At night, bonfires blazed, illuminating the surrounding darkness. People gathered around the fire, cheering and dancing, enjoying the rare moment of joy. However, amidst the crowd, one person stood out, completely out of sync with the lively atmosphere—that was Orochimaru. He leaned silently against the ruins, expressionless, as if completely uninterested in the revelry, exuding an aura that kept others at bay.
Luffy, on the other hand, was completely immersed in a world of food. His eyes gleamed as he held up a giant piece of roasted meat, his mouth wide open, taking a huge bite with "awu awu" sounds, eating with great relish.
Chopper walked over and tugged on Luffy's sleeve, asking in a small voice, "Luffy… is Orochimaru okay looking like that?"
Luffy chewed his food, his cheeks puffed out, and replied, "Daijoubu… He'll be fine in a bit. He's probably mending his shattered self-esteem… Hmm… Ace said that, I don't really understand… Anyway… he'll be fine in a bit… Mmm… this meat is so good!"
Chopper was still worried about Orochimaru's condition, but seeing Luffy still struggling with his meat, he said no more. Meanwhile, the other crew members were busy with their own things.
Zoro drank heavily, as if the alcohol were water, praising how delicious it was with every gulp.
Nami's eyes sparkled, attracted by various treasures of gold and silver. Her hands busily collected these riches, a happy smile gracing her face.
Usopp, holding a rubber band, chatted and boasted with the local residents, recounting tales of their adventures, making everyone around them laugh heartily.
Robin sat quietly to the side, a book in her hand, reading intently, seemingly completely engrossed in the world within its pages.
Sanji, meanwhile, carefully carried a plate of delicious roasted meat towards Orochimaru, a hint of a fawning smile on his face, and softly said, "Orochimaru-sama, please enjoy your meal."
However, Orochimaru merely glanced at it indifferently, expressionlessly spearing a piece with a fork, but did not acknowledge Sanji.
Chopper still couldn't rest easy and scampered over, rubbing against Orochimaru's calf.
"Orochimaru… are you okay?" His big, watery eyes were full of worry. Orochimaru huffed and puffed, looking at Chopper. He knew that the second layer of bandages was provided by Chopper. He squatted down and pulled at the furry face.
Chopper made "waa-woo waa-woo" sounds, looking at Orochimaru with teary eyes. Orochimaru still couldn't resist hugging the deer.
Everyone watching out of the corner of their eyes exhaled and continued with what they were doing.
（• ˕ •マ .ᐟ Well done, Chopper.
With Eneru's disappearance, Sky Island finally returned to peace. Gan Fall, as the former God, appeared before everyone with the leader of the Skypiean Shandians. They represented different factions, but now stood together, displaying an unprecedented harmonious atmosphere. Four hundred years of conflict had made them weary of fighting.
In a solemn atmosphere, Gan Fall signed an agreement with the Skypiean Shandians. This agreement symbolized reconciliation and cooperation between the two sides, and brought an end to the long-standing conflict.
They would live together on this Sky Island, coexisting peacefully and respecting each other.
The Skypiean Shandians finally returned to their homeland, fulfilling the last wish of the great warrior Calgara from 400 years ago.
They re-rang the golden bell, wanting to tell Rorono's descendants below Sky Island:
Golden City truly exists!
They had kept their promise, waiting for his return, and hearing Luffy's group talk about Mont Blanc's persistence, they also hoped Rorono's descendants could come to this land.
The next morning, Robin returned to the vicinity of the golden bell. However, the place where the poneglyph used to be was now empty. She hadn't examined the golden bell carefully yesterday, only finding that it contained information about the ancient weapons Poseidon, which Orochimaru then collected. Robin looked at the same words on the golden bell.
"I arrived here… leading these words to the final destination – Pirate King – Gol D. Roger."
Robin was somewhat shocked. "Pirate King? Did he also come to this Sky Island? What exactly do these words mean?"
"No… never mind that for now… why would he use this kind of writing?"
Orochimaru, on the side, rubbed the words, thinking of the memories the system had left him, and chuckled, "Because he has a great genius by his side."
"Orochimaru, do you know something?" Robin rushed over.
"I won't tell you… You've been blocked by me for 3 days, and it'll be 4 more days until you're unblocked," Orochimaru turned away without hesitation… After all, knowing now wouldn't be of much use. A great genius, knowing too early would waste brain capacity.
Orochimaru paused as he passed by the Skypiean Shandian Elder. "That stone has fulfilled its historical mission. I have retrieved it. Your task is complete, and you no longer need to fight. You have worked hard these past few centuries."
"You… you are… so that's it… we no longer need to fight?" The Elder knelt on the ground, weeping… "Has the mission of our ancestors finally been completed?"
(Since the poneglyph was carved by the Kozuki Clan, and distributed throughout the world with guardians, they must have been involved. And with Orochimaru's background, I believe no one is more qualified than him to say this, hands on hips.)
"Oh, right… To thank you, you can take that broken golden pillar," the Elder stood up and pointed to a fallen golden pillar, saying to Robin.
"Is that so… Thank you very much. Everyone will surely be happy to know," Robin looked at the Elder, her voice also a little joyful.
Robin looked at Orochimaru walking ahead, ignoring her, and propped her face, feigning sorrow.
"Oh dear… a golden pillar fell here… if I pick it up, it's mine, isn't it? Such a big one…
It must be worth more than 1.1 billion Berries, maybe even 11 billion Berries.
I could buy so many experimental instruments and precious materials."
Orochimaru's steps faltered slightly, as if many experimental instruments and materials appeared before his eyes, swaying back and forth, marked with high prices.
Robin watched Orochimaru's halted steps, her lips curving into a smile, and sighed, pretending to be troubled.
"Oh dear… what should I do… I can't carry it alone. If only a Vice Captain could help… Oh, but I've been blocked, so it seems this "huge" golden pillar can only be left here. What a pity."
Robin only saw a blur flash before her eyes; the golden pillar instantly vanished. Orochimaru returned to his original spot, his steps somewhat hurried.
"Let's go…"
Robin suppressed a laugh and followed behind Orochimaru, "Alright, Vice Captain."
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