Chapter 76: The Four Ordeals
The Hunter sailed smoothly across the endless White Sea.
In the cockpit, Knov was glued to the radar. He suddenly pointed at a large, distinct signal.
"Kyle, there's a massive island signature ahead. Based on the position and scale, that should be Upper Yard."
Kyle's eyes lit up. He strode to the window, staring at the distant silhouette emerging from the clouds.
"That's it," he said, his voice trembling with excitement. "The legendary Island of God. And the ruins of Shandora—the City of Gold—are hidden right there!"
On the cloud beach below, the dozen Divine Soldiers who had delivered the "message" lay unconscious, scattered like broken toys.
Morel slung his giant pipe over his shoulder, grinning. "So, are we going on a 'God Hunt'?"
Kyle turned, shaking his head calmly. "A God Hunt? Hardly. Based on my intel, the current Enel is only proficient in Observation Haki—his 'Mantra'."
"He knows nothing about Armament or Conqueror's Haki. To the Skypieans, who don't know Haki, he is a god."
"But to anyone who has mastered Armament Haki, his biggest threat is just the fruit itself."
He explained further, "The Rumble-Rumble Fruit is one of the strongest Logia types, yes. But without comprehensive Haki mastery, its true potential is capped."
"Lacking Armament Haki means his lightning attacks are far less effective against someone with strong Armament defense. And since Armament allows us to hit his real body, he has no advantage."
"That's why Luffy, who didn't even have Second Gear, could beat him."
Knuckle listened, sensing the killing intent radiating from Kyle. "Kyle, have you decided... to kill him?"
Kyle met Knuckle's gaze without hesitation. He nodded gravely.
"Yes. Since he crowned himself God, his brutal rule and his 'Ordeals' have caused countless deaths."
"He rules through fear. No one dares speak against him. A man who treats life like grass, who commits evil without thought... why should we let him live to harm others?"
He paused. "Besides, the Rumble-Rumble Fruit is a top-tier ability. When a user dies, the fruit often respawns nearby. I intend to give that fruit to someone who truly deserves it, someone who can use that power properly."
A calculating glint flashed in Kyle's eyes.
Shoot shivered slightly. He was gentle by nature and disliked conflict. Kyle's calm discussion of murder made him uncomfortable.
Morel and Knov were unfazed. As veteran Hunters, they had seen the darkness of the world.
Knuckle, despite his tough appearance, had a strong sense of justice. He was more concerned with the morality of Kyle's words.
Knov adjusted his glasses, cutting to the heart of the matter. "Kyle, 'avenging the Skypieans' is just a convenient excuse, isn't it?"
"Your real primary goal is the fruit itself. After all, a Hunter hunts what he desires."
"Heh," Kyle rubbed his head, smiling sheepishly. "Can't hide anything from you. I just wasn't sure if Knuckle and Shoot could handle the blunt truth."
"What are you saying, kid?! I'll beat you up right now!" Knuckle exploded, his face red. "I've killed more people than you've eaten hot meals! Who says I can't handle it?!"
He was kind, but he hated being looked down on.
"Right, right, I know," Kyle nodded "sincerely," placating him.
Knuckle huffed, mollified.
"We're arriving," Knov announced.
A massive island loomed ahead. The vegetation was abnormally huge, ancient trees towering like skyscrapers. It felt like a land of giants, mysterious and oppressive.
Kyle turned to Knuckle and Shoot. "Knuckle, Shoot. You two and I will handle the first stages of the 'Ordeal of God.' How does that sound?"
Shoot hesitated, silent.
Knuckle was instantly fired up. "We'll handle it! Who's afraid?!"
Kyle looked at Shoot. Shoot remained expressionless, finally murmuring, "Understood." It was impossible to tell if he was willing or not.
"Mr. Morel, Mr. Knov, Chairman," Kyle addressed the others. "Please stay on the Hunter. Secure our retreat. Wait for our good news."
Morel puffed on his pipe, a bit disappointed he couldn't join the fray. "Hahaha! If those are the Captain's orders, we have no objections. But, kids... if you get in over your heads, send a signal. Don't be heroes."
Kyle waved confidently and leaped off the ship with Knuckle and Shoot, landing on the ancient soil of Upper Yard.
Kyle recalled the intel. The Ordeal of God consisted of four zones, guarded by four Priests.
Ordeal of Swamp: 50% Survival Rate.
Ordeal of Balls: 10% Survival Rate.
Ordeal of String: 3% Survival Rate.
Ordeal of Iron: 0% Survival Rate.
For normal Skypieans, these were death sentences. The Ordeal of Iron had zero survivors.
"To reach the boss, Enel, we have to clear these four trials," Kyle said as they walked. "According to the route, first up is..."
"Wait!" Knuckle interrupted, his eyes burning.
"Don't spoil it! There are four trials? Perfect. Three of us, one each!"
"For the extra one, we'll Rock-Paper-Scissors! And the final boss..." He thumped his chest. "Leave him to me!"
Shoot frowned. Even his stoic face cracked. "Why do you get the final boss?"
Kyle didn't intervene. He looked at Knuckle with a meaningful expression. "You sure you want the boss?"
"One thousand percent!" Knuckle declared, annoyed by Kyle's smirk.
"Fine," Kyle laughed. "But if you can't handle it, call for a switch. Don't be stubborn."
"I'd rather die than call for help!" Knuckle yelled.
"I haven't agreed to this distribution," Shoot said quietly but firmly. "I want a shot at the boss, too."
"Fine, you two draw lots for it. Or I'll take him," Kyle shrugged.
Argueing about who got to fight whom, they walked down the forest path.
Soon, they reached a strange area. Before them lay a flat expanse of "Swamp Cloud." It looked solid but had an unsettling color. Step on it, and you'd sink, eventually suffocating.
Just then, the Priest in charge of the Ordeal of Swamp—Gedatsu—appeared, riding a Waver over the swamp.
He stared down blankly at Knuckle and Shoot, who were still arguing, watching them like prey stepping into a trap.