Soon, the group arrived at the core area of the shrine.
The interior of this ancient structure was spacious and solemn, with exquisite murals carved on the surrounding walls depicting the Sky Island people's devout faith in the gods. At the very center of the shrine stood a massive statue of a Buddha, its face benevolent and eyes slightly closed, as if gazing down upon the worshippers who came to pay their respects.
However, what drew the most attention was not the statue itself, but a peculiar fruit resting quietly on its open right palm.
This fruit was a dazzling golden yellow all over, its surface covered in intricate and mysterious patterns. These markings undulated slightly as if alive, and even more striking were the clearly visible lightning-like patterns, as though they might burst forth with real electrical sparks at any moment. A faint static electricity lingered around the fruit, and the faint sound of crackling could be heard in the air.
This was the legendary strongest Logia Type Devil Fruit—the Rumble-Rumble Fruit.
"Urorororo... Finally found it." Kaidou's deep laughter echoed through the shrine. He strode purposefully toward the Buddha statue, his thick arm effortlessly grasping the precious fruit in his palm. Sunlight streamed through the skylight at the top of the shrine, illuminating the fruit and reflecting a dazzling golden light.
This action immediately caught the attention of the others.
Sebastian's eyes widened as he exclaimed in disbelief, "This... this is a Devil Fruit?" His voice trembled slightly with astonishment.
Bullet crossed his arms, thoughtfully examining the fruit in Kaidou's hand: "Another Devil Fruit, huh? I wonder what specific ability it has."
"Muhahaha!" Queen suddenly burst into laughter, pushing his sunglasses up his nose as he excitedly declared, "I'd never mistake this appearance! This is the Logia Type Rumble-Rumble Fruit!" His voice grew shrill with excitement, his plump body shaking with laughter.
"What? The Logia Type Rumble-Rumble Fruit?" Gavin immediately turned to look at the fruit in Kaidou's hand, his face filled with shock.
Standing nearby, Urouge looked completely bewildered. He tugged at Sebastian's sleeve and asked quietly, "What are you all talking about? What Devil Fruit? Logia Type? Rumble-Rumble Fruit?" As a native of Sky Island, he knew very little about these maritime legends, but seeing everyone's excited reactions, he realized this must be something extraordinary.
Sebastian gave Urouge a surprised look before showing an understanding expression: "Right, you've been living on Sky Island all along. It's understandable that you wouldn't know about these things." He cleared his throat and began patiently explaining: "Devil Fruits are..."
Over the following time, Sebastian detailedly explained to Urouge the origins, types, and abilities gained from consuming Devil Fruits. He particularly emphasized the three main classifications of Devil Fruits: Logia Type, Zoan Type, and Paramecia Type, along with the characteristics and representative fruits of each category.
"I see!" Urouge exclaimed with sudden understanding, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Eating this fruit grants powerful abilities? That's truly amazing!" He unconsciously took a step forward, wanting to observe the fruit more closely, but quickly retreated again.
Zoey, standing in the corner, had been listening intently to the conversation. When he learned about the formidable power of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, his eyes involuntarily revealed a greedy glint. But when he stole a glance at Kaidou's towering, demon-like figure, he shuddered and quickly dismissed any improper thoughts.
"Boss Kaidou," Queen rubbed his hands together excitedly and asked, "Is this the goal of our trip?"
Kaidou held the fruit up to his eyes, carefully examining the lightning-shaped patterns, and replied in a deep voice, "That's right. We came all the way to Birka specifically for this Devil Fruit." His voice was low and resonant, echoing through the Shrine.
As the looting of Birka Palace neared its end, Kaidou stood in the square before the palace, surveying the Sky Island city that was about to be stripped bare. The fading sunlight cast a golden outline around his massive frame.
"Next," Kaidou's deep voice reverberated across the square, "after packing up the treasures from this island, we can leave the White White Sea and return to the Grand Line." A satisfied smile curled at the corners of his mouth, clearly pleased with the gains from this operation.
Upon hearing Kaidou's command, the members of the Beasts Pirates immediately sprang into action.
They split into several teams and conducted a thorough search of every corner of Birka Palace. The once-opulent decorations and precious artworks were roughly dismantled and stuffed into large sacks along with gold, silver, and jewels.
Throughout the process, the pirates' excited shouts and the clatter of items colliding filled the air.
After several hours of hectic work, they had completely emptied the palace. Eight enormous sacks were neatly arranged in the center of the square, gleaming temptingly in the sunset. The pirates gazed at the spoils, their faces lit with greedy, satisfied smiles.
"Move out!" Kaidou commanded, and everyone hoisted the heavy sacks, beginning their march toward the docks. The heavily laden procession moved through the streets of Birka, drawing frightened stares from many Sky Island residents. But no one dared to intervene; they all hid inside their homes, afraid of provoking these fearsome Blue Sea dwellers.
Just as the group was about to leave the edge of the town, a young, urgent voice suddenly called out from a street corner: "Wait! Please, take me with you!"
Kaidou and the Executives halted and turned toward the sound.
A boy of about seven or eight years old emerged from the shadows. His thin frame was draped in a tattered, ill-fitting garment. Most strikingly, unlike other Sky Islanders, the boy lacked the characteristic white wings on his back. Instead, he had unusually long earlobes that nearly reached his shoulders.
"Urorororo..." Kaidou let out a low chuckle, his sharp eyes scrutinizing the boy before him. "Kid, what did you say?" He immediately recognized the child as the young Enel. Seeing the boy's ragged clothes and timid expression, Kaidou understood—no wonder this child would later commit the mad act of destroying his homeland.
The boy—Enel—stumbled toward Kaidou and, without hesitation, knelt on the ground.
"Please, take me away from this place!" His voice was filled with desperation and pleading, his forehead pressed tightly against the ground, his thin frame trembling slightly from emotion.
"Muhahaha," Queen stepped forward, looking down at the scrawny boy with a tone full of mockery. "Kid, do you even know who we are? We're not interested in playing house with you." His words drew a round of laughter from the surrounding pirates.
But Enel wasn't deterred by their ridicule. He lifted his head, his dirty young face etched with determination. "I don't care who you are! Whether you're angels or demons, please take me away from here. I don't even care if I die on the way." Having said this, he buried his head deeply against the ground once more, as if this was the most devout gesture of supplication he could offer.
Kaidou silently observed the stubborn boy, a flicker of interest in his eyes. "Urorororo... Interesting," he finally spoke, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "Kid, if you're not afraid of death, then follow along!" Without another word, he turned and strode forward with large steps.
King and Bullet exchanged meaningful glances before quickly catching up to Kaidou.
Enel froze for a second, then scrambled to his feet in ecstatic joy, stumbling as he chased after them. His eyes shone with the light of hope, as if he had grabbed onto a lifeline - even if that lifeline came from a group of ruthless blue sea people.
The procession continued toward the docks, the setting sun stretching their shadows long across the ground. Enel's thin figure staggered at the very end of the group, but the expression on his face was more determined than ever. On this Sky Island where everyone had rejected him, he had finally found his chance to leave, even if what awaited him ahead was even greater unknown danger.