"Wow, we're finally back. Home really feels better."
As soon as Lina stepped onto Sky Island, she eagerly jumped off the ship, barefoot on the soft island clouds. Most of the crew had been drifting at sea, with hardly any fixed abode. Here, however, they had a residence, a place that gave them a sense of attachment—a feeling Rolan recognized as homesickness.
"Welcome back, my King," the guards at the edge of the island called out, kneeling as Rolan descended from the ship.
He shook his head, bemused. He had told them that Sky Nation did not require such grand gestures. Yet, he understood the respect behind it. Raising a hand, he helped the guards to their feet.
"All right, all right, carry on with your duties. We'll make our way in ourselves."
He disembarked, followed by Kuro and his group, jumping down one by one.
A figure then approached him rapidly. Rolan instinctively opened his arms, sensing the movement, and embraced her. Despite her speed, her built-in shock absorbers kept them steady, giving Rolan a rare, genuine smile.
"Husband, I've missed you so much."
It was Empress Boa Hancock. Before Rolan could respond, her lips pressed to his in a passionate kiss. Kuro and the others quickly averted their gaze, while Nami clenched her fists, silently wishing she could grow up faster.
After a long moment, Rolan pushed her gently back. "All right, all right. There are people watching."
Even Hancock, shy for a moment, leaned on him, blushing.
"Let's go. On the way, we'll check the construction progress," Rolan instructed.
The group proceeded toward the island's center, Rolan flanked by four women, with Kuro and the others behind. Villagers greeted them with expressions of admiration and respect.
Gan Fall and the other leaders had not actively publicized Rolan's achievements. Yet his ideology had taken root during months of construction and daily life. Once living in fear and deprivation, the people now enjoyed safety, nourishment, and prosperity. Genuine happiness emanated from their hearts, and Rolan felt a deep satisfaction.
Patrolling soldiers lined the roads, schools echoed with learning, markets thrived with commerce, and entertainment establishments had naturally appeared as idle time and prosperity allowed.
As they approached the island center, roads widened, main avenues teeming with shell-fueled vehicles.
"Wow, it's magnificent."
"Look over there, Nami, look!" Lina and Nami's amazement never ceased, each marveling at the transformations.
Rolan observed the layout of the island. The construction resembled a radiating Bagua, small paths converging into larger roads, all pointing toward the center. Several islands had been integrated, making Sky Island ten times larger than before. Despite their pace, it took considerable time to reach the location remembered as Shandora.
"Wow!"
Before them stretched the golden city of Shandora, previously buried beneath white clouds, now fully restored.
"So Shandora was this big?" Nico Robin whispered, astonished. She had underestimated the city's magnitude.
"Is this… our capital city?" Enel asked, disbelief evident as he rubbed his eyes.
A giant Pterodactyl soared overhead: Wyper, captain of Sky country's guards.
"King, are you shocked? It's incredible, isn't it?"
Rolan nodded. "Indeed. Even when we first saw it, we were speechless. Never imagined such a magnificent city lay hidden beneath the clouds."
Located in Shandora's conference room:
"Everyone, the time has come. We will move Sky Country to the New World," Rolan announced.
Gan Fall and the other leaders nodded. Exposure of Sky Island was inevitable; informants of the World Government and Marines were everywhere.
Now, as the leadership, they had to prioritize the people. Relocating the island with Rolan would ensure their safety above all else.
"Then we will distribute notices throughout Sky Country," Gan Fall confirmed. For the residents, living comfortably and safely was what mattered; the island's movement would have minimal impact on their lives.
That evening, Hancock escorted Rolan to the King's villa, a vast gold-inlaid estate, secluded yet opulent, built for the King and Queen.
No sooner had they stepped inside than Hancock wrapped her arms around him.
"Husband, this concubine wants~"