[~1700 Words]
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James sighed softly, then waved his hand with deliberate calm.
"Shirahoshi," he said, "tell them that you wish to leave the sea. Have them move Fish-Man Island and the Noah to the surface. And once it's done, let one Sea King remain nearby—just beneath Fish-Man Island—to guard it."
A faint grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. If they're going to serve as mounts, then only those over five thousand meters will do. No reason to waste the opportunity.
Even if Shirahoshi had yet to fully awaken her ability to command the Sea Kings, having one follow in loyalty would ensure her influence—and James's power—extended throughout the seas.
The young princess nodded obediently and softly repeated James's instructions to the Sea Kings.
At once, the colossal creatures responded. The water trembled as they surged upward, their massive bodies coiling through the depths like serpents of legend. Each one positioned itself beneath Fish-Man Island and the Noah, ready to bear their enormous weight.
Seeing that his command had been fulfilled, James gently took Shirahoshi's hand and led her back to the island.
Moments later, the sea itself erupted in awe-inspiring spectacle—over a dozen Sea Kings broke through the waves, raising the vast Fish-Man Island and the ancient Ark upon their heads as if carrying the world itself.
Such a scene was common only in the tranquil Calm Belt—but here, in the chaotic New World, it was a miracle.
Only the citizens of Fish-Man Island were fortunate enough to witness the divine sight of their homeland ascending from the abyss.
Because James had adjusted the island's course, Fish-Man Island now drifted far from the Red Line, appearing in the waters near Raijin Island.
"Goodbye, big ones~!" Shirahoshi called out cheerfully, waving both hands.
The Sea Kings emitted deep, resonant bellows in response before sinking back into the deep blue, leaving only ripples that shimmered like liquid silver.
James then took full control once again, guiding Fish-Man Island and Noah upward until they reached an altitude of seven thousand meters—settling in the White Sea before stopping to stabilize.
Their exodus from the seabed brought unforeseen consequences across the world.
The Marines and countless pirates, who had long relied on Fish-Man Island as a safe passage to the New World, suddenly lost their only resting point beneath the ocean.
That single change dramatically raised the death rate for anyone attempting to cross the perilous depths.
From now on, only those who had prepared a Log Pose attuned to the New World at the Sabaody Archipelago could hope to navigate safely.
But who would be the first to discover Fish-Man Island's disappearance?
Those unprepared… would surely perish.
A few days later, after ensuring that everything on Fish-Man Island was running smoothly, James spent two more leisurely days at Shyarly's private manor—playing with the mermaids and enjoying their carefree laughter.
Once satisfied, he finally set out toward Raijin Island.
As the wielder of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, it was a destination that intrigued him deeply. Perhaps the island held something that could amplify his power further.
But when he arrived, his excitement quickly faded.
He circled the storm-wracked island several times, scanning every bolt of lightning, every thunderous cloud. Nothing stood out. Not a single trace of special energy or hidden legacy could be found.
In mild frustration, he tried absorbing the lightning directly, letting the energy surge through his veins—but it was ordinary, lacking any mysterious properties.
James clicked his tongue. "Tch. I was half-expecting some sort of divine inheritance—guess I've been reading too many fantasy novels."
Still, the disappointment was fleeting. His ambitions were far greater than a single island.
Following his original plan, he left the New World via the Calm Belt, crossed the Red Line from the western flank, and began his journey back toward Sky Island.
But along the way, something caught his eye.
Far below, on the tranquil surface of the sea, an island shimmered beneath the sun. It was positioned relatively close to the Holy Land of Mary Geoise.
James narrowed his eyes. "This should be… the Lulusia Kingdom."
He remembered the events from two years in the future—how Lulusia would one day be wiped from existence by Imu, obliterated through an ancient weapon powered by Vegapunk's "Mother Flame."
He also recalled that the Revolutionary Army's East Commander, Belo Betty, had passed through here with three other commanders before the World Conference, destroying the Peachbeard Pirates and rescuing a kindhearted milk maiden named Moda.
But that was still years away.
The Revolutionary Army was a ghostly presence—hard to track, rarely seen. Finding Betty or Koala now would take patience and time.
For now… he could capture Moda first.
Well, technically, "rescue."
After all, if he didn't, she might lose everything when her homeland eventually perished—and be drawn into the Revolutionary Army out of despair.
Better to intervene early.
Now, all that remained was to confirm whether this island truly belonged to Lulusia's territory.
A few crackling flashes later, lightning lanced across the sky—and James materialized at the island's busiest port.
The air was filled with the chaotic music of life: merchants shouting, sailors unloading cargo, and vendors hawking goods along the docks. Strangely, the noise carried a sense of warmth rather than irritation.
Ignoring the startled gasps around him—some people dropping crates at the sight of him—James walked casually through the street until his eyes landed on a random bystander.
The man froze as James's indifferent gaze met his. It was as if invisible fingers clutched his heart, squeezing until the air left his lungs.
"Where is this?" James asked coolly.
"O–Ostarana Port!" the man stammered instantly.
"I meant," James corrected, his tone flat, "what country?"
"L–Lulusia Kingdom!"
James nodded faintly. Good. People always tell the truth when they think it's their only chance to survive.
Now that his suspicions were confirmed, Moda would be here somewhere—and she would not escape his notice.
He extended his Observation Haki, sweeping across the entire kingdom in an instant. His awareness spread like a storm of invisible light, probing every field, every farm, every home.
Within seconds, he found her—beside a small stream, alone.
Without hesitation, his form burst into lightning and vanished from sight.
The poor "lucky man" collapsed onto the ground, drenched in sweat, gasping as though he had barely escaped death. The surrounding crowd remained frozen, whispering prayers in awe and fear.
By the stream, Moda sat quietly beneath a large tree, her knees drawn to her chest. She wore a cow-patterned bandana and hugged her shins tightly, her tear-swollen eyes gazing blankly at the water.
Beside her rested a massive milk bottle—large enough to hide her petite frame behind it. It was her most precious possession, her livelihood, and her comfort.
As she sat lost in grief, a soft crackle filled the air. Blue lightning sparked before her eyes, swirling into shape until a man emerged from the current.
Startled, Moda gasped softly and looked up, her lips trembling as she met James's gaze.
"Don't be afraid," he said, raising a hand in a calming gesture. "I'm not a bad person."
But his words only seemed to make her more nervous. She tried to put on a brave front, replying timidly, "I–I'm not afraid!"
James chuckled faintly. "My name is God James. And you?"
"M–Moda," she whispered shyly.
She had lived her entire life in this quiet countryside, far from danger. To see someone materialize from lightning—it was as if a deity had truly descended from the heavens. Hearing him call himself "God" only reinforced that belief.
James smiled gently. Good. That makes things easier.
"I saw you sitting here, alone and sad," he said softly. "I was worried you might… do something foolish, like throwing yourself into the river."
He paused, his tone turning more personal. "Keeping sorrow in your heart for too long isn't good for you. If it festers, it'll only hurt you—and those who care about you."
Her expression faltered at the word parents.
"Your parents would be heartbroken," he added gently. "If you don't mind… why not share your troubles with a stranger like me?"
At those words, Moda's lips trembled.
Parents…
That single word pierced her heart like a blade. Her composure cracked, and she lowered her head.
"Thank you for your concern," she murmured, voice trembling. "But… my parents seem to have abandoned me. I haven't seen them in years. Even if I get sick, no one would care…"
"What?" James frowned, surprised. Abandoned her?
In the future he remembered, Moda had reunited with her parents—and they had seemed genuinely happy. Could there be more to the story? Some unseen reason behind her loneliness?
But then again, what he knew came only from a manga cover page—a mere glimpse into her life.
There was still much he didn't know.
Moda — a kind, sincere, and brave young woman with long blonde hair. She sold milk for a living, her warmth and honesty earning her the love of her village. Her trade had even given her a charming figure… one that often drew teasing compliments she was too shy to acknowledge.
Heh heh…
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