Shortly after Wayne left the City of Freedom, an unexpected visitor arrived...
"That's strange. Why did the sky suddenly go dark?"
"Oh my god! Look at that!"
"How is that even possible? How can islands float in the sky?"
A crowd had gathered in the city square, all pointing skyward in disbelief. High above the City of Freedom, several enormous islands loomed silently, motionless in the air.
Some citizens stared upward with curiosity, others with fear, worried the islands might come crashing down at any moment.
Members of the Freedom Strike Force, patrolling the streets, were visibly shocked. As the city's defenders, their thoughts raced far beyond the average civilian's.
The leader of the squad, a well-built man with a buzz cut, stared at the floating landmass with a grave expression.
"If one of those islands were to fall, it would level the entire city... Quick, alert the commanding officers!"
His name was Kieth, thirty-two years old. Once a slave, he was now one of the three captains of the Freedom Strike Force. His squad, known simply as The Three Hundred, was the strongest of the three divisions.
True to its name, The Three Hundred was a fixed force of elite fighters every member strong enough to fetch a bounty of at least ten million in the East Blue.
As their captain, Kieth's strength needed no further explanation. In addition to being a master of martial arts, he was also a Zoan-type Devil Fruit user, having eaten the Weasel-Weasel Fruit: Honey Badger Model.
Glug glug...
In his office, Solomon was reviewing paperwork when the Den Den Mushi rang.
"Moshi moshi, this is Solomon. Who is it?"
The voice on the other end was hurried and tense.
"Lord Solomon, this is Kieth, captain of The Three Hundred. Look up at the sky!"
Solomon walked over to the window, drew the curtains and his eyes widened as his jaw dropped.
"An island just fell from the sky?!"
But Solomon wasn't one to panic. He quickly analyzed the situation and muttered, "No... there's no White-White Sea here. This isn't a Sky Island... There's only one man I can think of who has the power to make islands float."
His mind flashed to a recent news report about a vanished island nearby. Gritting his teeth, he spoke a name with bitter certainty.
"It's you, isn't it... Golden Lion Shiki. One of the legendary pirates who once rivaled the Pirate King, from two decades ago."
Solomon had no illusions that Shiki's arrival was a coincidence. He gave a swift, decisive order.
"Kieth, listen carefully. Gather every soldier in the city who has the ability to fight in the air. Immediately!"
He paused, then continued in a solemn tone.
"Lord Wayne is not in the city right now. You must stop whoever is on that island no matter the cost. Even if it means your life."
Kieth's heart tensed at the words, but he didn't hesitate.
"Yes, sir! I swear on my life, I'll stop them. Not one step back!"
After hanging up, Kieth quickly ordered his men to usher civilians back indoors and then summoned the full force of the city's elite to the central square.
As they assembled, Kieth kept his eyes fixed on the island overhead. Through his Observation Haki, he sensed numerous life forces on that island many of them strong. One in particular was so overwhelming, it reminded him of Wayne himself.
But Wayne wasn't here.
And yet, this was the moment The Three Hundred had been preparing for. For five long years, they had trained tirelessly for exactly this scenario to defend this land, to protect this city and everyone in it.
Their sworn duty was to face foreign threats. And for that mission, they were prepared to give everything, even their lives.
Soon, the city's finest had gathered behind Kieth, their faces calm and determined. Kieth's gaze never wavered from the sky.
After a long silence, he shouted, "The Three Hundred! Sound off!"
"Yes, sir!"
Their response echoed in unison. Some voices trembled slightly, but none showed fear.
Just then, another voice rang out.
"Captain Kieth! Let us fight too!"
Kieth turned around to see members of the Youth Corps arriving. The speaker was Wallace, captain of the youth squad.
"You kids are being reckless!" Kieth barked. But his tone softened as he continued. "You're not ready to face enemies of this caliber. You are the future of the City of Freedom. I won't let your lives be thrown away."
Seeing that Wallace still wanted to argue, Kieth added, "When danger strikes, chaos will follow. Your duty is to maintain order in the city."
Though reluctant, Wallace saw the unshakable resolve in Kieth's eyes and ultimately led the youth team away to carry out their assignment.
After they left, Kieth took a deep breath and roared, "All units trained in Geppo, step forward! Follow me to the island! We strike first!"
With that, he launched into the air, stepping on the sky itself.
Dozens of warriors trained in Geppo followed, springing upward like arrows, each one determined to face the enemy head-on.
At that moment, Kieth had only one thought in mind:
Behind him were over a million citizens. Among them were his friends, his family his sweet two-year-old daughter, his gentle wife. These people had finally broken free from years of suffering. Under Wayne's leadership, they had built this city from the ashes of despair.
And no one, no one, would be allowed to take that away not even a legendary monster.
He wasn't the only one who felt that way. The same fire burned in every fighter who now soared with him toward the sky island.
...
Meanwhile, Solomon placed the receiver back on the Den Den Mushi. After getting confirmation that Wayne couldn't return in time, he immediately began contacting the remaining leaders still in the city.
But aside from himself, only Clow, Robin, and Gloria were still present.
"Well, looks like I'll have to suit up too," Solomon muttered.
He removed the pristine white gloves he always wore. A shadowy black energy oozed from his wrist. His eyes sharpened as he stared up at the island floating ominously overhead.
...
Somewhere between Dressrosa and the City of Freedom, a streak of purple lightning split the sky like a meteor.
Wayne, now in his lightning form, pushed his speed to the limit. Gritting his teeth, he growled through the wind,
"Golden Lion Shiki... couldn't you have just stayed a legend? You're too old to be stirring up trouble like this."
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