After coming ashore, Moses tossed Crow Dabao onto a clump of Island Cloud.
He plopped down on the soft Island Cloud beside him, took off his short-sleeved shirt, wrung out the excess water, and wiped away the dampness on his body.
The sun was shining brightly.
Moses pulled a shell from his pocket—a Flame Shell, shaped like a cone snail with its opening facing outward. With a click, he pressed the top of the shell, and a burst of orange-red flame erupted from its mouth.
The temperature was that of a normal flame.
A contemplative look flashed in Moses' eyes. What was the principle behind these shells? How could they convert, store, and release such extraordinary phenomena?
It was like a purely natural energy firearm—pull the trigger, internal mechanisms activate, and energy is released.
Breathing steadily, he entered the State of Oneness.
Moses perceived the unique Breath frequency emanating from the shell.
Everything in existence had its own Breath frequency, but these frequencies also had nodes—or cores.
Just like the forging of a renowned blade, it possessed its own distinct vein patterns and convergence of spiritual energy.
Using Observation Haki to sense the shell in his hand, its entire structure appeared in Moses' perception under the visual-sensory properties.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
Moses crushed the shell bit by bit from its opening until, near the top, an irregular core about the thickness of a little finger emerged.
It was covered in peculiar patterns. In the State of Oneness, Moses carefully examined the core in his hand.
The world was a unified whole. Everything had its own Breath frequency—just because it couldn't be seen didn't mean it didn't exist.
At its essence, the Breath frequency of all things could also be described as the natural elements within them.
The most common were earth, fire, water, and wind, but there were also wood, lightning, clouds, metal, and more.
Like the spot where Moses was now, the Breath frequencies of water and cloud elements were the most active, but that didn't mean other elemental frequencies were entirely absent.
The core of this Flame Shell inherently possessed a function—or characteristic—of gathering and storing.
But what was the principle behind it?
Why did it work?
What triggered it?
The answer lay in the veins.
A miraculous network of veins, naturally engraved inside the shell from birth.
A primitive, natural network capable of gathering energy.
A primitive, natural network capable of converging flame frequency waves.
These two vein structures were ingeniously combined. Then, when the shell's top was pressed, the internal veins rubbed against each other, releasing energy. Guided by the shell's unique spiral structure, phenomena like flames would erupt from its opening—thus creating these miraculous shells.
Through Observation Haki, Moses perceived and penetrated this wondrous network. A deep, instinctive tremor ran through his Spirit Body—the marvels of natural creation truly knew no bounds.
Using his fingernail, Moses meticulously traced the shell's core, following the nearly invisible veins. Tiny shell fragments sprinkled from between his fingers.
Finally, from his unique perceptual perspective, the two vein structures gradually became clearer.
Moses called out to Crow Dabao, who had already recovered, "Da Bao, give me twenty different shells first. I need them."
Without asking why, Crow Dabao began pulling out shell after shell.
Moses didn't have time to explain.
He then resumed the task of crushing shells, shattering one after another of different varieties between his fingers.
As he sensed the various types of shells, the curve at the corners of Moses' lips grew wider. When all the different shells had been consumed, Moses identified two fundamental types of pathways—the very foundation of the shells' miraculous properties.
First, the "Energy Convergence Pathways." Every type of shell bore these intricate patterns, serving as the foundational medium that triggered various phenomena.
Second, the "Phenomenon Pathways." Different shells exhibited distinct patterns of these pathways, a tangible manifestation of the fluctuating Breath frequencies inherent in all things.
"But how can these pathway patterns be applied?" Moses wondered. "How can they be integrated into other objects? Could metal serve as a medium?"
If possible, what method should be used? What intermediary could imprint these patterns? Could Hegemony be the answer?
Thoughts collided in Moses' mind as his Breath rose and fell. The Breath frequency fluctuations of the Flame Shell's "Phenomenon Pathways" synchronized with his own, cloaking him in their rhythm.
Convergence.
He could sense the surrounding air growing drier with each Breath. At that moment, Moses looked down at his palm, where streaks of black-red lightning crackled into existence.
"Conqueror's Haki is a power of the Spirit Body, a force of spirituality," he mused. "The forging of a Master Swordsmith's blade involves the alignment and fusion of material pathways with spiritual essence. Could I, through forging, embed these unique shell pathways into another medium?"
"By unifying the pathway patterns from two distinct materials, could an entirely new spirituality be born?"
"Living beings possess both Spirit Body and flesh, and my own spirit and body influence each other. Through years of forging, I've come to clearly understand that named blades and weapons, too, possess their own spirituality and physical forms."
"Using the principle of Spirit-Flesh Convergence, merging the 'Energy Convergence Pathways' with the weapon's inherent patterns, and fusing the 'Phenomenon Pathways' with the weapon's spirituality—could such a creation become a Great Grade Blade?"
Moses faintly recalled that weapons of Great Grade quality seemed to possess distinct personalities, almost like unique living entities.
Did that mean forging a Great Grade Blade involved creating a rudimentary spiritual lifeform?
For now, Moses had no leads on how to forge such a blade. "Perhaps I should seek out a Master Swordsmith capable of crafting Great Grade Blades for discussion?"
He knew of a few in Wano Country—should he go there? Or perhaps Shimotsuki Village? That old father of Koshiro's? Alternatively, he could study and analyze existing Great Grade or Supreme Grade Blades firsthand.
"But those who wield such blades are few and far between," Moses muttered. "The Navy has some—what's her name, Gion? Or Mihawk? Shanks?"
Scratching his head, Moses sighed. None of them were easy to approach. If he, lacking sufficient strength, went to borrow their blades... "I'd probably get cut down."
"Better to try it myself first. If that fails, I'll take my chances elsewhere." He frowned. "Wano's under Kaido's control—too risky. Shimotsuki Village would be the easiest to reach. I wonder if Koshiro's father is still alive... He should be, right?"
Shaking his head, Moses shelved these thoughts for now. After all, he was still young—there would be plenty of time to plan.
Looking at the pile of shell fragments beneath his feet, Moses smiled slightly. "Not a complete waste."
At that moment, his Observation Haki detected someone approaching. His eyes narrowed as he glanced toward the distance, where a group of twenty people clad in white robes—the standard uniform of Birka's temple guards—came into view. They spotted Moses at the same time.
With a series of footsteps, they approached. The middle-aged man leading them sized Moses up and spoke, "Kid from the Blue Sea, what are you doing here?"
The undisguised disdain in the man's eyes didn't surprise Moses. Unlike Angel Island, the people of Birka were highly xenophobic. Pirates or merchants from the Blue Sea who came here had to pay exorbitant entry fees.
Hearing the man's tone, Moses smirked slightly. The fact that they were talking instead of attacking immediately meant they had no way to track the Rumble-Rumble Fruit.
"Playing," Moses replied flatly.
A vein throbbed on the lead guard's forehead, his expression darkening. "Kid, have you been here the whole time? Seen anything unusual?"
"Nope. I've just been collecting shells."
The lead guard glanced at the pile of shell fragments at Moses' feet, anger flashing in his eyes. Shells were among their most precious resources—some were even extinct. Yet this brat from the Blue Sea had casually destroyed so many.
His face hardened. "You've committed the crime of destroying public property. You've ruined at least twenty rare shells. By law, you'll be fined 20 billion Extol. Where are your parents?"
"Two hundred million Belly?" Moses stared at them coldly. "Bold of you to ask. I don't have money. Came here alone."
The lead guard's expression turned grim. "Then you'll serve in the cloud quarry. Twenty billion will keep you working for life."
"So you're treating me like a slave miner?" Moses almost laughed. "What if I refuse?"
The lead guard unsheathed a two-meter-long shell-tipped spear from his back, pointing it at Moses with a blank expression.
"I, Lesnar, captain of the first squad of the Temple Guard, hereby declare you, this wicked Blue Sea brat, guilty. You shall be sentenced to the Cloud Drift punishment."
"Cloud Drift" meant being cast adrift on an Island Cloud with no means of escape—effectively a death sentence. Unless you could fly.
Moses had read some of Angel Island's laws and knew this was an exceptionally cruel execution method. Starvation was the inevitable end.
"No room for negotiation?" Moses asked. "You're really going to execute me?"
The lead guard narrowed his eyes, saying nothing. Gripping his spear with both hands, he swung it in a wide arc, the tip scraping against the Island Cloud. Whoosh—a burst of orange flame erupted from the spearhead.
At the same time, he lunged forward, bringing the flaming spear down toward Moses' skull.
If it landed, Moses would at least end up with a massive lump—though for an ordinary person, the blow would easily crack their head open.
"Da Bao, take them out."
The moment Moses spoke, the ground beneath his feet cracked as he lunged forward, Cold Dew gripped tightly in his right hand.
With a swift kick to the groin, a sickening crack echoed, and the man's face instantly turned ashen. Gasping in agony, he doubled over, clutching himself as his rifle clattered to the ground.
A flash of cold light.
Thud!
A crimson line streaked across his neck before his body slumped heavily to the floor.
A mysterious, irregular crystal shimmering with an ethereal glow emerged from his body.
[Obtained E-Grade Soul Crystal ×1]
Meanwhile, Moses glanced toward the guards—Crow Dabao was weaving through the crowd with uncanny agility, his stone-hued talons slashing across their throats.
Each swipe left behind a gruesome trail of blood, some even tearing out windpipes.
Screams of pain erupted one after another.
Moses strode into the fray, finishing off the wounded.
Soon, more of those enigmatic crystals materialized.
[Obtained F+-Grade Soul Crystal ×19]
Once the carnage ended, Moses tossed the corpses into the nearby Sea Clouds. Before long, the blue dorsal fins of Sky Sharks surfaced.
Picking up a few fallen spears, he called out,
"Let's go, Da Bao. Time to head back."
Crow Dabao, who had been washing his claws in the shallows, flew over and stowed Moses into the Castle Space before soaring back the way they came.
「Castle Space · Smithy」
Moses dismantled the Skypiean weapons—hybrids of Dials and metal—analyzing their construction.
There wasn't much to them—just Iron Clouds processed and fused with Dials.
The Iron Cloud was somewhat intriguing, combining the hardness of steel with the flexibility of clouds.
Still, it wasn't particularly useful. The weapons were of ordinary quality, inferior even to refined arms.
Pulling out a special type of paper, Moses began recording the unique vein-like patterns he sensed within the Dials, meticulously documenting each one.
...
Three hours later.
By afternoon, Moses used his Observation Haki to locate Kureha and the others.
Oddly, they weren't where he'd left them.
Before long, his gaze landed on an enormous, spiraling braided vine—a towering emerald behemoth piercing the heavens. At least a hundred meters above the ground, an Island Cloud was skewered along its midsection.
And that was where their presence led.
Crow Dabao ascended to the Island Cloud, where Moses spotted a cluster of structures teeming with life.
The people milling about wore robes identical to those of the shrine guards in Birka.
Following their energy signatures, Crow Dabao landed atop the wide, square courtyard's perimeter wall.
Through the castle's windows, Moses saw Kureha and the others seated around low tables, snacking on fruits.
At another table before them sat a man in his sixties—dressed in ornate white robes, his beard streaked with gray.
Moses was baffled. How had they, in just a few hours, ended up in the divine residence of the island's highest ruler—God Ganfall?
And it seemed they were being treated as honored guests.
Just then, Perona noticed Crow Dabao perched on the wall and brightened, waving excitedly.
"Moses! Over here! Come out already!"
No need to guess—she was beckoning to him inside the castle.
At this moment, the guards surrounding this divine residence all turned their gazes.
Moses emerged from the castle, walking forward under their wary scrutiny.
His eyes held a hint of curiosity as he observed the ruler of Angel Island and Upper Yard before him.
"Appraisal."
Level Evaluation: C-rank
After confirming with a glance—this was someone he could crush.
Stopping three meters away, Moses nodded with a smile. "Hello, first time meeting you. My name is Moses."
Instantly, the nearby guards glared at him, some opening their mouths to speak.
But then, the ruler waved his hand, stopping them.