Chapter 384: The Knock-Up Stream
Perhaps even Sharlo himself didn't realize it—
When he conquered islands and wiped out their local ruling classes—particularly the nobility—he inadvertently freed the common people from centuries of oppression.
Without the nobles siphoning away their wealth, and with the Rockefeller Pirates mostly ignoring the internal affairs of each island (including taxes), the residents gradually grew more prosperous at a pace visible to the naked eye.
This was one of the key reasons why Charlotte Linlin was so eager to invade Sharlo's territory.
His islands were resource-rich: teeming with mines and valuable natural materials. Even the World Government secretly procured ores from these islands through intermediaries.
Sharlo was well aware of this—and was happy to play along.
Roger didn't say much, sipping from his gourd of wine in silence.
Sharlo glanced sideways at him.
"This offer of yours… I'll think about it."
He didn't outright refuse—he was seriously considering it.
Roger shrugged.
"No rush. My territory's just sitting there. If you ever want it, just fly your flag over it."
He sounded completely unbothered.
Most of those islands had been taken from Whitebeard, Golden Lion, and Big Mom.
Roger had liberated them… but found them still mired in poverty. He didn't have the heart or interest to govern.
His dream was to sail freely, not be bound by management.
He'd considered giving the territory to Whitebeard, but after seeing the results in Sharlo's domain, he changed his mind.
Sharlo gave a slight nod.
The sun slowly rose, and time passed.
Roger chatted idly with Sharlo, waiting for the crew to wake up.
To Sharlo, Roger was like an endless buzzing fly by his ear—always talking, always smiling.
Eventually, when most of the crew had woken, Roger stood up.
"Good times always fly by fast! We've got a new journey ahead. I hope yours goes well too."
He waved to Sharlo and began walking back toward his ship.
Sharlo watched quietly from the sand.
This might be the last time he'd see Roger.
After spending a day and a night together, Sharlo still wasn't sure how he felt about Roger. It was a question best left for history to answer.
"Farewell."
The Roger Pirates all waved as they set off.
"See you!"
Caesar and the others shouted back.
Soon, the ships vanished into the distance.
Sharlo stood up from the sand and turned to his crew.
"It's time to start our own journey. Are you ready, kids?"
He smiled at his many sons and daughters.
"Always ready, Captain!"
"Good! Let's set sail!"
He gave the order, and the young pirates cheered in unison.
The swordsmen on board chuckled at the youthful energy.
They sailed out into the open sea.
Sharlo checked the log pose.
"Caesar, are you ready?"
He looked at his son, who nodded firmly and gazed up at the sky.
"I'll give it everything I've got!"
"Then let's begin."
Sharlo nodded.
"All crew, prepare for launch!"
They were heading to Skypiea—Sky Island.
Originally, the plan was to use Caesar's Flame Clouds to fly up, but since they'd spotted the Knock-Up Stream nearby, Sharlo decided to let the sea's power do the heavy lifting first.
Once the stream's force weakened, Caesar would take over.
After all, lifting their massive ship—the Poseidon, made of steel and weighing tens of thousands of tons, with a thousand crew aboard—was no small feat.
The crew secured themselves and braced for the ride.
Sharlo stood on the upper deck, watching as the Knock-Up Stream surged.
He raised his hand.
The ship charged into the geyser of seawater.
"They're insane! Are they trying to kill themselves?!"
Nearby pirates at Gaya Island shouted in shock.
"No… they're chasing the legend of the City of Gold!"
A young pirate gazed at the ship, eyes full of conviction.
"City of Gold? You mean the tale from Liar Noland?"
Some of the older pirates scoffed.
"That's just a myth. Probably made up!"
The others laughed.
But the boy clenched his fists, ignoring the ridicule.
Watching the ship soar skyward—
"One day, I'll build a ship that can fly too."
His voice was drowned out by laughter.
—
Above the sea…
"Wooohooo!"
Screams echoed through the air.
Robert and the others clung to the railings, yelling as they were launched skyward.
"This is awesome!! So cool!"
Robert shouted.
Sharlo gripped the rail tightly, eyes scanning for danger.
The ship soared quickly—
1,000 meters.
3,000 meters.
6,000 meters.
8,000 meters.
Soon, the ship began shaking.
"Running out of thrust…"
Sharlo muttered.
"Caesar!"
He roared.
They were nearing the limit. If they fell from 8,000 meters, everyone would die.
There was no time for hesitation.
"ROOOOAR!!"
Caesar answered with a deafening dragon's cry.
His body expanded, stretching skyward.
In a flash, Caesar transformed into a massive Eastern Dragon over 100 meters long.
With majesty and power, he hovered above the ship.
He opened his jaws and unleashed Flame Clouds, wrapping them beneath the hull.
His gigantic body coiled under the Poseidon, lifting the ship and flying upward.
"ROOOOAR!!"
His cry echoed through the clouds.
Even with the reduced weight from the clouds, it was still a monstrous task.
But the ship slowly ascended again.
Sharlo stood at the bow.
He could see it—floating among the clouds:
Sky Island.
"We're almost there!"
He clenched the railing.
"ROOOOOAR!"
Another roar shook the skies as the ship surged forward—
Breaking through the Island Clouds at last!
The ship stabilized, suspended in the clouds.
"We did it!"
Estes cried joyfully.
Caesar had done it.
A colossal dragon soared above, circling the sky once more—
Then landed triumphantly on the deck.
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