In the blink of an eye, a week passed by.
Sky Island, the Shrine.
Located midway up the giant beanstalk, this was the highest structure on the entire Sky Island. Originally Enel's palace, it had naturally been claimed by Caesar after Enel's demise.
Though the place wasn't particularly large or luxurious, Caesar didn't mind—he was only staying temporarily.
Seated cross-legged by the Island Cloud edge, Caesar watched as the Sky Islanders and Shandia descendants organized teams below to clear the ruins of the City of Gold. Construction materials were continuously transported to the island as old ruins were demolished, making way for a prosperous nation in the future.
"Caesar!!!"
An excited voice rang out as Nami used Moon Walk to leap up the giant beanstalk and land on the shrine.
Inside, Caesar reclined lazily on a soft cloud bed, his toned upper body bare while wearing only beach shorts below. His gaze drifted through the curtains, leisurely admiring the rolling clouds in the distance. A low table beside the cloud bed held fruits and snacks, with several beautiful Sky Island maids standing quietly nearby.
"You—what the hell are you doing, you bastard?"
Seeing Caesar like this, Nami immediately flew into a rage.
"Hmm..."
Leaning against the cloud bed, Caesar picked up a glass of pale green sparkling wine, inhaling the fragrance of green grapes before exhaling in satisfaction.
"As you can see, enjoying life."
"At a time like this?"
Nami's face darkened. "Yamato's down there helping everyone with the work! How can you just laze around here by yourself? Even Robin helped cover for you..."
"Why don't you take a break too?"
Caesar patted the soft cloud bed—custom-made by Sky Island craftsmen at his request. The enormous circular bed, five meters in diameter, could also be adjusted into an oversized sofa. Soft, bouncy, and most importantly, breathable without any stuffiness.
"Eh? It really is soft!"
Nami pressed a hand against the bed, then twitched her lips. "I've been sleeping in a tent these past two days!"
Caesar grinned enthusiastically. "Then come stay here too."
"In your dreams..."
Nami snorted, then brightened. "I came to report on the work. Do you know how much gold is stored in Upper Yard?"
"How much?"
"Ten thousand tons!"
"Ten thousand?!"
Caesar was momentarily stunned.
Ten thousand tons of gold!
On Earth in his previous life, the total extractable gold reserves above ground were only around fifty thousand tons, with the U.S. holding just eight thousand!
But after some thought, it didn't seem so strange. Over 99.999% of gold was buried deep underground where humans couldn't mine it. A small tribe like Shandia couldn't possibly have extracted so much.
The only explanation was the Knock-Up Stream that had launched Upper Yard ten thousand meters into the sky. Only such a force could have blasted gold from the earth's depths upward.
And after all these years, the seabed near Jaya Island likely still held vast quantities of buried gold!
Realizing this, Caesar quickly shared his theory with Nami.
"You're saying there's still gold in the waters near Jaya Island?"
Hearing Caesar's speculation, Nami's eyes immediately sparkled.
"If I'm not mistaken, that should be the case."
Caesar nodded: "To verify it is actually quite simple. This isn't a gold mine, but gold brought up by undersea volcanic eruptions. So we just need to sift through the seabed sediment to see if we can find gold."
"It seems... I really didn't board the wrong ship after all."
Nami nodded slightly, her eyes gleaming with shrewdness, a sly smile playing on her lips.
Hearing this, Caesar raised an eyebrow: "I thought you joined because of me as a person."
"Well, that's part of the reason too~"
Nami spread her hands triumphantly: "You are indeed a responsible captain, not only helping us improve our strength but also distributing Devil Fruits..."
Caesar smirked meaningfully: "Then how will you repay me?"
"Repayment? Haha~"
Nami's smile stiffened slightly as she let out an awkward laugh, frozen in place.
Suddenly, a faint crackle of electricity sparked on Nami's shoulder.
"Dark Water!"
Hum—
An invisible gravitational force spread out. With a startled cry, Nami's ability instantly failed, and she tumbled straight into Caesar's arms.
"Trying to run away?"
Giving her shapely rear a light slap, Caesar snorted.
Blushing, Nami pounded on Caesar's chest with both hands: "Let me go, you... idiot, pervert! What are you—mmph—"
As warmth pressed against her lips, Nami's beautiful eyes widened in shock. As their tongues entwined, her once-clear gaze gradually grew hazy.
"Wait, not here... there are people..."
Nami glanced at the maids nearby from the corner of her eye: "Since when did you develop this kind of taste? You haven't been messing around, have you?"
"Baby5 arranged it. She's been busy these past two days, so I left the household duties to her. Though having attendants is nice, I still prefer you..."
Caesar waved his hand, and the maids retreated with flushed faces.
"You big liar!"
Nami's eyes glistened slightly, her tone carrying a hint of coquettish complaint: "You definitely had ulterior motives when you invited me to join your crew!"
"Well, I won't deny that~"
Caesar said shamelessly: "To be honest, you're the most outstanding girl I've met in all these years. Back then, I thought that if I couldn't attain the power to stand at the pinnacle of this world, I'd sell off my assets and go to Cocoyashi Village to pursue you, living out our lives happily together."
"Just the two of us?!"
Nami gritted her teeth: "How many people are there now?! And what kind of scoundrel are you anyway? Only thinking of me when your dreams seem hopeless?"
"Hopeless dreams... Everyone has ideals, especially a man."
Caesar chose his words carefully: "Besides, as my strength grows, so do my desires and capabilities. Of course, someone as clever as you knows this is just an excuse, but could you play along and pretend to believe it?"
"You're honestly such a scoundrel!"
Nami huffed: "Fine... I'll decide whether to believe you based on your performance."
"Then watch closely!"
Caesar chuckled, lightly nipping her delicate earlobe: "By the way, there's a giant serpent called Sky Lord on the island, and it has quite a bit of gold in its belly. Want it?"
"Yes..."
Nami arched her swan-like neck proudly: "Give me all of it!"
...
Much later, the sun began to set on the horizon.
Caesar reclined on the cloud bed, holding the sleeping Nami in his arms.
The young woman was curled up against him, a blanket draped over her, her fair legs resting across his waist, exuding a delicate charm.
"Seems like you couldn't handle all that gold by yourself," Caesar chuckled, pulling her closer.
"Finally got her..."
Robin's figure emerged quietly from behind the curtains, smiling as she gazed at Caesar.
He beckoned her over, and Robin obediently removed her shoes and socks before settling against his other side.
Collecting them both—Nami and Robin!
Having plucked both flowers of the Straw Hat crew, Caesar, as a transmigrator, felt a sense of accomplishment comparable to conquering the world.
"Busy today?"
"Not too bad. After all, we're not short on money."
Robin leaned against Caesar, her tone gentle.
Though they were establishing a nation, even counting all the Sky Islanders and Shandians, the population barely amounted to that of a single town—far fewer than the Drum Kingdom's populace.
Even if Caesar dumped all the work on her, it was just city planning at most. As long as they had enough funds and resources, she could easily delegate it to Gan Fall without issue.
"The palace grounds have been planned—right on the former City of Gold site. The residential area will be south of the palace."
"Also, Dr. Wolf is researching the Sky Island's Shell Technology. Though calling it 'technology' is a stretch—it's more about utilizing the core functions of the shells. There's no real scientific complexity; the shells themselves are just that remarkable."
"What about the ship modifications?" Caesar asked.
"We'll have to build a new one."
Robin explained, "Dr. Wolf said while the flight system is worth referencing, the old ship was loaded with too much unnecessary gold, drastically increasing its weight."
"Plus, you mentioned earlier that the new ship should use the Adam Treasure Tree for its keel and incorporate a flame-powered system. All things considered, it's less work to just build a new ship."
Caesar nodded. "Fine, let him handle it. Tell me if he needs anything."
"Time is the main issue. Since we're integrating the shells into the new ship, the doctor plans to build a few small, fast vessels first—like the flame-powered and lightning-powered ships you mentioned. So, we won't be sailing again anytime soon."
"No rush."
Caesar smiled. "This place is our base now. Even if we set sail, we won't all go at once. We'll stay put this year."
Originally, Caesar had considered going to Water 7 to have Franky build the ship.
But now that he could just bring Vegapunk back, why bother with Franky?
"Speaking of which, I plan to bring Vegapunk here in a few days."
Caesar said calmly, "It'll take about a month. You'll be in charge here while I'm gone."
Initially, Caesar had intended to take advantage of the chaos during Punk Hazard's gas explosion to sneak Vegapunk away.
But now that he had secured Sky Island as his base, there was no need to wait.
With his abilities, infiltrating Punk Hazard alone would be effortless.
The only real concern was Marine Admiral Kizaru.
As the head of the Navy's science division, he rarely strayed far from headquarters.
As someone capable of flying long distances between islands in the Grand Line using just his wings, Caesar had no doubt that Kizaru possessed similar abilities. With the power of the Glint-Glint Fruit, his mobility would likely be even more exaggerated!
Fly straight for dozens of miles, adjust direction with Moon Walk, then fly hundreds more...
If even Caesar could think of this, how could Kizaru, the actual ability user, not consider it?
Right next to Marineford stood the Red Line. The first island beyond it was Punk Hazard, and the Navy could take a shortcut directly through Mary Geoise...
Flying in a straight line as light from the ten-thousand-meter-high Red Line to Punk Hazard wouldn't take much time at all.
However, for the current Caesar, while Kizaru was troublesome, he wasn't a major concern. The main reason was that Caesar didn't want the World Government to discover he was the one who took Vegapunk—at least not until the Seraphim were developed.
According to the original story, whether it was Kuma's clone Pacifistas, the Seraphim, or even the Mother Flame that supported the Five Elders in using unknown weapons to destroy the Lulusia Kingdom, these most valuable researches were all developed by Vegapunk during his two years on Egghead Island.
Now, due to Caesar's intervention, Kuma never sought out Vegapunk, so the latter shouldn't have considered creating Pacifistas either. Without the research on Pacifistas, Seraphim, or the Mother Flame, Vegapunk's value in the eyes of the World Government would likely be far lower than in the original timeline two years later.
Of course, it was also possible that without the clone research tasks, Vegapunk might have advanced the Mother Flame research earlier... But no matter how early, it wouldn't have started at this point in time.
"Are you going alone?"
Though she trusted Caesar's strength, Robin couldn't help feeling concerned.
"I'll take Kuma with me."
Caesar grinned slyly, now showing the importance of high mobility. He planned to bring both Kuma and Law, and along the way, he'd stop by Water Seven to retrieve the Door-Door Fruit.
With that, aside from teleportation and the Glint abilities, almost all the most mobile Fruits on the sea would fall into his hands. Whether rescuing hostages or infiltrating for sabotage, the Navy and World Government would have no way to stop him—unless they sent Kizaru at all costs to Sky Island, but even then, it'd be like throwing meat to a dog.
"Once my Observation Haki detects them, I'll infiltrate, and Kuma can just slap them away..."
The steps to abduct Vegapunk were simple: cover the area with Conqueror's Haki, knocking out everyone—humans and Den Den Mushi alike. Then charge in, and with one slap from Kuma, it'd be over...
"No wonder you insisted on recruiting Kuma back then."
Imagining the scene, Robin chuckled. "Speaking of which... it seems my ability is the least useful on this ship."
"How so?"
Caesar looked surprised. "How could you think that? Let me tell you, your ability is my favorite on this ship!"
"You're right. Perhaps I obtained this ability just to please you."
Robin's breath carried a faint floral scent that lingered around Caesar.
"Also, regarding your ability... don't hesitate to be bolder..."
Caesar recalled Robin's demonic form during the Wano Country arc and suggested, "Perhaps you could try manifesting organs you don't naturally possess, like wings."
Robin's eyes sparkled with mischief as she teased, "Oh? How bold do you want me to be?"
Caesar's lips twitched. "This is actually a serious suggestion..."
Damn it, who adjusted this woman's personality like this?
Oh right, it was me. Never mind then...
He wasn't entirely sure about the nature of Robin's transformation in Wano Country—whether it was advanced Devil Fruit development or Oda taking creative liberties.
Online theories suggested that Devil Fruits originated from human desires and collective imagination, based on Vegapunk's in-story explanation. The abilities manifested according to widespread beliefs and perceptions.
This would explain why Robin, bearing the epithet "Devil Child" for twenty years, awakened a demonic form—public perception had reshaped her Flower-Flower Fruit's potential. Similarly, the World Government had erased Nika's legacy by renaming his Mythical Zoan as the Gum-Gum Fruit.
Unlike other Mythical Zoan users like Caesar (blood manipulation) or Marco (immortal flames), Luffy only accessed Nika's imagination-based powers after awakening—because people had forgotten Nika entirely.
While this theory neatly patched plot holes, it felt suspiciously like fan rationalization. Yet in this living world, Caesar deemed it worthy of Vegapunk's future research.
Vegapunk's logic implied that if Caesar ever unified the seas as a beloved ruler, Fruits like "Emperor Fruit" or "Caesar Fruit" might emerge. The thought amused him—would there be "Lust Fruit" variants too? Every world had its share of perverts after all.
...
Meanwhile, in the New World...
At the World Economic News headquarters' airship, Morgans descended into manic euphoria upon receiving Caesar's faxed documents.
"City of Gold... HAHAHAHA!"
The office echoed with his hysterical laughter as he brandished photos of the Golden Bell. "So the legendary treasure was in the sky all along! That Knock-Up Stream method—brilliant!"
His bloodshot eyes devoured the reports. "The North Sea will erupt over this! A 400-year-old 'liar's tale' proven true—while his accusers... KEKEKE!"
Morgans found Caesar's Sky Island ascent utterly predictable. Any credible New World player had visited a few—even the mythical "West Heaven's Summit" was common knowledge among seasoned Grand Line navigators.
But the City of Gold was actually on Sky Island—this was truly unbelievable.
Who could have imagined that the power of the Knock-Up Stream was so immense it could push an entire island into the sky!
"Let me see, let me see..."
"Hmm, Sky Fish, Shell Technology—all explosive news the world isn't ready to accept yet."
Morgans chuckled. "If only this guy would switch to our news industry..."
In truth, Caesar wasn't the first to think of revealing the existence of Sky Island to the world.
It's just that people in this world either wouldn't believe it or were unwilling to accept a truth that lay beyond their comprehension.
Even if Caesar had photographic evidence, over time—within just a few decades—people would gradually forget about it.
After all, whether Sky Island existed or not had little to do with most people's interests.
But this time was different!
Because the City of Gold was on Sky Island!
Because Sky Island held ten thousand tons of gold!
Because Caesar had occupied Sky Island, declared himself king, and established a nation!
Because this gold could easily buy a superpower like Alabasta!
This was a fortune so vast that even the World Government couldn't ignore it—one they might even covet with insatiable greed!
And this fortune was currently in Caesar's hands!
"Isn't this guy afraid of trouble?"
Morgans looked at the documents Caesar had sent and couldn't help but mutter, "Once this news breaks, the first one knocking on his door will be his cheap father-in-law, right?"
"So... Chief, are we publishing this?" an excited staff member asked.
"Publish it! Of course we're publishing it!"
Morgans nodded emphatically. "Not only are we publishing it, we're printing extra copies! Go all out! People might not care about Sky Island, but they'll definitely care about gold! This article will cause an uproar!"
As if to prove Morgans right, the latest issue of the newspaper was distributed worldwide, instantly sparking an unprecedented frenzy.
"Hey, hey, is this for real? The City of Gold is in the sky?"
"Haha, what nonsense! How could that be possible? How could an island fly into the sky?"
"It's true. There's a report in the paper."
"The World Economic Journal? Morgans always loves reporting these ridiculous stories..."
"There are photos—taken by Caesar. Look at this Golden Bell."
"Nani—?!"
From the four seas to Paradise, from the New World to even Navy Headquarters, this single newspaper issue stirred unrest everywhere.
On the streets, in taverns, discussions about the City of Gold could be heard everywhere.
Especially in the North Sea, the fervor over this news was so intense that only heavyweight gossip like the love triangle between Whitebeard, Big Mom, and Kaidou could overshadow it.
Unlike past explorers who claimed to have reached Sky Island, Caesar provided comprehensive photographic evidence—from riding the Knock-Up Stream up to ten thousand meters, to the White-White Sea, Sky Island, Upper Yard, and the City of Gold.
The article not only detailed their ascent to Sky Island but also covered the four-century-long conflict between the Sky Islanders and the Shandia, Noland's promise to the Shandia ancestors, why the seas near Jaya suddenly darkened, and Sky Island's Dial Technology and currency system...
Thanks to the thorough photographic evidence, very few doubted the authenticity of the news.
After all, this world lacked internet trolls and professional haters. With the facts laid bare before their eyes, aside from a handful of self-deceiving individuals who still refused to believe—such as the royal descendants of Noland's homeland from four hundred years ago...
Everyone else was more than willing to believe, especially willing to believe—that those ten thousand tons of gold truly existed.
Like a hurricane carrying wildfire, news of the City of Gold spread across the seas at an unimaginable speed!
On the shores of Jaya Island, Cricket puffed on a cigarette while flipping through a newspaper.
Ape and Orangutan stood behind him, grinning widely without making a sound.
Cricket slowly rose to his feet: "We should leave too."
"Huh?"
Ape looked puzzled: "Why's that?"
"Because of this."
Cricket put down the newspaper and smirked: "Well... running for your ancestors' honor has its own romance too."
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