"Hahaha, Enel, you're too pathetic," Crocodile mocked, smirking down at the lightning man lying on the ground.
This arrogant former "God" of Sky Island, subdued by Rolan's overwhelming presence, stirred a strange sense of satisfaction in Crocodile.
The crowd gradually dispersed, guided by Gan Fall and the Shandia Chief, both with countless tasks still awaiting their attention.
Clap! Clap!
Rolan lightly patted Enel's shoulder. "Alright, get up. There's something I need to explain."
Rolan's expression softened slightly, tinged with helplessness. "The revolution isn't finished yet. None of us can stand idle."
Kuro nodded, understanding exactly what Rolan intended next.
---
Shandora, bathed in sunlight, seemed to glow with a golden aura. Its mottled stone walls, smooth flagstone streets, and scattered buildings whispered stories of the past.
The overgrown vines had been cleared, and the Shandia people diligently worked to tidy up the town.
Rolan observed the scene with satisfaction. After days of careful planning, the reconstruction of Sky Island was steadily progressing.
"Kuro, I'm leaving Sky Island in your hands while we return to Earth. When we reappear, the entire World will tremble at our arrival."
Kuro nodded. He knew that the Ion Tempest crew was no ordinary pirate crew. Their ambitions were unlike any other.
Being together for every expedition was impossible, even if they enjoyed sailing together. Each member had a role to play. A significant event was approaching in just over a year, a moment for Rolan and his crew to truly display their power. Attacks from rivals were inevitable, and preparation was key.
---
The next morning, at the edge of the White Sea.
"Rolan, are you sure it's okay for just the four of you to go down?" Lina asked, eyeing the small party on the ship.
Rolan only brought Nami, Enel, and Crocodile.
"I'm not going to fight this time. Numbers don't matter. We're heading to the world's largest whirlpool. To survive it, we need to increase our strength fast and stand firm within it."
Everyone nodded thoughtfully. They knew Rolan's words were not idle—these next two years would shape the Four Seas with opportunities and crises alike.
Originally, Rolan intended to go alone, but Nami insisted on coming along, clinging to his arm like a spoiled child. He didn't mind. In fact, having her with him was a stroke of luck.
Enel came along to witness Earth firsthand and to reclaim the pride he had lost to Rolan and the crew. Rolan had no desire to leave such a reckless fellow behind, as it would distract Kuro unnecessarily.
Crocodile was invited as a temporary consultant, and Nami, upon discovering she had to share Rolan with Enel and Crocodile, bit his shoulder in playful protest.
Rolan waved to those on shore. "I'm leaving Xia Country in your care."
Nami activated her ability to lift the ship, gently descending toward Earth.
As they descended, Rolan found amusement in the situation. He recalled that in a famous tale, Luffy and his crew descended in an octopus-shaped balloon that leaked and crash-landed in a Marine base. Rolan's ship descended smoothly from ten thousand meters without incident.
"Is this Blue Sea? The Blue Sea full of powerful people, as you said?" Enel asked, eyes wide.
He had never seen seawater before, and the endless blue fascinated him.
Crocodile remained stoic, unamused. "You call this a god? He looks like a child who's never seen the world."
"Hey, I heard that!" Enel snapped at Crocodile, anger flashing in his eyes.
Nami covered her mouth, trying not to laugh at Enel's antics. Rolan ignored the two and guided the ship toward the nearest town.
As soon as the ship docked, townsfolk scattered, and black cannon barrels appeared along the pier.
"Pirates! Leave Pomander Island immediately! Pirates are not welcome here!"
"Final warning! Depart or we will fire!"
Crocodile exhaled a smoke ring. "The guards here have grown polite. They even give warnings now. Back when I was a pirate, cannonballs would rain freely on any ship passing by."
Nami frowned. "They look terrified."
Enel laughed mockingly. "How disrespectful. A god like me shouldn't be treated this way. Watch this…"
Electricity crackled along his right arm, ready to strike.
"Forget it," Rolan interrupted, his tone nonchalant. "We'll return to the sea for now and come back later."
The ship vanished into Rolan's system space, hidden from view, and the group quietly made their way into town.
Enel surveyed the town, unimpressed. Through his Mantra, he could sense the residents were weak. "Pathetic."
Crocodile smirked, puffing smoke from his cigar. "Even I admit it. Earth does have people stronger than me."
Enel narrowed his eyes, knowing exactly what Crocodile meant. Even someone as arrogant as the former pirate acknowledged the strength that awaited in Earth's world. Yet, he insisted, "That's only because you're weak."
Crocodile swung his Desert Spada at Enel. "You're not stronger than me, are you?"
Rolan rubbed his temples, sighing lightly. "There are quite a few people in this world stronger than me."
"Nani?!" Enel's face twisted in disbelief, unwilling to accept it.
Rolan gazed at the endless blue sky above. "This world is far more complex than you imagine."
His thoughts drifted to the God's Knights, the Gorosei, and the shadowy figure seated on the throne—Imu. That presence was like a bright moon, surrounded by stars, looking down on all life below.
Just then, a news coo flew overhead. Rolan retrieved a few newspapers and handed one to Crocodile, another to Nami.
Enel paid no attention; he likely didn't even know what a newspaper was.
Rolan carefully unfolded the pages. A month had passed since he last checked the news, and he was eager to see what major events had shaken the world.
Shocking! Another powerful Pirate appears in the East Blue, being frantically pursued by various forces. Who is he?
Rolan raised an eyebrow. "Oh? This headline…"
---