As the cloud layer beneath Nine Serpent Island thickened, the entire landmass lifted steadily into the sky.
"We're truly flying… wow, this feels unreal," one islander said, eyes wide in awe.
As the island ascended, many residents gasped in surprise.
They had never heard of any force in this world capable of lifting such a massive island into the sky.
Watching the sea level shrink below them and the bright sky draw closer, none felt fear, only wonder.
That morning, Empress Hancock had given her first official address since taking leadership.
Even though her speech was straightforward, she explained the reason for relocating Nine Serpent Island, and the people trusted her completely.
Unlike many other islands, their home was filled with fierce warriors who understood the cruelty of the World Government, and they would never allow their Queen to suffer injustice.
Hancock exhaled with relief as Nine Serpent Island rose higher and steadier.
"Nami-san, you did well."
Nami lifted her fist with a wry grin, "No need for formalities between us, this was nothing."
After long practice with her Cloud-Cloud Fruit, Nami no longer felt the exhaustion she once did when using her powers.
As the sky clouds shifted, Nine Serpent Island slowly reattached beside an uninhabited chunk of Sky Island, a floating land above the Blue Sea.
"Is this Sky Island?"
"It's ten thousand meters up?"
"I never thought such beauty existed so high above the sea."
"Will there be men up here?"
"Oh, men? I want to see what they look like."
Once Nine Serpent Island was fully docked, its citizens took in the dazzling view.
They had believed Sky Island might be barren, but the reality far exceeded their imagination.
Hancock breathed another sigh of relief, pleased by the reaction of her people.
…
"What?! Nine Serpent Island has vanished?"
At the World Government HQ, a bald old man gripped a Den Den Mushi tightly, his expression one of disbelief, surrounded by four other elders.
These were the Gorosei.
"Yes," came the reply.
The bald man was Saint Nasujuro, the Financial God of War.
He looked doubtful, "Are you sure you checked the right location?"
"I am personally assigned to monitor Nine Serpent Island, so there's no mistake. I even sent a picture just now."
He hung up the Den Den Mushi.
Squeak, squeak, squeak — a fax rattled to life and delivered the image.
Saint Nusjuro picked it up and placed it gently on the table.
The others leaned in.
In the image were five figures: four women and one man.
"Saint Saturn," asked one, "who is this?"
Saint Warcury, the Legal God of War, stroked his beard, "This is Rolan, the pirate who has been making waves recently, along with some of his female crew."
Saint Nusjuro pointed to one woman, "And that's Hancock! What is she doing with Rolan?"
Satan Saint squinted, "Look, she's holding Rolan's arm. They appear almost like a couple."
Saint Mars, the Environmental God of War, sighed and said, "It's obvious. Those four women are likely attached to Rolan."
He rapped the table, half teasing, "Youth and beauty, how enviable."
But then Saint Nusjuro's expression hardened, "Regardless, Hancock is a Shichibukai. She should not be entangled with a pirate."
"Especially with a notorious criminal like Rolan."
"I propose we strip Boa Hancock of her Shichibukai status permanently, and recalibrate her bounty," he declared.
"Agreed!" echoed around the table.
Saint Warcury added, "Let Sengoku handle the matter, call it a chance for him to redeem the situation."
Saint Mars agreed, "And until the new weapon is completed, the Shichibukai system is still needed. Assign him to recruit new members too."
"Sengoku should also investigate if Rolan was involved in the disappearance of Nine Serpent Island," Satan Saint suggested.
Saint Mars examined the photo once more, "If Rolan enjoys beautiful women, perhaps someone from CP0 could be sent to approach him."
All nodded in agreement.
…
At Marineford, Sengoku listened on the phone with a deep frown.
The Gorosei had scolded him yet again.
Garp, watching Sengoku rub his forehead, laughed, "Being a Marshal isn't easy, is it? I'd have blown a fuse by now."
"Quiet, Garp," Sengoku snapped.
Garp wiped spit off his face and mused, "What the hell does Rolan want? He's been everywhere lately. Maybe that island rising had something to do with him."
Sengoku's eyes brightened, "Island rising? Sky Island then — it must be tied to Rolan."
Garp's grin faded into a look of concern, rare for him, "Rolan's been stirring trouble consistently. Two former Shichibukai joined him. He's up to something big."
Sengoku's frown deepened, "Only he knows his intentions."
…
"Big news! Following Crocodile, Boa Hancock has now lost her Shichibukai title!"
"What? Hancock, the Empress known as the most beautiful woman?"
"I don't care if Rolan is one of the Yonko, I'll fight him for my goddess!"
"Impossible! They say any man who approaches Hancock turns to stone!"
"What else does Rolan have besides looks? Damn him!"
"Wait, does the Rolan Pirates still need members? I'll join, I'll even sweep decks if it means seeing Hancock!"
For a time, the news of Hancock's title being stripped and her joining Rolan caused uproar across the seas.
Of course, most believed Rolan had coerced her.
…
In the New World, onboard a ship, Franky stared at a newspaper photo, "Our Captain's taste is impeccable!"
Crocodile smirked, "Seems Rolan will reach the New World soon."
Kuro pushed up his glasses and gazed toward the ocean, "Look ahead, the Big Mom Pirates' ship is approaching."
_____
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