"Captain, you can't blame Mihawk,"
Issho (Fujitora) quickly stepped forward to smooth things over, his tone calm and measured.
"We were only worried you'd keep sending more and more gold up here — if that kept up, the ship really would've sunk."
"Wait a minute! Did you just say... this gold came from Sky Island?"
Moria's eyes widened, his face twisting with disbelief as he blurted out,
"Sky Island... that legendary place actually exists?"
"Of course it does!"
Shiro raised a brow, pride flickering in his tone.
"I already visited Sky Island back when I was sailing with the Roger Pirates!"
Everyone froze for a moment, then exchanged looks of awe and understanding.
They'd all heard the myths — an island floating above the clouds — but to think it was real...
After solving their funding crisis in such an outrageous way, Shiro stood at the bow of the Virtue, his gaze fixed on the misty horizon ahead.
There, rising into the clouds like an inverted mountain, stood the fabled Reverse Mountain — the boundary between the first half of the Grand Line and the New World.
A flash of determination passed through Shiro's eyes.
He turned to his crew and called out in a firm voice:
"Everyone, prepare for entry! Adjust the rudder and set our heading — we're crossing Reverse Mountain and entering the New World!"
Under Jinbe's skilled steering, the Virtue surged forward, climbing the roaring currents and piercing through the clouds.
Moments later, they crossed the peak and descended into the wild, untamed seas of the New World.
Days later, the Virtue was deep within the New World's domain.
For Shiro, who had once sailed these waters under Roger's flag, the sea was both familiar and nostalgic.
He'd faced countless islands and formidable foes here — memories that now returned vividly, filling him with both reverence and confidence.
But for the others — except Moria — this was uncharted territory.
They were stepping into the very seas where legends were born and emperors ruled.
The air itself seemed thicker, charged with an invisible intensity unique to the New World.
Even so, the crew's faces brimmed with excitement and curiosity as they gazed upon this strange, magnificent world.
Only Brook seemed detached — his amnesia leaving him disconnected from the wonder before them.
Still, he occasionally let out his familiar "Yohohohoho!" whenever something caught his eye.
After several days of sailing, the Virtue Pirates reached an island called Lodris.
Thick forests blanketed the land, its jagged coastline curling like a sleeping beast.
From afar, they could make out the faint outlines of towns nestled within the trees.
Shiro frowned slightly — he'd never heard of Lodris before, not even in Roger's time.
A mystery island in the New World? That alone was enough to pique his interest.
Their supplies of food and fresh water were running dangerously low after the long voyage, and the crew was eager to rest and resupply.
Shiro glanced at the nearly empty stores in the ship's hold, then at the island ahead, and made a quick decision:
"Alright, everyone — we're landing. Stock up on food and water, and take the chance to rest. Let's see what kind of island this really is."
The crew cheered, lowering small boats and rowing toward the shore.
The scene that greeted them left everyone stunned.
Despite being unaffiliated with the World Government — no "Heavenly Tribute," no Marines — the island was bustling with life.
Shops lined the streets, markets overflowed with goods, and people moved about laughing and carefree.
There was no fear of pirates, no sign of oppression — only prosperity.
It didn't make sense.
Shiro's brows furrowed.
"An island in the New World... thriving without Government protection? How is that possible? Is someone powerful backing this place?"
Still, resupplying came first.
He turned to the crew with a commanding tone:
"Stay sharp. Get what we need and regroup at the Virtue by sundown. Don't linger."
The crew acknowledged in unison before splitting up.
Zeff and Hachi headed straight for the market to buy provisions.
Mihawk wandered toward a weapons shop, drawn as always by the pull of fine blades.
Moria and Jinbe took a slow walk through town, chatting with locals and keeping an eye out for anything suspicious.
And, true to form, Issho was already asking around for the nearest casino.
Since the ship's coffers were overflowing with Sky Island gold, everyone had loosened up with their spending — none more than Issho, who no longer had to worry about running out of gambling money.
Knowing his first mate's weakness all too well, Shiro decided to check on him.
Even with a full treasury, letting Issho lose it all at the tables would be a bad look for a captain.
He found the casino easily — the building buzzed with noise and flashing lights.
Inside, Issho was already at the counter, calmly exchanging a mountain of cash for chips.
Without hesitation, he strode over to a dice table and placed a bet — fifty thousand Berries in a single move.
The crowd murmured in shock.
Even the beautiful dealer, a striking woman with flowing hair and practiced grace, froze mid-smile.
Few gamblers ever threw down that kind of money here.
Her eyes darted toward the blind swordsman, trying to read his face.
Who the hell is this guy... and why is he betting like that?
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