On the deck of the Oro Jackson, covered by massive crimson sails.
The violent rising current tossed the ship back and forth, as if it might shatter at any moment. But for some aboard—like Captain Gol D. Roger, First Mate Rayleigh, navigator Scopper Gaban, the Demon Heir Douglas Bullet, swordsman Kozuki Oden—it wasn't enough to faze them.
Others, however, were scared to tears. Take Buggy the Clown, for instance—he clung tightly to the mast like it was his lifeline.
Eventually, the force of the rising current began to ease, and the ship finally stabilized. Only then did everyone have the chance to take in the breathtaking view ahead.
Even the well-traveled members of the Roger Pirates, each with their own extraordinary background and having seen countless sights around the world with Roger, couldn't help but marvel at the heavenly beauty of Skypiea now before their eyes.
"So Skypiea really does exist..."
Rayleigh, standing beside Roger at the bow, looked at him with eyes full of awe.
"Yeah, Rayleigh. It's like a miracle."
"But are you sure what you're looking for is up there?"
"No doubt about it."
Roger's eyes gleamed with confidence and resolve. His voice radiated dominance.
"I can hear it calling me..."
"Then it looks like this trip won't be for nothing..."
At that moment, Gaban approached with a cigarette in his mouth.
"The situation's not looking great, Roger. The ship's taken some serious damage—I'm a bit out of my depth here."
Roger frowned for a moment, then eased up and asked, "Can it make it to the Grand Line?"
Gaban thought for a moment, then nodded. "If I push it, we should be fine."
"Good. We'll handle the repairs in Water 7. For now..."
Roger turned and faced his entire crew.
"Everyone—let's go find the legendary City of Gold, Shandora. Our adventure begins now!"
"Yeahhhh!!!"
Their excited shouts echoed across the skies...
...
The arrival of the Roger Pirates caused a huge stir. As the Oro Jackson slowly docked along the shore, the Divine Soldiers of Skypiea spotted them immediately, drawing countless curious residents from Angel Island.
"Whoa, are those angels?!"
"This place is like paradise..."
"Ah, my heart's been stolen..."
When the crew saw the girls of Angel Island—slender figures, wings on their backs—they erupted in excitement. Even the young Red-Haired Shanks and treasure-obsessed Buggy couldn't help but blush.
"Hello... Guests from the Blue Sea. May I ask why you've come here?"
Once the ship was docked, the captain of the Divine Soldiers approached them, speaking politely.
You couldn't blame him for being so cautious. Just standing in front of these people, he could already feel their overwhelming aura—talking to them was even more intimidating.
"Wahahaha..."
Roger burst out laughing, jumped down from the ship, walked up to the captain, and spoke boldly.
"My name is Gol D. Roger, captain of the Roger Pirates. We've come to Skypiea in search of something. We won't cause any trouble..."
"This…"
The captain hesitated. By rights, as a captain of the Divine Soldiers, he should monitor and control anyone entering Skypiea. But facing Roger, he simply couldn't bring himself to say it. Instead, he asked:
"What is it you're looking for?"
"Of course—the legendary City of Gold, Shandora!"
Roger didn't hold back, answering with full bravado.
As soon as he said it, the captain's face darkened.
The others might not know where Roger meant, but as the captain of the Divine Soldiers, he certainly did.
After all, they had taken the City of Gold from the Shandians. That made it the most secret and treasured place on all of Skypiea. If he allowed these outsiders to go there, it would be a complete failure of his duty.
But under the sheer pressure coming from Roger's crew, he was at a loss for how to refuse, left standing there awkwardly.
Thankfully, just then, an elderly voice rang out.
"Welcome, guests from afar!"
The captain of the guard turned with relief, as though seeing a savior. From the crowd emerged the elaborately dressed Gan Fall, and the captain respectfully greeted him.
"God-sama..."
The residents around them also bowed respectfully.
"God-sama..."
The mention of "God" quickly caught the attention of the Roger Pirates.
"Wait, did I hear that right? They called that old man 'God'?"
"He looks pretty weak though..."
"Don't be rude. It's probably just a local title of respect."
Gan Fall's face visibly showed some embarrassment. After all, he knew full well how things really were. Having lived so long, his knowledge far surpassed that of the average Skypiea resident. While they might call him "God" among themselves, that title sounded downright ridiculous in front of these powerful Blue Sea visitors.
Roger, in his own way, was quite simple and sincere. Watching Gan Fall approach, he greeted him with respectful enthusiasm.
"Hello, God of Skypiea. I'm Gol D. Roger from the Blue Sea, and these are my crewmates. We've come to see the legendary City of Gold, Shandora."
"I understand. Please, come with me—I'll take you there."
Gan Fall then turned to the captain of the guard and instructed, "Prepare several Wavers!"
Minutes later, over twenty Wavers were brought to the shore.
"Please, follow me—I'll lead the way..."
Seeing this, Roger issued his own command.
"Leave a few behind to watch the ship. The rest of you, come with me—let's see the legendary City of Gold..."
"Yeahhhh!!!"
…
Amid the rising cloud currents of Skypiea, over twenty Wavers raced across the sea of clouds, gliding swiftly over paths woven from vines.
The Roger Pirates were stunned by this strange and fascinating mode of transportation. Seeing their amazement, Gan Fall took on the role of a guide, explaining the principles behind it and detailing the uses of the various Dials, which only added to their astonishment.
"This truly is a miraculous island!"
Roger, standing at the front of the lead Waver, felt the clouds brushing past and couldn't help but exclaim.
Gan Fall quickly responded with a humble smile.
"You flatter us. It's the Blue Sea beneath our feet that's truly vast and boundless!"
Soon after, the group arrived at the edge of Upper Yard, the Island of the Gods.
Gan Fall pointed toward the beautiful island ahead.
"This island was brought to Skypiea by an upward sea current four hundred years ago. The City of Gold, Shandora—the place you're looking for—is located at its center. Due to certain... special circumstances, the Divine Soldiers regularly patrol this area. So, to avoid any unnecessary trouble, let me guide you there myself..."
But Roger suddenly waved his hand, pointing off into the distance.
"Those Divine Soldiers you mentioned—they don't include those two kids, do they?"
"Kids?!"
Gan Fall froze for a moment. What kids?
He followed Roger's gaze and saw, to his surprise, that two very young children had appeared at the forest's edge, right at the center of the island's border, standing directly in front of the group...