Chapter 502 The end of the answer

As the scene faded, the screen went dark, only to light up again moments later. The live broadcast room came into view, and the mood among the Straw Hat Pirates was somber. The video had shown them their greatest defeat yet. With their fates unknown and Luffy defeated by Kaido, it seemed their journey might end in Wano. Such an outcome was unthinkable, and the pressure and inspiration it brought were immense. It was a stark reminder: their adventure wasn't just about laughter and thrills—it also involved loss and the real risk of death.

The Straw Hats, though solemn, showed no signs of cowardice. Surrender was not in their nature; their only desire was to become stronger.

Luke addressed the audience, "Welcome back, the video has ended. As usual, we'll now announce the rewards for the Q&A."

The system tallied the results:

[Q&A has ended.]

[Out of ten questions, seven were answered correctly, a success rate of 70%.]

[Rewards: Healing Potion*3]

[Host rewards: Talent Steel Balloon, Power of Uo Uo no Mi, Model: Seiryu, Oden Dual Sword Swordsmanship, Ability Soul Grant]

[Unblocking progress: +8%]

Luke's gains were significant: the defensive power of Big Mom through 'Steel Balloon', transformation abilities akin to Kaido's dragon form, Oden's famed swordsmanship, and a soul-grant ability mirroring Big Mom's power to animate objects. While pleased, he focused more on the unblocking progress, now at 83.6%. Freedom was close, less than 20% away.

Turning back to the audience, Luke announced, "The Straw Hat Pirates answered 70% of the questions correctly and received three Healing Potions as a reward. These potions can instantly heal any injury and could be lifesaving in a crisis."

The Straw Hats, particularly Chopper, their doctor, recognized the value of these potions, especially after witnessing their own devastating defeat in the video. They accepted the potions as a crucial lifeline.

As Luke prepared to end the broadcast, Luffy, looking serious, posed a pressing question: "In Wano, did we really lose? Did our voyage really end there?" His voice conveyed the weight of unfinished dreams—returning the hat to Shanks, becoming the Pirate King, and the many adventures still calling to him.

The world waited for Luke's response, sensing the gravity of Luffy's question. Luke smiled and teased, "Who knows, maybe you'll find out in the next Q&A."

With that, the screen went black and vanished as if it had never been there, leaving the audience buzzing with discussion. The broadcast had revealed monumental truths: the potential for a vast war involving legendary figures like Poseidon and the giant elephant Zou, indicating a battle beyond imagination that could engulf the world.

Speculation about Joy Boy's identity and the future reshaped by the upcoming conflict consumed the public discourse. The World Government's dominance was being questioned, and people pondered a future either under the continued oppression of the Tenryuubito or a new world ushered in by Joy Boy.

In Wano, the broadcast had laid bare Kurozumi Orochi's true nature, not just as a tyrant but as a vengeful destroyer. This revelation prompted those in the Flower Capital to question their loyalties, especially the youth who had been fed lies about their history. The disdain for Orochi grew, as did the desire for rebellion.

Yet, the shadow of Kaido loomed large, an insurmountable obstacle to their newfound resolve. The live Q&A had not only provided insights but had also stirred a hornet's nest, setting the stage for upheavals that could alter the course of their world.

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[More Chapter available at p@treon.com/goldengaruda]

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