"Wuwuwu, I can't take it anymore, Rolan, I surrender."
Lina's entire body felt as though it were coming apart, her back aching, waist sore, utterly defeated by Rolan's relentless skill. She had finally experienced the overwhelming combat power Robin had described and had no choice but to beg for mercy.
Rolan lay on his side, holding Lina gently in his arms, brushing along her back.
"You stinky Rolan, you don't even know how to cherish a woman. This is my first time, you know."
She pounded his chest with her tiny fists, cheeks pink.
Rolan chuckled, amused by her blush. "I wonder who was yelling 'faster' last night."
Lina buried her face deeper, voice muffled. "Hmph! I'm not talking to you anymore."
Her crisp, mischievous voice carried a charm that made him smirk. If it weren't for it being Lina's first time, he might have gone another round.
---
Over the next two days, Rolan explored all the Ion Tempest crew's initial territories in the New World. Seven islands in total, varying in size. Most were uninhabited, save for one or two with settlements.
He understood why: the climate here was harsh. Some islands endured constant rain, others perpetual thunderstorms. Some teemed with venomous insects and snakes; others were surrounded by nearly always erupting volcanoes.
This matched Rolan's expectations. In the New World, the better islands were claimed by the Four Emperors long before anyone else could stake a claim. Survival required either immense strength or alignment with the strongest.
Rolan, though an Emperor himself, hadn't yet reached the perceived might of the original Four Emperors. Most underestimated him, thinking themselves superior, even dismissing the original Four Emperors.
Thus, when Kuro and the others moved to consolidate their territory, it hadn't been easy.
Rolan was pleased; uninhabited islands were far easier to manage and develop than settled countries. Once moved and pieced together with Nami's guidance, the scattered islands formed five vast landmasses. A large central sea area was reserved for relocating Sky Nation in the future, completing the domain of five giant islands surrounding a central continent.
Rolan also used electromagnetic forces to manipulate magnetic fields on uninhabitable islands, confident their extreme weather would mellow over time. Infrastructure construction would wait until they returned to Paradise with manpower from Sky Nation.
---
On the ship Breaking Sky, most of the Ion Tempest crew gathered on deck, Hancock absent. Rolan's gaze swept across them, noting the excitement on every face. The next step was clear: Totto Land, territory of the Four Emperors Big Mom.
"Partners, get ready. We're heading to Totto Land!"
As Nami conjured a cloud island beneath the ship, the Breaking Sky rose slowly into the air, gliding toward Totto Land.
"Her ability is incredible," Franky marveled. "We can fly anywhere at any time. It would've made the New World journey so much easier if she'd come with us."
Enel nodded. "Flying ships make many actions far more convenient."
Kuro shook his head. "Not many people's ships in this sea can fly. Only ours are exceptional."
Enel pouted. "We're just commenting, Kuro. No need to scowl."
Rolan raised an eyebrow. He recalled Enel's "Maxim" from his previous life and quickly verified that ships One through Five could also ascend into the sky, ensuring the crew could travel efficiently without deploying all vessels each time.
---
After two days of flight, Totto Land emerged below them. The ocean turned a deep brown, bubbling with strange energy.
"Rolan, look! The seawater's brown! And there's a faint scent of cola!" Lina leaned over the rail, nose twitching with precision honed from her culinary curiosity.
Nami peered down. "It's true! Could it be that the sea here isn't normal seawater?"
Lina exchanged a delighted glance with Nami. "Cola?" they asked in unison.
Franky's eyes gleamed. "Cola? So much of it! How long would it take to drink it all?"
Kuro stepped to the rail, pointing. "Totto Land centers around Cake Island, Big Mom's seat. Thirty-plus islands surround it. Each island has its own ruler and unique theme—candy, biscuits, chocolate, and so on. Seawater around each island matches the island's dessert theme."
Franky's mouth watered uncontrollably. "Is that so? Nami-chan, quick! Let's go down!"
Bepo appeared at the deck, drooling in agreement. "Yes, let's go! Cola!"
The two began dancing across the ship, chanting joyfully.
Bang! Bang!
Nami retracted her fists; Franky and Bepo both hit their heads, collapsing onto the deck.
Rolan watched, exasperated. "Let's head to Cake Island first to see what this Tea Party is like. After all, we accepted the invitation."