Since Aileen awakened Observation Haki, another week had passed without anyone really noticing.
During this time, the little girl's changes were obvious to everyone.
In short, she walked as if the wind followed her steps, looking down on the world with an air of utter defiance—like she didn't acknowledge anyone at all.
In her own words, she was a divine maiden, a genius! Naturally, she should look down on everything and reign supreme!
That was, until Nami gave her a ruthless lesson. Only then did the girl finally calm down.
During that period, Leno also subtly brought up the matter of the 'Huangquan' illusion from that day. Aside from a slight awkwardness in her gaze, there were no other abnormalities.
This finally put Leno at ease. At the same time, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly—this girl's adaptability was genuinely impressive.
Meanwhile, Yamato began frequently pestering Leno, openly expressing a desire to set sail.
Only then did he realize that they had already spent quite a long time on Skypiea, and the crew was starting to grow restless.
After giving it some thought, he felt that most matters had already been taken care of, and the remaining details had been properly arranged.
As for the crew, there really wasn't much else to do on Skypiea. One could say there was barely any preparation needed.
Aside from Uta holding a concert, no one else had any special plans.
Taking advantage of this time, Leno also went to notify Amazon Lily. After leaving behind several pieces of pure gold jewelry, the visit inevitably turned into another night of passion.
The academy construction led by Gordon and Acier had been completed a few days earlier. The two old men were in great spirits as they began their diligent, beast-of-burden lives on Skypiea.
As for the thousand newly recruited guards, Leno only showed up on the first day when they assembled.
Naturally, he descended with Haki unleashed, his entire body crackling with sizzling lightning.
After harvesting a wave of fanatical believers, he left in satisfaction.
In the blink of an eye, it was time to depart. Once again, by the cloud cliff, the people of Skypiea gathered to see off their god.
Standing at the bow, Leno earnestly gave instructions to several people close to him.
After all, this departure wouldn't be brief. It would likely be years before they returned.
At last, his gaze swept over everyone. With a wave of his hand, the ship slowly began to move.
After both sides waved goodbye, the 'Gale' suddenly accelerated, quickly disappearing from everyone's sight.
Several weeks later, on a vast blue sea, the 'Gale' was cutting swiftly through the waves.
On deck, Nami was comparing the Log Pose readings, calculating something. After a while, she stretched lazily.
After letting out a sigh, she turned toward the lazy figure under the parasol and asked curiously, "Leno, our next stop is Water 7, right?"
Hearing her voice, Leno lowered the newspaper covering his face and looked at Nami with sleepy eyes.
"Correct. It's a truly magical city."
"Leno, is Water 7 the place you mentioned before, where the 'Gale' was built?"
From the top of the cabin, Nojiko—who was watering the tangerine trees—suddenly chimed in. She remembered Leno mentioning it in the past.
She had always been curious. A city capable of building such a luxurious ship—what kind of place could it be?
Seeing Leno beckon to her, Nojiko casually tossed an orange over.
"That's the place. Their shipbuilding technology is said to be world-class,"
"And it's a city on the water. When we arrive, I guarantee it'll blow your minds!"
Chopper, who was grinding medicine nearby, immediately lit up at the thought, unable to imagine what such a scene would look like.
Just as he was about to ask more, Nami's voice rang out across the deck.
"Everyone, gather around! I'm handing out a week's worth of pocket money for our stay there!"
"Really?! Then I'm first!"
Chopper tossed aside his pestle and dashed toward Nami, his face brimming with excitement.
'Finally getting paid again. With what I already have, I can definitely buy a few more books this time.'
As Nami finished speaking, the once-peaceful atmosphere on the ship instantly turned lively.
"Hahaha, money to spend!"
"I finally waited for this—good thing I didn't give up!"
"Long live Nami! Hurray! Hurray!"
With pocket money in hand, everyone's spirits rose noticeably, laughter and playful noise echoing across the deck.
Watching those who could never hold onto their money, Leno rolled his eyes in exasperation.
All girls, yet none of them knew how to save even a little.
Of course, Yamato and Chopper were exceptions—those two were simply brainless.
If not for Leno covering for them during the last 'Golden Apple Incident,' they would've had to borrow money.
Though Leno himself had more wealth than he could count, unfortunately, it had long been targeted by the little money-grubber Nami.
In the end, thanks to Nami's instigation, everyone unanimously voted:
All use of funds must go through Nami. Leno only had the right to safeguard them.
While he was lost in thought, Yamato's voice came through the loudspeaker from the lookout.
"Alright, Chopper! Go increase our speed!"
Putting down the telescope, Nami casually repeated to Chopper to speed up.
A city that even Leno praised so highly—she was already itching with anticipation.
As the ship slowly drew closer, the expressions of everyone aboard began to change. One by one, mouths fell open in disbelief.
Even Robin, usually calm in any situation, wore a look of astonishment, her voice filled with admiration.
Seeing such a sight for the first time, Vivi couldn't help but cry out—Leno had been absolutely right.
This city was truly astonishing. She turned to look at the others and found them just as stunned.
"What is that?"
"A super-massive fountain!"
Everyone was dumbfounded by the fantastical architectural style before them. The entire city was designed like a gigantic fountain.
Seawater gushed from the top of the city, flowing through constructed channels before splitting into several streams and returning to the sea.
Such wild, imaginative ingenuity left everyone in awe.
Just as they were still immersed in the city's grandeur, a series of deep horn blasts echoed from afar.
"Woo—woo—"
Following the sound, everyone at the railing froze as if struck by lightning, their bodies stiff as they stared into the distance with fear in their eyes.
On the far sea surface, a colossal object belching black smoke slithered forward like a giant dragon.
The "woo—woo" of the horn sounded like a dragon's roar, making everyone's bodies and souls tremble.
After a long moment, the sound of frantic swallowing echoed across the deck.
"What was that just now?"
"Are those… sections of a ship?"
"A smoking ship?"