The first half of the Grand Line, Sabaody Archipelago.
"It's so beautiful!"
"It's like a dream!"
"What an incredible place!"
"So many bubbles floating around!"
"..."
Cross, Smoker, and the others gathered on deck, gazing at the scene before them with awe, unable to stop their exclamations of wonder.
Before their eyes lay an island on the sea, like a paradise out of a dream.
Bubbles, dreamy and ethereal, floated in the sunlight. Massive mangroves, towering and expansive, blocked out the sky.
This was indeed the Sabaody Archipelago, a fantastical island located directly beneath the Red Line.
Though he'd seen it in the anime, witnessing the real Sabaody Archipelago with his own eyes, Cross found its unparalleled grandeur, brilliance, and dreamlike quality to be tens, hundreds, even thousands of times more impressive than depicted in the show.
The Sabaody Archipelago is actually quite close to Marine Headquarters in Marineford. This is because it is home to the world's largest mangrove tree, the "Yarukiman Mangrove."
Its roots are always exposed above the water, and the entire island is comprised of 79 trees, from which bubbles constantly emerge from the ground. Each tree hosts towns and facilities, leading people to call this cluster of 79 islands the "Sabaody Archipelago."
The most distinctive feature of the Sabaody Archipelago is the special natural resin secreted by the breathing roots of the Yarukiman Mangrove. This resin expands with air, forming bubbles that float into the sky.
However, these bubbles are only stable within the Yarukiman Mangrove's climatic range. Once they leave the Sabaody Archipelago's climate zone, the resin components fail to fully maintain their power, causing them to burst.
Most importantly, elements like the Sabaody Archipelago's bubble cars, bubble Ferris wheels, and houses built on bubbles exemplify how bubble culture permeates every corner of the island!
Cross also remembered that a major event that would alarm the World Government would unfold in Sabaody Archipelago in the future: the Straw Hat Pirates, the protagonists of this world, would be scattered here, only to reunite two years later.
Thus, Sabaody Archipelago was also dubbed the 'Island of Failure' and the 'Island of Re-departure' by Brook of the Straw Hat Pirates.
But as he thought of this, Cross narrowed his eyes. A group of individuals wearing bubble helmets and an old man nicknamed 'Dark King' came to mind.
"Alright, we'll look at it later when we have time!"
Suddenly, Zephyr's voice rang out, interrupting Cross's thoughts.
Cross turned to see Zephyr striding over, waving his hand to disperse the gathered crowd. Then, Zephyr said in a deep voice, "We're heading to Red Port, which is the World Government's entry and exit point. After safely escorting Vinsmoke Judge to Mariejois, I can give you some time to visit Sabaody Archipelago in groups!"
Hearing Zephyr's words, everyone suppressed their excitement, calculating where they'd go to have fun while diligently getting back to work, steering the warship towards Red Port as per Zephyr's instructions.
The Germa battleship followed closely behind Zephyr's warship, both entering the Sabaody Archipelago.
Red Port is an island port directly beneath the Red Line, serving as the official passage across it. Under the jurisdiction of the World Government, only approved travelers can pass through Red Port and freely cross the Red Line.
Furthermore, there are two Red Ports: one in the first half of the Grand Line, 'Paradise,' and another in the second half, the 'New World,' sandwiching the Red Line in between.
Not long after, Zephyr's warship and Judge's battleship arrived at Red Port in the Sabaody Archipelago, docking at the berths along the shore.
"Wow, that's Germa 66!"
"That fictional organization actually exists… I'm not seeing things, am I?!"
"Look, it's King Vinsmoke Judge of the Germa Kingdom!"
"And also, 'Black Arm' Zephyr, the former Marine Admiral who recently killed the King of Flevance, and is now the Marine's Chief Instructor!"
"This is truly a rare sight! The rumored 'Kingslayer' and the legendary 'Evil Army' are both here today!"
On the shores of Red Port, thousands of reporters and civilians jostled for a view, exclamations rising one after another, camera flashes almost ceaseless. Meanwhile, Marine soldiers and CP agents maintained order in Red Port, clearing a wide path.
Zephyr led Cross, Smoker, and Hina off the ship, walking alongside Judge and Reiju, and proceeding down the civilian street towards the interior of Red Port.
Cross curiously observed his surroundings, then craned his neck to gaze at the Red Line towering into the clouds, its rock face adorned with the World Government's symbol.
Of course, what captured Cross's attention the most were the two massive bubble bondolas, made of bubbles. Each bondola moved using four ropes. Eight ropes descended vertically from the Red Line's cliff face, and the two bubble bondolas moved up and down like elevators.
"Zephyr-san, what do you think we resemble now?"
Suddenly, Judge, his face devoid of expression, glanced at the crowded streets on both sides, then slightly tilted his head and asked softly.
Zephyr remained silent, his gaze flickering. Receiving no answer, Judge didn't mind and answered himself, "Don't you think we're like monkeys being gawked at in an amusement park?"
"Haha~"
Just then, Cross, who was behind Zephyr and Judge, chuckled lightly and slowly said, "Your Majesty Judge, perhaps you've been in the shadows for too long and aren't used to life under the sun? As a king of a nation, schemes and stratagems won't play a major role; your own strength is everything!"
Catching the sarcasm in Cross's words, a flash of annoyance crossed Judge's face, but he couldn't openly show anger under the countless spotlights. He could only say in a low voice, "Brat, don't get too infatuated with brute force. Many things in this world can't be achieved just by fighting and killing!"
"Is that so? Your Majesty Judge means that 'this world isn't just about fighting and killing, but also about human relations,' right?" Cross said dismissively. "But has Your Majesty Judge ever considered… perhaps it's just that the Germa Kingdom's military might isn't enough? If you possessed the strength of the New World's Yonko, then your long-cherished dream of dominating the North Blue would have already come true!"
As he spoke, Cross deliberately winked and teased little Reiju, who looked back at him, but she only pouted uninterestingly and rolled her eyes at him.
"Brat… you're lecturing me?!"
Listening to Cross's words, Judge's anger grew, but he had to admit that what the boy said made sense.
If he possessed overwhelming military power that even the World Government feared, he would indeed have unified the North Blue long ago.
However, being lectured like this by an underage brat only left Judge feeling stifled and somewhat exasperated.
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