A hundred-strong guard detail, escorting a colossal Poneglyph, advanced boldly along the road, their destination the Rape Blossom Port.
On one of the carriages sat a person, and that was Benedict.
However, this was but a clone.
Even so, it was enough to explain many things.
Cp9, Navy scouts, underground intelligence operatives, and many other forces' intelligence personnel, upon seeing this, promptly disseminated the news.
Indeed, the news even made it onto the newspapers that very afternoon, conveyed to all corners of the world by news birds.
For certain factions, this Poneglyph was intrinsically linked to the whereabouts of the Ancient Weapon 'Pluton'.
The Holy Land, Mary Geoise.
The Five Elders.
"...What do you all think of this?"
The intelligence was laid before them: another Poneglyph, directly taken by Benedict.
Benedict's collection of Poneglyphs was no longer a secret.
However, this particular Poneglyph from the Kingdom of Alabasta was of great importance.
"He's flaunting his power at us."
"But isn't he a bit too confident?"
One of them said, his expression grim.
Simultaneously, a cold and powerful aura emanated from him.
They had dispatched so much force to the Kingdom of Alabasta, searching for the existence of the Ancient Weapon 'Pluton'. In the end, all their efforts had served as stepping stones for another. How could they tolerate this?
Someone voiced a question in their hearts: "Did he come alone?"
But this doubt was quickly dismissed: "As the Fleet Admiral of Genbu Navy, would he possibly come alone?"
"Don't forget his peculiar movement speed," someone recalled the strength Benedict had displayed when Shiki the Golden Lion had attempted to destroy the Genbu Navy base.
"What a troublesome fellow," someone said with dissatisfaction, wiping his sword. "If we attacked together, we could capture him, couldn't we?"
For a moment, the five fell silent.
This was a question they had asked themselves many times.
Yet, their answers remained uncertain.
What made them most uncertain was that they had no idea how many more tricks Benedict had up his sleeve.
Or rather, what forces were hidden behind Benedict.
"The blueprints for the Ancient Weapon 'Pluton' are the most crucial."
"Once we find it, we can mass-produce it. That holds far more significance than finding an ancient weapon, long-lost and of unknown usability."
After a long silence, one person spoke.
"What a shame!"
...
Genbu Navy Base.
Benedict returned Olivia and Nico Robin, preparing to depart.
"Brother Benedict, the Ancient Weapon 'Pluton' is in Wano Country, in dire straits."
Just then, Nico Robin tugged on Benedict's arm, speaking with a serious expression.
Olivia, standing nearby, looked towards Benedict at Robin's words.
This was the information left on the Poneglyph.
While the Ancient Weapon 'Pluton' was said to exist, its true existence dated back hundreds of years, and its rumored power was of uncertain veracity.
In fact, it was unknown whether the current Ancient Weapon 'Pluton' could even unleash its intended effect.
However, if it could be obtained, it would be highly significant for both construction and deterrence.
"It's almost as I guessed," Benedict replied with a light smile.
"Thank you, Robin."
"However, the Ancient Weapon 'Pluton' is of no use to me."
"If it were 'Uranus', I would be far more interested."
Nico Robin pondered for a moment and asked, "If 'Poseidon' is the Sea God Poseidon, then what is 'Uranus'?"
"Mother, do you know?" Nico Robin looked at Olivia and inquired.
"I don't know either, Robin," Olivia shook her head.
"Brother Benedict, do you know?" Nico Robin asked again.
"I don't know either, but one day in the future, it should reveal itself to everyone," Benedict genuinely did not know. Speculation about 'Uranus' had never ceased.
Some said Uranus was a giant dragon residing atop the highest mountain peak in this world, but where that highest peak was, no one knew.
Therefore, some speculated it was a place like Skypiea.
Others hypothesized that 'Uranus' lived on the moon, and that 'Uranus' might not be a person or a dragon, but a machine.
While speculating about 'Uranus', it also led people to focus on the lost history, the vanished kingdoms, and the advanced technological power.
When 'technological power' is involved, could it be robots?
This speculation had a considerable probability of being correct.
Furthermore, there was another speculation.
Uranus was a Devil Fruit user, perhaps a user of the Sun-Sun Fruit, or more accurately, the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika.
Of course, this speculation was somewhat uncertain.
However, by comparison, the soon-to-be-born 'Poseidon' was a mermaid princess who could control Sea Kings. Could 'Uranus' control something akin to the 'Zunisha'?
Because there was no definitive answer, Benedict remained very curious about what 'Uranus' truly was.
"Brother Benedict, are you going to Fish-Man Island?"
"The Poneglyph in the sky mentioned Fish-Man Island."
Nico Robin thought for a moment and said.
"Fish-Man Island, yes, I will have to go."
"I will not miss a single Poneglyph."
Benedict nodded and said.
Nico Robin quickly raised her hand and asked, "Then, when you go to Fish-Man Island, please take me along, okay?"
"Of course, no problem." Benedict naturally would not refuse; certain information still required Nico Robin and the others to resolve.
Upon hearing Benedict's words, Nico Robin was immediately overjoyed.
Benedict said no more and used the Flying Thunder God Technique, instantly teleporting rapidly across the sea.
In a short time, Benedict's figure appeared at the Rape Blossom Port.
Glancing around, Benedict chuckled and used the Shadow Clone Technique, transforming into four figures, then performing the Transformation Technique.
Benedict left some behind and then departed.
Rain Country.
Crocodile's face was dark, utterly displeased.
Upon learning that his subordinate had been killed by Benedict, he had been afraid.
But what made him even more frightened, and even more enraged, was that Benedict had taken away the Poneglyph.
The Poneglyph was the key to the exact location of the Ancient Weapon 'Pluton'.
Bonis stood beside Crocodile, his expression grave.
"Boss, Marshal Benedict leading the team personally is a very dangerous matter."
"If he dispatched other fleet forces to assist Cobra, our plan will fail."