The sun had just risen, mist still swirling around the altar.
Awakened by Usopp's frantic cries, the Straw Hats gathered before the Going Merry.
"Wow! The Merry's been fixed! The figurehead's comb, wings, and tail are gone… It's back to its original form!"
Luffy grinned wide-eyed at the ship. Though scarred, it stood proudly, clearly repaired.
"See! I told you I wasn't dreaming!" Usopp's long nose trembled as he pointed at the vessel. "Last night I saw a small figure, about as short as Chopper, repairing the Merry with a hammer!"
"A figure as short as me?" Chopper blinked, puffing up in protest. I can get really, really big too! He stifled a mischievous laugh, planning to shock them later.
"What's he snickering about?" Zoro muttered, glancing at him. His eyes then settled on the mast, reinforced with rough plating. His brows furrowed. "But who here could have done this? Everyone on this island serves Enel."
Sanji exhaled smoke and gave Shirogai a sideways look. "Shirogai, was this one of your clones fixing the Merry? No offense, but the job's kinda sloppy."
Shirogai shook his head lightly, stepping forward to place a hand on the ship's scarred hull. His expression softened.
"It wasn't me. The Merry repaired itself."
The crew blinked at him.
"The ship… repaired itself?"
Shirogai's gaze lingered on the sheep-shaped figurehead, and his words carried quiet certainty.
"The Merry's spirit wants to carry us forward. It chose to mend itself so it could keep sailing with us."
The Straw Hats all stared, unimpressed.
"Tch, stop joking."
"You expect us to buy that?"
"Geez, I really thought you knew something," Nami teased, sticking her tongue out at him.
Robin, however, touched her chin thoughtfully. "A ship spirit… such tales exist in ancient records."
Luffy, unfazed, bounced happily. "Alright, forget it! Let's eat quick and then hunt for gold!"
…
After breakfast, Shirogai turned to Gan Fall, who had been silent all morning.
"Gan Fall San. You've had a night to think. What's your decision?"
The old knight stood, his jaw tense.
"I have decided."
With a thud, Gan Fall dropped to his knees before Shirogai.
"Warrior of the Blue Sea," he said with grave humility, "I beg you and your crew for mercy. Please lend us your strength. I will join you in declaring war on Enel. But the Sky Islanders are too weak. Alone, we cannot hope to resist him."
"Eh? Strange uncle, why are you begging?" Luffy helped him up, scratching his head. "If you wanna fight Enel, then let's fight! You don't have to kneel—we'll help you anyway!"
"Wait, Luffy," Zoro cut in, his tone sharp. His single eye fixed on Shirogai. "Shirogai, are you forcing the Sky Islanders into this?"
Shirogai smiled faintly. "No. The choice has always been theirs. Submit to a tyrant and survive, or resist and risk everything for the next generation. Neither path is blocked."
He studied Gan Fall, disappointment flickering in his eyes. "But is this truly your answer, Gan Fall? To bind my crew with pleas of morality and pressure me with your weakness? That's a pitiful strategy."
The Shandians had already pledged themselves to Shirogai, drawn by his strength and his promise to return to them the Haki of their ancestors. To him, they were a people with spirit. But the Sky Islanders…
Shirogai had no need for cowards who bowed to false gods.
Nami tugged at his sleeve. "Shirogai… they're pitiful. Can't we just help them?"
"Pity?" His tone turned cool, though his smile remained. "There's always something hateful about the pitiful, Nami. They enjoyed the peace Enel gave them, so now they must also endure his cruelty. Nothing comes free. If they want freedom, they must pay for it."
Gan Fall clenched his fists. "Then I will be the price!"
Shirogai chuckled, shaking his head. "You? Not enough. Don't flatter yourself."
The old knight's shoulders trembled. But he lifted his chin, resolve returning. "Then so be it. The Sky Islanders will declare war on Enel!"
Shirogai's eyes gleamed. "Good. Rally those who fled. Even weak hands can still carry resolve."
He raised his palm skyward, and a sharp grin split his face.
"Then let it begin. The game to slay a god. Wax-Wax World: Indestructible City!"
Poof!
The very air thickened, transforming into an ocean of molten wax that spilled across the horizon. It twisted and hardened, forging colossal walls of white that rose into the clouds, forming a fortress-like city in the sky.
His awakened Devil Fruit spread its domain—an unyielding city of wax standing defiant before God.
The battle for Sky Island had begun.
_____
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