Thick, pitch-black thunderclouds loomed over Raijin Island, with bolts of violet and blue lightning endlessly striking the land below.
The island's terrain, having endured ceaseless lightning strikes, had transformed into a unique form of thunderstone. Walking on it gave a constant tingling sensation, as if the very ground pulsed with residual electricity.
The Fallen Monk Pirates disembarked onto Raijin Island—shielded by umbrellas.
Yes, umbrellas.
"High Priest, that weird old woman really ripped us off with these umbrellas... but at least they work!"
Hearing his crewmate's pained complaint, Urouge laughed heartily.
"I never expected this 'thunderstorm' to be so peculiar. Who would've thought an umbrella could actually block it? Though, of course, these aren't ordinary umbrellas!"
"They say the Warlord Enel possesses the Goro Goro no Mi (Rumble-Rumble Fruit), a Logia-type ability. In an environment like this, his strength must be unimaginable..."
"For someone from Skypiea to have secured a seat among the Seven Warlords of the Sea in the Blue Sea... he's certainly no ordinary man."
Despite the ever-present smile on Urouge's face, he couldn't deny the apprehension in his heart. Seeking out Enel on Raijin Island... was no trivial matter.
After all, anyone capable of destroying his homeland—an entire Sky Island—was no mere opponent.
"High Priest! The thunderstorm ahead... it's opening up a path!"
Urouge had been admiring the awe-inspiring scenery of Raijin Island when he turned at his crewman's call. Before them, the dazzling rain of lightning split apart like a curtain being drawn, revealing a corridor formed entirely of cascading electricity!
"Is this... an invitation?"
...
Raijin Island, Central Palace.
This grand structure, built in the distinctive style of Sky Islands, was Enel's personal sanctuary—the "God's Palace."
Under normal circumstances, the sheer force of the lightning storms would have obliterated any ordinary building materials in an instant. Constructing a palace in such a hostile environment was unfathomable. Even a solid block of material wouldn't last long under the relentless bombardment.
However, through the fusion of the island's uniquely tempered thunderstones and the outer hull technology of the flying vessel Raijin, Dr. Vegapunk had designed this extraordinary "God's Palace" for Enel.
Drawing inspiration from his research on the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, Vegapunk ensured that the palace was entirely immune to electrical interference. Even ordinary people could reside within its walls safely—
—And thanks to Rosinante's special contribution, it even boasted a soundproof resting chamber!
There was simply no helping it. "Thunder God" Enel had developed an obsession with picking at his ears due to his Mantra, and once he learned of Rosinante's ability, he all but begged for a silent chamber to be installed.
"Lord Enel, our guests have arrived."
The training chamber of the palace was directly linked to the outside world and even incorporated means to harness and condense lightning energy. At that moment, Enel sat cross-legged within a waterfall of cascading electricity, honing his abilities.
"Hmph, I'll be there shortly."
Since the Summit War, Enel had become significantly more restrained.
Despite all his power, he had failed to defeat even Crocodile decisively. Worse yet, his opponent had managed to rescue others mid-battle, leaving Enel fuming with frustration.
But witnessing the sheer might of the three Marine Admirals firsthand had given him a new perspective. Seeing how Logia powers, combined with advanced Haki and martial prowess, could be honed to such terrifying levels had been a rude awakening.
By the time Wright and Sakazuki clashed, Enel hadn't been present at the battle, but he had later visited Punk Hazard, where the island's permanently altered landscape left him deeply shaken.
At that moment, a question had taken root in his mind—
Was Raijin Island's extreme climate truly a marvel of nature?
Or was it the work of a Rumble-Rumble Fruit user from the distant past?
If a Devil Fruit user had once altered an entire island's weather permanently, then he himself was still far from that level.
To achieve such a feat, one would need mastery at the level of a Marine Admiral—or beyond.
His "Mantra" (Observation Haki) had already detected the incoming guests, and they certainly seemed intriguing.
Ignoring their status as Supernova pirates, the fact that they were fellow Skypiean piqued Enel's interest. Had they simply been another band of foolish challengers, they would have already been reduced to charred corpses. Instead, Enel had granted them the privilege of a "god's welcome."
Transforming into a bolt of lightning, he arrived at the audience chamber, where Urouge and the Fallen Monk Pirates were cautiously observing the opulent palace.
This place… There's no way someone without powerful backing built this!
Enel has only been in the Blue Sea for a few years, yet he's amassed such influence? And yet, there's barely any word of him…
"Welcome to God's Palace..."
Enel appeared directly upon the main throne and gestured for them to sit.
"It's been quite some time since I've had visitors... Most who come here are fools rushing toward their own deaths."
"..."
Urouge's usual grin faltered slightly. The moment this Warlord appeared, a faint tingling spread across his entire body—an overwhelming presence.
"So, you're from Skypiea as well... That would make us countrymen, wouldn't it? Yahaha!"
Enel squinted as he noted the wings on Urouge's back.
"Tell me, fledgling... You came here specifically to seek God?"
Enel typically referred to himself as "I," but when putting on airs, he always called himself "God." Given his self-proclaimed title of "Raijin," Urouge found the self-reference fitting rather than boastful.
"Lord Enel, I do hail from the Sky Islands... but in my homeland, all we knew of Birka was its destruction. So, when I heard you had become a Warlord, I was beyond astonished."
"In the Blue Sea, Skypieans are a rarity. And powerful warriors among us? Even rarer!"
Urouge shook his head. The martial prowess of Skypieans had always lagged behind that of the Blue Sea. Whether it was due to population size or differences in environment, those who descended to the surface world often found themselves overwhelmed by the disparity in strength.
"In centuries past, there was not a single Skypiean capable of obliterating an entire island."
Urouge's words made Enel's expression shift slightly.
Now, he certainly could destroy a small Sky Island—but it would take considerable time and effort.
However, if he wanted to annihilate a medium-sized Sky Island swiftly, with the aid of the Raijin, it would be entirely feasible.
But back when Birka fell, there was no way he could have done it alone.
Well… an accident could have done the trick.
Clearing his throat, Enel decided to steer away from the topic.
"So, tell me—why have you come seeking God? Given our shared roots, I suppose I won't smite you outright..."
"But this island lies close to Marine G-5. You'd do well not to linger too long."
Urouge nodded solemnly and took a deep breath.
"Lord Enel, I have come for two reasons. First, I wish to ask if you have any clues regarding Vearth."
Seeing Enel sit upright with intrigue, Urouge's ever-present grin stretched wider.
"And second... I want to test my strength—A Sky Island warrior against a Warlord of the Sea!"
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