"God, you've returned?"
Enel nodded calmly.
"Summon the priests. I have something to announce."
"Yes."
Before long, the Four Priests gathered.
Satori, "Forest's Great Enlightenment," overseer of the Trial of Balls (10% survival rate), symbolizing Joy. A round, bizarre-looking man.
Gedatsu, Captain of the Sky Guards, in charge of the Trial of Swamp (50% survival rate), symbolizing Pleasure. Purple attire, strange spider-like hairstyle, not particularly bright.
Shura, the Sky Knight, master of the Trial of String (3% survival rate), symbolizing Anger. Wore a pilot's cap and goggles; wielded Heat Dials and string clouds; rode a giant bird.
Ohm, the Sky Swordsman, ruler of the Trial of Iron (0% survival rate), symbolizing Sorrow. Wore dark sunglasses; accompanied by a massive dog named Holy.
"God, you called us?"
Enel's expression was solemn.
"Yes."
"Skypiea is too small."
"I've decided to descend to the Blue Sea."
"…What?"
"The Blue Sea?!"
"Descend?!"
"Eh?!"
Confusion filled the room.
Enel explained everything he had learned about the Blue Sea—
the Four Seas, the Grand Line, the vast world below.
Of course—
He conveniently omitted the part where he nearly died from a single slash.
In summary:
He would descend.
He would destroy Mary Geoise.
He would let the world know the name of Enel.
Skypiea? He would abandon it.
Ohm was first to kneel.
"I will follow you, God, and spread your glory across the Blue Sea."
Enel nodded in satisfaction.
As expected of his most valued subordinate.
The others quickly followed suit.
None dared refuse.
They knew Enel too well.
And besides—
A group of mortals calling themselves "descendants of gods"?
Ridiculous.
There was only one god.
Enel.
Suddenly—
Noise erupted outside the shrine.
"Who are you? This is holy ground!"
Then silence.
The priests stiffened.
"Intruders!"
They hurried out—
And froze.
A man.
A woman.
And that woman—
The most beautiful being they had ever seen.
Their hearts pounded uncontrollably.
"So beautiful…"
"Unbelievable…"
Hancock snorted lightly.
She formed a heart shape with her fingers.
"Love-Love…"
In the next instant—
All four priests turned to stone.
Completely petrified.
Enel's brows twitched.
What kind of Devil Fruit was that?
Even the woman was this powerful?
So she wasn't just decoration.
Karl clicked his tongue.
"Not bad, Enel."
"Abandoning this place… no regrets?"
Enel's expression darkened.
I have regrets.
But you poisoned me.
What choice do I have?
"You came for what?" he asked coldly. "I said I'm leaving tomorrow."
Karl smiled.
"Relax. Just a question."
"You only took control of Skypiea a few years ago, correct?"
"…Yes."
"Which means before you, there was another 'God.'"
Enel scoffed.
"That old man?"
"He barely qualifies."
"He's alive. Too weak to bother killing."
"Name?"
"Gan Fall."
"He's hiding west of Angel Island. Living like a farmer."
Karl nodded thoughtfully.
"Good."
"After you leave, we'll need time before her people relocate."
"I'd like him to temporarily manage Skypiea."
Enel: …
So you want me gone tomorrow—
But still using my infrastructure?
He wisely kept that thought to himself.
"Find him yourself."
Karl smiled faintly.
"I'll return tomorrow."
"If you're still here…"
"No need to remind me."
Karl chuckled.
He lightly patted Hancock's hip.
She snapped her fingers.
The priests gradually returned from stone.
Karl and Hancock departed immediately.
Touring could wait.
They had someone to meet.
Over Angel Island
"Look," Karl pointed downward, "Angel Island."
The floating white clouds formed gentle, dreamlike architecture.
Hancock gazed below in awe.
"It's like heaven."
Karl laughed.
"Soon, it'll be ours."
"If you like it, we'll build a palace made of Island Clouds."
Hancock smiled softly.
"When we return, I should consult Elder Nyon."
Karl nodded approvingly.
"You're still young."
"It's wise to listen to elders."
"I prefer it when you're gentle."
"You don't need to be domineering all the time."
Hancock's cheeks flushed faintly.
"I'm only domineering to outsiders."
"My gentle side… is only for you."
Karl inhaled sharply.
How was she getting better at this?
He coughed lightly.
"We're here."
Below them stood a modest wooden house upon the clouds.
A small vegetable patch surrounded it—pumpkin-like plants and unfamiliar crops.
As they landed—
The door opened.
An elderly man stepped out.
Simple clothing.
Long white beard.
Kind yet alert eyes.
"Travelers," he said calmly.
"What brings you here?"
Karl patted Raven, signaling it to shrink.
He stepped forward, arm around Hancock's waist.
"My name is Karl."
"And I believe… you are Gan Fall."
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