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Chapter 153: Journey to Sky Island
Nestled between the clouds and the mist lay a sprawling ocean of pure white.
Aside from its snowy color, its characteristics were astonishingly similar to a real sea. The surface rolled with gentle 'waves' capable of supporting a ship, and it even featured a slow, tide-like current.
Fittingly, it bore a name that matched its nature—the White Sea.
Located seven thousand meters above the surface, the White Sea was formed by the continuous accumulation of Imperial Cumulus clouds. It wasn't a liquid, yet it possessed fluidity; it wasn't a solid, yet it could bear the weight of massive objects. This miraculous, semi-ethereal substance allowed standard ships to sail across its surface and even supported a unique ecosystem of high-altitude sea life.
For a crew of rookie pirates who had just blasted their way up here via the Knock Up Stream, there was no way they could have known the name of this sea or the science behind its existence.
But, just moments ago, they had learned a little bit about it.
Shortly after plunging into the cloudy waters, the Merry had been ambushed by a White Sea King. As the crew discussed who should take it out, an elderly knight riding a winged Pegasus plummeted from the sky and dispatched the monster with clean efficiency.
That was how the Straw Hats met Gan Fall, a self-proclaimed 'Knight of the Sky' and a very helpful Skypiean local.
A local!
Thrilled by the discovery, the crew immediately bombarded him with questions on how to actually reach Sky Island.
"…What did you say?! You rode that monstrous current up here?!"
"Yeah!"
"We rode the Knock Up Stream and went whoosh right up into the sky!"
"Wait, are you saying that's not the normal way to get here?"
"'Not normal' doesn't begin to cover it! It's a path of near-certain death. Amazing… you all are truly… amazing."
Gan Fall was so utterly shocked that his mustache practically stood on end, especially when Luffy confirmed they had intentionally sought out the Knock Up Stream. He explained that there was more than one way to enter Sky Island, and the Straw Hats had chosen the route requiring the most risk and courage.
Amidst his shock and admiration, a profound light flickered in his aged eyes.
He carefully scanned the ship, his gaze lingering on the male crew members—Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp—as if silently measuring them against some invisible standard.
What he didn't realize, however, was that a certain blue-haired girl he had glossed over was quietly studying him in return.
Gan Fall. The former ruler of Sky Island. Ganyu narrowed her eyes slightly, taking in the sight of the armor-clad old man.
This man, who called himself a 'Knight' and looked like a washed-up mercenary, was actually the previous 'God' of this entire realm.
Eight years ago, after being brutally defeated and dethroned by Enel, he had lost his divine title. But he had never abandoned his homeland. Choosing to hide his identity, he patrolled the White Sea under the guise of the Knight of the Sky, ostensibly rescuing lost travelers.
But in reality… he was waiting.
Waiting for an opportunity to finally tear Enel down.
The reason he was analyzing Luffy and the others so closely was to see if these crazy Blue Sea dwellers who survived the Knock Up Stream were the miracle he had spent eight years waiting for.
The answer was: No. They were far too young. It was highly likely they had only survived the suicide run through sheer, dumb luck. Dragging them into his war would only get them killed.
Gan Fall sighed internally, the assessing gleam vanishing from his eyes. He turned back to his mount and pointed toward the horizon.
"That way lies Heaven's Gate—the entrance to Sky Island."
"Travelers from afar, I pray you find a way to leave this place safely."
With those parting words, Gan Fall spurred his Pegasus and took to the sky.
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