'' Two strange phenomena? '' Nami repeated.
'' Indeed. '' Cricket agreed, while smoking another cigarette. "From what Masira told me, you have already been able to see one of them! It is the strange darkness that falls in an instant over the ocean, making all sailors believe that night has fallen in seconds. ''
'' It's hard to describe this phenomenon any other way.'' Lucy agreed.
'' Still, that wasn't the strangest. '' Bruno retorted. '' We saw gigantic silhouettes! next to it, even Dorry and Broggy would have looked very small. ''
"Does that sort of thing happen a lot here? '' Sanji asked.
'' Here, not really! But it sometimes happens if you go to Masira territory. ''
"I've never heard of giants being this size. '' Vivi confessed. '' Who are they ? Have you ever managed to get close to them to see them properly? ''
'' No one has ever dared. '' Cricket told her. '' Myself, I only thought of fleeing, when I saw them! It's hard to deny the fact that they can scare any pirate captain, no matter how strong. ''
"Are these giants who have the power to make the night appear? '' Gin asked.
'' No ! It has nothing to do with them. '' Retorted the man. '' The darkness can be explained through weather science! In fact, it is simply the accumulation of large cloud masses. ''
'' You mean they're big cumulonimbus clouds? '' Nami questioned.
'' What's this ? '' Yosaku asked.
'' Big clouds, surely. '' Johnny asserted. '' But then, if Sister-Nami knows about this phenomenon, there's nothing mysterious about it anymore. ''
''Of course yes. '' Retorted the navigator. '' Even though they are very thick, clouds cannot darken the sky enough for us to think it is dark! I have never heard of a phenomenon like this. ''
Yawning as he tried to fall asleep, Zoro finally said.
'' Me, that does not surprise me! On the Grand Line, I am even convinced that we will end up seeing cotton candy clouds. ''
'' You think ? '' Chopper asked, eyes sparkling.
'' The clouds I am telling you about are not simple cumulonimbus clouds. '' Cricket retorted. '' These are imperio-nimbus. ''
'' What? ''
'' These clouds accumulate at very high altitude, but do not cause rain or air current! However, when they appear in the sky, they obstruct the sunlight, preventing it from illuminating the area below the clouds! They are the ones who make this night appear in the middle of the day. ''
Arms folded, Luffy nodded several times, before declaring.
'' Understood ! They are magic clouds. ''
'' Are you an idiot or what? '' Usopp roared, slamming the back of his head.
'' All of this is impossible. '' Nami asserted. '' A cloud is like a living being! It always appears and ends up disappearing! It is impossible that it is not able to create rain or an atmospheric current! Because that would mean that it cannot disappear. ''
'' It's the case ! These clouds are rumored to have existed and have been floating in the sky for thousands of years. ''
'' How does that have to do with the Sky Island? '' Vivi asked.
'' Yet it is simple! If an island is in the sky, it could only be on a gigantic cloud that cannot disappear! So if it really exists, it can only be located on these huge clouds. ''
'' This is both absurd and logical. '' Sanji said.
'' Maybe, but there is more important to it. '' Raynare asserted.
Grabbing Luffy's cheek, she pulled it so that her captain's face was in front of her.
"Do you see that idiot? He's our captain! Because he's stupid, he ordered us to go to Sky Island! I don't care about going there! However, if we don't go, it will become nasty for days! So we have to go to heaven! Do you know how we can get there? ''
"Maybe ... but I'd rather let you know right away. ''
Dropping his cigarette, he crushed it under his foot, before displaying a serious look.
"In order to get there you will have to put your lives on the line, because there is a very high chance that this trip will be your last. ''
Hearing this, Yosaku began to shiver.
'' Suddenly, I don't really want to go anymore. ''
"Yeah! it looks super dangerous. Usopp adds. ''
'' KOA! '' Karue agreed.
Ignoring them, Cricket asked.
'' Do you know the '' Knock-up Stream ''? ''
"Yes, it's an updraft that looks like a gigantic geyser. '' Vivi asserted. "There is one that appeared not far from Nanohana Harbor a few years ago! It seems he can easily destroy an entire group of ships. ''
''It's the case. '' Cricket assured. '' And it is by using this huge geyser that you will be able to fly high in the sky. ''
Immediately, a long silence was heard, as the pirates looked at him, wondering if he was talking seriously or if he was joking.
'' There is a problem ? ''
'' Of course there is a problem. ''
'' You want us to fly into the sky thanks to a giant geyser? We are gonna die. ' Lucy cried.
"Has anyone ever tried to do this and managed to stay alive? Gin asked.
Honestly, many have tried this way to get to Heaven! But, to my knowledge, none have survived. ''
'' What ? And do you really hope that we will follow your stupid idea? ''
It's all about timing! It's true that the Knock-up Stream is often viewed as an aquatic calamity, which can smash boats to pieces in a fraction of a second! The force generated by this updraft has almost no limit. ''
"I understand how a geyser works. Bruno said. But how can this current take shape in the middle of the ocean and not in a volcanic area? It does not mean anything. ''
Simply shrugging his shoulders, Cricket confessed.
'' Like the rest of Grand Line, the Knock-up Stream remains a mystery! After all, no one is crazy enough to approach him to study him! However, I think its creation is the same as that of a geyser! As you know, the ocean floor is lined with volcanic cavities! When water enters it, the heat of the earth's crust immediately transforms it into vapor! And this vapor, in immense quantity would cause an underwater explosion! The blast of this explosion is so powerful that it is said that it was he who gave birth to the Knock-up Stream. ''
'' And how many meters can this giant geyser go? '' Raynare asked.
'' No one knows ! Even if you observe this phenomenon from miles away from the site of the explosion, it is impossible for you to see until it reaches the top of the current! All we know is that he is able to reach the sky and disappear in the clouds. ''
'' And when do these explosions take place? '' Usopp asked. '' Vivi just told us that a Knock-up Stream was seen near Alabasta a few years ago! This means that there are everywhere in Grand Line. ''
''Indeed ! It's almost impossible to know where and when the next Knock-up Stream will appear. ''
''No matter ! If the explosion is capable of creating a giant geyser several kilometers high, it is obvious that its power will destroy the Vogue Merry. '' Johnny remarked.
'' He is right ! Luffy-aniki, we have to stop this madness of wanting to go there. ''
'' Are you kidding? Why give up when we finally know how to get to Sky Island. ''
Being thinking, Menma suddenly said.
''I have a question ! Let's say we manage to reach the clouds, without the boat being destroyed, what if there is no Sky Island in the sky? ''
'' Very simple. '' Cricket asserted, suddenly raising his hand up to the sky. '' You will fall several miles high and the shock, as your ship hits the ocean surface, will kill you. ''
"Mom, I'm scared. '' Chopper said.
'' No worries, since the Sky Island exists. '' Luffy assured, with a big smile.
'' How can you be sure, asshole? ''
Suddenly starting to yawn, Zoro finally stood up, before asking.
'' Even though this way of going to heaven works, you are forgetting something. ''
Tapping the hull of the Vogue Merry, which was quite damaged, he said.
"I doubt this boat is strong enough to handle the power of this giant geyser! Even though the Sky Island exists, it just takes the hull of this ship to destroy itself and everyone dies in a second. ''
'' It is true that the Merry will never be able to overcome such a test. Usopp said. It's a lot to ask him! He has become so fragile. ''
'' In that case, we get rid of it and buy ourselves a better boat. '' Raynare decided, without the slightest hesitation.
'' I agree. '' Gin and Sanji asserted.
'' HEY ! ''
"Honestly, whether you have a raft or a giant battleship, this wouldn't change a thing. '' Cricket retorted. "I tell you, this current is so powerful it could destroy any ship! Even those in the Navy. ''
'' In this case, what to do? ''
'' We will strengthen your boat as best we can! But, what will count, during your ascent, is to be able to tame the current. ''
'' Tame him? '' Nami wondered. '' What do you want to say ? ''
'' You will find out quickly. '' The man assured her. '' OYE! Shojo! Masira! I would need you to fix their boat. ''
"No worries, boss. ''
'' No need to hurry. '' Gin remarked. "We don't even know when the next explosion will take place! If it is, it won't happen until next month. ''
'' You are forgetting something. Nami asserted, showing her log-pose. "We have less than two days to get there! Because if we stay more than two days on this island, the direction of the Log-Pose needle will change. ''
'' She's right. '' Usopp agreed, sounding reassured. '' Impossible for us to go to the Sky Island with such a short delay! After all, what are the odds of a Knock-up Stream happening and happening just below an imperio-nimbus? ''
The next one will be tomorrow. Cricket replied. This is why we have to hurry. ''
'' WHAT ? ''
'' Really, logic does not exist in this world. '' Raynare asserted.
'' It's impossible. '' Usopp retorted. "Anyway, how can you know that? You just told us that planning the next Knock up Stream is impossible. ''
'' False ! I said it was ALMOST impossible! I have with me the only two experts who can predict the location of the next Knock-up Stream and the exact time when the explosion will occur. ''
'' Absolutely.'' Shojo assured.
'' We are professionals and our calculations still hold true. '' Masira adds.
'' It's true ? '' Chopper asked. '' How do you do ? ''
'' My sound waves allow me to know the slightest change in sea currents. '' Shojo explained to him. "When a Knock up Stream is brewing, you can be sure I can hear it without any difficulty. ''
'' As for the imperio-nimbus, I now know how it moves! It will arrive not far from the island, in the south, tomorrow. ''
'' The two phenomena will therefore take place at the same time, at the same location. '' Cricket said. '' But, there is something that bothers me. ''
Looking at Luffy, he asked him.
"Why are you ready to go to Sky Island, if it has to mean surely dying tomorrow? ''
Looking at him for a few seconds, Luffy finally smiles, while declaring.
'' Because it will be a great adventure, as I love them! SHIHIHIHI! ''
Surprised, Cricket, also looked at him for a few seconds, before smiling.
"Kid, I have met very few unconscious people like you. ''
Being moored not far from Jaya, Smoker's boat remained discreet. being at the front of the ship, Smoker watched the island, waiting to see any pirate ship arrive or leave the island.
'' Mugiwara ...''
''Smoker ! ''
Reaching the Navy Colonel, Reiner questioned him.
'' Are you really sure what you are doing? ''
'' What ? ''
"You are disobeying orders! As a former soldier from my home world, I know full well how cruel our superiors can be! They can threaten us to jail, execute or harm our families! Frankly, aren't you afraid to act against the rules? ''
'' What should I be afraid of? From prison? Ridiculous! Of death ? As a Navy soldier, I fight against her every day for the right to survive one more day! And as for my family, let's say it's been a long time since I had the opportunity to see them. ''
''Sorry. ''
Just starting to smoke, Smoker asked.
'' How is our stowaway? ''
"Excuse me, about Moda! She had believed that you took advantage of being in the open sea to kill me! That's why she hid on your ship, to try to save me! It was really strange of him. ''
It's you who is strange. Smoker retorted.
'' What ? ''
"Despite acting like a hero, to protect an island you are still the kind of person who is willing to obey like a dog, just so you don't get bored! You want the system to change, but you are not doing anything about it. ''
Looking at Jaya, Smoker asserted.
"Pirates live on this island, and the Navy refuses to capture them! Very well ! Me, for my part, I promise you, that one day, a Navy flag will be hoisted on this island, and that all the criminals who are there will end up handcuffing. ''
"Why take so much risk, when you can surely become a top Navy officer? ''
"I didn't join the Navy in any way to receive medals! If I became a soldier, it was to protect the citizens and allow them to sleep, without being afraid of being attacked by pirates. ''
Staring at Reiner, he declared.
"There is a difference between becoming a soldier to get benefits and becoming a soldier to save people! If you don't understand that, don't think about playing the hero. ''
Listening to him silently, Reiner finally leaned against the ship's railing, before asserting.
"I already know all of this! But the problem was, I was blinded when I was a soldier! And the day I realized how stupid I was, it was too late! People who considered me their friend came to hate me, while I was responsible for the cause of their woes! I was a traitor and I understood perfectly why! At first, I thought I was fighting for a noble cause! But in the end, I'm definitely no better than the pirates of this world. ''
'' Yes ! It's certain. '' Smoker agreed. "People like you who think killing is necessary to keep the peace… I hate them! However ...''
Continuing to stare at Jaya, he added.
'' If you understand your mistakes, then that means that there is still a little humanity left in you. ''
'' Colonel. '' Suddenly shouted a soldier running towards the duo. '' A boat is heading towards us and a person signals us to let him board. ''
'' Hmm? "Is he a pirate? ''
'' No ! He says he works for Admiral Sengoku. ''
'' What ? ''
Climbing the last step of the rope ladder, Shinichi managed to climb onto Smoker's boat. Seeing the colonel coming towards him, Shinichi told him.
"Sorry to bother you at such a late hour! Are you responsible for bringing me back to Mary Geoise? ''
'' Excuse me ? Who are you? ''
'' Hmm? Are you not Vice Admiral Momonga? Sengoku-san told me he would come pick me up tonight. ''
"Momonga? From what I know he fought a pirate and was forced to head to Impel Down to put him in jail! He sure won't be here for a few days. ''
'' What ? '' Shinichi wondered.
'' Who are you ? '' Smoker repeated.
Rummaging under his clothes, Shinichi pulled out a piece of paper which he presented to the colonel.
"Shinichi Kudo! I work under the direct orders of Admiral Sengoku. ''
'' Are you a spy? ''
''No ! I am a private detective. ''
'' Detective? ''
'' Let's forget that detail! I need a boat to get back to the admiral! Would it be possible for you to take me to him? ''
'' Maybe, but it sure won't be done for a day or two! I am looking for a pirate! And I plan to stay here until I capture him. ''
''A pirate ? If you want, there are plenty of them on this island. "Roshi, the executor ''! Bellamy the hyena! Monkey D. Luffy! ''
'' MONKEY ... ? ''
A few hours later, all of the pirates were feasting at Cricket.
"Hey, blonde! Your cooking is really excellent. '' Masira said, eating a mackerel.
'' I have to admit that none of us are kitchen specialists. '' Shojo said. '' It's nice to eat fish other than grilled. ''
'' You'd have to explain to me how a simple visit to this guy turned into a party. '' Raynare asserted.
'' I advise you to take advantage of it. '' Bruno said. "If it is, this will be our last meal. ''
"How can you say that? '' Usopp frightened.
Preferring to smile than to be afraid of Bruno's sentence, Vivi turned to see Robin, alone in her corner, reading a book. Noticing that she was watching, the young woman looked up and began to smile at her.
"Something wrong, Princess Wednesday? ''
`` No ... Nothing. '' Vivi retorted, quickly looking away. '' And stop with that nickname. ''
Immediately Robin chuckled.
"I saw gold in the right eye of the skull. ''
Surprised, Robin turned to Cricket, who had just spoken the last sentence of the book she was reading.
'' These are Norland's last words! He ensured that the gold he had seen was there. ''
'' Gold? '' Nami repeated.
'' Was this the last sentence Norland said before he died? '' Robin asked.
'' Normally yes ! It was written in all the books I read! Then, overnight, nothing more proved that anyone could have witnessed his execution! Today, it is difficult to understand what really happened. ''
"Do you really think there was gold? '' Johnny asked.
'' It's impossible. '' Yosaku retorted. "If there were any on this island, someone would have found it a long time ago. ''
'' It may be true. '' Cricket agreed. "But, you know, there are a lot of earthquakes in this area! Some people therefore thought that a huge earthquake could have sunk part of the island! If this gold really existed, it must be at the bottom of the water. ''
'' Is that what you dive for? '' Menma asked.
'' Indeed ! Besides, if you wish, I can show you my best finds. ''
Walking towards a chest, he opened it, before pulling out three gold bells.
"Isn't that beautiful? ''
'' GOLD ! '' Nami shouted, grabbing hold of one of the bells.
'' Is that real? '' Sanji asked, tapping another bell with his finger.'' So does that mean that this golden story is true? ''
'' Not at all. '' Shojo retorted. "Any archaeologist can find this kind of ingot in the ruins! Honestly, we're a long way from the city of gold that Norland writes about in his logbook. ''
'' Indeed ! '' Cricket agreed. '' This just proves that there is a historic site, which now sits at the bottom of the water. ''
'' Awesome. '' Nami said. "If we start digging the area, I'm sure we can find some gold. ''
'' Without me. '' Gin retorted. "Your last plan to make us money was to escort Vivi to Alabasta, to try to win a billion berries! And until proven guilty, we didn't win anything. "
'' Shut up !''
'' There is even better. '' Cricket asserted, pointing to another block of gold, shaped like a bird. '' This is my best find. ''
'' Wonderful. '' Nami asserted.
'' He is huge. '' Chopper assured.
'' It's a bird ? '' Menma wanted to know. "It's very strange. ''
"It's a Southbird. '' Cricket told her. `` A very useful bird for sailors because it can ... ''
Suddenly he fell silent. Then the next second he started screaming, as did Shojo and Masira.
'' AHHHHHHHHHH! We forgot ! THE SOUTH BIRD! ''
'' HUH ? ''
Grimacing in pain, Bellamy held his injured arm, while he was in a rage.
''This woman ... ''
Looking at a wanted poster that was in front of him, Bellamy grabbed a dagger before slashing Raynare's portrait.
"A woman with a bounty of 9 million berries? How? ''
As hurt as he was, Starquiss also didn't understand how they had been beaten by pirates they believed weak.
'' It's impossible ! What does it mean ? ''
As if to provide an answer, a man dressed as a drunkard ran over to Bellamy and his gang, brandishing several sheets of paper.
"BELLAMY! BELLAMY! LOOK! ''
'' Hmm? The man growled.
Showing the sheets, the man showed everyone Luffy's and his crew's bounties.
''WHAT ? All the pirates wondered. '' 25 millions ? 33 million? 39 million? 52 million? 60 million? ... 100 MILLION BERRYS? ''
'' The woman who defeated you had a bonus of 39 million berrys. '' He insures the drunk. '' And his captain at a premium of 100 million! Which means that ... ''
Suddenly he received a punch, which knocked him to the ground.
'' Shut up ! Bellamy ordered. '' 100 million so what? I have already defeated this guy. ''
Standing up, he declared.
"This time I'm going to kill him. ''
'' BELLAMY !''
Running towards his captain, one of his companions seemed to have a pale complexion, while he held a den den mushi.
'' What is it again ? ''
"It's… It's Doflamingo. The man asserted, pointing to his den den mushi.
'' WHAT ? ''
" Oye, Bellamy? '' A voice asked, coming from the den den mushi. " From what I've heard, you got beaten up by a beginner! Could you explain to me the reason for this defeat, before I come and kill you? ''
Who will join Luffy's crew?
Before Shells Town: Raynare - 38 million - (Highschool DxD) / Lucy Heartfilia (Fairy Tail)
Arc Shells Town: Roronoa Zoro - 60 million -
Kuro Arc: Usopp
Arc Baratie: Sanji / Gin - 32 million -
Arlong Arc: Nami / Johnny / Yosaku
Bow Drum: Chopper
Alabasta Arc: Nico Robin / Eevee (Pokemon) / Bruno -52 million- (Jojo's Bizarre Adventure) / Nefertari Vivi -25 million- / Menma (Anohana)
Skypiea Arc :?
Arc Enies Lobby: Franky
Arc Post Enies-Lobby :?
Thriller Bark Arc: Brook
Punk Hazard Arc:?
Tesoro Arc :?
Dressrosa Arc:? /?
Wano Kuni Arc: Jinbei /?
Post Wano Kuni Arc:? /?
Arc Battle Teach:?
With other characters:
Buggy: Alvida - 21 million-, Magi - 29 million (OC), Bull (OC), Kuro - 37 million -, Morgan - 17 million -, Megumim - 105 million (Konosuba), Zala (Miss Doublefinger) -35 million, Babe (Mr 4) - 3.2 million, Drophy (Miss Merry Christmas) - 14 million, Willy - 20 million, Needless - 57 million
Arlong: Syra (OC)
Milhawk: Alice (OC)
Wapol: Musshuru
Crocodile: Noscula (OC), Mr 6 (OC), Miss Halloween (OC)
Garp: Sakura (Zombieland Saga); Jin (My Hero academia); Emma (The Promised Neverland)
Im: Light Yagami (Death Note)
Cobra: Neni (M. 9)
Sengoku: Shinichi Kudo (Detective Conan)
Shanks: Nana Shimura -840 million- (My hero academia), Utsuro -970 million- (Gintama)
Individual: Reiner ( Shingeki no kyojin ), Garou (One Punch Man), Pit (Kid Icarus), Babidi (DBZ), Orochimaru (Naruto); Mirko (My hero Academia), Samus (metroid), Team Rocket (Pokemon), Hunter J (Pokemon), Zancrow (Fairy Tail)
Gold D. Roger (formerly): Igneel - 1.380 billion - (Fairy Tail), Acacia (Toriko), Bardock (Dragon ball Z), Hiruzen Sarutobi (Naruto), Utsuro - 970 million (Gintama), Nana Shimura - 840 million ( My Hero Academia)
Xerec (formerly): Aizen (bleach)