With Jessica's help, Pagaya prepared a grand feast of seafood, most of it unique to Sky Island. The flavors were unlike anything the crew had ever tasted, fresh and delicious, leaving everyone praising the meal nonstop.
When the banquet ended, the group sat together in high spirits, talking late into the night. The conversation soon turned to Sky Island itself, and what caught Buggy's attention most was the so-called "Sanctuary"—the dwelling place of Enel.
According to Pagaya, there existed a forbidden land where no one was allowed to set foot: the Sanctuary of God, Apayado. That was where Enel lived.
"He is God," Pagaya said with quiet conviction. "The one who commands the power of thunder. He is omnipotent."
The crew exchanged curious glances. God? They couldn't believe such a being existed. Their eyes inevitably drifted to Buggy, silently asking for an explanation.
But Buggy didn't answer directly. He knew Enel's powers came from a Logia-type Devil Fruit, but here and now wasn't the time to reveal it. Pagaya's faith was genuine—openly denying it would only strain their relationship. So Buggy stayed silent.
Realizing their captain wouldn't explain further, the crew reluctantly dropped the matter, though some continued sneaking glances at Buggy, knowing full well he didn't buy into the "god" story.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the city, four strange-looking men mounted on odd creatures were showing Buggy's photo to a detachment of white-uniformed soldiers—the White Berets.
"Priests, sirs! We of the White Beret Unit will track down the illegal intruders as quickly as possible."
"Good. Once you locate them, inform us immediately," one of the priests replied coolly. "These people seem… unusual."
The White Berets split into teams, fanning out across the streets, warning residents to be cautious as they began their search.
Back at Pagaya's house, Buggy heard the commotion clearly. His Observation Haki picked up the activity outside.
He rose from the sofa and looked at Pagaya.
"Pagaya, we have to leave. If anyone comes asking about us, tell them you don't know us."
He wasn't worried for himself or his crew, but Pagaya was another matter. If they admitted knowing him, he and Conis could be dragged into unnecessary danger.
Pagaya frowned, puzzled. "Is something urgent happening?"
Buggy's words didn't add up. Why should he deny knowing them unless…
"We entered Sky Island illegally. The authorities are looking for us right now," Buggy admitted.
Pagaya's eyes widened. "What? You didn't pay the entry fee?"
He immediately realized the problem. Many Blue Sea people became "illegal intruders" for the same reason.
Buggy nodded once.
Pagaya was flustered, anxiety showing plainly on his face. "In that case, you must pay it now. Even if it's ten times higher as a punishment, it's only money. Your safety is worth far more!"
But Buggy simply smiled, offering no agreement.
Pagaya's heart sank. He could see Buggy had no intention of paying. "Then at least leave Sky Island. If you don't, the consequences will be dire."
Buggy shook his head. "We still have business to take care of. Once it's done, we'll leave."
He didn't mention Enel by name—telling this kind-hearted craftsman their true goal would only make him fear for their lives.
With nothing more to say, Buggy led his crew out of the house, Pagaya watching them go with worry etched across his face.
Not long after, they ran into a squad of White Berets patrolling the streets.
The soldiers compared their faces to the photos in hand. One of them quickly slipped away, no doubt to report their location.
"You're the illegal intruders," the squad captain declared.
"That's right," Buggy answered without hesitation.
The captain blinked, thrown off by Buggy's blunt admission. He had been ready to hold up their photos for proof, but there was no need.
"We are the White Beret Unit, directly under the Priests. Don't be alarmed. Entering illegally is only an eleventh-level crime under God's law. If you pay the fee—ten times the normal amount—you will immediately become lawful tourists."
It was the same speech they gave to all Blue Sea intruders.
But Buggy's lips curled into a grin. "We don't have money. Even if we did, we wouldn't pay."
He wasn't here to become a tourist. He wanted Enel to notice him, to force the so-called God's hand. And the louder the scene, the better.
"Resistance will only increase your crimes!" the captain barked, his tone hardening.
Buggy laughed. "Enough with the talk. If you've got moves, then show me."
He could already sense the approach of stronger presences—the Priests themselves, most likely. Buggy wasn't afraid. In fact, he was eager to see for himself the power of Sky Island's strange Dials.