Sanya: Do you guys like my new outfit?
Yang: Wow...I never imagined you in a cowboy getup.
Raven: Yeah it…surprisingly looks good on you…But Peace earlier outfit is way better.
Peace: Please don't bring that up again.
Freddy: Has Izumi seen you yet? He does have a secret crush on you.
Sanya: No…I want to show you guys first before Izumi.
Gwen: I bet Yang's sword that he might faint upon seeing you.
Yang: Why are you betting my sword?
Shiho: Well I bet on Freddy's head that he's going to get a nose bleed.
Freddy: Kindly keep my bear-head out of this.
Varvula: You two are so stupid…Izumi's clearly going to shot at her.
Shiho/Gwen: …What?!
Peace: Why would he do something like that?!
Varvula: Duh, she's a cowboy…er girl. They always get into gun fights~!
Freddy: You're right, but I doubt Izumi would suddenly ask Sanya to a duel.
Varvula: Oh really? Then I bet on…Peace outfit she wore in Chapter 22~!
Peace: NOOO~! I don't want to wear that again~!
Shiho: Alright, Sanya, go out there and show Izumi your sexy costume~!
Sanya: Um…okay?
Gwen: You better not lose.
Freddy: Lose what exactly?
Yang: How will Izumi react to Sanya's cowgirl outfit? Find out at the end of this chapter~!
Theme Song: Fatally by Kotoko
After an eventful bonfire party, the explorers were either fast asleep or passed out on the ground along with the wolves. Even Pierre joined the party and was sleeping soundly.
"Please Zoro~!" The sniper pleaded.
"For the last time no," Zoro scolded annoyedly. "Go take a leak yourself."
"...That's so cold Zoro~!" Usopp spat out while trudging away on his own. He climbed over a large root, stumbling a bit as he did. He was able to reach the shoreline near the sacrificial altar. He was preparing to zip his pants down…
KONK!
Usopp flinched when he heard a loud thud sound. "...What was that noise?"
KONK! KONK!
After hearing the sound again, the sniper was able to recognize the pounding sound.
KONK! KONK!
Usopp cranked his head at the Going Merry. 'There shouldn't be anyone there at this hour...unless George sends someone there.'
"Gee, the fog is so thick. I can't see anything," Usopp mumbled as he took a step closer, squinting his eyes to get a better look.
KONK!
Throughout the fog, he spots a silhouette pounding the hull on the Going Merry with a hammer.
KONK!
Upon closer inspection, the sniper realized that the figure was translucent.
KONK!
The figure turned towards him, and a ghostly smile spread across its featureless face.
"..." Usopp's mind went completely blank. "...
…GAHHHHHH!"
Chapter 32: Enter Eneru: The Start of the Survival Game.
Tsubasa decided to do some early training, still thinking about her fight with Moses. She wasn't expecting to see Usopp twitching on the ground, passed out.
"Usopp?!" She quickly ran towards him, checking his pulse. Once she found it, she was a bit relieved. "Thank goodness, he's still alive."
"What's wrong with him?" The blue-haired woman turned around to find Zoro walking towards her.
"I'm not sure," Tsubasa replied. "I found him unconscious on the shoreline. There are no wounds on his body, I think he might've passed out due to shock."
"That idiot can't even use the bathroom without freaking out," Zoro grumbled under his breath.
"Anyway, there's something I want to ask you," Tsubasa declared, glancing at him.
"...?" Zoro raised his eyebrows.
"I heard from Nami that you were once a Bounty Hunter. You would go after pirates with high bounties, right?" Tsubasa asked.
"I didn't really want to become a Bounty Hunter," Zoro answered annoyed. "It's just a label they gave me since I dealt with annoying pirates that wish to challenge me."
"If that's the case then how did you wind up becoming Luffy's first mate?" Tsubasa asked.
"I was captured and held in captivity by a bastard Marine commander Ax Morgan," He replied.
Tsubasa didn't flinch, knowing full well how the government had their twisted ways of justice. "You mentioned that when we were introducing ourselves. The Marines aren't always defending innocence's civilians from pirates and criminals right?"
"Yeah," The moss head swordsman answered. "Ax Morgan was one example. He had a huge ego of himself that he would execute anyone who defies his orders...Even an innocent young girl."
While listening to that last part, a horrific memory of a vampire woman gutting a young girl flashed through Tsubasa's mind.
"Long story short, it was either I joined Luffy's crew or die where I stand," Zoro responded. He left off a few details of how he joined. "And dying wasn't an option for me."
"What do you mean…?" She asked.
"I made a promise to someone that I will become the world's greatest swordsman," Zoro declared.
"World greatest swordsman?" Tsubasa said intrigued.
"Yeah, I experienced the world's greatest first hand after Usopp joined and we got the Going Merry," Zoro replied. "His name is Dracula Mihawk: one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and claims the title as the best swordsman."
"Wait, you fought against him in that early stage?" Tsubasa asked surprised.
"Yeah, and I lost," Zoro declared. "I couldn't even scratch him. I was completely outclassed. Once I lost to him, I made a vow that I will never lose to anyone. That includes you and Titania."
"Is that so," Tsubasa said, a bit stunned but hid it.
"I'm not scared of your armor, powers or magic," Zoro bluntly said. "I fought against a person who's entire body was a blade and came out on top. It doesn't matter if you were the greatest from your worlds, I will not lose to you."
"...Very well then," Zoro and Tsubasa turned to find Erza walking towards them. She folded her arms with her eyes closed. "I admire your ambition, however…"
Erza had a smile on her face at Zoro and Tsubasa. "I won't let you beat me easily, Roronoa!"
Zoro smirked at her. "I wouldn't count on you holding back Titania!"
"You two are interesting," Tsubasa admitted, glancing at the two. She then gave a small smile. "Very well, as a phoenix, I'll soar over both of you to claim the title!"
An aura of green, blue and red surrounded the three sword wielder, declaring a friendly yet deadly rivalry. The sniper felt the intensity of three despite being unconscious.
"We…Mhmm! Mhmm! Mhmm!"
"If you're going to say something, spit it out," Ohm retorted at Gedatsu who folded his lips again. "No one can hear you while you're chewing on your lips!"
"...!" Gedatsu who was chewing on his lips intensively opened his mouth in shock. "H-How careless of me~!"
"He's just saying that you let Wyper get away," Shura argued. "Not only that, you were beaten by Luminous Scumbag's leader Simon. Because of your mistakes, Eneru's seriously going to punish us all."
"Calm down," Ohm scolded. "The efforts of the Shandians' struggles are wasted. They will all soon be destroyed."
"Don't mock me," Shura growled. He raised his burning lance at Ohm. "If you doubt my strength then I'll show you that I'm capable of beating you!"
"You think your hot stuff do you Shura," Ohm questioned while he drew out his sword. "I'll demonstrate how my mantra is stronger than yours."
"Amusing!" Gedatsu mocked as he got in his fighting stance.
The Priests were so caught in their argument, which turned into a full out brawl, that they didn't hear the door to God's shrine opening. A large looking man with black hair walked, noticing the three.
"You three have the nerve to quarrel when summoned," The man known as Yama declared.
"Shut up!" Shura snapped after the three priests backed up. "Those two have been holding me back for far too long now! I can handle those clowns by myself~!"
"That's some big talk Shura," Ohm retorted. "Maybe it's time I demonstrate the true meaning of power to you! Can you handle my Iron Ordeal?"
"Your Iron Ordeal is nothing compared to my Swamp Challenge," Gedatsu declared, attempting to fold his arms.
"Priests Gedatsu, if you're trying to cross your arms then you have to fold them and rest them on your chest," A servant replied demonstrating to him.
Gedatsu exclaimed with a shocking expression. "...S-Sorry."
"Honestly would you four just lay down and die?" Yama, Shura, Ohm, and Gedatsu turned to find Shizuka dragging an injured Kouta. "I hate dealing with dumb males and their overbearing confidents."
"Watch it girly!" Shura growled. "You may have taken us down before, but I'm not going to let that happen again!"
"Go ahead and try," Shizuka mocked, smirking at him. "You're just a pebble I can step on anytime I want~!"
"Enough yammering~!" Yama angrily snapped. "Have you no shame?! You are standing before the presence of God!"
"All I see is an empty chair, like last time," Shura pointed out motion to the empty throne.
Ohm nodded. "If he really wants to speak with us, then he'd be he-"
"SURPRISE~!"
In an instant of a shout, a streak of lightning appeared in between the three priests, revealing a shirtless muscular man. The lighting caused the priests to scatter away from the man. Shizuka pushed Kouta in front of her, causing him to take the blunt hit of the lighting strike aimed at him. The man then did a series of flips towards his throne landing looking nonchalantly relaxing.
"You ask for me, and here I am," The mighty God known as Eneru declared, revealing his presence. "You're out of practice. If that pathetic display indicates you're all on your way to dismal failures like Satori."
"Good, I was tired of hearing his annoying laughs," Shizuka declared, glancing at Eneru.
"What did you say?!" Gedatsu yelled.
"Did you call us here to tell us trash like that?" Ohm demanded.
"Yahahahaha~!" Eneru let out a whole hearty laugh. "I just got bored. Now come sit, there's a lot to discuss."
The three priests sat cross-legged in front of Eneru while Shizuka shoved Kouta to the ground and sat on him. Eneru was snacking on an apple from a bowl. "Anyway, it seems that the Blue Sea Dwellers aren't pussies after all. They were able to fight toe to toe with Luminous Tail scumbags, and took down Satori. Here's a question, did you know that the Blue Sea people are after gold?"
"Gold?" Gedatsu asked.
"How did they know about the gold here?" Ohm questioned.
"Simple, the island was once part of the Blue Sea below," Eneru informed. "Obviously, they'll be on the move tomorrow. As will the Shandian who are forming an alliance with Luminous Tail. Thus for tomorrow, the Upper Yard will be open for all of you. You can set up your Ordeal anywhere you desire, and fight to your heart content!"
"Why are you being so generous all of a sudden?" Gedatsu requested.
"Because my comrades, I'm pleased to announce that the Maxim is almost complete," Eneru announced to them. "It's time to leave this wretched island behind and go forward..." He raised his half-eaten apple. "...To the journey of our dreams~!"
Gan Fall was surveying the sleeping Straw Hats while lying in his bed. "To think that these guys were able to defeat one of the Priests...With Satori defeated, the Shandians won't pass up this opportunity to attack. That and Luminous Tail might cause some mischief. What is your goal, Eneru?"
After announcing his comrades about the alliances between them and Luminous Tail. Wyper sat alone outside the Shandian camp, planning their attack on the Upper Yard.
"We'll be able to take back our land," Wyper thought to himself looking determined.
In Luminous Tail's den, there was a certain area where Simon goes every night. In this room was a gravestone that was titled. "Margarita."
"I won't let you down Miss Marg," Simon said as he was kneeling down in front of the grave. "Tomorrow will be the day that we'll leave this place."
Outside of the den, Moses was standing on the branch. He had a frown on his face, glaring in the distance.
"Blue sea, Shandians, Eneru, Crimson Blood," Moses listed with a scowl. A red fainted symbol forms around his eyes similar to the one Shirabe had during her fight with Dimanu. In the middle of it is a purple infinity symbol with an X in the center. "I will not be used as a tool for murder anymore."
Morning rises for the day of the Gold Hunting. As soon as everyone had woken up and was prepared for the gold hunt, Nami began explaining the situation with the map of Skypiea to the others. After she finished, the crew divided themselves up into four teams.
The Home Team involves Cure Honey, Lucy, Index, Cure Summer, Sanji, Laura, Usopp, Nami, George, Kinoko, Last Order, Awatsuki, Kuroko, Natsu, Happy, and Shervan. They were going to stay on the Going Merry and make it out of the island and around to the rendezvous point near the ruins.
Meanwhile, the three exploration teams will follow the path to the south up to the ruins to find the gold.
Exploration#1: Flamingo, Papaya, Kirika, Shirabe, Luffy, Zoro, Robin, Chopper, Princess, Tsuchimikado, and Coral.
Exploration#2: Hibiki, Accelerator, Lovely, Cynthia, Wendy, Charla, Misaka, Ray, Fortune (Who volunteers to keep an eye on Jackal), Jackal, and Erza.
Exploration#3: Chris, Gray, Wannai, Juvia, Tsubasa, Touma. Marie, Gajeel, Levy, and Lilly.
Once they got into their teams, the three exploration teams set out on their journey while the Home Team gathered on the Going Merry. Once they got on the Going Merry they were surprised to find an unexpected phenomenon.
"T-The masts...It's fixed?" Lucy announced in shock. The broken mast Chopper ripped out yesterday was back on the ship, repaired.
"Wow Usopp! How did you get the mast back on the ship?" Summer asked in awed.
"T-That wasn't me," Usopp chittered. "Last night there was a ghost up at the altar fixing the ship!"
"...You're kidding right?" Kuroko's eyes twitched with a mix of disbelief and annoyance.
"I'm not going insane! I saw it when I was going to the bathroom!" Usopp exclaimed.
"Did you go number 1? Or 2?" Kinoko eagerly asked.
"Why would you ask that kind of question!?" Lucy exclaimed at her.
"Still, did someone retrieve the mast while we were asleep?" Laura asked, confused.
"Maybe George resurfaces it with his portal magic," Awatsuki suggested.
"Speaking of George, where did he go?" Index asked, realizing that the man left.
"Oh! I forgot to mention it yesterday," Kinoko sheepishly announced. "George left a few hours early while you were all asleep."
"What?!" Nami exclaimed in shock. "But why?! The reason why I placed George in the home team was so that he could spot and bring back the ones who are injured!"
"Well...we don't really know," Kinoko answered, nervously scratching the back of her head. "George prefers to investigate major threats alone."
"Do tell," Kuroko mumbled, annoyed.
"Shut up pigtail~!" Kinoko snapped angrily. "He wouldn't have gone alone without a plan! Unlike your flat-chested freak~!"
"He's not the only person in our group gone…" Index acknowledged. "Happy and Natsu are gone too."
Noticing that her pink hair and his blue companion weren't present, Lucy facepalmed, sighing heavily. "Those two knuckleheads might've ignored the plan and went ahead on their own."
"S-Seriously!?" Usopp chittered in fear. "It's filled with dangerous people and he wants to go on a solo mission!?"
Happy was flying Natsu at max speed through the tall forest. "Are you sure we should be flying ahead, Natsu?"
"It's fine, Happy, we're going to kick Eneru's ass before he tries anything!" Natsu reassured his partner while smirking.
"How?! You can't even pick up Eneru's scent…" Happy replied. "...If God has a scent."
"Easy, we'll just find one of the priests, beat 'em down, and force him to reveal his whereabouts~!" Natsu explained.
"Aye~!" Happy nodded. As he faced forward, Happy witnessed a figure standing on a branch in the distance. One glance at the culprit caused him to subconsciously drop Natsu.
"AYYYE~!" The Dragon Slayer arms flailed comically while falling. He landed head first on the tree branch, but slowly recovered. "What the hell was that fo-."
"SH!" Happy shushed him, sweating nervously.
"What the matter, Happy?" Natsu asked, looking concerned. Happy slowly pointed to the direction of the figure, revealing to be Maki Harukawa leaping from branch to branch and stopping in front of the two trees away.
"T-That girl…" Happy stuttered with a horrifying look in his eyes. "S-Somethings...off about her…"
Natsu noticed his friend looking terrified by her. He glanced at Maki. "...So she must be working for that Eneru bastard huh?"
"..." Happy blinked in response, his body shaking comically. 'Why doesn't he notice it?'
Happy thoughts were interrupted when he noticed Natsu's feet burst into flames. Before Happy could warn him, the pink-haired boy launched himself at the unexpected victim.
"Fire Dragon Iron Fist!" Natsu roared while swinging his fired covered fist forwards released a powerful stream of flames towards her. The girl's only reaction was turning her head before the flames consumed her and part of the forest. Once the flames died down, the two noticed that Maki had vanished. Which left both of them with mixed feelings.
"Hey, where the hell did she go?!" Natsu asked, scanning around the branch.
Happy, who hadn't moved from his spot, was breathing heavily. 'What is this weird feeling? I don't sense any magic on her but...Whoever she is, she's dangerous.'
"Damn," Natsu sighed, looking annoyed. "I was hoping the priests would put up a better fight th-GUAH!"
The Fire Dragon Slayer gasped when Maki appeared above him and whipped her heel to the back of his head. The force of the kick resulted in the large branch they were on to rip apart like it was paper.
"N-Natsu~!" Happy cried out. Shaking his fear, the blue companion sprouted his wings and dived down towards his falling companion who was still shocked from the hidden kick. Happy managed to snatched him from the air and quickly used Max Speed to escape from the large branch crashing down to the forest floor.
"Are you okay Natsu?" The blue feline eagerly asked with a worried look.
"...Y-Yeah, I'm fine..." He stuttered, still looking surprised.
"We need to get away from her Natsu!" Happy cried nervously. "I don't know who she is, but she's definitely dangero-!"
In a blink of an eye, Maki came down from above the two delivering a dropkick onto Happy's back, spiking them through Milky Road Canal and into the forest floor.
Once the dust cleared up, Natsu and Happy lay sprawled on their backs in the middle of a crater with swirls replacing their eyes. Maki landed a few meters away dusting her hands. Her clothes were completely clean and didn't have any scorch marks. She was about to turn and leave the area but stopped when she noticed movement from the crater.
"Hey," Natsu climbed out of the crater, with glowing red eyes and an evil-looking glare on his face. "...Where the hell do you think you're going?"
"..." Maki ignored him and continued walking away from him.
"I said…" As he stomped towards her flames erupted around Natsu's body and charged towards her. "WHERE THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOUR GOING!?"
Maki turned around and swung her fist aiming at Natsu's temple. It looked like it would be a stalemate, however the flames around him suddenly vanished. Before Natsu could react, a fist met his face, causing his body to arch back, however the figure grabbed his scarf and reel him back to deliver a knee to the stomach. This caused the fire dragon slayer to cough up some saliva feeling winded.
Happy was dragging himself out of the crater and noticed Natsu collapsing onto his knees. "N-Natsu are you ok-."
"You two value living right?" Maki said, staring at the two with a cold intimidating glare. "If you do, then stay away from me. If you still want to continue this useless attempt..."
Maki's eyes glowed red, causing Natsu and Happy to shiver in fear. "...Then I will not hesitate to end your life here and now."
"We need to be on our toes here," Erza reminded the group as they continued on their way across the forest. "We're walking on enemy territory."
"We were also dancing, sleeping and shitting on enemy soil," Ray bluntly said.
"Don't you have any decency!?" Charla yelled out at Ray.
"Nope, I got rid of it to become a pirate," Ray replied.
Fortune was dragging Jackal by the collar, looking annoyed. "Can't you use your feet to make this whole situation easier?"
"Fuck you bastards," Jackal responded angrily. "You all fucken snore so loudly last night I couldn't sleep, and the dumb blond with the whip keep kicking me in her sleep, mumbling "Lucy Kick!"
Upon hearing that, Ray did a spit-take trying to hold down his laughter. "Lucy Kick? Seriously?! That's so lame."
"You have no room to talk," Cynthia mumbled with a deadpan tone.
"What do you mean, Metal Rash is a perfect name," He defended.
"I don't get why you guys yell out your attacks like that," Hibiki said, a bit confused.
"An attack name makes the attack more dramatic and threatens your opponent's soul," Ray answered dramatically.
"Tsk, sounds like something from those crappy television shows," Accelerator grumbled.
Suddenly out of nowhere, a mist slowly creeps around the forest area they were in. This caused everyone to be on their guard, while others were startled.
"This mist…" Erza mumbled, eyes widened in shock. "EVERYONE STICK TOGETHER!"
"What?!" Hibiki questioned, a bit startled.
"You're too late…" An unrecognized voice called out to the group. "You are already in my domain...Mist Scatter!"
The mist became so thick that the group couldn't even see what was in front of them. Cynthia attempted to reach out to Wendy, but it was too late as she couldn't feel her. "Wendy! Charla! Erza! Where is everyone!"
"I can't see anything!" Hibiki cried out.
"Everyone, try to find someone close to you, don't be alone!" Erza ordered. However, her voice was cut out by the mist engulfing everyone's vision.
"Hey, Zoro, you're going the wrong way again!" Luffy shouted at the swordsman as he was wandering off on a large winded root. "We're supposed to be going West, you know West!"
"Aren't we supposed to go South?" Coral corrected with a sweatdrop.
"Use your head idiot," Zoro argued back. "We're heading for the skull's right eye. So we've gotta go right your rubber-moron!"
"It's official, they've lost their minds," Flamingo established.
"Will someone tell those two idiots that we're supposed to be going South?" Princess mumbled a bit annoyed.
"And I thought Zoro was terrible at directions," Cure Papaya said, glancing at Luffy. After finally going on the right track, Luffy was casually dragging a stick he found on the ground.
"Luffy that's a pretty nifty stick you got there!" Chopper remarked.
Luffy laughed. "Isn't it? But it's mine though. You've gotta get your own."
"Aww," Chopper pouted. He then ran off searching for a stick. "Stick, stick I need a stick."
"What's up with sticks?" Zoro wondered.
"No idea," Flamingo answered.
"Nyan, you're in a good mood today," Tsuchimikado said to Chopper. "You're feeling courageous?"
"You betcha," Chopper nodded playfully, dragging his own small stick.
"The forest has really been a big disappointment," Zoro grumbled. "To think when they're supposed to be three forces battling each other but there's nothing but birds and trees. It makes me wanna scream of boredom."
"Just listen to you," Robin said. "Are you that eager for something dangerous to happen?"
KRESSSH!
Papaya froze and quickly turned her head, spotting a large blue root with dark stripes going across the path they walked past. "What is that?"
"Ahh it's moving!" Chopper gasped, noticing the odd root as well.
"W-What's moving?" Kirika asked curiously.
"There's a strange-looking root moving behind us," Chopper answered.
"I don't think that's a root Chopper," Shirabe said as she noticed the root.
Kreeessshhh…
They all eyed the large stripy root that was slowly blocking their path behind them. The root was longer than they expected and ran alongside them and turned in towards the southward path they were heading down.
In front of them, blocking their way with its large mouth opened and four of its white, long fangs sticking out was the end of the large root. Which you can tell it wasn't a root at all.
It was a massive snake.
Back at the Going Merry drifting along the White River, Usopp stood at the front deck scanning ahead. " Wind: Good, Helm: Good!"
He sighed in relief. "This is so nice. It's just like a pleasure cruise~!"
"Okay it's nice and all but, I wish we can go a little bit faster?" Cure Summer asked, looking a bit bored.
"You're right we're making bad time," Usopp agreed. He turned to Nami. "NAVIGATOR PICK UP THE PACE!"
"I'm afraid we can't captain Usopp," Nami reported.
"Say that again?" Usopp requested.
"I'm afraid we can't,"
"No the captain part," Usopp clarified.
"The Milky Road gets pretty steep in places," Nami explained. "So we have to rely o-"
"DIAL POWER!" Summer announced heroically.
The Going Merry was moving the way it was because of the Little Crow was pushing the ship. They strapped it to the back of it with it;s pedal tied down.
"I'm surprised a small ship like that could push the big ship , Misaka Misaka exclaimed in awe of its strength," Last Order said.
"Sanji~! Kinoko!" Usopp announced. "You two are my official bodyguards! The captain...Is afraid of this spooky forest."
"Aye Aye not hunky Captain Usopp!" Kinoko saluted cheerfully.
"N-Not hunky?!" Usopp exclaimed in shock.
"For crying out loud," Sanji complained while lugging a barrel out of the storage. "Knock it off with the captain-business. The only people I'm planning on protecting are Nami and the other ladies."
"Thank you Sanji~!" Kinoko sweetly said.
"You're welcome, my dear!" Sanji swooned.
"I'm surrounded by idiots," Kuroko facepalmed.
Meanwhile at the bore end of the ship, Cure Honey, Lucy, Laura and Index were observing Shervan and Awatsuki's training. Awatsuki had explained to Shervan yesterday about the principles of esper powers.
"...According to what you explained to me last night," Shervan clarified. "Espers produce an invisible energy called AIM field."
"Like how humans radiate body heat," Cure Honey added.
"R-Right, although I don't know what kind of effects it would have on your body," Shervan nervously confessed. "When consumed in rapid succession or together, Devil Fruit and magic have an adverse effect on my health. Like if I use spells while in my Logia form."
"That explains why you couldn't catch yourself when we first met," Lucy realized, recalling when Shervan fell off the Crows Nest.
"Now, let's practice using your devil fruit powers, so you're familiar with them," Shervan explained gravely. "Try forming the moonlight on your right hand first off."
Awatsuki brought her right arm up, and closed her eyes trying to concentrate. To everyone else's eyes, nothing happened until Shervan reached out and phased through her hand.
"It's really hard to know if she's using her devil fruit or not," Laura commented.
"Why don't you try making up a name," Index suggested. "The mages, Precure and Straw Hats always do that right?"
Awatsuki thought for a bit, before figuring out a name. "I've got one, Moonlight: Hands!"
"Um...you might want to think of something else," Lucy suggested.
"Oh you're the last one to think of clever names," Index glanced at her with a scowl. "Apparently you have such an ego to call your move Lucy Kick."
Lucy cringed, feeling mixed emotions after being dissed by the nun. "I find it very creative, thank you very much!"
"Yeah, I highly doubt it," Laura agreed with Index. "Why don't you try to name it: Laura Kick~!"
"YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE ANY FEET!" Lucy comically snapped.
"How do you feel right now?" Shervan asked Awatsuki.
"I feel...fine. Only my hands tingle," She answered.
"O-Okay, try extending the moonlight slowly to your elbows," Awatsuki nodded and closed her eyes again. She felt both of her arms tingling a bit. She wasn't floating like last time. "Do you feel any different?"
"The tingly feeling is spread throughout my elbows," Awatsuki answered.
"So can she phase through anything?" Lucy asked, observing Shervan moving his hand down to her arm.
"I don't know for s-sure," Shervan replied nervously. "We should do some tests to make sure."
"How do we do that?" Awatsuki asked.
"I think I can help," Lucy said as he took a golden key out of her pocket. "Open Gate of the Archer!: Sagittarius!"
The key glowed and out came the silhouette of a man wielding a bow and arrow, riding on a horse. This caused Honey, Awatsuki, Laura and Index to exclaim in starry eyes.
Unfortunately, their image was shattered when Sagittarius was actually a man in a horse costume. "Howdy due miss Lucy!"
"...What am I looking at exactly?" Laura asked dumbfounded.
"...Is that what a Sagittarius is supposed to look like?" Shervan asked oddly.
"I don't think so," Awatsuki nervously laughed.
"That's a bit disappointing," Index sighed. "I was hoping for something like Gemini. But it's just as lame as your attack name."
Lucy had tick marks on her head, having the urge to retort. But shook it off and turned to her spirit. "Sagittarius, could you help me with something?"
"Anything, Miss Lucy," He responded, saluting away from Lucy.
"Who is he saluting too?" Honey and Laura asked with a sweatdrop.
"Okay, Awatsuki, is your arm still in your devil fruit state?" Lucy asked her.
"Yes," She answered, looking uneasy.
"Okay," Lucy turned to Sagittarius. "Saggitarius, fire an arrow at her arm."
"W-What!?" Awatsuki exclaimed.
"Right, Miss Lucy!" Sagittarius answered as he readied his bow, aiming at her arm. Awatsuki hesitatingly stretched her left arm out while she turned her head away, frightened. Once the horseman fired, the arrow zoomed at her with incredible speed.
Awatsuki closed her eyes as it was getting closer. The arrow phased through her arm like she was a ghost and continued to fly in the distances.
"So objects can phase through her as well," Shervan thought and realized Awatsuki's frightened position. "O-Oh~! I'm so sorry Awatsuki are you okay?!"
"I'm okay," Awatsuki answered as she collapsed on her knees. She forgot that arms were still in the moonlight state, so when she placed her palm on the deck her arms phase through the deck, causing her to fall forward a bit, panicking.
"She phases through the deck?" Honey asked.
"H-Her arms did," Shervan said as she helped her up on her feet. "Her ability makes it so she can phase through objects as long as certain body parts are moonlight."
"So items and people can only phase through her body," Laura theorized. "If that's the case, then what's the deal with what Summer mentions back at Luminous Tail?"
"You mean when I was floating?" Awatsuki asked, while recalling how she woke up floating yesterday. "I think I was subconsciously turning my entire body into moonlight…"
"Is it possible to try it again?" Lucy asked curiously.
"I could try…" Awatsuki said hesitantly.
"Hey guys~!" Summer called out from the opposite side of the ship. "Sky Knight is going to demonstrate something cool!"
They all reunited with the Sky Knight who sat on the railing of the deck. Pierre was beside him on guard.
"You seem to be doing better," Lucy complimented.
"Yes I'm grateful to you all," Gan Fall replied.
"Hey, if anyone deserves thanks, it's our ship's doctor," Usopp told him. "When it comes to medicine, Chopper is a real miracle worker. There's no doubt about it."
"Plus you saved the others from that String Priest guy," Summer added, grinning.
"..." Sky Knight was quiet for a bit. "Shall I tell you a little of this land's history?"
"History?" Kuroko questioned.
"Until six years ago, I was God," Sky Knight revealed to them.
"...
…
...Did you hit your head old man?" Usopp questioned.
CHOMP!
The others sweatdropped as Pierre turned into a horse and chomped down on Usopp's head.
"As you have no doubt learned," Gan Fall continued explaining. "It is believed that the Upper Yard first appeared in Skypiea abruptly a good four hundred years ago. Until then, Skypiea had always been a peaceful Sky Island. Items from the Blue Sea that were occasionally brought here by the Knock-Up Stream were rare and valuable to them."
"That involves the island brought up here by the Knock-Up Stream right?" Kuroko concluded.
Gan Fall nodded. "Quantity of Vearth as large as the Upper Yard appearing in the sky seemed like an unimaginable miracle. The Sky People understandably overjoyed and worshiped it as a holy ground, a gift from heaven itself."
"What about Luminous Tail and the Shandians?" Honey asked. "How are they related?"
"The Shandians were once inhabitants on Vearth," Gan Fall responded. "Luminous Tail is another story...I have no explanation about their origins or motive, but they used to have a female leader who was executed by Eneru."
"E-Executed?" Usopp shuddered.
"So they're here to get revenge?" Kuroko concluded.
"That may be their goal, but that's just the surface," Gan Fall responded. "They appeared after the war between the Shandians and the Kami warriors."
"Hold on," Nami cut in. "If the Shandians used to live in Jaya, did this mean you guys stole it from them?"
Gan Fall nodded. "The Sky People's greedy nature drove them to steal the Shandian's homeland, and for the last four hundred years, the war between the Shandians, and the Sky people has gone without any breaks. The Shandians goals are simply to regain their lost home."
"WAIT A SECOND, DOES THAT MAKE YOU THE BAD GUY HERE!?" Usopp, Laura and Sanji comically shouted.
CHOMP!
Pierre quieted them down by turning into a horse again and bit down on the three heads.
"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid that's correct," Gan Fall apologized. He then took the medicine that Nami placed beside him.
"So what about Eneru?" Nami questioned. "What's his story?"
The Sky Knight narrowed his eyes. "While I was still God, he appeared from another Sky Island leading a group of warriors. They dealt a heavy blow to all three forces. Then they seized control of the Upper yard six years ago. Since then, all of God's enforcers have been enslaved and forced to perform something that I have no clue what."
"I bet the Shandians don't care about whose God right?" Lucy questioned. "Their goal is to return to their homeland, and Luminous Tail wants to take down Eneru. Do they have a grudge against the Shandians?"
"I don't think so," Gan Fall said. "They would often help the Shandians out a bit as well as escort victims of Eneru."
"If the Shandians want their home back, then why did they attack us, the minute we showed up?" Index questioned.
"The members of God's Enforcers sometimes steal ships in hopes of escaping from Eneru," Gan Fall responded. "However the Shandian still consider them enemies and will kill them on sight. They must have mistaken you for them."
"Ooh, of course," Sanji sarcastically replied. "That makes it all better."
"The reason why I became the Sky Knight was to help escapees make it safely away to the other Sky Island just like Luminous Tail," Gan Fall explained. "There's no place in the Upper Yard where such outlaws would be able to avoid Eneru's eyes."
"So...he's really watching all over us," Summer concluded.
"To hear the way you tell it, this Eneru guy sounds like he must be the devil himself," Sanji remarked.
"Shut up Shut up Shut up~!" Usopp hissed as he was chopping him on the arm.
"Don't tell me you're suddenly converted," Laura teased.
"You heard what the old man said," Usopp chittered. "Scary!"
"He can come close to a devil," Gan Fall said. "Eneru decreed that all outsiders like yourselves are criminals, and uses the inhabitants on Skypiea responsible for leading them to judgment. This gives rise to islanders' sense of guilt. When the people know they've committed a crime, they become overwhelmed by guilt weakening their will. Eneru uses it to exploit it by creating flocks of helpless lambs to rule over."
"Unforgivable," Lucy mumbled under her breath.
"When we landed on Angel Beach we thought we'd found something like a paradise," Nami sighed.
"Boy you were so wrong," Kinoko mocked.
"Of all the places that the ancient City of Gold could have ended up being, this is just our luck," Kuroko groaned.
"Oh, that reminds me," Gan Fall. "You said you were excited about a City right? But I please explain...what is gold?"
"...
…
….Eh?" The Straw Hat gasped in shock.
In a different part of the Upper Yard, Yozura was bouncing branch onto branches. Keeping up with the observing Exploration Team #3 in the distance.
"There they are," Yozura mumbled, observing them. "It looks like a dangerous group thought...but I can deal wit-."
Yozura was interrupted by a fit of coughing. She then looked at her hands covered in blood "...This isn't good, I'm already at my limit...I won't fail Moses."
Erza's vision was slowly clearing up as she found herself staring at Lovely. "Thank goodness you're alright!"
"Ugh, what happened?" Erza asked, rubbing her head.
"...I accidentally knocked you out when you tapped my shoulder, sorry," Lovely apologized.
"Don't worry about it," Erza acknowledged. She stood up and noticed the mist had vanished. "Where are the others?"
"I don't know," Lovely frowned, looking around. "The moment the mist cleared up, it was just you and me."
"Damn it," Erza cursed under her breath. "So that was her plan, she wanted to split us up. "
"Tsk, so that's their strategy," Accelerator said as he found himself all alone. "Split us up and take us one by one. No matter, I can go all out without having to deal with dead weight."
"Way to go we're fucken lost," Jackal mocked.
"...This is no time to act snide," Fortune groaned. "Let's just continue onward. I'm sure the others will be doing the same thing."
Fortune began to drag Jackal by the leash. "Ow, quit dragging me you bastard!"
"I guess I should just continue onward huh," Misaka sighed as she was all alone. She scratched her head unsure about her location. "But which way is it?"
"Eh?! Where is everybody!?" Hibiki asked in shock as she found herself alone. "Well, that makes my plan easier."
Her fist tightened with determination. "I will find you, Kouta."
After the mist cleared up, Ray was whistling while casually walking the forest floor, not looking worried or angry. He noticed someone in the distance investigating the trees.
"Amazing, there's a colony of Bullet Ants in this tree, Gonta may need them for Kurumi's medicine." The man said, looking amazed.
"Gonta, is that you?" Ray asked, looking surprised.
"Wendy, are you okay?" Charla asked.
"Y-Yeah I tripped on one of the roots," Wendy complied as she slowly stood up. "Where is everyone?"
"I have no idea," Charla answered unsurely. "The mist must have scattered us in separate directions.
"We have to find them!" Wendy called out worriedly.
"Now hold on child," Charla called out. "You need to calm down and think for a second."
"R-Right," Wendy nodded as she calmed herself down and sniffed around. "It's no good, the mist is blocking my nose."
Cynthia was coughing as she was still in the middle of the mist. "Hello...Anyone?!"
She tried to sniff the air, but the mist was blocking her nose. 'This is great, I can't smell anyone around me, and I'm all alone.'
While walking she got a strange feeling that she's being watched from behind. Suddenly the mist magically vanished, which startled Cynthia. She tried to sniff for her friends again but still haven't picked up anything. She continued to feel the urge that someone was pursuing behind her and quickly turned around. Her fist engulfed in flames and brought up in defense. "Show yourself!"
"..."
"..."
"..."
After not noticing anyone there, Cynthia scanned the area cautiously for a few minutes before turning around and continued walking forward. Unaware of a certain small dog peeking from a tree stump.
Yang: Okay, I know I should comment on the ominous feeling at the ending but…why's Sanya covered in paint?
Sanya: I don't want to talk about it…
Peace: Did Izumi actually shoot at you?
Sanya: No…
Freddy: Did he faint, or got a nose bleed?
Sanya: No…
Shiho: Did he like it?
Sanya: Yes…He was blushing and said that I look…c-cute.
Peace: So how did you end up covered in paint?
Sanya:...Oda fired a gatling gun of paint right after Izumi commented on it. I heard her mention something about revenge…
Freddy: I was expecting Kiba to try something like that, but Oda?
Yang: Sanya must've done something really bad to get that ice girl mad…Okay that feels weird saying that.
Raven: Okay, so why didn't you want to tell us before then?
Sanya: Because…what Oda said after she attacked me…was terrifying for words.
Gwen: Now I'm curious about what she said.
Varvula: Next Chapter: The Ultimate Assassin.
Raven: So how does it feel to win a bet for once Varvula?
Varvula: …? What are yo-...! Oh…you mean I won?!
Peace/Gwen/Yang: NOOOOO~!