Chapter 33 - 34
Somewhere on Skypiea, in a place called Hidden Cloud Village.
It was the Shandians' stronghold.
Following the map provided by Gan Fall, Sakazuki brought Cricket here. They had barely caught sight of the village's outline when—
Whoosh!
The sound of wind tearing through the air sounded. Three long spears flew straight at Sakazuki, aiming for his heart, throat, and head.
He didn't move. Instead of dodging, he simply lifted a finger.
Shhh...
The spears pierced through him with a chilling sound. His chest, neck, and skull were all impaled, leaving gaping holes. Yet no blood spilled. Instead, molten magma trickled out of the wounds.
Across from him, the Shandian warriors stiffened. Even though Skypiea was cut off from the Blue Sea, they still knew enough to understand what that meant.
One of them quickly slung a rocket launcher-like weapon off his back.
Boom!
A cannonball roared through the sky, closing in on Sakazuki. At the same time, a sharp whistle rang out—a signal that enemies had arrived.
In response to the opponent's strike, Sakazuki calmly tapped his finger. Unlike his usual fast bullet-like attack, this time, a black magma projectile spun forward with a loud rumble.
Wherever it passed, powerful air currents exploded outward. In an instant, a clear path was blasted through the cloud field, leading directly to the village.
The magma bullet collided with the cannonball midair, then smashed into one of the Shandians, but it didn't explode. Instead, the projectile kept pushing forward, heading straight toward the massive vine in the center of the village.
Just before impact, the black magma twisted and expanded, engulfing the warrior entirely. It solidified quickly, locking him in place with only his eyes and nose left exposed.
Boom!
It slammed into the thick vine, punching out a large crater. The warrior was unharmed but completely immobilized, frozen in hardened magma.
The whistle from earlier had already thrown the village into high alert. Believing the Skypieans had attacked, every Shandian warrior burst out of their huts with weapons drawn. But no enemies met their eyes, only a scorched path left behind by an overwhelming force.
At the end of that path, two figures walked side by side: one tall, one small.
An older man, about the same age as Gan Fall, raised a hand to signal the others to hold their positions. Though cautious, he remained silent as he observed the approaching pair.
This was the chief of the Shandians. His body was adorned with ceremonial ornaments, and a wolf-head pelt rested on his head, signifying his high status.
The crowd watched the strangers warily, their grips on their weapons tightening as tension hung in the air.
"We mean no harm," Sakazuki's voice rang out as they reached the village's edge. The Shandians tensed again when he raised his right hand.
Ignoring their reaction, he pressed his fingers downward, and the villagers heard a strange shifting sound behind them. They turned and saw the huge crater in the vine.
With Sakazuki's Devil Fruit power activating again, the hardened magma began to glow with heat from the inside, melting back into a molten flow and sliding to the ground.
The trapped Shandian warrior dropped down. Aside from a minor burn, he was completely unharmed. He stared at Sakazuki, still on guard.
"State your purpose, Blue Sea man."
The chief had seen the stranger let the warrior go. It eased his mind slightly, but his tone remained cautious as he questioned the two, clearly different from anyone native to Skypiea.
Sakazuki responded calmly. "Do you know about Noland?"
The chief's eyes widened. Shock appeared on his face. He couldn't believe someone knew of their connection to Noland.
The last time his name had come up was who knows how many years ago, when a former chief asked a Blue Sea adventurer about it. The fact this stranger would bring it up on his own left him stunned.
But he quickly composed himself and, in a hoarse but steady voice, asked, "How do you know him?"
"Looks like we found the right place," Sakazuki said, gaving a symbolic nod of confirmation.
Then, he gently pushed Cricket forward. "He is a descendant of Noland. He's come to find Kalgara."
"What?!"
"A descendant of Norland?!"
The Shandians were in disbelief. Their eyes snapped to the small figure beside Sakazuki. The chief's body shook slightly. His mouth opened and closed, lost for words.
"It's true…"
Only now did he notice the boy's hairstyle—chestnut-shaped, just like in their ancient legends.
Overwhelmed with emotion, the chief slowly walked forward and crouched down to meet Cricket at eye level. His voice trembled with excitement as he spoke. "Great Warrior Kalgara... your friend's descendant has come looking for you."
He held Cricket's hand tightly, then gestured for Sakazuki to enter the village. Turning to his people, he shouted, "Bring out the finest food we have! Honor our guests!"
"Yes!" The Shandians sprang into action, welcoming the visitors with open arms.
No one held anything back. The bonfire had barely started crackling before Cricket's table was already overflowing with food.
The chief sat beside him, looking at the boy with warm eyes, like a father watching over his child. He chatted happily, a smile never leaving his face.
On the other side, the Shandian warrior who had been blasted away earlier walked up to Sakazuki with a serious look. He held a large wooden bowl filled with liquor.
"About what happened before, I was rude. Great adventurer, please forgive me."
He raised the bowl and drank it all in one go.
"It's alright," Sakazuki replied, picking up his own bowl. He nodded toward the warrior and downed it as well.
Soon, the celebration reached its peak. Songs and dances carried on late into the night, until finally, the village fell into peaceful slumber.
Later that night, the chief and the warrior named Clen stepped quietly into the tent where Sakazuki and Cricket slept. Smiling at the boy, they signaled for Sakazuki to join them. He got up and followed them out, stepping onto one of the large vine leaves.
The three of them sat down, looking over the village below. The chief spoke first.
"Respected adventurer, I noticed during the day that Cricket seemed hesitant to speak his full purpose. Besides following the traces of the great warrior Kalgara, is there something else that brings you here?"
Sakazuki nodded and looked down at the campfires flickering below. "Yes. There's something else. Gan Fall asked us to bring you a message. He wishes for peace."
Clen's expression changed. He was about to speak when the chief raised a hand to stop him. Looking toward Cricket's tent, the chief fell silent for a long moment. Then he asked, "Is this what Cricket wants as well?"
Sakazuki watched the chief in silence. If it were his wish, the Shandians would surely accept it, as he was the descendant of Noland.
"No. He hasn't made a decision yet, so the choice still lies with you."
The chief's shoulders relaxed slightly, a faint smile forming. His eyes lingered on the tent with growing affection, but then his expression darkened again, and Clen finally spoke, unable to hold back any longer.
"Is this a joke?! Four hundred years of humiliation, and you think a simple word of peace can erase it?!"
"Four hundred years...!"
"Enough, Clen!" The chief snapped at the agitated Clen, his serious expression showing that his heart was far from calm.
"Four hundred years of hatred. It's understandable. No one else has the right to interfere. By the way, the lost Light of Shandora, it's at the top of the giant vine that runs through Upper Yard," Sakazuki's calm voice broke the silence. This wasn't something anyone could decide on someone else's behalf.
He then stood up and jumped down from the vine leaf, leaving the space to the two men.
It was destined to be a heavy night.
...
Early the next morning, Sakazuki stepped out of the tent with Cricket. In the distance, the chief looked a bit worn out.
When he saw Cricket come out, he pulled himself together a little and smiled as he walked over.
"Apologies, great adventurer... we..."
"I understand."
Sakazuki nodded and gave Cricket a gentle pat, signaling him to say goodbye to everyone.
It was time to move on. The Ark Maxim was still the top priority.
Soon after, the chief called the whole tribe. Though reluctant, they gathered to see Cricket off. As the two figures walked farther and farther away, even Clen, the strongest warrior of the tribe, had tears in his eyes.
He turned back and stared at the statue of the great warrior Kalgara, lost in thought.
……
Blue Sea. The first half of the Grand Line, Derrick Island.
An endless war raged on between the countries of Malakar and Galzburg. On the outskirts of their battlefield, in a small town—
Thud!
A body hit the ground. All around, others lay unconscious, covered in blood. They wore all military uniforms, but from their faces, they were clearly just kids.
Screeech—
A heavy clay jar scraped across the dirt, dragged by a massive shadow. Towering over the fallen youths, the figure's eyes radiated bloodlust.
Crack!
The jar smashed across one of the bodies. Liquor splashed out, stinging wounds and jolting the boy awake.
"Ahh!!!"
"Ugh!"
"What the hell..."
"Bu... Bullet..."
"What are you trying to do?!"
One by one, they stirred, woken by pain and fear. When they spotted the figure looming above them, panic returned.
"Hehe." Bullet grinned and stepped forward. He grabbed the boy who had said his name by the throat.
"Mmm! Mmm!"
The boy struggled, eyes wide with terror. But his limbs were already broken—he couldn't fight back.
Crunch!
The sickening sound of bones snapping echoed and the boy stopped moving. Bullet flung the limp body aside and walked to the next.
"No! Please!"
"Bullet, I was wrong! Spare me!"
"It was all Blade's idea!"
"He forced us!"
"Please! No—!"
"Mmm! Mmm!!!"
Crunch! Crunch! Crunch!
Their cries and struggles were drowned by the brutal sound of bones breaking, again and again—until silence fell.
Finally, Bullet stepped up to the last one.
"Your turn."
This one was in the worst shape. All four limbs were shattered, and his tongue had been torn out. The boy watched Bullet's emotionless face draw near and his entire body trembled with fear.
He thrashed desperately, but it was no use. All he could do was watch as Bullet's hand reached for his head.
Splat!
Like a watermelon bursting, blood splattered across Bullet's face. With his blood-soaked, crazed eyes, he looked terrifying, inhuman.
With a strong pull, he yanked off the Medal pinned to Blade's chest.
Bullet held it for a moment, then solemnly pinned it to the left side of his own uniform.
...
Skypiea, Angel Island.
Marines bustled around the warship, loading the last of their supplies. Over the past two days, they'd gotten along well with the residents of Angel Island, trading Sky Island specialties and all kinds of Dials.
That morning, after returning, Cricket stood at the bow of the ship, staring off toward the direction of the Shandian settlement, lost in thought.
Further down the deck, Sakazuki stood in conversation with Gan Fall, who had just arrived.
"I've passed your message to the Shandians."
"And their response...?"
"A grudge built over four hundred years doesn't fade so easily."
"I understand..." Gan Fall turned to look toward the land of Upper Yard, his expression quiet.
After a moment, he gave Sakazuki a silent nod of thanks and walked away. His steps were heavy, his back more hunched than before.
……
Shandian settlement, Hidden Cloud Village.
Today, for once, no one was training. Everyone sat quietly in the central plaza, looking downcast and lost in thought.
Since morning, after the two visitors had left, the village had remained silent.
The chief stood at a distance, watching them. His gaze lingered especially on the children, and a soft sigh escaped him.
Clen sat nearby, shoulders slumped, frustration etched across his face. But as he looked around at the people—his people—he couldn't hold onto that anger. He shut his eyes, and memory swept through him.
He saw the chief from his childhood, gently telling him stories.
'Clen, today I'll tell you about the great warrior Kalgara.'
He remembered the bitterness in his own voice.
'Four hundred years of humiliation, and he thinks he can erase it with one word? Peace?!'
Then came the final words of a fallen comrade.
'Cough... cough... Clen, you must take back our land...you must... reignite Shandora…'
'Lord Clen, will you tell us the story of the great warrior Kalgara again?'
The memories struck him like waves.
After a long silence…Clen opened his eyes again, now filled with determination.
He stood up, slung the Burn Bazooka over his shoulder, and strode forward.
The chief looked at him with a hint of surprise in his eyes.
"All warriors," Clen said, loud enough for all to hear, "take up your weapons. Come with me."
There was confusion at first, but no hesitation. One by one, the warriors stood and followed, grabbing their arms and walking behind their leader.
"Clen!" The chief called out.
Clen paused briefly, but didn't turn back. His answer came in silence as he continued forward.
……
Upper Yard, God's Shrine.
Gan Fall had just returned to the palace when a guard rushed in, panicked.
"God! The Shandians! They're marching toward the sacred land with full force!"
"What?!"
Gan Fall quickly put on his armor, grabbed his spear, and mounted a strangely colored, winged horse before flying off in a hurry.
When he reached the heart of Upper Yard, the sight that greeted him was unexpected.
The Shandians were not launching a furious assault. Instead, they were charging straight for the massive vine—Giant Jack—that towered over the island. They ignored everything else in their path.
He couldn't understand what they were trying to do, but he made his decision.
"Everyone, stand down!"
The members of the Divine Squad hesitated as his voice rang out. They instinctively froze and turned to their god.
"Let them through," Gan Fall ordered again.
"But... God..." one of them protested.
"I said, move aside!"
The command left no room for argument. Though unwilling, the Divine Squad stepped back, parting to make way.
The Shandians offered Gan Fall only a fleeting glance before pushing forward, eyes locked on the towering vine, following Clen's lead.
Gan Fall silently watched them disappear into the depths of the island.
Clen ran with everything he had, his eyes never leaving the vine's peak.
'Four hundred years… Kalgara's dying wish… the Light of Shandora…wait for me, Cricket…'
……
Meanwhile, at the harbor on Angel Island.
With the last supplies loaded and a map of the White-White Sea secured, the marines prepared to set sail, waving farewell to the Skypieans who had helped them these past two days.
Just then—
Dong—! Dong—! Dong—!
A series of melodic chimes rang out across Skypiea. The sound was clear and pure, like a sacred hymn that echoed through the sky. It washed over them, calming the spirit and lifting the heart.
"What is that?"
"The Song of the Island!"
"It's beautiful..."
"You guys remember that old legend, right?!"
"Could it be…?"
The Skypieans murmured among themselves as a long, low bell toll followed.
Wuuuuuu…!
Everyone on the warship stood still, quietly listening to the wondrous chimes. At the same time, Sakazuki turned to look toward Upper Yard.
……
High atop Giant Jack, Clen knelt before the ancient, glowing Light of Shandora. The bell shone warmly in the morning sun.
"Four hundred years..." he whispered.
He stood up slowly and looked toward the Heaven's Gate.
"You have to come again!!!" he shouted, voice cracking with emotion.
In that moment, his figure seemed to merge with the spirit of Kalgara. Across centuries, the two warriors had become one.
……
Side Story: 400 Years Ago, Jaya Island.
A figure sprinted through the dense jungle, feet pounding the earth.
His most striking features were the spiky red hair trailing down to his knees and the red tattoos covering both shoulders. Shirtless and gripping a long spear, he darted through the trees, leaving only a blur as he rushed toward the shore.
'What grave sin have I committed. Wait for me, Noland!'
At the shore, Noland stood on the deck of his ship, staring at Jaya Island for what seemed like forever.
At last, he turned and looked at his crew. "Get ready to set sail. We're returning to the Kingdom of Lvneel."
"Aye, sir!"
As the sails dropped, Noland's bold voice boomed across the ship.
"Set sail!"
Suddenly—
Dong—! Dong—! Dong—!
The sound stopped him in his tracks. He looked back, stunned.
"Why... is the bell ringing...?"
"Admiral! Over there!"
A fiery red figure had reached the shoreline. He ran into the shallows and stopped, chest heaving. Then, drawing a deep breath, he shouted at the top of his lungs.
"NOLAAAND!!!"
Noland gripped the railing tight, eyes wide as he stared at the figure.
"Kalgara..."
On the beach, Kalgara looked at the ship drifting farther and farther away. Memories of their meeting and friendship flooded his mind. The bitter misunderstanding and the pain of their parting overwhelmed him. Tears welled up and spilled down his cheeks.
"Come back again!!!!"
As he finished, it felt like all the strength drained from his body. He dropped to his knees in the sea, sobbing.
Then he suddenly looked up and roared with every ounce of strength he had.
"I'll be waiting for you here on this land!
"We'll keep ringing this bell!
"So that when the day comes and you return, you'll never lose your way at sea!
"So that even in the fiercest storm, you'll still see this island!
"We'll ring the bell, waiting for you!
"We will meet again one day my friend!!!"
Dong—!
*
Thank you for reading! If you'd like access to extra chapters and want to support my work, you can visit my P @ treon:
P @ treon/SilverShark769
Your support means a lot, thank you!