Conis introduced her new Friend to her father, Pagaya.
Pagaya was exceptionally kind and did his best to answer their numerous questions. He prefaced nearly every statement with an apology, which some found a little meek.
However, no one commented on his speech pattern. Everyone had their own way of speaking, and it wasn't for others to judge.
Luffy and Nami were immediately drawn to the motorcycle-like boat.
"Are you interested in the Waver? If you don't mind, you're welcome to try driving it," Pagaya offered with great generosity.
"Really? Then I'll go first!"
Luffy eagerly volunteered. He was quite confident in his driving abilities, having some experience with motorcycles back in Loguetown.
But this was different. This Waver seemed particularly difficult to handle. Luffy stomped on the power valve, and the vehicle shot forward. When it encountered waves, it swerved wildly. It wasn't long before the Waver capsized, and Luffy plunged into the sea of clouds.
"Hey, I thought this was also the sea. So, are Devil Fruit users affected here too?" Zoro inquired.
"That's right. We should probably save him later," Sanji replied, and for a moment, the two found themselves in rare agreement.
After a noticeable delay without Luffy resurfacing, the two hurriedly went to his rescue, eventually dragging the half-drowned captain ashore. Meanwhile, Tashigi, panting heavily, pulled a similarly waterlogged Chopper onto the beach.
Tashigi said with exasperation, "Why did you go to save people too? Have you forgotten you're a Devil Fruit user?"
On the other hand, Nami delivered a powerful, Haki-infused punch to both Zoro and Sanji. "You devils! If you see a Devil Fruit user fall into the water, don't just stand there!"
You're the devil! Zoro silently grumbled, clutching the large bag above his head and gritting his teeth. Ever since this woman had learned Armament Haki, her punches had become increasingly painful, even the rubbery Luffy struggled to endure them.
Pagaya apologized profusely. "I'm so sorry, so sorry. My Waver has been modified, making it quite light, and it becomes very difficult to control when it hits waves."
Conis added, "I've only recently learned to drive the Waver myself, and it's truly challenging."
Luffy stuck out his tongue sheepishly. "Is it really that hard to learn?"
Pagaya confirmed, "Yes, it usually takes ten years of study to master it, and no one can do it instantly. What's more, my Waver has been modified. Even Conis doesn't dare to drive it carelessly, let alone a beginner."
"But Nami seems to be having a great time right now," Zoro pointed out, gesturing towards Nami speeding across the sea on a Waver.
Nami skillfully maneuvered the vehicle, effortlessly navigating the various waves, big and small. She certainly didn't look like a beginner.
Pagaya's expression was one of disbelief. "That's truly shocking! There are actually people who can learn it immediately!"
Luffy was clearly annoyed. "Why can Nami ride so well? Why is she able to ride? Damn it, I want another go!"
"Don't be such a sore loser!" Sanji retorted, slapping Luffy on the back of the head, but Luffy remained disgruntled.
At this point, Conis and Pagaya invited everyone to visit their home, and they readily accepted. Nami, however, said she wanted to continue playing with the Waver and didn't join them.
Conis's home was quite spacious and appeared to be constructed from artificial clouds, giving it a beautiful, ethereal quality.
Sanji immediately offered his assistance in the kitchen.
Conis took the opportunity to explain the properties of various Sky Island Shells, showing samples for everyone to examine and play with. Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper were instantly captivated, having a wonderful time experimenting with them.
Law also showed interest in the Shells, specifically inquiring about where to purchase them and their prices, intending to buy some before they left.
Soon, the meal was ready – a very generous spread.
Hosting so many guests at once was a testament to the Conis family's hospitality. If anyone else had tried to feed these voracious eaters, they would have likely been overwhelmed long ago.
While enjoying the unique flavors of Sky Island cuisine, Sanji couldn't help but scan the horizon for any sign of Nami.
However, there was no trace of her in the sea of clouds.
"Hello! Where's Nami-san (my love)? Why is she missing?" Sanji asked anxiously.
"Nami? Isn't she out at sea? I guess she's gone pretty far," Luffy and the others said nonchalantly. Nami was strong now, so they didn't anticipate any problems. Even an encounter with sea beasts shouldn't be an issue.
Fortunately, Momoo was still on the shore. Sanji grabbed the translator Chopper, brought Momoo some food, and then inquired about Nami's whereabouts. Momoo simply grunted that Nami had sped off, which, in a way, reassured Sanji. At least she hadn't encountered any sea beasts, so there likely wasn't any immediate danger.
Upon returning to Conis's house, Sanji relayed Nami's last known location, and everyone felt a sense of relief.
However, Pagaya and Conis exchanged a worried look, sensing that something was amiss.
"Father, Nami must have gone there?!"
"Yes, I have a bad feeling too!"
Their silent exchange immediately alerted the others, who quickly pressed them for information.
Conis explained, "Not far from here is the sacred land of Upper Yard, the residence of God. It's absolutely forbidden for anyone to enter. Legend says that no trespasser has ever survived. We're worried that Nami might have gone there."
Nani?! There's such a place?!
The corners of Luffy's mouth curled into a mischievous grin. "Well, no one's allowed to enter! He he he! Then let's go on an adventure now! No, I mean, let's go find Nami!"
Hey! Your true intentions are showing!
Everyone was internally exasperated, but with Luffy's fearless attitude, there was no stopping him.
As for this "God," was there truly a deity in this world?
The naive Chopper couldn't help but ask, "Conis, this God you're talking about, is it a real god?"
Conis nodded. "Yes, God. Enel is all-knowing and all-powerful. He can observe any location on Sky Island. Even we are probably under his gaze right now!"
"Hiss! Is he that powerful? Is there really a god in this world?!"
Chopper, Tashigi, and Bepo couldn't help but be shocked, clearly the most innocent of the three. But the straightforward Luffy didn't believe it, because he didn't see any god in his eyes.
Zoro couldn't help but scoff, "What do you guys even know? It's probably just very strong Observation Haki!"
Law added, "I agree with Zoro's assessment. Carl also mentioned that this place is suitable for training Observation Haki. In that case, there must be someone with exceptional Kenbunshoku Haki, covering the entire island. If he were truly all-knowing and all-powerful, he wouldn't be hiding on Sky Island, afraid to venture into the world below us!"
Everyone was taken aback by his words.
He had a point. If this "God" were truly that powerful, he would have conquered the entire sea long ago. How could he possibly be content to remain hidden on a single Sky Island?
P.S.: Some original content has been omitted for brevity, but the essence remains.
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