The Golden Ark continued its ascent, climbing toward the ten-thousand-meter altitude in search of a sky island.
Inside Silva's research and development lab, everything was well-equipped—even oxygen supplies were available. However, with everyone's strength significantly improved, passing through the low-temperature, low-oxygen layer was far easier than before.
That is, except for a few weaker crew members who had to retreat to the cabin, don oxygen masks, and bundle up in thick winter clothing until the oxygen levels and temperature stabilized enough for them to step outside.
"Captain Brook, we might really be close to a New World sky island! Just like when we first reached the one on the Grand Line—the oxygen and temperature have normalized, which means the island isn't far ahead!"
Shakky, wearing goggles that had frost forming on them, spoke while shaking off the ice crystals. The others were in a similar state—Newgate's signature white mustache had frozen into a crystalline form.
Only in the vicinity of a sky island did the temperature and oxygen levels recover. At altitudes between six to ten thousand meters, the environment remained frigid and oxygen-deprived—except in regions influenced by sky islands' unique conditions.
"There it is! Island clouds! There's really a sky island!"
Both Newgate and Linlin had never set foot on a sky island before. Despite their immense bounties as infamous pirates, the sight of structures atop the island cloud still left them in awe.
"Excellent! Listen up, men! This sky island is ours now! Full speed ahead!"
Brook unsheathed Shichiseiken, pointing forward—a declaration of his intent to conquer the island.
"Yohoho~! A sky island as our new territory! I wonder if there's a golden city like Shandora up there!"
Shakky pulled off her goggles and raised her binoculars, scanning the island ahead.
"Uh, Captain... this island looks kind of... plain. Even Angel Island looked better."
Most of the buildings on the island were white, built from island clouds and processed clouds, with very few colors. With no soil, there was barely any greenery.
"The conditions might be worse than Skypiea, but at least it's safe. Our news agency members will need to tolerate the environment once they set up a base here. That's why we have to seize Elan Island below—so it can supply this place with resources."
Sky islands lacked soil, making vegetation scarce. This was precisely why, for centuries, the Angel and Shandian tribes fought over Shandora—because they needed its fertile land and plant life.
Some might wonder: How do sky islanders survive without plants? Don't they need vitamins?
The answer could be compared to the Inuit people of the Arctic, who primarily sustain themselves with marine animals. Sky islanders likely follow a similar dietary practice, obtaining nutrients from sea creatures.
For instance, some Inuit tribes preserve entire seabirds—feathers, organs, and all—by fermenting them in seal stomachs for months. Later, they extract the liquid from the birds for sustenance.
In short—where there's life, there's a way!
...
Brook eyed the sky island. Was this the birthplace of the future Supernova Urouge? Or was he from another island? One thing was certain—Urouge knew how to get here.
After all, he once defeated Charlotte Snack, one of Big Mom's Sweet Commanders, humiliating him so badly that he was stripped of his title, reducing the "Four Sweet Commanders" to three. This act alone earned Urouge the wrath of Charlotte Linlin, who then sent Charlotte Cracker after him. After being defeated, Urouge was later caught in a massive storm conjured by Big Mom herself, sending him plummeting into the sea.
How he survived remains a mystery. Was he truly a Devil Fruit user? The only known fact was that he eventually resurfaced on a sky island to recover, where he later witnessed Kaido leaping from the clouds in a suicide attempt.
Urouge's home island had a strong monastic culture, filled with peaceful, benevolent priests. The only exception? Urouge himself—a battle-hardened, rule-breaking monk who, despite his violent tendencies, always carried a smile.
Regardless of the island's poor conditions and lack of vegetables, Brook was determined to claim it as his own!
As the Golden Ark drew closer, the island's inhabitants noticed the massive flying ship. Though sky islanders had their own cloud boats, called Wavers, none had ever seen a ship this large—one that soared through the sky itself.
Alarms blared across the island. The local guard force scrambled into formation, weapons at the ready.
"Captain Brook, they seem to be armed with a lot of Impact Dials and Reject Dials. Looks like those are their main weapons."
Through the scope of his sniper rifle, Silva observed the island's warriors, their hands gripping dials—advanced versions of sky island technology used for combat.
These sky islanders had the signature features of their kind—two distinctive antenna-like braids atop their heads and a pair of wings on their backs. Their skin was darker, similar to the Shandians, and they wore minimal clothing, indicating a warm climate. At the front of the group stood a leader—an elderly monk wielding a thick wooden staff, Impact Dials strapped to both elbows.
"Strangers from the Blue Sea, what is your purpose here?"
Sky islanders were well aware of Blue Sea dwellers. Every few years, unfortunate pirate ships or merchant vessels would be launched into the sky by unpredictable Knock Up Streams. The survivors would leave behind tales of the world below.
"We have come to rule this island. Surrender, and your lives will continue as usual—only under our protection. Serve us, and your lives may even improve."
Redfield stepped forward, unleashing his Conqueror's Haki. The pressure alone made several of the guards collapse unconscious.
"Y-You intend to invade Baron Island?!"
The island's leader, Monk Elder Umit, trembled under the weight of Redfield's Haki. Even lifting his staff felt like an impossible task under such overwhelming presence.
"No, not an invasion. We're here to lead you into a prosperous future."
Brook took a step forward, his own Haki radiating outward, completely breaking Umit's will to resist. The monk's arms, once raised in defiance, now dropped limply to his sides.
Meanwhile, Charlotte Linlin, riding her thundercloud Zeus, hovered above the guards. The blazing sun Prometheus flared menacingly beside her, casting a fiery glow over the trembling islanders. Fear gripped them as they fell to their knees, hands pressed together in silent prayers.
"Maamamamama Relax, we're not interested in your trinkets. I already rule another sky island. Just live as you always have. If we need you to help build houses, you'll be paid for your work."
Seeing the sky islanders submit to the overwhelming might of the Hell Pirates, Brook knew it was time to begin their new expansion plan.
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+122 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg