"Yeah, you could say that. We've basically succeeded in the first step," Raleigh replied to Gion.
"Next, we'll see if we can really find the Jaya Island I've deduced."
As he spoke, Raleigh utilized his Devil Fruit ability.
He kept the ship steadily positioned at the center of the water column to prevent it from falling off the stream during the ascent.
In truth, Raleigh wasn't as emotionally invested in validating Noland's exploits as he appeared.
What he truly wanted was the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, Enel, and the flying ship, Ark Maxim.
If possible, Raleigh also wanted to claim a portion of the gold from the legendary city of Shandora.
...
The White Sea—a mysterious ocean of clouds floating in the sky.
It was a sea perpendicular to the Blue Sea below, located 7,000 meters above sea level.
Due to the extreme altitude, the oxygen here was very thin.
Aside from riding the Knock Up Stream, the only other known way to reach this place was likely through Golden Lion Shiki's Float-Float Fruit ability.
However, their destination was even higher.
Above the White Sea lay the White-White Sea. Within that upper layer existed a nation referred to as "God's Country," or Skypiea.
Skypiea was situated about 3,000 meters higher than the White Sea (10,000 meters total altitude) and was primarily composed of Angel Island and Upper Yard.
In the original timeline, Luffy traveled from the White Sea to God's Country, where he encountered vast amounts of gold and Enel.
In the end, after defeating Enel, Luffy didn't take much treasure with him; for him, it was just a memorable journey.
But Raleigh was nothing like Luffy.
If he set his sights on something, he would go to great lengths to obtain it.
On Upper Yard, there were massive amounts of gold, the blueprints for the Ark Maxim, and Enel's Rumble-Rumble Fruit.
Just thinking about it made Raleigh's blood run hot!
Crack!
Like an egg cracking open, the metal ram of the warship pierced through the snow-white sea of clouds, followed by the massive hull.
The moment they broke through the surface, Raleigh and the others saw the sun shining brightly in the clear sky once again.
However, the momentum of the Knock Up Stream flung the warship high into the air.
Bessermer Reginald and the Marine soldiers, who had emerged from the cabins, stood on the deck watching the sea of clouds far below, their faces beginning to show signs of panic.
"Raleigh-sama, are we going to fall?!"
"Can the sea of clouds below even support a warship?"
"Incredible! So this is the island and sea floating in the sky? Truly unforgettable—but we're plummeting!"
They chattered frantically among themselves.
Though they had been terrified moments before, the sight of Raleigh standing calmly at the ship's bow steadied their hearts.
In their minds, nothing could compare to the sense of security Raleigh provided.
Raleigh extended his hands, and gentle breezes began swirling around his body.
His hands seemed to embrace the empty air, as if lifting a heavy weight.
"Guardian Hands."
Out of sight beneath the hull, streams of pressurized wind coalesced under Raleigh's power into two massive, translucent hands that steadily caught and supported the entire vessel.
The warship's rapid descent visibly slowed.
Seeing this, the Marine soldiers aboard patted their chests in relief, proclaiming proudly.
"I told you, Raleigh-sama can do anything! A mere Sky Island is no match for the brilliant Raleigh!"
"Indeed, his power is truly terrifying. I wish I could possess even a fraction of his strength."
"Are you still dreaming? The Commander's abilities rank among the finest even at Headquarters. Do you really think someone like you could match him? Wake up!"
The naval soldiers engaged in heated discussions as they rushed to the railings, gazing out at the new world and shouting excitedly.
"Hold onto the railings! We're about to land!" Raleigh reminded them sharply.
BOOM!
The warship splashed down onto the surface of the White Sea, sending cloud-waves several meters high into the air.
After a violent shudder, the vessel gradually stabilized.
"Is this the Sky Island?"
"Wow, it's like we're inside a cloud! Everything is white."
"How is this sea floating above the clouds? It's truly unbelievable!"
"Can I go for a swim? I'd love to take a dip in these waters."
Raleigh watched the clamoring naval soldiers, who resembled a flock of noisy ducks, and felt a headache coming on.
"This isn't our destination. We need to go further up," Raleigh announced, cutting through the chatter.
"There's hardly anyone here."
Raleigh didn't want to waste time in the White Sea, mainly because he wasn't sure if Enel had already consumed the Rumble-Rumble Fruit yet.
He needed to be quick.
He pointed into the distance. "Over there—there's an upward-flowing waterfall, the Milky Road. We can ascend through it. I sense many people up above."
Everyone followed Raleigh's finger.
Though clouds drifting across the White Sea partially obscured their view, they could still make out a massive waterfall and hear the roar of its waters.
"If I'm not mistaken, the remaining half of Jaya Island and all that gold are on the island above."
"So, let's set off!"
"Set off! Set off!"
Raleigh's words reignited the excitement among the crew.
They howled like wolves, rushing to the control room and engine room.
At full power, they propelled the ship toward the distant waterfall.
As the warship advanced, the obstructing clouds parted, revealing the path more clearly. Unlike waterfalls in the Blue Sea, this one truly flowed upward.
Directly in front of the waterfall, a gleaming golden gate appeared before Raleigh and his crew.
The gate was exquisitely designed, with a wooden plaque hanging at its center inscribed with the words: HEAVEN'S GATE.
Beyond the gate lay the milky waterway they were about to ride, shooting straight up into the unseen distance.
This was the entrance to God's Country!
"Who built this gate? The locals?"
"It's truly awe-inspiring that someone could construct such a magnificent gate in a place like this."
As the warship approached, sudden exclamations of surprise came from near the gate.
A group of people dressed as soldiers emerged from a station behind the gate, pointing and shouting at the warship.
Seeing locals appear, Raleigh waved his hand, signaling the Marines to reduce speed.
He intended to have a good chat with these guards to gather information about Enel and the Ark Maxim.
When the warship came to a halt, Raleigh gracefully leaped from the deck onto the terrace where the guards stood.
He looked at the uniformed figures holding dials and long spears.
But most importantly, he saw the pair of small white wings growing from their backs.
Seeing these details, Raleigh smiled.
He knew he hadn't come to the wrong place.