The Ark Maxim cut through the high skies like a golden galleon, the churning clouds below resembling a boiling sea.
Enel lounged lazily on the God Seat, his right hand propped on the armrest, fingers tapping idly as he murmured to himself, "A god should naturally look down upon all living beings."
This flying vessel was meant to be the chariot of a god, destined to soar through the heavens. Yet that fool Bahr insisted on skimming the ocean's surface, claiming it was to "appreciate the sea's beauty."
Nothing short of blasphemy.
Seizing the opportunity while Bahr was preoccupied, Enel had promptly taken control and elevated the ship to its rightful altitude.
Just then, the lookout suddenly cried out, "Th-there's an island ahead!"
"Nonsense!" Enel didn't even lift his eyelids, his pupils filled with disdain. "How could there be islands in the sky? Speak such drivel again, and you shall face God's Sanction."
This wasn't Sky Island at ten thousand meters—where would floating islands come from here?
"It's absolutely true, oh great god!" The lookout's voice trembled with fear as he pointed ahead. "That island is just floating there among the clouds!"
Enel's body transformed into a blinding streak of blue light, and in an instant, he was perched on the ship's railing, gazing into the distance.
There, amidst the sea of clouds, floated several lush green islands, as if held aloft by invisible giant hands. Vines dangled from their edges, swaying gently in the wind.
"How can there be islands in the sky?" Enel frowned, unconsciously rubbing his earlobe. "Could it be some strange Devil Fruit ability?"
Having witnessed too many unbelievable Devil Fruit powers recently, he deduced this bizarre sight was likely the result of one.
Suddenly, Enel's brow furrowed sharply—a powerful presence was rapidly approaching. Focusing his gaze, he saw a black dot in the distance growing larger as it neared.
It was an elderly man in his seventies or eighties, his golden hair meticulously combed, with a ship's wheel-shaped ornament slanted atop his head—an oddly distinctive feature.
Two sharp swords were strapped to his feet, a lit cigar dangling from his lips as he casually strolled through the air toward the ship, a faint smile playing on his lips as if he were taking a leisurely walk.
"Who dares trespass in the domain of a god?!" Enel barked, blue sparks crackling around him.
"That's..."
Robin had somehow moved to the edge of the deck, her eyes locked onto the figure floating in the sky. Her face turned deathly pale as she staggered back two steps, the book in her hands clattering to the wooden planks. Her voice trembled uncontrollably: "That's Golden Lion Shiki... a legendary pirate on par with Roger and Whitebeard."
"Gyahahaha!" Shiki exhaled a smoke ring that dissipated into the wind, his laughter wild and unrestrained. "Sharp eyes, little girl. You recognize this old face of mine."
Enel had never heard the name, but seeing the man's even more arrogant demeanor, his expression darkened. "Old fool, whether you're a golden lion or a silver one, daring to posture before a god means you'll face God's Sanction!"
He couldn't stand anyone acting more arrogant than himself.
Nico Robin urgently raised her voice in warning: "Don't underestimate him! This old monster is far stronger than Moria—even the Boss might not be able to handle him easily!"
Enel's face instantly changed.
He knew exactly how much effort it had taken him to defeat Moria, and Bahr's strength had utterly crushed him without mercy. If even Bahr might struggle against this man, then he...
But the dignity of a "god" forbade him from showing weakness. Forcing himself to lift his chin, he sneered, "So what? In the eyes of a god, you're all just insects."
Shiki narrowed his eyes, studying the blue lightning crackling around Enel, the ember of his cigar flickering. Suddenly, he burst into loud laughter: "Gyahahaha! You're an interesting brat. How about joining me? With your abilities—"
"Hah?" Enel threw his head back in laughter as if hearing the funniest joke of his life, his voice dripping with mockery. "A god doesn't associate with insects. But since you old geezer seem somewhat capable, this god might mercifully grant you the title of 'God's Servant'—if you kneel and lick my toes right now."
Shiki's eyebrow twitched, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes. This brat was too full of himself!
But he quickly grinned again, his tone brimming with arrogance: "I've roamed the seas for decades, and few have earned my attention. You barely qualify—but you're not worthy of refusing me."
Enel was thoroughly enraged, murderous intent blazing in his eyes. His body transformed into a streak of blinding blue light, shooting toward Shiki like an arrow: "Then let this old fool taste God's Sanction!"
Instead of showing fear, Shiki let out an excited cackle, crossing his legs midair. The two blades at his feet slashed through the sky in a cross-shaped arc of cold light as he charged toward the blue streak: "Good! Today, I'll teach you how to behave!"
In the split second before their clash, Nico Robin took advantage of the crew's distraction and swiftly turned, sprinting toward the ship's interior.
Enel was strong, but a legendary pirate like Golden Lion was beyond his capabilities. She needed to find the Boss immediately.
Her heels clattered urgently against the spiraling golden staircase as she ascended. By the time she reached the third-floor resting quarters, she didn't even bother knocking—she threw open Bahr's door.
Inside, Bahr was stretching on the large bed, his back muscles rippling like waves with each movement, his physique exuding raw power.
"Boss, we have a problem!" Robin called out urgently, her chest rising and falling from the sprint.
"What's the rush?" Bahr didn't even turn his head, his voice thick with irritation. "What could possibly be more important than what I'm doing right now? Let Enel handle it."
Honestly, being interrupted at this moment was infuriating. If it had been Enel disturbing his training, he would've already sent the brat flying with a Dimensional Slash.
But Robin was different—she was someone he trusted. He couldn't bring himself to raise a hand against her, though he had other ways to teach her a lesson, such as...
Despite the urgency, Robin couldn't help rolling her eyes hard. She spoke rapidly, emphasizing each word: "Golden Lion Shiki is here. If the Boss thinks he can handle it, then forget I said anything."
She deliberately stressed the name "Shiki."
"Who the hell cares if—" Bahr's curse died in his throat as his movements froze. He slowly turned his head, his face a picture of shock. "Who did you say? Golden Lion Shiki? You're not joking, are you?"
Robin met his gaze squarely, her tone calm but unshakable: "Do you think I'd joke about something like this?"
Bahr: "..."
Nico Robin was always composed and level-headed—she would never lie about something so serious. Which meant... that old monster Golden Lion had really come knocking?
He cursed inwardly: What the hell?! This is the first half of the Grand Line—how did we suddenly run into a living fossil like him?!
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