaze softened slightly. "The One Piece is more than treasure. It's a truth that must be unveiled."

Edie turned to leave but paused at the doorway. "Remember, Luffy: the road to Raftel won't be easy. Kaido is relentless, and there are others who will stop at nothing to claim the One Piece for themselves. Stay sharp—and don't let me regret this decision."

With that, he vanished into the shadows, leaving the Straw Hats with their new mission—and the weight of the world's future on their shoulders.

Two Years Later

The world held its breath as the most anticipated battle in history unfolded on the legendary island of Raftel. The stage was set, the stakes higher than ever. Edie, ever the enigmatic scientist, orchestrated a worldwide broadcast of the climactic fight between Monkey D. Luffy and Kaido, the so-called "Strongest Creature in the World."

Raftel

The battle raged like a storm, shaking the very foundation of the mythical island. Luffy, his body glowing with the surreal energy of Gear 5, clashed ferociously with Kaido, whose dragon form towered over the battlefield like a god of destruction. Each blow reverberated across the island, splitting the sky and sending shockwaves across the seas.

"Luffy has done it!" Edie's voice echoed through the broadcast, tinged with both excitement and intrigue. "The Sun God has awakened his Devil Fruit to its peak form! Witness the rise of a new era!"

The world watched in awe and disbelief as Luffy's white-hot energy overwhelmed Kaido's brutal might. With one final, thunderous blow, Luffy sent Kaido crashing into the ground, his mighty form defeated.

"Kaido has fallen!" Edie declared, his voice resounding through the broadcast. "Monkey D. Luffy is victorious!"

The Aftermath

News of Luffy's victory spread like wildfire. The declaration was clear: Monkey D. Luffy, the Straw Hat Captain, had become the Pirate King.

When Luffy and his crew discovered the One Piece, the world expected chaos. But Luffy's decision left everyone stunned.

Standing atop Raftel, with the eyes of the world upon him, Luffy held a den den mushi and made his declaration:

"I'm giving it all away! This treasure belongs to everyone, not just me!"

The great secret treasure of Gol D. Roger, the culmination of countless dreams, was handed over freely to the Coalition Government.

Around the World

The announcement sent shockwaves through the pirate world. For generations, countless pirates had sailed the seas in pursuit of the One Piece, driven by dreams of wealth and power. Now, their hopes were crushed.

"Why?! Why would he give it away?!" pirates wailed in despair, their dreams evaporating in an instant.

The seas that had once teemed with hopeful adventurers began to quiet. Half a year later, the number of active pirates had plummeted to historic lows.

The End of an Era

Across the seas, taverns that once echoed with tales of adventure and plunder were now subdued. The dream of the One Piece had been the flame that fueled the Great Pirate Era, and with its revelation, that flame had been extinguished.

Yet, as the sun set on the age of pirates, a new question emerged: What comes next?

The Era of Great Pirates had ended. But the Era of True Freedom and Exploration had just begun.

On a remote island untouched by time, where ancient forests whispered secrets older than the sea itself, Edie stood alone. The skies above were painted in hues of twilight, and the sound of waves gently crashing against the cliffs filled the air. This was his Private sanctuary—a place where even the weight of his vast intellect felt light.

Edie gazed at the horizon, his sharp eyes tracing the curve of the endless ocean. In his hands, he held a small, weathered notebook. Its pages were filled with the sketches, formulas, and fragments of ideas that had shaped the world in ways few could comprehend.

"This world," he murmured, "it's quieter now. But there's still so much to discover."

A familiar voice broke his reverie. Chenlong, the Kaido clone and Edie's very first creation, emerged from the shadows of the forest, his presence as commanding as ever. "The new era is stable," Chenlong said. "The Straw Hat's actions have set the world on a path of peace... for now."

Edie chuckled, his voice tinged with both pride and skepticism. "Peace is but a moment in the cycle, Chenlong. A fleeting breath before the next storm."

The clone tilted his head. "And what of you, Heavenly Father? What storm do you plan to chase now?"

Edie turned, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I've spent my life shaping others' destinies, creating power from nothing, and pulling strings in the shadows. But now... perhaps it's time to explore without an agenda. To see the world for what it truly is, without the weight of ambition or manipulation."

Chenlong nodded but remained silent.

Edie's gaze shifted to the skies. "The Universe still holds secrets I've yet to unravel. The truth of the world is a tapestry, and I've only seen fragments. Perhaps it's time I sought out the rest."

He took a step forward, the wind catching his coat, and turned to Chenlong one last time. "You've been a loyal companion, Chenlong. But even you must find your own path now. The age of Edie, the Hive Emperor, is over. The age of Edie, the Wanderer, begins."

With that, Edie walked toward the edge of the cliff, where a sleek, state-of-the-art vessel waited—a ship unlike any other, built with the finest technology he had ever crafted. Its design was a testament to his genius, a fusion of science and art, capable of exploring the most treacherous seas and even venturing beyond the stars.

As he boarded the ship, he looked back at the island one last time. The notebook in his hand slipped into his pocket, but not before he tore out a single page. Folding it carefully, he handed it to Chenlong.

"If the world ever loses its way," Edie said, his voice soft but resolute, "give this to the one who seeks the light."

The ship's engines hummed to life, and the vessel rose gently above the waves. As it disappeared into the horizon, a soft glow emanated from the island, marking the departure of a man who had shaped history itself.

Somewhere on the Grand Line

Legends of Edie's adventures faded into myth, but whispers persisted. Of a man who walked the edge of the known world, unraveling the secrets of creation, not for power, but for the pure thrill of understanding.

And on nights when the stars burned brighter than usual, sailors would swear they saw a strange ship flying across the heavens, its captain laughing as he charted a course into the infinite unknown.

The legacy of Edie, the Eternal Wanderer, would endure—not in the empires he built or the forces he unleashed, but in the endless quest for knowledge that defined him.

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