''Was that Luffy...?''
Sanji tried to squint but the figure was too far away. He'd just run into Pierre, who had been insistent on heading towards the ship, to his surprise. The reason revealed itself just as a waver flew away from the scene. There was no mistaking that beautiful orange hair, it was Nami-san! Somehow she made it off!
Thus, with the cook's urging, Pierre had flown off in the waver's direction, all too willing to help however he can.
Sanji jumped to a rather tall tree as the Maxim floated slowly nearby. He wasn't quite sure what was going on but the sooner he could do find out, the sooner he could do something about it. His gaze sharpened as he took out a grappling hook they'd come across a few weeks ago. Given the terrain, he'd had a hunch that the item could come in handy and it sure was paying off now.
Come to think of it, Conis had mentioned something about how Enel planned to destroy everything and leave...so then this had to be...?
''The time has come at last!'' Enel's eyes shone with almost manic joy ''The Ark Maxim shall take me to the sacred land that I desire, the land of endless Vearth! Nothing will stop my ascension!''
His eyes narrowed at the sight of the self-proclaimed God standing on the deck, aiming the hook ''You won't be so smug for long, asshole.''
It was Pierre who spotted Luffy first, his head buried in the ground and limbs flailing uselessly as he struggled to get out.
Nami immediately jumped off the waver and hurried to the teen ''What're you doing?! Get up!''
Pierre let out a baffled cry, Aisa sharing his sentiment. Was she really expecting Luffy to shrug this off?
But, much to their astonishment, that was exactly what he did. After quite a bit of struggling, Luffy pulled himself, vigorously shaking his head.
As glad as she was that they managed to find him, Aisa couldn't help herself ''Just like that? How?!''
The teen only grinned ''I'm rubber!''
The answer explained nothing to her. What kind of material was rubber even supposed to be for this to happen?
There were more important matters now ''Okay, what're you going to do now? You still can't move with that thing on your arm!''
''Yes, I can. Watch...'' Luffy yelped as the weight on his arm made him fall back down.
Nami gave him a deeply unimpressed look ''Focus, you idiot!''
The sound of loud rumbling made them look at the sky, spotting ominous thunderclouds rumbling. They seemed to be growing by the second. ''...Wait, that's heading to...!''
A wicked thunderbolt descended on what they realized was Angel Island, and everything in its path was no more.
''No...'' Nami trailed off as Luffy growled
''That jerk and his ark are toast. He's not getting away again!''
''Oh, no!'' Chopper's eyes were wide with horror ''If this keeps up, Angel Island...''
Usopp bit back a cry of surprise as they watched more clouds being formed.
Some appeared not too far from their location, leaving them to keep a careful eye on their surroundings.
''Robin, you're sure the golden bell's up there?'' Zoro clarified as their eyes travelled up the beanstalk.
She nodded ''I noticed a hint in the ruins. Enel seemed particularly interested in the Grand Belfry. He clearly had no idea it existed until today, I don't think he's leaving without it.''
Wyper's fists clenched angrily at the thought. The bell was their ancestors' treasure, the central piece of their homeland. That lunatic couldn't be allowed to have it.
''Everyone!''
It was Aisa, flying on Pierre's back as he stopped before them. Gan Fall looked taken aback ''Ah, it's good to see the both of you. But where are the others?''
''Getting ready, Nami's got a plan. We have to cut down the beanstalk!''
Usopp blinked twice ''Wait, what? Why?''
Aisa's response was cut off by the sound of rumbling before lighting seemed to fall in the distance, striking a few random parts of Upper Yard. Pierre quickly flew away as a stray bolt came close to hitting them, eyes wide in fright. Aisa screamed as she clung to him, the clouds continuing to grow. ''What do we do?! It's not stopping!''
''It is now.'' Eyes travelled to Miguel as he sent a pair of blades up high. Both shone with magic as they dove within the clouds, Miguel snapped his fingers. A widespread pulse of magic spread out, quickly dispersing almost all the clouds.
Satisfaction flashed in Zoro's eyes while Aisa, Chopper and Usopp cheered. The first was quick to steady Miguel as he almost fell, exhaustion evident in his features. Gan Fall smiled ''Thank you...''
''It's...I-it's only...a temporary fix.'' Frankly, he didn't think could do it again now. ''I don't think...it'd take him long to...start again.''
''Then we'll just have to make the most of the time you bought us.'' The former God assured.
''Hey, is it just me or is that ship flying a little strangely?''
It took them a few moments to realize that Usopp was right. The Ark Maxim had been approaching the area but suddenly its movements seemed off and it slowed down considerably.
Wyper quirked a brow ''...Aisa, can you tell if anyone else is up there?''
The surprised girl nodded after a few moments ''Yeah, actually-I don't recognize his voice at all. He seems to be really mad at Enel.'' She looked at the Straw Hats ''Do you think any of your crew could've made it there?''
Usopp blinked as he looked at the others ''...You don't think...''
''My, I wonder how this came to be.'' Robin half-smiled.
Zoro knew they were thinking along the same lines ''About time he made himself useful...''
Sanji had indeed done just that.
After keeping track of Enel's actions for a few minutes, he ran to the engine room and proceeded to wreak havoc. There was no denying the satisfaction he felt as the machines fell apart under his kicks, grinning as he watched the smoke rise. He still had more questions but anything that delayed Enel's plans could only be good in his book.
The sound of footsteps alerted him that he'd been found out.
''So...it appears a pest snuck onboard...''
''Wait, that's why you want to...?'' Nami's expression was one of amazement at the revelation.
''You saw what was happening, Nami! The old timer and those monkeys, they've been working so hard to prove Sky Island exists. But they're going to keep going if something doesn't change a bell that big is going to be heard by people far and wide. We've been talking about how to clear his name and I bet this is the way! That's why I have to ring the bell and I won't let that fake god have it!''
He was right. Cricket had been working himself to the bone in order to prove the existence of Sky Island. Look how sick he had been when they met. It was clear that nothing would deter him if he'd endured for this long...
''...then I'll just have to make sure you get there.''
Luffy grinned and gave her a thumbs up, both bracing themselves for what was to come.
Zoro and the others hadn't wasted any time, immediately getting to work. The swordsman cut with all the power he could muster, Gan Fall employed his dials while Wyper used all the weapons in his arsenal. The plant was quite strong but they were making good progress.
''I hate this, I want to help too.'' Chopper had in fact attempted to strike the beanstalk but wound up regretting it. He hadn't expected it to be so resilient!
''I know what you mean.'' Miguel commiserated, Usopp nodding along. Nearly all of his reserves were spent and Usopp didn't have anything in particular that could help now. Even his Flame Stars were likely to get in the trio's way.
Both looked back as a giant shadow appeared, bringing their attention to the newly arrived snake.
''We're trying to cut the beanstalk down, can you help us?''
She nodded to Miguel after a moment, drawing closer. Then the snake let out a hiss which Chopper understood, warning the three nearest the beanstalk to get back. The reason became clear as she spat her venom, which visibly began eating away at the tree in seconds.
''Nice! We can do this!'' Usopp grinned as the attacks continued.
Sanji dodged another attack, glad to see the rising frustration in his opponent's eyes. He might not be able to fight well thanks to the bastard's ability but he would still do what he could to interfere.
''Your little ship isn't so special, huh?''
''Silence! Even if the damned rubber man and that little brat of a wizard got in my way, it won't happen again! Take this!''
Sanji dodged the oncoming blast, realizing his mistake when it immediately tracked him down. Then he knew he messed up, mantra! Of course, that annoying ability likely let Enel detect his movements this way too!
The self-proclaimed God allowed himself a grin that told Sanji he knew what the blond was thinking. Gritting his teeth, Sanji ducked behind a gold wall in time to get away from another blast. He knew he had to think on his feet but he just wasn't sure what to do. Logia devil fruit users were a royal pain to deal with!
''You're only delaying the inevitable, mortal. All will fall before God.''
''I sure as hell don't see a God here, jackass! Just take one trip to the Blue Sea and then you'll see how out of your league you really are!''
The former snarled ''You're all a bunch of impudent fools. Let's see how long that confidence lasts, One Million Volts Vari!''
Sanji jumped up into a cloud, unsurprised when it followed him seamlessly. The cook continued moving however, jumping until he spotted a couple of large rocks. He kicked both to stop the blast, the surprised Enel being caught in the resulting shrapnel.
Knowing his options were limited, Sanji resolved to hold on as much as possible. Whatever he could achieve here was sure to help the others. Sticking it to this pompous piece of shit was only a bonus.
The sight of the falling beanstalk spurred Luffy and Nami to action. Warning her captain, she revved up the waver to max speed. She might have been good with the device but she had never thought to try this and least of all so soon.
But...her eyes narrowed at the sight of the Maxim close by. Every second counted...
Nami grit her teeth as the vehicle's speed continued to grow. It was taking every bit of her strength to ensure it stayed under control; she wouldn't have it any other way. She was the navigator of the Straw Hat pirates. This was all about getting Luffy to his destination, practically her specialty!
''Whoa, Nami-look!''
The girl followed Luffy's line of sight ''Wait, Sanji-kun? When did he...?!''
Both gasped as Enel managed to graze the cook with his trident before he could move-teleporting to slash his back.
''Where is that confidence of yours now, mortal?!'' Enel crowed as he electrocuted him.
However, to his astonishment, Sanji remained standing. ''Is...that all you got?!'' Smirking fiercely, he carried on ''The only thing you've really got going for you is your devil fruit. Be glad you've got that or this fight would've gone very differently!''
A snarl ''How dare you...!''
The sight of the gathering lightning spurred Luffy into action.
''Wha-?'' Nami didn't have time to react as Luffy jumped, throwing her off balance and right onto a cloud.
''Just watch, Nami-he's going down! Gum Gum Fireworks!''
Luffy inhaled sharply, it looked almost like a balloon attack but then his limbs started hitting everything in reach. The bewildered Sanji was forced to dodge, only to be taken aback as Enel was struck a moment later. Then it happened again and again...
''...You again...! How many times will you get in my way?!''
Sanji blinked at the sight of the golden ball ''What the hell happened here?''
''It's only because he's a coward.'' Luffy returned flippantly. The statement only aggravated him as expected and he raised his trident before attacking the new arrival.
It soon turned out to be somewhat similar to the previous bout. Enel's most overwhelming advantage was the mantra. Even knowing about Luffy's weakness to certain attacks, the rubber teen was able to evade the most of them.
The God's eyes narrowed, unleashing a wide spread blast that Luffy realized too late was aimed at Sanji. Swearing, the cook tried to get away only for Luffy to block it off with Gum Gum Balloon. He then turned it into another Gum Gum Fireworks, Enel seemed to have expected the possibility of it being used again as he dodged at once. It was pointless; his mantra wouldn't help with Luffy simply attacking the ship.
''Fight me, Earlobes!''
Enel growled, gritting his teeth as he willed more power to his staff, unleashing a multitude of fast lightning bolts. Sanji almost jumped before remembering Luffy, who didn't disappoint as he quickly blocked the move. ''Damn, I did wonder-rubber and all...nice one.''
But Enel wasn't done as they found out; he'd also gathered the lightning on his staff, which he slammed down to cause a shockwave that left Sanji cringing while Luffy yelped. He swiftly launched it at Luffy, who found himself forced to duck as he was too close to the ship's side to jump. The projectile burned his arm as Enel held up a hand, with it flying back to him.
His next charge was halted before it started by Luffy's Gum Gum Gatling. The rubber teen made sure to handle it similarly to his new Fireworks move, watching in satisfaction as Enel slammed into the opposite side of the ship.
''I tire of your interference. You may have stopped me once but no more! First I will eradicate you pests and then these accursed islands!''
The clouds that Enel had been creating were only growing in size, one in particular looking bigger than the clouds from earlier. Sanji's eye widened as a large blast struck Upper Yard, the black cloud glowing ominously. ''Nami-san, get away from there!''
But he needn't have worried, for she had been keeping track of the clouds herself, driving onto a cloud further just before lightning struck her former perch. ''Dammit, you shit head, leave her out of this!''
Luffy's eyes narrowed dangerously as he looked back at the clouds. And it was then that his present crew realized what he had in mind.
Gasping, Nami was about to warn him not to dive into the big cloud but it was too late. He may be immune to lightning but with all this power...''Luffy, no!''
''Don't!'' Sanji agreed.
''What do you think you can do now, Man of Rubber?!'' Enel cackled. But Luffy let out a battle cry and continued to charge.
''Gum Gum Fireworks-Golden Baton!''
The power inside that ball seemed to be catching the lighting and send it everywhere. As a conductor, the golden ball was discharging all the charges and rendering the cloud unstable before it could even be used.
Luffy continued his charge, unfazed by all the chaos ''You're nothing but a fake! We finally made it to Sky Island and then you do this?! I'll stop you!''
The huge cloud seemed to crack down the middle as he raised his fist ''CLEAR THE SKY!''
The cracks slowly grew and spread everywhere. It slowly dispersed, revealing the luminous sunshine and bright sky.
Sanji wore a wide smirk as Enel snarled ''Damn you, you destroyed my Raigo!''
''And I'm not done!'' Luffy shot back. ''I'll ring you right with the bell!''
Lightning pooled around Enel, forming a giant creature made of solidified lightning. It was almost like a god of thunder may be depicted in myths. Electricity crackled around it as it bore down on Luffy.
''You want to ring the bell? Fool! A paramecia type like you could never match a logia like me. No matter what you do, I am God!''
''What kind of God destroys everything and saves nothing?! You really are just a big fake!''
Luffy grabbed one of the tridents to stop it striking him. Gritting his teeth against the pain, his other arm was still weighed down by the golden ball so his options were limited. In moments, he was forced to land on the trident, finally crying out as it continued to burn him.
''Luffy!'' Nami cried.
Sanji cursed ''That lousy trick's slowing him down...think, what to do...?!''
''I am impressed you made it this far but this is it! The weight of your burden will only pull you further into my trident. This is end for you and this land!''
But Luffy's eyes opened, realization flashing within before he suddenly let go of the trident. Enel only laughed ''So you chose to fall?''
Sanji knew he had a plan though and was proven right when Luffy grabbed into a nearby cloud, grinning fiercely. ''As if I'd lose now! Gum Gum Rocket!''
Enel sneered as he raised his fist ''The same attack again? It's no use!''
''Gum Gum Golden Rifle!'' Luffy threw his arm so hard that this punch was like a cannon blow. Not only did the golden ball give him that much more force but it was so fast that Enel couldn't avoid it.
The makeshift creature faded as Enel couldn't maintain it, in moments he was launched deep within his ark and right out the other end. But Luffy wasn't done.
His determination surged at the sight of the beautiful golden bell at the top of the ancient city, gleaming in the light. And soon Enel slammed into the bell, the impact so strong that parts of it broke the same time as the ball did.
''Hey, Pops! Can you hear it?!'' He cried at the top of his lungs. ''The city of gold has been here all along! It's been in the sky! Pops, Saruyama brothers-we found the city of gold! It's right HERE!''
A loud ringing resounded everywhere across the sky, an amazing sound like no other they've heard. The weight behind the moment only left it that much more profound.
The broken ship fell deep within the White Sea along with its owner. Luffy landing near to Sanji on a cloud, grinning up at his cook ''I did it!''
''Yeah, you did...'' Chuckling, the blond shook his head. ''...not bad at all, captain. You know what? I bet those three heard the bell too.''
''Shishishi, I bet you're right!''
Around the same time, the Saruyama alliance spotted a huge silhouette of Luffy ringing the bell illuminated by the sunlight...
Gratitude shone in Cricket's eyes ''...Message received, brat.''
''They actually made it!'' Masira cheered. ''Wow, so it was in the sky all this time. Isn't it amazing, Shoujou?'' He blinked, noticing his downcast brother. ''What's wrong?''
''It's great but...I just thought...if Skypiea's there-then we have the answer we've been looking for...Our alliance is over...''
The former looked alarmed ''Oh, no you're right! We've been so invested in the search that I never thought of what would happen when we do find our answer...is this really the end...?!''
''Now, now, are you two really calling it quits?'' Cricket crossed his arms. ''And here I was about to ask you what our new dream should be...''
He grinned as the two looked delighted, knowing they couldn't have been more wrong. He wasn't about to walk out on them after all they'd been through. Their alliance was still holding strong and it would do so for a long time if he had any say in the matter.
The clear sky was a sight for sore eyes. Be it Skypiean or Shandian, none of them had raised a fuss at the other group; all simply happy it was finally over.
Days had passed since the conflict, everyone resting and celebrating. Joy was to be had as everyone enjoyed the end of Enel's reign. But despite the looks of things, Wyper couldn't help but be wary. They'd been enemies for so long-so this was a bit jarring. He wasn't the only one, a number of his fellow warriors equally uneasy. Their chief, contrary to expectations, was more than happy with this outcome. He even assured them that no one really cared about the war, the fact that both sides were celebrating, regardless of the other, only reinforced his point. Gan Fall was in complete agreement, all this destruction seemed to have brought the people together.
It was the silver lining beneath all the clouds.
''Incredible.'' Gan Fall was all too happy to have Miguel tell him about their times in the Blue Sea ''I've met a few people from your world before but not many were this willing to share their tales, thank you for indulging this old man's curiosity. Your world truly is fascinating.''
''You realize that's what a lot of people think about this island, right? You're practically a fairy tale.''
He chuckled ''Fair enough. Very few are brave enough to come so far.''
''Congratulations on being made God again, by the way, you deserve it.'' After all, Gan Fall had gone above and beyond for the sake of this land. He truly cared for the people and they'd be just fine with him. Of that, Miguel had no doubt.
''You're too kind.'' The man demurred. ''By the way, what were you and the little doctor talking about earlier? Young Wyper seemed emotional at the end.''
Upon learning from Aisa that Wyper was Calgara's descendant, he and Chopper agreed to let him know about Noland and Cricket. Wyper had been elated, promising to help Cricket if he ever did follow on his ambition to come here.
Gan Fall's face lit up when he was done ''Now that's excellent news! You have my word that I'll do my best to aid him as well.'' He only waved off Miguel's thanks. ''It's nothing; we owe you and your friends far more than we can repay. And it would be great to be able to help a member of that family.''
Spotting Robin near the ruins, he was about to head over when Gan Fall carried on ''Miguel-kun?'' The young man gave him a curious look ''I remember what you said about your homeland and...Is it recovering? Are the wounds of the past truly starting to heal?''
''...It's a process but yeah. From the looks of things before, it wouldn't have been possible-we still have rough days but I'm proud to say we're hanging in there. It may not be soon but someday wizards will be able to look back and say how far they've come along. I hope I can help make that happen.''
''A fine goal indeed, my friend. I hope we can all come to such a resolution one day.''
Robin smiled to herself as she watched a group of Skypieans and Shandians set up the Grand Belfry. It was as if the war had never happened. Gan Fall was right about the ancient Shandians' tragic situation but perhaps their successors were finally getting ready to move on from their dark past.
Soon, she found the reason that brought here, the Poneglyph at the bell's base. She hadn't been able to get a good look with Enel's arrival but it would be very interesting to see what secrets awaited her here.
The archaeologist could only look in amazement minutes later. Next to the Poneglyph was a message...and it meant...
''They look like old friends, huh?''
Only the years of experience prevented Robin from visibly showing her surprise, when had Miguel even come?
His next words proved that she hadn't been as successful as she thought ''Looks like I can get the jump on you of all people-guess you learn something new every day.''
Had this happened anytime earlier, she would've certainly found it worrying. But she found that didn't mind so long as it was him or the others ''Well, I hope you enjoy this instance. It isn't likely to happen again.''
He just chuckled and she found herself smiling. ''I see you came to find a surprise of your own.''
''Oh, yeah...'' Their eyes landed on the two swords he was holding. ''...that trick I used on the Raigo wrecked my swords. A couple of Aisa's friends insisted that I take those.'' His expression turned curious ''So, from the looks of it, I'd say you found something good, huh?''
''Quite, it speaks of more about the lost history. Specifically, of the lost weapon Poseidon...''
''Weapon?'' He walked over ''I heard a couple of stories about Poseidon back home but it didn't seem like a weapon...although I guess they were pretty vague...''
''How so?''
''They were mostly about the power to rule the seas, every sea creature listening to you and obeying your commands...looking back, Poseidon's been described both as a person and as some sort of object-I don't think it was all that definite.''
Robin's lips quirked as intrigue flashed in her eyes ''Fascinating...well as I understand your people have good relations with Fishmen so this may be closer to the truth.''
''Yeah, could be...so is all of this about Poseidon?''
''I'm glad you asked. As it happens, no-that other part is actually a message. The first part says 'I have come here and will lead this passage to the farthest ends of the world.''' Robin read loud. ''It was left by Gol D. Roger.''
''Wait, the Pirate King was here?''
''Apparently so...'' He looked back at the stone slab in renewed curiosity and wonder, missing her smile. She found that she enjoyed discussing her findings and his genuine interest was only making it that much better. ''...given his achievements, I believe he discovered more than he was letting on. He even urges those who seek the secrets of the past to continue. I know there are a number of Poneglyphs but I believe that the Rio Poneglyph, the one holding the secrets to the Void Century is on Laugh Tale.''
''Oh, 'the farthest reaches of the world', right...'' He nodded. The island was so notoriously hard to reach that it only seemed fitting. ''...oh, hey-thinking back, wasn't the one in Alabasta protected and all? Do the people here even know...?''
''Ah, yes-they were protecting it per their ancestors' requests. It was to be that way until they could pass this knowledge on to someone else-so that's that.''
''Nice, so everyone gets a clean slate after all this chaos.''
''Exactly.''
As the two began walking away, Miguel carried on ''Robin?'' She looked at him. ''You said Gol D. Roger but everyone knows him as Gold Roger...''
Ah, so he had noticed.
''...it hit me that Luffy has a D in his name and thinking back Ace and that traitor he's after do too. I don't see how they can all be related so...what's with that D?''
''That's actually one of the questions I'm pursuing. I knew someone else who had a D in his name and from what I understand, it's generally supposed to be kept a secret.'' Robin explained. ''I'm not sure if he ever knew why or if he did, he never told me...and it's too late for that. Captain-san doesn't seem to know either. Although now that you mention it, Doctor-san did say you met Fire Fist Ace in Alabasta and that he was Luffy's brother. But what's this about a traitor?''
She hummed in thought after Miguel explained about Blackbeard ''I see...then he's quite different from the others. So perhaps it's nothing to do with personality...how strange...''
It was just on the tip of Miguel's tongue to ask about her friend who also possessed the strange initial. But then he thought her words over and realized she'd only referred to him in the past tense...and the part about it being too late...did that mean...
''Ah, there you are!'' One of the Skypiean citizens ran over ''I was hoping we could find your crew.'' The two shared a curious look ''We were just talking and...''
Luffy and the others gathered a good amount of gold from the snake, more than happy to make the most of this opportunity. Usopp gained a number of miscellaneous items by trading with the people of the sky, who were more than happy to probe his wares. Most were especially interested in rubber as he declared it to be the cause behind Enel's defeat. The Straw Hats were naturally delighted with the outcome, already planning uses for their new loot.
If only they knew how soon they would regret the sentiment...
''You're really okay with this?'' Miguel managed after a few moments.
''Of course! It's nothing compared to what you've done for us.''
As it turned out, the people intended to give their wayward heroes a gift in the form of a great golden pillar they had prepared over the past few days.
''My, how nice.'' Robin looked at her companion ''I trust this shouldn't be too hard to handle?''
He was about to answer, only to be distracted at the sight of Luffy running not too far away. Even stranger, the rest of the crew was behind him, with a mob apparently chasing them ''What...?''
Relief flashed in his eyes when he saw them ''Guys, we've gotta go!'' The two were understandably bewildered. ''We took the gold so they're attacking us, come on!''
''Attack? But...'' Robin started.
''Hey, wait...'' Miguel sighed in exasperation, realizing that there was no chance to explain. ''...oi, vey-how did they even make that leap?'' Robin looked amused while he quickly stowed the pillar in his dimension pocket. ''Let's just go before those geniuses leave us behind.''
She chuckled ''Roger that.''
When the two caught up, it was to find Aisa and Conis guiding the crew to Cloud End, which was apparently their way back to the Blue Sea. It was Pagaya who spotted the duo first, smiling ''Oh, there you are-this is quite a bit of a turnaround.''
''That's an understatement.'' Shaking his head, Miguel approached Luffy and Nami, who seemed to be arguing. ''What's going on?''
''Can you talk sense into him? We were lucky to get away when we did, we don't need even more trouble!''
The quartermaster decided not to correct her for now ''Luffy, you're the one who called us...''
''Yeah, but...I don't want to leave already...''
''I think it's a bit late for that.'' Nami droned.
''It's about time we say goodbye.'' Robin shrugged. ''Oh, about this Cloud End...''
''Oh, yeah-apparently a Milky Road is going to take us to the Blue Sea.'' Usopp offered as Conis joined her father, arriving at a platform attached to the Cloud End gate.
''That's actually not what she...'' Wyper had warned them of what was coming on their way here. Miguel was about to explain when Robin waved him over.
''Why don't we let them find out on their own?''
''...You really get a kick out of scaring people, don't you?'' He took her growing smile as confirmation.
Chopper was waving to Conis and the others ''Take care of yourselves!''
''You guys too! It was great meeting you!'' Aisa called back.
''You too! Thanks a bunch of everything!'' Luffy waved both hands.
Conis' smile was a little teary ''No, it's the other way around. We should be thanking you! Thank you all for everything!''
''Yes, we can't thank you enough. We'll never forget you!'' Pagaya added.
The Straw Hats smiled at the three of them. As hard as it was to get here there was no denying that it was worth it, their experience was out of this world and frightening but it was also truly special.
They were quick to get to work preparing Merry. But just as they noticed the south bird landing on the mast, Pagaya warned them to be ready for a bumpy ride.
''What did he...?'' Nami's words were cut off by her scream as the Merry Go suddenly went off the edge of the sea. And she wasn't the only one, the crew could only hold on to whatever was close as the ship began to fall.
Luckily, moments later, a red flash surrounded them before Merry seemed to stabilize and the fall slowed down greatly.
Chopper slumped down in relief while Sanji looked back at what they knew to be the source ''You couldn't have done that sooner?''
''T-thanks...'' Usopp managed to find his voice ''...that took years of my life!''
For once, Zoro couldn't blame him ''That's what he calls bumpy?'' He noticed something odd. Miguel's eyes were lingering on the direction of Skypiea, a slow smile forming on his face. ''What're you...?''
He put a finger on his lips and motioned them to listen. Which was when they heard it too...the Grand Belfry was ringing again.
Chopper's eyes lit up ''It still sounds amazing!''
''Quite a send-off, huh?'' He nodded happily to Miguel, both more than content to simply listen.
A few minutes later, Luffy called out to them ''Whoa, guys! Look!''
He was holding a few papers which must have been scattered in the sudden fall. Nami blinked ''Oh, come to think of it-Masira did want us to see...ehh?!''
Usopp was likewise gawking ''How did we miss this?''
What did they find? None other than Luffy and Zoro's new bounty posters.
And that's that!
I figured the posters would've been a nice surprise after all this but you'll see more of their reactions next chapter. The idea with the talk about the D. came to me after hearing about the recent manga chapters. Can I just say that I love those new revelations? Finally seeing Vegapunk and then Vivi and Cobra being Ds all along...I can't wait to see where this is all going.
Oh and I forgot to mention, Angel Island's in ruins but it's still standing. Miguel's intervention saved a bunch of lives and also ticked Enel enough to focus on Upper Yard before turning his attention back to the Island. Speaking of, this will be covered soon too but Enel gets killed here by a few people who lost loved ones to him in the past. I'm thinking of using his devil fruit in another arc later so-yeah; this is what I decided to do.
I'm not really doing the Davy Back fights because I thought of a quick way around it. Otherwise, it'll just be a lot like the canon with Miguel involved. But the encounter with Aokiji is important so I'll definitely be going into that. First things first, there's another plan and it connects to what I wanted to a good part of what I wanted to do with Miguel in Water 7. I've got a decent part of the arc figured out; it's just a few things I'm not sure how to handle yet. I really like that one and the Enies Lobby part so I hope to do them justice.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!