Robin looked at the man before her, and a strong wave of longing surged in her heart. Her longing was no less intense than Lina's, but she did not choose to rush into Rolan's arms. Meanwhile, Nami glanced at Lina clinging to Rolan and couldn't help feeling a stab of jealousy. Even if she could accept Lina and Robin, who wouldn't want their man to focus on them only — although Rolan wasn't hers.
Rolan grabbed Lina by the collar and casually eased her onto the deck, then looked toward Robin: "Long time no see, Robin, Lina."
Robin nodded calmly with a faint smile.
Rolan ordered the ship to slowly come to a halt in the plaza before the shrine.
---
Night came, and inside the shrine the group gathered.
Kuro spoke up, a bit excited: "Rolan, do you mean we'll be able to head to the New World soon?" He remembered how often Rolan had mentioned the New World before — a place filled with hidden dragons, lurking dangers, and great treasures. The presence of the Four Emperors, the secretive World Government, the elusive treasure of One Piece — only there could their strength truly find its value.
Others glanced at Rolan with hopeful expressions.
Rolan nodded evenly, not hiding anything. "Yes, the plan moves forward."
At his words, the crew quietly stirred with expectation. Zoro tightened his grip on Wado‑Ichimonji and muttered, "How much has our gap shortened from the world's greatest swordsman Hawkeye Mihawk now?"
Robin's usually calm expression flickered — a rare emotion showing. Gan Fall and Chief didn't share their excitement; their concern was rebuilding Sky Island and securing stability.
Rolan continued: "The island we just raised was once part of Sky Island. I should have told you earlier."
All nodded.
"Chief, take Wyper to Jaya Island. You know what to do."
Chief and Wyper both nodded: "Understood, God."
Wyper's eager expression caused a brief crease on Rolan's brow — this hothead might cause trouble among the people of Jaya. He warned: "Wyper, obey Chief's instructions. We're not going to start a war. Jaya Island should be treated like ancestral land."
Then he turned to Gan Fall: "Gan Fall, you'll assume Chief's previous duties. Once things on Jaya Island settle, we'll plan long term."
Gan Fall bowed slightly.
Rolan then pointed toward a corner, at Franky. "This is our new partner, future chief engineer."
He paused, voice dry: "Though perverted, he's a top‑tier shipwright and inventor."
All turned to Franky. Their faces twisted in amusement and disbelief — here was a man wearing nothing but briefs, even more shameless than Enel.
Franky sprang up and struck a goofy pose, waving a finger in front of Kuro's face. "No, no, no! My craft is the most super, but don't call me pervert, I get shy!"
Silence. Everyone thought: yes, he really is a pervert.
Rolan clapped once: "Alright, get to work. Once Sky Island is fully integrated, we set sail for the New World."
---
The night air was cool, leaves whispered under a gentle breeze, and distant calls of sea‑birds echoed.
Yet Rolan was not resting. He soared above the border between Sky Island and Jaya. The contrast below struck him: one side, Sky Island — wild and ancient; the other, Jaya — bustling and prosperous.
He sensed a crowd gathered at their junction, murmuring and pointing upward at him. A Shandian resident shouted with surprise: "It's the God!" Others from Sky Island looked up with awe — this young man had ended centuries of war and built a country from nothing.
Rolan descended slowly, landing in front of astonished faces. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly and said, "Greetings."
Sky Island residents were about to kneel, but Rolan raised a hand, voice low: "There will be no kneeling."
Jaya residents stared at him curiously — this was the man who had proclaimed they'd move the island into the sky.
Rolan looked at them with a calm gaze, "I am the God of Sky Island, The King. Soon, this land will be yours too." His tone held no warmth, but clarity.
"You may not care who rules, but you care about safety and prosperity. Time will show what I can offer."
He did not wait for applause. With a wave he dismissed them: "Return home, rest tonight."
Without another word, Rolan vanished. Murmurs rose among the crowd behind him:
"Is that really the God of Sky Island? He's so handsome."
"I dream of marrying the God."
"You dreaming? Just look at yourself."
Rolan heard them faintly. He shook his head slightly, expression unreadable, and moved on.
---
Later, at Sky Island's White Sea beyond the cloud edge, all high‑ranking officials from Sky Island and Jaya had gathered to see Rolan and his crew off.
Rolan stood at the bow of the ship. His tone curt but firm: "After we leave, The Country is entrusted to you. Once we secure a base in the New World, we will bring Sky Island there. Thank you for your work."
Gan Fall, Wyper, and others nodded.
Half a month had passed since Jaya Island's ascent. Construction progressed; Jaya's people assimilated into the new country under constant speeches and guidance. Rolan had built fans across the island. Confident, he was ready for departure.
He raised his hand: "We depart first."
Nami guided the clouds to lower the ship smoothly. Sky Island residents waved a final farewell until the ship vanished from sight.
On deck, Kuro and others looked at the horizon, faces lit by anticipation. They were pirates — the sea was their stage.
The ship barreled forward at high speed. Soon another island appeared on the sea line ahead.
Nami nodded quietly: "Rolan, we're almost at Water 7."
Rolan looked ahead, expression blank but sharp.
____
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