"Oh..."
Enel was genuinely intrigued this time. He dragged out his voice, his dead-fish eyes showing a flicker of interest:
"Yahaha... Such courage... Back when I was 'God' of Skypiea, I longed for challengers like you to come and face me!"
Urouge's pupils contracted. Did Enel mean...?
This guy used to be the 'God' of a Sky Island?
Which means he was at least the supreme ruler of one such island!
Could it be that he destroyed more than just Birka?!
Enel dug into his ear with a look of supreme arrogance:
"Of course I know about 'Vearth'... But I don't feel like telling you."
"However, your second reason for coming here... That interests me greatly—"
"So let's do this instead!"
Enel's eyes narrowed slightly, and a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips:
"We'll swap the conditions—if you can display a level of strength that satisfies me, then I'll consider telling you what I know about 'Vearth'!"
As he saw Urouge's expression grow serious, Enel rose to his feet, his towering presence crackling with electrical dominance:
"To fuel your determination, I'll tell you this in advance—"
"I have already set foot on 'Vearth'! I know everything about it!"
"!!"
Urouge's eyes widened in shock. The idea that Enel had actually reached Vearth was something he never could have expected.
To the people of Sky Islands, Vearth was a divine realm, the ultimate object of reverence for all Skypiean. As a monk, Urouge had long held it as sacred.
"I see... No wonder you call yourself 'Thunder God'..."
Urouge muttered to himself. If he had truly reached the land of gods, then claiming divinity would seem justified in the eyes of Skypiean.
"Heh... So now, you're returning to the realm of men?"
Just as Enel had anticipated, Urouge's fighting spirit soared. A secret that Skypiean had pursued for centuries—this Warlord knew the answer!
"It seems coming to the Blue Sea was the right choice after all!"
"I accept your terms!"
"I must obtain the knowledge of Vearth!"
Enel nodded slowly:
"Hmm... In that case, why don't you all rest first? Have a meal, then we'll begin your challenge."
Urouge was momentarily taken aback—he hadn't expected a Warlord to offer hospitality. Then, with a hearty laugh, he said:
"Hah! As expected of the 'Thunder God'... You've got some class!"
Was Enel really being so generous?
While he didn't mind displaying a so-called 'divine magnanimity' toward weaklings, his current demeanor stemmed from something else entirely.
Damn it! It's been so long since I last heard another Skypiean mention Vearth... I got too excited and said too much!
That place is one of the highest-level secrets! If these unknown individuals find out, it could cause trouble!
That guy is already the Fleet Admiral... If he learns I leaked information, I'm doomed!
But as a god, my word is absolute... Lying isn't my style!
I need to buy time while I figure this out...
Urouge watched as Enel vanished in a flash of lightning. Soon after, temple attendants arrived to guide them to their meal.
...
Marine Headquarters, Marineford – Fleet Admiral's Office.
Wright was on the line with Enel.
Thanks to Rosinante's abilities, the entire Fleet Admiral's office had been soundproofed since Wright's promotion. No sound could enter or escape, significantly improving operational efficiency and security.
From then on, knocking on the door became pointless—no one inside could hear it. The door remained open by default, but even then, conversations remained private.
Wright was quite curious about Urouge. Despite having the lowest bounty among the Supernovas, he was the only one in Sabaody Archipelago who had single-handedly taken down a Pacifista.
Not to mention, a year later in the original timeline, this guy not only defeated one of Big Mom's Sweet Commanders, but also withstood a storm summoned by Big Mom herself—and even managed to escape while another Sweet Commander pursued him with an army!
"If he knows about Vearth... then that means his home island has an origin similar to Birka."
Wright pondered for a moment before speaking slowly:
"There are many Sky Islands, but few with a complete legend of Vearth. On Angel Island, for example, only the concept of 'land' remains. That suggests these islands have undergone a process of myth dispersion."
"If Urouge's combat ability is indeed formidable, you can reveal part of the lunar truth to him and extend an invitation."
"If he agrees, take him to the moon."
Enel sounded surprised:
"You think so highly of him? What if he feigns loyalty and leaks information?"
"He's strong, fearless, and more importantly..."
Wright paused for a moment, then said meaningfully:
"Don't you think a man who believes in karma, a monk who has broken his vows, would have a very clear understanding of the value of what he's given?"
"...I see."
Enel snorted:
"If he fails to understand, then I'll make sure he learns—Monks? Buddhas? I am a 'God'!"
"Fine, fine... By the way, have you heard? Trafalgar D. Water Law, the 'Surgeon of Death,' recently became a Warlord."
Wright's words brought Enel back to the present. He nodded:
"Yeah, that guy's also part of the 'Worst Generation.' If he's been made a Warlord, then Urouge should be just as capable."
"Not quite. Urouge isn't on Law's level yet... and the reason is simple—Law is one of our own."
"..."
Enel was silent for a long moment before the Den Den Mushi mimicked his exasperated expression:
"Fleet Admiral, I have to hand it to you. The World Government struggles so hard to assemble the Seven Warlords, yet look at how many of them are actually under your influence!"
"Mihawk has a close friendship with you, Boa Hancock... well, let's not even go there. Kuma, Jinbe, me... Now you've added Law. The only one left is Doflamingo..."
Enel scoffed:
"Hah! Seven Warlords, and six of them are essentially yours. Are you planning to take Doflamingo out just to install another one of your own?"
"Eliminating him is inevitable. But as for replacing him... I'm just a Fleet Admiral. It's not like I have that many pirate allies."
Hah... Yeah, right. You didn't have that many 'allies' before, either—but you still managed to beat me into submission!
Enel rolled his eyes, sparing a brief moment of sympathy for Doflamingo. During the Summit War, Doflamingo had sought an alliance with him and was rejected. He then approached Crocodile—who also turned him down.
I heard the Fleet Admiral beat him up, too. Guess it wasn't enough!
Hmm? Maybe I should beat up someone and make them my 'own'?
Just as Urouge was about to take another big bite of food, a sudden shiver ran down his spine.
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