"Since we've already decided to split into two groups..."
"Then now it's time to decide—who will head to the South Sea to rescue Gray? And who will go to Alabasta to take down 'Desert Crocodile' Crocodile?"
Eden looked around at everyone in the tavern, though his words were clearly aimed at one person—Mirajane.
"Let me and Juvia handle rescuing Gray in the South Sea~"
"I think Juvia is far more eager to save Gray than to take down Crocodile."
Mirajane, with her ever-knowing smile, spoke for Juvia, clearly understanding her feelings.
"Yes."
"Juvia will go to the South Sea to save Gray-sama."
Juvia nodded firmly, her voice filled with determination.
"Eh? But I want to go to the South Sea too!"
"I don't want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to laugh at Gray as much as I want!"
"But I also want to head to Alabasta and challenge that Crocodile guy. I heard he's strong."
Natsu found himself torn—he wanted both the comedy of mocking Gray and the thrill of fighting one of the Warlords of the Sea.
"Oh? Then how about you come with me?"
"I'll take real 'good care' of you along the way."
Mirajane's sweet smile turned ever more dazzling. As her pale, delicate fingers brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes narrowed dangerously, hinting at a hidden menace.
"Uhh... actually, never mind."
"I suddenly don't feel like going to the South Sea anymore."
Stiff with fear, Natsu shook his head and muttered, "I think I'll go with Eden to Alabasta instead and defeat Crocodile. That way, we can raise Fairy Tail's name and status across this world."
"Oh? Looks like we won't be traveling together, Natsu~"
"What a shame."
Mirajane's gentle smile remained, though only she knew what it truly meant.
"Terrifying... Mirajane is terrifying."
"I finally understand just how powerful she is. No wonder she's an S-Class Mage in Fairy Tail."
Nami, shaken to her core, could barely stop trembling at Mirajane's hidden black-bellied nature.
"By the way, Nami~"
"They say Skypiea is full of gold! Aren't you even a little curious?"
Eden turned to her suddenly, eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Hehe~ If Skypiea really exists, of course I'm interested."
"In fact, ever since we arrived in this town, I've been collecting information about it..."
"Unfortunately, I've asked every known pirate with any reputation, and none of them know anything solid about Skypiea."
"Some even think it's just a legend."
"Which leaves us with two possibilities."
She paused, took a sip of her orange drink, and then continued:
"One: Skypiea doesn't exist. It's entirely fictional."
"Two: Skypiea is extremely dangerous. Either no one's ever made it there, or no one has returned alive. That's why it's spoken of as myth."
"Regardless of which is true, we'll need to rally our strength and prepare carefully."
Nami's analytical tone left Eden, Natsu, and even Happy stunned, their eyes wide and jaws slack.
"Seriously? Don't give me that look like you're only now discovering how smart I am."
She sighed, palming her forehead.
"You guys don't realize how hurtful that is, do you?"
"Anyway, now comes the issue of navigation."
"Mirajane, do you know how to reach the South Sea Kingdom of Taya?"
Eden turned away from Nami's protests, focusing on the task ahead.
"Don't change the subject just because it's inconvenient!"
Nami yelled in frustration.
"No need to worry about the navigator problem, Eden-nii!"
"That's right, leave it to us!"
"There are hundreds of pirate crews in this town—and with them, hundreds of navigators. If we all work together, we'll reach the South Sea Kingdom of Taya for sure!"
Before Mirajane could reply, the tavern's pirates—now loyal after witnessing her power—eagerly stepped forward to help.
"Now for the ship."
"I'll lend you the Shark Supreme—the one we've been traveling on."
Eden smiled, offering a solution to their next concern.
"But then what will you and Natsu use?"
Mirajane hesitated, though she could probably procure a vessel given her influence in Mock Town.
"No need to worry."
"The Shark Supreme is a vessel crafted by Fishmen. It's sturdy and can travel through the Calm Belt."
"As for Natsu and me—we've got something better than a ship. We've found a powerful, reliable ally on the sea..."
He grinned.
"Wait... don't tell me—"
Nami rubbed her forehead, sighing.
Yes, Eden meant none other than Little Black—the Sea King.
"Now that the navigator and ship issues are settled, let's move out."
"First: retrieve our idiot teammate Gray! Second: take down the Warlord Crocodile!"
Before Eden could finish his rousing call...
"Fired up!" Natsu shouted, cutting him off.
"Oooh!!"
Cheers erupted through the tavern and the entire Mock Town, though most pirates had no idea what they were so hyped about.
"I just know these two hot-blooded idiots, Eden and Natsu, are going to stir up something huge."
Nami sighed again, her expression one of deep regret.
"What was I even thinking when I assumed Eden was a reliable partner back then? Was I hallucinating?"
Meanwhile...
Ten thousand meters above sea level.
In the legendary Sky Island.
A man with short golden hair and a cape strolled alone through the clouds, muttering:
"What is this place? I haven't seen a single soul in days..."
~# Every 30 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter