"What legend?" Robin was intrigued.
"A legend about the true god. It says that one day, a being will appear who can lead both the people of Skypiea and the Blue Sea to coexist in harmony. Look at this mural—it depicts both Blue Sea people and Skypieans worshipping the same sun, symbolizing equality and freedom."
Urouge pointed at the mural in front of him.
"You mentioned earlier that this treasure map was passed down from Skypiea, correct?" Robin asked. Rosen remained silent—this wasn't his area of expertise.
"That's right. It dates back to the Void Century." Urouge nodded.
"In that case, the mechanism is most likely hidden within this mural. If it originated from Skypiea and aligns with their legends, then the treasure's owner probably intended for a Skypiean to open it. Look closely—does this mural perfectly match the ones from your homeland? Pay attention to the details," Robin deduced.
Regardless of whether her theory was correct, it was worth testing.
"Let me examine it more carefully."
Urouge, realizing the possibility, instructed a crew member to clean the mural with water. However, they didn't have enough, so Rosen used his ability to remove all the dust.
Urouge then carefully studied the mural.
The painting was enormous—it wasn't a single piece but a continuous sequence wrapping around the entire chamber. Curious, Rosen also took a closer look.
The mural was structured like a pictorial story. Though it lacked words, the narrative was clear:
A man from the Blue Sea arrived at Skypiea by ship and was warmly welcomed. The mural showed bonfire feasts, cheerful drinking, and even a wedding, indicating that the Blue Sea man was well-received.
But then, the story changed.
More people from the Blue Sea arrived—but they were different from the first man.
Soon, the mural depicted scenes of war. The first Blue Sea visitor was engulfed in flames, and a conflict erupted between Skypieans and the new group of Blue Sea people.
The middle section of the mural contained imagery that Rosen couldn't fully comprehend.
But the final images were clear: Skypiean dwellings lay in ruins, seemingly destroyed by a shadowy force.
Rosen speculated that this was some sort of devastating weapon—perhaps Uranus?
The last part of the mural showed the Blue Sea people being cast down from the sky like raindrops.
And then, the story ended.
"I found it! These two panels are out of order," Urouge exclaimed after his careful inspection.
"These two mural segments can move," Robin confirmed as she touched the surface. Gently pressing, she revealed a gap—these two parts were like loose tiles attached to the wall.
"These are the ones? We just need to swap their positions?" Robin asked.
"Yes."
Urouge nodded confidently. He had grown up hearing this legend.
Though the so-called "true god" had fallen, unable to lead the Skypieans to a greater world, the tale had remained in his heart.
Most people regarded it as a myth, akin to a fairy tale. But its imperfect ending made it all the more memorable.
Rumble!
As Robin repositioned the two murals, the sound of ancient machinery echoed through the chamber.
The ground trembled as the stone surface cracked open, revealing the Seastone floor beneath.
Then, the Seastone began retracting to the sides, unveiling a treasure buried for nearly a thousand years.
"Gold!"
A crew member's eyes widened at the sight of a dazzling hoard of gold.
Piles of coins and jewels gleamed brilliantly within the Seastone chamber.
It was an actual treasure trove.
Even though Rosen couldn't estimate its exact value, it was undoubtedly an immense fortune.
It might not rival the Golden City of Skypiea, but compared to what Luffy's crew had taken from there, this treasure was at least ten times greater.
They had struck it rich!
Even Rosen was momentarily moved.
He had never been particularly interested in Berries, but seeing this much gold in one place was a first for him.
Piles of gold coins and gemstones formed small mountains.
Among them, rare weapons were scattered—and one caught Rosen's eye.
Urouge's massive pencil.
So this was originally meant to be Urouge's opportunity.
But Rosen had intervened.
Both Urouge and Rosen's crew became tense, subtly eyeing each other.
With so much treasure at stake, it was only natural to be on guard.
At the center of the golden hoard sat a gilded table, atop which rested an ornate, sealed box.
Rosen's heart stirred—was this a Devil Fruit?
It seemed likely.
Urouge had yet to acquire his Devil Fruit power.
Could this be the "Causality" Devil Fruit?
Rosen wasn't sure, but it was a reasonable guess.
"Relax. As I said before, you can take half," Rosen reassured them.
Despite his excitement, he had no intention of breaking his word.
After all, without Urouge's map, they wouldn't have found this treasure in the first place.
"This doesn't seem right. I barely did anything," Urouge hesitated.
"You traveled all this way. Even if you don't want anything for yourself, your crew needs supplies.
"Don't worry—I said I'd give you half, and I won't suddenly turn on you."
Rosen lit a cigar, unconcerned.
The treasure was astonishing at first glance, but if he truly wanted wealth, making ten or twenty billion Berries wouldn't be difficult with his strength.
"In that case, I won't hold back," Urouge finally accepted.
He had lost many crewmates and ships—he would need funds in the future.
"Start sorting the loot. Let's see what's inside that box," Rosen said to Urouge.
If something was placed separately in a shrine-like position, it had to be extraordinary.
"Alright."
"Robin, work with Urouge's men to estimate the value of the other items.
"Split the gold and treasure into two equal parts—no need to count every single coin."
"Understood."
Rosen and Urouge approached the gilded table and opened the box.
Inside, a Devil Fruit was nestled within.
But beside it, there was also an aged parchment with a message.
Both men's gazes locked onto the writing.
Urouge instinctively read it aloud:
"When the people of Skypiea once again chase the legend to the Blue Sea and open this box—if the world is devoid of those who bear the name 'D'—deliver this message to all Skypieans:
Do not descend to the Blue Sea.
Do not consume Devil Fruits."
The message was signed:
Andis D. Mansherry
"The legend was real."
"There really was a Skypiean who wed the god of the Blue Sea."
"Did she eventually descend from the sky as well?"
Urouge's face was filled with shock.
(End of Chapter)
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