The World Conference ended.
At the port, Old Kik reluctantly bid farewell to his newly-made king brothers.
Not for any reason. Just liked how nicely they talked.
"Old man, let the Marines take you back. I've got business."
"Go on, brat. Know I can't keep you."
Doflamingo was also leaving.
After traveling together, he was advancing into the New World—chasing that carrot Aus dangled.
"Fufufufu... Then I take my leave, Lord Aus. I'll await your arrival in Dressrosa."
Aus patted his shoulder. Gratified. He'd visit eventually.
If Doffy hit opponents too tough in the New World—like a certain Mochi—he could call.
"So what's next? Saint Aus~"
Steering the Oro Jackson away from Mary Geoise, Crocodile's question made Aus's mouth twitch. But he rolled with it.
"Should call me Lord Saint Aus, little Sand."
"Tch..."
"Next? Let's check out the sky. The legendary Skypiea."
"What?!" ×2
"Nothing but birds and clouds. Does Skypiea even exist?"
Ten thousand meters up, a magnificent red ship flew through cloud seas. Blink of an eye—ten thousand meters covered.
Been flying a full day. No discoveries. Plenty of salutes from passing birds, though.
Aus knew it existed. Somewhere above Mock Town, probably.
Mihawk found the corresponding Log Pose. But uncertain—maybe Skypiea moved?
Might as well try attitude. The red ship flew toward the Grand Line's first half.
After an hour, within Aus's massive Observation range, he discovered something different.
"Found it!"
Super-giant cloud with density approaching solid earth. Like flipping Newton's coffin lid. Floating slowly in the sky.
"The legend... is real?"
"Fantastical."
The Oro Jackson descended slowly. Stopped steady in the cloud sea. Within Aus's Observation—many winged people living here.
"Been a while. Last time came with the crew."
During that final world journey, Aus followed Roger to Skypiea. Witnessed golden Shandora. The Golden Bell.
Good thing Aus had money to burn and this was a memorial. Otherwise he'd have beaten Buggy to hauling the Bell away.
"Amazing. Actually doesn't fall."
Crocodile stepped on clouds. Surprised. Tested them.
Mihawk more direct. Used Yoru to carve slashes in the ground. Testing Skypiea's substance.
"Besides playing, there's one other reason we're here."
"What reason?"
"Finding someone."
Aus's Observation expanded over extreme range. Searching.
Target obvious.
Guy who possessed the strongest Logia. Only seventeen. Should've eaten the fruit some time ago.
Just hadn't had time to develop bad eating habits before meeting Aus.
Deep in the forest. Beneath an apple tree—
Youth with long earlobes. Cold, arrogant expression. Munching an apple.
Almost the instant Aus discovered him, he discovered this uninvited guest.
"Another insect..."
"Doesn't matter. God has matured. Fears no challenge."
Enel's expression unchanged. He'd mastered his ability. Considered himself strong enough to destroy Birka easily.
God-like power. No matter who came—couldn't survive.
This was lightning's power.
His pride as "God."
"Oh~ God? How scary~"
Next instant—in Enel's Mantra—a figure abruptly appeared before him. Teasing voice startled him!
"When—"
He looked forward. One of those Blue Sea people who'd landed that he'd sensed.
Taller than him. Gave him faint threat. Especially that ghost-like speed...
Even a god couldn't be this fast and traceless!
"Gloomy eyes you've got..."
Aus, hands in pockets, looked at the cautious young Enel. Waved hello.
Oda said if Enel hit the seas, he'd be Admiral-candidate level minimum. Aus figured he'd meet him.
Worst case? Make him a subordinate.
From clearing the underworld, he saw he lacked a highly mobile enforcer.
Personally running everywhere—those with strength lacked speed. Scattered enforcers had weak combat power.
Plus could work as a generator when idle.
"..."
Enel's face darkened. Instinctively transformed into electricity. Moving in elemental form within his Mantra range.
First time seeing someone with same methods. Not enough to shatter his spirit, but Enel stayed cautious.
Observe first.
But when he recovered human form—having run to another Skypiea edge—just as he breathed relief—
Aus's figure appeared before him again.
"Impossible!"
Enel's eyes exploded wide. Disbelief.
But next—no matter where he transformed into lightning and ran—he despairingly discovered—
That man always beat him by a step. Arriving an instant early wherever he moved.
"You... you..."
"How rude. Running around. I'm not some bad guy."
"...You asked for this!"
Psychological issues since childhood. Textbook rebellious youth. Antisocial personality. Enel finally exploded.
"Bzzzzt—"
Facing Aus, Enel's body erupted with massive blue lightning. Extended his hand.
"30 Million Volts: Thunderbeast!"
Lightning burst from his body. Charging toward Aus—hands in pockets, calm expression. Fierce. Terrifying.
Actually hitting him? Aus just rubbed his chin. Then—
Caught it in one hand.
"Ooh~ tingly. You've got massage therapist potential, Enel."
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