GONG!
The resonant chime of ancient bronze echoed across the heavens as Oboro's fist struck the legendary Golden Bell with tremendous force. This triumphant sound, a symbol of new beginnings and the vindication of centuries-old legends, rippled through Sky Island's cloud formations, traveling not only across the White Sea but cascading ten thousand meters down to the Blue Sea below.
On the shores of Gaya Island, the Saruyama Alliance continued their daily routine of salvaging sunken ships and treasure from the ocean depths. Cricket emerged from the water in his diving gear just as the bell's melodic chime descended from the sky above. His weathered face registered complete shock, pupils dilating in disbelief.
That bell could only mean one thing: the Hell Pirates had discovered the legendary Golden City.
Shandora was real.
"So quickly..." Cricket murmured in amazement. Only a few hours had passed since the Hell Pirates had been launched into the sky by the knock up stream. The sun hadn't even begun to set.
He wasn't the only one to witness this miraculous phenomenon. Several ships operating in the waters surrounding Gaya Island had also "received" the unusual spectacle from above. Through the swirling clouds, massive humanoid silhouettes moved with ethereal grace, their forms blurred and indistinct but undeniably present, a true miracle manifesting before their eyes.
Soon, dark cumulus clouds began gathering in vast formations, and torrential rain began falling upon the sea, transforming the previously calm conditions into a tempestuous storm. It seemed to foreshadow that something terrible was about to unfold.
High above in the sky, Oboro reached out and steadied the still-vibrating Golden Bell. He then rejoined Dom and the others as they returned to Angel Island, where Rob Lucci, his three companions, and the two former priests had successfully gathered a substantial quantity of Dials.
Oboro systematically converted all these resources into item cards, storing them efficiently within his system's inventory space.
Originally, having acquired everything he'd come for, Oboro had planned to depart Sky Island immediately. His objectives had been clear: recruit Enel, obtain the Historical Poneglyph, and collect Dials for weapons enhancement. With all goals achieved, there seemed no reason to linger. However, they remained on Angel Island for an additional day because Enel wished to accompany them to the Blue Sea. As Sky Island's former god, even if he abandoned his domain, he needed to establish certain protocols that would allow him to reclaim power upon his eventual return.
Enel set new requirements for his former subjects...
He harbored no concerns about losing control over Sky Island, for he possessed absolute power. His final instructions to Ohm were essentially meant for Ganfor, the former god could replace him temporarily and protect Sky Island, but never as a true deity. Ganfor might implement minor changes, but Enel wouldn't consider them significant. Upon his return, everything on Sky Island would revert to exactly how it had been during his reign.
His tone remained characteristically arrogant, but he possessed the strength to back up such confidence.
Ohm understood that Ganfor must be hiding somewhere nearby... A Sky Island god abandoning his territory to travel to the Blue Sea with pirates was unprecedented in their recorded history.
Therefore, Enel's "instructions" were actually directed toward Ganfor. If he ever returned to find Ganfor's governance unsatisfactory, then he would no longer permit the old man any opportunity to "cling to life", divine punishment would be swift and absolute.
An interesting incident occurred during this transitional period.
Oboro had originally intended to provide Enel with several system enhancement cards to strengthen him... However, aside from experience cards and skill cards, Enel refused the most crucial bloodline cards simply because he didn't want his appearance altered. Naturally, Oboro accepted his decision.
Therefore, Enel's baptism of "divine powers" consisted of only two enhancements.
Meanwhile, Satori and Gedatsu, who stood beside him, underwent complete transformation into demons. The two former priests were ecstatic about their newfound strength, while Enel appeared less impressed... though perhaps mildly surprised.
His new ability originated from one of the inheritors who had appeared during Oboro's final battle in Muzan's Infinity Castle during the Demon Slayer world. This power was "sensory distortion", essentially the manipulation of others' five senses.
Since Enel wasn't particularly formidable in physical combat, the experience cards would enhance his close-quarters abilities, while the new powers served primarily in a support capacity. He already possessed one of the most powerful Logia-type Devil Fruits, so his offensive capabilities required no enhancement.
However, in Oboro's assessment, what Enel truly needed most was a bloodline card.
Unexpectedly... truly powerful individuals shouldn't concern themselves with such superficial changes in appearance. If it were Doflamingo, he would undoubtedly desire a more powerful physique.
Enel's weakness remained glaringly obvious.
His mindset...
This person's mentality... was fundamentally flawed.
Oboro intended to teach him a harsh lesson. He believed this would transform Enel's perspective on the world, on true power... He would even proactively request the blessing of enhanced bloodlines.
Only after experiencing genuine weakness and powerlessness firsthand would he truly desire transformation and pursue real strength.
Enel believed in his own power... the might of his Devil Fruit abilities.
But in this world, Haki wasn't the only method for countering Devil Fruit powers... When you stake everything on a single asset, losing that asset leaves you with nothing.
The following day, the newly expanded Hell Pirates departed Sky Island.
After their departure, as expected, Ganfor, still recovering from his injuries, reappeared on Angel Island, riding his faithful companion Pierre.
Ganfor had witnessed Oboro and his crew's search for the Historical Poneglyph and the ceremonial ringing of the Golden Bell. This group of pirates differed significantly from Roger's crew, but their actions would have profound implications for Sky Island's future.
Whether these changes would prove beneficial or detrimental remained unclear.
Ganfor's instincts filled him with deep unease.
Enel, like Lucci, was a Devil Fruit user. Without Oboro's protective aura shielding him, entering the White Sea's cloud formations would drain his powers substantially. Currently, aside from Rob Lucci, who had been concealing his Zoan-type abilities, Enel was the only other openly acknowledged fruit user within the pirate crew.
"The Golden Bell... Pirate King Roger had been here?" Lucci inquired of Dom as they flew toward the Blue Sea.
He hadn't accompanied Oboro to Shandora, so naturally he was curious about the God Slayer's intentions.
He had also heard the bell's resonant chime.
"Indeed," Dom confirmed.
However, just as Lucci prepared to ask additional questions, Dom turned to address Oboro, "Are we heading to Water Seven?"
A pirate ship! That was precisely what they lacked most at this juncture.
Previously, throughout the Four Seas, the Hell Pirates had never owned their own vessel, having little faith in the craftsmanship of ordinary shipyards. Water Seven possessed numerous shipyards with world-class shipbuilders. The most influential among them had been Tom the Fish-man, who constructed the Oro Jackson for Gol D. Roger using precious Adam Wood and was also the master craftsman behind the Sea Train. Although Tom was ultimately executed, he trained many outstanding students in Water Seven, establishing the city's shipbuilding capabilities as renowned throughout the world.
Before entering the New World, acquiring a proper pirate ship was essential.
For the first half of the Grand Line, only two locations offered quality shipbuilding services: Water Seven and the Sabaody Archipelago.
The Sabaody Archipelago was too close to Marine Headquarters and the Holy Land of Mariejois, making Water Seven the only safe option.
"No, to Alabasta," Oboro replied.
"What?" Dom and Lucci both expressed surprise.
Return? Heading backward?
Why...
"That Straw Hat Luffy?" Dom asked tentatively, recalling something significant.
"No... I'm planning to have our new member learn something important," Oboro smiled mysteriously.
Traveling to Alabasta hadn't been part of his original plan, even though Alabasta contained official historical records about Pluton... He'd only changed his mind after recruiting Enel.
"Because of him?" Dom's gaze sharpened.
It was worth noting that Enel wasn't part of their flight formation. After crossing the White Sea, Enel had vanished in a flash of lightning, racing ahead toward the Blue Sea below.
In terms of raw speed, he was undoubtedly the fastest among them.
However, this act of abandoning the team and acting independently seemed, to Dom, a clear sign of disrespect toward their captain.
Nearby, Satori and Gedatsu listened in silence as the pirates discussed their former god. They understood they possessed little voice in such matters.
"Heh... He definitely needs to learn some humility," Dom understood exactly what Oboro was thinking and sneered with anticipation.
"But are there individuals in Alabasta capable of teaching such lessons? Although I'm reluctant to admit it, this isn't the New World. With his current strength... I'm afraid..." Lucci interjected, having also grasped the conversation's direction.
"There are... more than one," Oboro raised the corner of his mouth in a knowing smile.
"For our next operation, none of you will take action. Let us allow the God of Sky Island to demonstrate his skills."
"Understood."
The Hell Pirates crew members comprehended perfectly, and the smiles on their faces took on a distinctly sinister quality.
Former priests Satori and Gedatsu exchanged uncertain glances, feeling increasingly uneasy about what lay ahead.