Launched skyward by the explosion from the sea, propelled by the updraft, the Going Merry plunged headfirst into the cumulonimbus cloud. Logic dictated that the cloud's interior would be filled with turbulent air and water droplets. Instead, they found themselves submerged in seawater.
The water's resistance slowed their ascent, but the upward current and the ship's buoyancy quickly resumed their climb. After what felt like an eternity, they burst through the surface, back into open air.
Due to their momentum being gone, they landed gently on a sea of clouds.
"Cough, cough…!"
"Gasp… gasp…"
Even the non-Devil Fruit users were breathless, having held their breath during the unexpected underwater journey. The Going Merry's wings and sails, modified for flight, were damaged but not critically. Another stroke of luck.
"I… I thought I was going to die…"
"Is everyone alright?"
"We seem… to be in one piece."
Clinging to the ship for dear life had paid off. No one had fallen. Zoro, relieved, placed a hand on his chest, then turned to Luffy, who was already scanning their surroundings.
"Hey, everyone! Look! Outside!"
They turned their gaze outwards. A vast expanse of white, a sea of clouds stretching to the horizon. Despite the strangeness of it all, they had reached a Sky Island.
"But the Log Pose is still pointing upwards."
"We're only in the middle layer. See those clouds above us? We need to reach those before we see the blue sky."
Robin pointed, and they saw another layer of clouds above them. Their destination was further up. But how to get there? They looked at Robin, hoping for an answer.
Robin also had no idea where to go.
"We can't just stay here. Let's get the ship moving. We need to assess the damage anyway."
"Good idea. Usopp…"
"First Mate Captain Usopp! Prepare to swim!"
Zoro turned to Usopp, who, stripped to the waist, was about to dive into the sea of clouds. He seemed perfectly content to let him go, but Robin, using her Hana Hana no Mi ability, grabbed Usopp before he could jump.
"Don't be foolish, Usopp. We just came up through the clouds from below. We can go down through them too!"
"…!?"
Usopp's face paled as he realized the implications. He could have fallen through the clouds. Unlike the sea below, the cloud sea offered no visibility. He could have mistaken it for solid ground, swum downwards, and plummeted back to the blue sea.
"Sky Islands are scary!"
He clung to the ship in terror. A disaster averted. Pedro suggested they get the ship moving. While caution was advised, as long as they avoided falling off the edge of the island, travelling by ship was the safest option. Everyone agreed.
"First, we need to fix the sails."
"They're ripped to shreds… a temporary patch should…"
As they began their repairs, Pedro and Zepo suddenly tensed, and looked at something in the distance. A figure, moving swiftly across the cloud sea, was heading straight towards them. Not on a ship, but gliding across the surface, seemingly equipped with some sort of device.
"Oi! Who's there!? Stop!"
"…Eliminate."
The figure, bare-chested, covered in tattoos, and wearing a mask, carried a shield in their left hand and a bazooka in their right. They leaped onto the Going Merry without slowing down.
"Not planning on stopping, eh?"
"Looks like we have no choice."
"Alright!"
Sanji, Zoro, and Luffy reacted instantly. The masked figure swiftly dispatched the three with a single blow each, then aimed their bazooka at the ship, intending to destroy it. Pedro, however, wasn't about to let that happen. He drew his sword and deflected the blast.
"Hmm."
His sword, coated in electricity, seemed to have no effect. The shield, clearly not made of iron, had low conductivity, preventing electrocution. Pedro landed on the deck, facing the masked figure.
"Zepo!"
"On it!"
Pedro and Zepo stood back-to-back and unleashed their Haki as they prepared to capture the intruder. Robin, waiting for an opening, readied her Hana Hana no Mi ability. They seemed prepared for anything.
But then…
"Hold it right there!"
A third party intervened. A man, riding a large bird, landed on the deck and deflected the masked figure's attack with his spear. He stood before Pedro and Zepo and shouted,
"That's enough! No fighting within the range of my Mantra!"
"Tch, a patrolman…!"
"I'm talking to you, guerrilla! You came here to scavenge for things from below, but don't just attack anyone you see, you mad dog!"
The masked figure ignored his warning and turned and vanished. The man on the bird snorted and turned his attention to the Going Merry.
"And you lot! You were warned about those guys during immigration! Don't make more work for us!"
He landed on the deck, sheathed his spear, and removed his goggles. Shura, as he introduced himself, glared at the Straw Hats, demanding to know who was in charge. Luffy, still dazed from his earlier encounter, looked at him with a puzzled expression.
"Wait a minute! Who was that guy!? And immigration? No one told us anything! And you guys are pathetic! Three of us and we got taken down that easily!"
"Honestly… useless…"
"I can't… move my body…"
"…You came from the blue sea, right? This is the White Sea, 7,000 meters above sea level. The White-White Sea, further up, is at 10,000 meters. The thin air is affecting your physical functions."
"Is that it?"
Shura stared in disbelief as Luffy, seemingly unaffected, pounded his chest, claiming he was already accustomed to the altitude. Human adaptability wasn't that impressive. He dismissed it as absurd and repeated his question.
"Where did you enter from? If you came through another island, you should have met someone. Didn't they explain anything?"
"We rode the Knock Up Stream. Didn't meet anyone."
Pedro's explanation made Shura's eyes widen in surprise, then he burst into laughter.
"Gahahahahahaha! Someone actually rode that monster of a current!? That's incredible!"
"You're laughing too much!"
"Sorry, sorry! I've never heard anything like it! Of course you didn't meet anyone!"
After his laughter subsided, Shura calmed down and introduced himself properly.
"I'm Shura, part of the border patrol. We manage immigration and emigration. Since everyone comes from other islands, it's usually a pretty boring job."
Travel between Sky Islands was limited to… well, Sky Islands. While some, like High West, could be accessed from the blue sea below, this particular island wasn't one of them. The schedule for inter-island travel was mostly fixed, so the patrolmen were busiest during those times. Of course, there were occasionally those who wanted to return to the blue sea, and seeing them off was also part of their duties.
"Huh… so we need to do some paperwork?"
"Aye. Follow me."
Shura nodded at Chopper's question and mounted his bird, Fuza, and led them towards a massive gate. He called them "blue sea dwellers," referring to their origins, and, as they flew, asked if they were pirates.
"Aye. We are."
"Hahaha, honesty is a virtue. Just so you know, this is Twilight Pirates territory. Cause any trouble, and it's off with your heads. You're free to sightsee and shop, though. Do as you please."
His warning was twofold.
You can enter, but don't complain if you die.
Don't bother entering in the first place.
The former referred to Angel Island, the latter to Upper Yard.
"What's that supposed to mean? 'You can enter, but don't complain if you die,' and 'don't bother entering'…?"
"Hire a guide when you get there. Upper Yard's a bit… overwhelming for aimless wanderers."
He explained that the island was also used as a resort and recuperation area for Twilight members. In those cases, they usually headed straight to the White-White Sea, bypassing his immigration checkpoint.
"What's up there?"
"All sorts of things. Waver races, Dial shops… and a massive library, though that's probably not of much interest to pirates."
"Never heard of those…"
"They have races on the blue sea too. Pedro and I have seen them."
As they discussed the upcoming attractions, they reached the massive gate. It was called "Heaven's Gate," a slightly ominous name, Sanji thought.
"Number of passengers, name of the representative, and purpose of visit. Any bounty heads? If so, their names."
The form was given to Luffy and he immediately passed it to Nami. Nami, accustomed to such procedures, filled it out and returned it to Shura. Shura reviewed the form, entered a nearby building, and returned shortly.
"'Straw Hat' Luffy, 100 million berries, eh? Quite the reputation. And 'Pirate Hunter,' along with…"
He confirmed Robin, Pedro, and Zepo's bounties. Five in total. He nodded. Many pirates tried to conceal their bounties, either unaware of them or intentionally hiding them. The verification process was often tedious. This time, however, they had been honest, which saved him some time.
"Alright. I'll take you up. Enjoy your stay."
"How are we getting up there?"
"Like this…"
He blew a whistle. A massive shrimp emerged from beneath the waves.
"A White Sea specialty, the Express Shrimp! Hold on tight! We'll be there in a jiffy!"
As Shura waved goodbye, the giant shrimp lifted the Going Merry and ascended a spiralling path of clouds. A naturally formed cloud river, its ribbon-like structure seemed almost artificial.
They clung to the ship as it rattled and swayed, but, as Shura had promised, it was a short ride.
***
They emerged from the Milky Road onto a scene that rivalled paradise. An island, floating on a sea of white clouds, surrounded by beaches. A harbour, dotted with ships, could be seen in the distance.
"Wow…"
"A Sky Island! I can smell adventure!"
While the others were awestruck, Robin gazed at the familiar landscape with a wistful smile. They were about to head for the nearest island when a small, fast-moving vessel approached. It was a speedboat, similar to the one Luffy and Robin had used in Alabasta, but without sails.
The speedboat pulled up alongside the Going Merry, and a skinheaded man called out to them.
"You the new arrivals?"
"Aye, we are. Who are you?"
"Ohm. Follow me. I'll guide you to the harbor."
While they could see the harbor, they figured they should comply with the harbormaster's instructions. They followed Ohm's speedboat.
"No seabed here, so anchor your ship to the clouds," Ohm advised as they docked. Zoro secured the ship while Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper rushed off to explore.
The streets leading from the harbor were lined with shops. To the right, residential areas. To the left, the beach.
"Whoa! This is amazing! I've never seen anything like this!"
"Strange fish… so flat…"
"Usopp, what's this?"
"It's flat, so it's a flounder."
Fishmongers, tackle shops, and a peculiar store selling what looked like shells labelled "Dials."
While some shops seemed familiar, the fish on display were unlike anything they had ever seen, and the fishing gear was crafted from strange, shell-like materials.
Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper were enthralled. Sanji, also excited by the unusual ingredients, joined them at the fishmonger's stall, while Nami spoke with Ohm.
"So, first time on a Sky Island? Shura told me you rode that monster current."
"Yes… by the way, he mentioned hiring a guide. How do we do that?"
"Not many people here this time of year. Shouldn't be hard to find one. There's a tourist information center. Ask there."
Ohm explained that the recent conflict with the Beasts Pirates and Big Mom Pirates alliance had reduced the number of visitors. Finding a guide wouldn't be difficult. Nami spotted a building labelled "Tourist Information" and decided to head there first. Pedro and Zepo stayed behind to supervise the others. Nami and Robin entered the information center.
They learned that registering their accommodation and hiring a guide were mandatory for visitors. While their ship sufficed as accommodation, hiring a guide would cost them. The Straw Hats weren't exactly flush with cash. Nami turned to Robin for advice.
"We only need a guide for a day or two, to learn the basics. They have pamphlets."
This Sky Island, unlike the one Robin knew, was a tourist trap. It had clearly been modified since her last visit. Robin flipped through the pamphlet then her eyes lingered on a picture of a massive tree.
"How long would it take to arrange a guide?"
"Not long. Thirty minutes, perhaps."
"So, what do you think, Robin?"
"Let's hire one for a day. There's somewhere I'd like to go. I'll be back shortly."
***
Robin's vague mention of "somewhere I'd like to go" somehow turned into a group outing. While Luffy and the others would normally be clamoring for the beach, everything here was new and exciting.
Robin, after purchasing a bouquet of flowers, led them towards the massive tree.
"That's a huge tree! I've never seen anything like it!"
"It's called the 'Treasure Tree Adam.' I don't know the details, but it's apparently a rare species, one of only a handful in the world."
"Really…?"
As Robin answered Chopper's question, she spotted a stone monument near the base of the tree. She walked towards it and gently placed the bouquet at its base. She knelt, clasped her hands together, and closed her eyes in prayer.
"…There are names carved here…"
Sanji, approaching the monument, noticed the inscriptions. Judging by Robin's demeanor, it was a grave marker. Robin had mentioned visiting a Sky Island before. The monument, nestled near the giant tree. Robin's prayer. He pieced together the clues, but he didn't voice his suspicions.
"Something piqued your interest?"
"No, I just…"
"Does it have something to do with Robin's past?"
"Yes. It's my… worst memory."
"Usopp! Have some tact! Everyone has things they'd rather not talk about."
"Y-yeah, you're right. Sorry, Robin."
"It's alright. It's… in the past now."
Robin smiled sadly, tracing her fingers across the inscription. The grass around the monument was neatly trimmed, the stone itself clean and polished. Someone had been tending to it. That was enough for Robin. The words, unbidden, escaped her lips.
"This island… it's called Ohara… my home."
"Your home? You're from a Sky Island!?"
"What!? Is that true, Robin!?"
"No, I'm from the West Blue. This island… it used to be there. But it was brought here… eighteen years ago."
"Brought here!?"
Robin explained that someone with the ability to levitate objects had transported the entire island. It had been uninhabited at the time, so no one had objected. Robin, the sole survivor, along with her mother, hadn't protested either.
A tragic incident had claimed the lives of everyone on Ohara, leaving it to decay and crumble. But bringing it here had breathed new life into it, albeit with different inhabitants. Whether it was right or wrong, she didn't know, but it was better than being forgotten and left to ruin.
"It's… different… but the liveliness is… nice. It's quiet here."
Robin, seemingly having found closure, turned away from the monument and began walking back towards the harbor. The Straw Hats followed, the atmosphere was slightly more sombre than before. Realizing she had dampened their spirits with her story, Robin tried to lighten the mood.
"Our guide should be here by now. What should we do first? It's almost lunchtime. Perhaps a meal?"
"Food! What kind of food do they have on a Sky Island…?"
"I'm curious too. Perhaps some rare spices or local specialties…"
"Do they have sake?"
"I'm sure they do. If it's a Twilight resort, they'll have some decent drinks."
"Huh… sounds exciting!"
As they discussed their lunch plans, they returned to the harbor. A woman with long, golden hair, styled in two braids, stood waiting in front of the tourist information center. She smiled at them and bowed her head.
"Greetings. I'm Conis. I'll be your guide."
"Yo! Nice to meet ya!"
"Sorry to ask right away, but do you know a good place to eat?"
"A meal? I know just the place."
It was lunchtime, so the restaurants would be crowded, but Conis had a recommendation. As she led them towards the beach, then down a set of stairs to a more upscale district, she received a call on her Baby Den Den Mushi. After a brief, hushed conversation, she glanced at the Straw Hats with a surprised expression.
"Something wrong?"
"Who knows?"
Pedro and Zepo, having overheard the conversation, seemed tense. Conis ended the call and hurried back to the Straw Hats.
"I apologize. Right after I offered to guide you…"
"No, it's fine… but did something happen, Conis?"
"Well… someone contacted me. They'd like to invite you… to meet them."
"Invite us?"
The Straw Hats didn't know anyone on a Sky Island. Could it be someone Robin knew? Robin, however, shook her head. Pedro and Zepo, having overheard the conversation, clearly knew something, but they remained silent, fidgeting nervously.
Luffy, ever the optimist, figured they'd find out soon enough, and they followed Conis. It wasn't far.
"Alright then, follow me."
Conis led them through the upscale district, where most shops catered to Twilight members, often featuring oversized items for giants. She stopped in front of a particularly grand building, clearly the most expensive establishment in the area. Its sheer size suggested it accommodated giants as well.
They waited outside while Conis spoke with the staff.
"This place is huge… and a lot of the buildings we passed were oversized too."
"They're designed for giants. You haven't seen one yet?"
"A giant… I'd like to meet one someday!"
"They're not here right now, but you'll probably meet one eventually. While they're known for their strength, many giants work for Twilight, handling cargo."
"Really?"
"Everyone, please come in!"
As Robin answered Usopp's question, Conis returned, gesturing for them to enter. Inside, Conis, seemingly unfamiliar with the establishment's layout, followed the staff's lead. While there were large rooms for giants, smaller rooms were also available. The Straw Hats were led to one of the smaller rooms.
The staff waited outside while Conis entered, bowing her head to the occupant.
"I've brought the guests."
"Thank you. I'm glad they found their way."
The table, while large, was smaller than the one they had seen in Alabasta's royal palace. Still, its opulence was undeniable. A woman with emerald green hair, pulled back in a ponytail, sat at the head of the table. She was roughly Luffy's height, but her beauty was breathtaking. Even Nami, herself a striking woman, couldn't help but admire her. Sanji was practically speechless, as if struck by lightning. Only Luffy, Zoro, and Chopper seemed unaffected.
"It's been a while, Robin. And Pedro, Zepo."
"Indeed… should I call you Komurasaki now?"
"Yes, please."
"It's good to see you again, Princess."
"You as well, Princess."
Robin exchanged pleasantries with the woman, Komurasaki, while Pedro and Zepo knelt, addressing her as "Princess."