Robin and Nami rowed their small boat, finally reaching the waters near the former site of Jaya Island
The sea breeze brushed gently, but the sight in the distant sky made them hold their breath.
Countless floating islands, like a mythical paradise, hovered high above the clouds.
They were connected by enormous chains, all moving slowly as if guided by some mysterious force.
"Is... is this really something human power can achieve?" Nami's eyes widened, her voice trembling with disbelief.
The scene before her far surpassed even her wild imagination.
Robin, in contrast, narrowed her eyes, her gaze calm as she attempted to decipher the secrets behind the incredible phenomenon.
Just then, a low, grinding rumble echoed from the distant sky.
The two looked up and saw the figure of Shiki himself, hovering above the clouds.
Clad in a golden cloak, he spread his arms wide as if manipulating the forces of the world.
With every gesture, massive islands began to shift and lock into place, arranging themselves into a specific pattern: a magnificent, layered tower reaching for the heavens.
"What is he constructing...?" Robin murmured, her tone laced with gravity.
This "Divine Kingdom" was a fortress of forty-nine islands, divided into seven distinct layers.
Robin's gaze swept across each tier, silently calculating.
"It's a pagoda," she explained softly, more to herself than to Nami.
"The base, the seventh layer, is made of twenty-one islands. Then it narrows as it rises: fourteen islands, then seven, then two tiers of four, then two, and a single island at the very peak. And each layer is bound by chains as thick as five people embracing. It's immovable."
Nami listened in stunned silence. "What's the purpose of a structure like that? Is it just to show off his power?"
Robin shook her head, a trace of concern flashing in her eyes.
"No, this isn't just a display. The arrangement of each layer, the specific numbers… it feels like a pattern. Perhaps for some kind of ritual, or for a purpose we can't yet understand."
Just as they remained immersed in wonder, Shiki slowly descended, landing on the edge of the lowest floating island.
He held a white Den Den Mushi with a smug smile on his lips.
He pressed the button, connecting the call.
"Ron, the Divine Kingdom is preliminarily complete. You can come inspect it." Shiki's voice carried a clear tone of seeking credit, his grin stretching from ear to ear.
After a moment, Ron's slightly surprised voice came through.
"So soon? Shiki, your efficiency is impressive. I thought it would take more time... Good, I'll set out immediately."
After ending the call, Shiki's gaze swept across the sea below, admiring his handiwork.
However, his eyes were soon drawn to a small boat in the distance.
Two women stood on it, looking up at him with expressions of awe and… expectation.
Robin and Nami rowed their boat, slowly approaching the base of the impossible structure.
They looked up at Shiki, who hovered mid-air, feeling both reverence for his power and apprehension about his reputation.
Nami took a deep breath, mustering her courage to shout.
"Shiki-san! We have a request!"
Shiki lowered his head slightly, his gaze coldly sweeping over them.
"Oh?" he rumbled, his tone carrying obvious impatience.
"Two unfamiliar ladies. Do you know who I am?"
He was actually quite pleased.
He never expected that after so many years, there were still rookies on these seas who remembered his fearsome name.
For that reason alone, he didn't mind exchanging a few words.
"I'll allow you to speak briefly. I'm very busy."
The two exchanged a hopeful glance.
Robin stepped forward, her tone calm yet resolute.
"We've encountered some trouble and need your assistance. Your power is enough to change the situation. We implore you to lend us a hand."
Shiki sneered, crossing his arms and looking down on them condescendingly.
"Help? What reason do I have to help you? We're complete strangers." He glanced up at his kingdom.
"Besides, I don't have time to waste on trivial matters. I'm busy."
"But this matter concerns many people's lives!" Nami grew anxious, unable to stop herself from raising her voice.
"If you don't help, the consequences will be... they'll all die!" She was truly desperate.
If they couldn't secure Shiki's help, Luffy and their captured crewmates would…
'No, I can't think like that.'
But reality was often cruel.
Shiki's gaze remained as cold as ice. "What do I care about others' lives and deaths? I don't have time. Your troubles are nothing but the struggles of ants."
With that, he turned to leave, clearly having no interest in their plea.
Robin watched his retreating figure, her brow furrowed.
She knew Shiki was formidable, but also cold and ruthless.
He would never help them for no benefit.
Nami bit her lip, a flash of unwillingness in her eyes.
"Are we just going to give up like this? We went through so much to find him..."
Robin gently patted her shoulder. "Don't rush. Perhaps there's another way." Her eyes drifted up to the colossal structure.
"Since his goal is that 'Divine Kingdom,' let's start from there. See if we can find an opening."
The two exchanged a glance, their hearts heavy but not completely devoid of hope.
Suddenly, Nami's head snapped up.
She remembered the name Shiki had mentioned on the Den Den Mushi.
Though somewhat indistinct, she had caught it.
"Robin," she said, her voice trembling with a new, frantic idea. "Did you hear? He was talking to someone... I'm almost certain he said the name 'Ron'."
"Ron?" Robin repeated, her own eyes widening slightly.
"I heard it too, but… could it be?"
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