"This is the Sabaody Archipelago?"
"So many islands!"
"Isn't this place a bit too exaggerated? I don't know whether this is bigger, or Sandy Island is bigger!"
February 10, 1515 — Sea Circle Calendar
After returning to the Grand Line from the West Blue, El and the five girls deliberately slowed their journey.
In order to let Robin, who had just joined, and Perona, who had not ventured out to sea for nearly three years, experience the scenery they themselves had once seen, they sailed along the first half of the Grand Line step by step.
From Cactus Island, to Sandy Island, then onward to Jaya, and finally to Water 7.
Along the way, they collected specialty products from each island and delivered them to Gecko Moria in the Florian Triangle.
They even spent some time on Skypiea.
During that journey, both El and Robin celebrated their birthdays.
A thirteen-year-old boy, and a twenty-three-year-old woman—Two people who had both received bounties at the age of eight.
For the first time in more than ten years, Robin held a birthday celebration for herself.
And during that time, she completely integrated into the group.
Although she never said it aloud, Robin had already begun to regard herself as a true member of the crew deep in her heart.
From the age of eight until now, Robin had lived a life of constant pursuit and betrayal.
And yet—
She had never once fallen into darkness.
That alone proved how kind and gentle her heart truly was.
A person who had never grown twisted, despite experiencing so much cruelty—Once she encountered several people who shared the same warmth and sincerity, it was inevitable that she would be assimilated.
She liked the atmosphere aboard the Pegasus.
She liked the tenderness of her little captain and her little sisters.
And so, for their sake, she chose to once again sail upon the sea.
By the time the distance between her and the crew completely disappeared, the Pegasus had already arrived at the end of the first half of the Grand Line—
The Sabaody Archipelago.
From afar, its silhouette was already visible.
As the ship drew closer, the outlines became clearer, larger, and more breathtaking.
Carina, Nami, and Perona all wore expressions of amazement.
Robin, who was well-informed, slowly began explaining.
"The Sabaody Archipelago is the final destination of the first half of the Grand Line," she said softly."And even in the entire world, it is an extremely special place."
"It is formed from the roots of the largest mangrove trees in the world."
"In fact, the Sabaody Archipelago is a massive mangrove forest floating on the sea, composed of seventy-nine giant trees, known collectively as the Yarukiman Mangroves."
"Because it is a mangrove root system, the archipelago does not possess a stable magnetic field like other islands."
"That means you can't create an Eternal Pose for it, nor will it emit a magnetic signal to attract a Log Pose."
"If you weren't already nearby, finding Sabaody would be extremely difficult."
"Because of this, the Sabaody Archipelago—located at the end of the first half of the Grand Line—became one of the most famous islands in the world."
"It has many titles."
"Because it lies directly beneath the Red Line and is frequently visited by the Celestial Dragons, it is known as the backyard of the Celestial Dragons."
"And because pirates from all seven routes gather here—along with pirates fleeing back from the New World—it is also called the place of failure and rebirth, and the center of the world."
Robin paused briefly, then concluded calmly:
"To sum it up—The Sabaody Archipelago is the most chaotic island in the world."
After listening to Robin's explanation, Nami wasn't afraid in the slightest.
Instead, her eyes sparkled with interest.
"The most special and chaotic island in the world?" she said excitedly."Then I have to walk around properly and draw a detailed map!"
"As long as you bring Carina and Kuina, you can go wherever you want."
El didn't discourage her—he simply reminded her.
"Hehehe, then I'll be counting on you, Carina, Sister Kuina!"
Nami nodded vigorously, flashing cheerful smiles at the two of them.
"No problem. I'm curious about Sabaody too," Carina said confidently, placing her hands on her hips.
"Don't worry. I'll protect you."
Whether it was due to her Devil Fruit ability or her advancement in swordsmanship, Kuina's temperament had grown increasingly radiant.
Dressed in her red-and-white priestess outfit, her smile carried the image of flowers blooming.
With four girls already mastering two types of Haki, and El possessing Asura Form as his strongest trump card, he no longer had the slightest concern for their safety.
Even if they encountered the highest combat power of the Navy Headquarters, they could still retreat safely if victory proved impossible.
And with El's Float-Float Fruit, escape would be effortless—even under siege.
Just as El had said—
They no longer needed to fear anyone.
With the strength and confidence to resolve any danger they encountered, El naturally stopped acting with extreme caution like before, when he had yet to obtain the Rumble-Rumble Fruit and Float-Float Fruit.
The current El had returned to the freedom he once had in the East Blue.
They wouldn't provoke trouble.
But if trouble came to them—
They would respond without mercy.
The Sabaody Archipelago consists of seventy-nine numbered islands, divided into four major zones.
Islands No. 1–29:The illegal zone, filled with human trafficking shops, slave auctions, and underground forces.
Islands No. 30–59:The commercial zone, including civilian districts, shopping streets, amusement parks, sightseeing areas, specialty shops, shipyards, and coating facilities.
Islands No. 60–69:The Navy and World Government zone, housing naval bases and residences for Celestial Dragons visiting from Mary Geoise.
Islands No. 70–79:Primarily hotel districts.
El and the five girls did not dock the Pegasus casually.
The waters here were full of hidden dangers—If they anchored carelessly, treasure hunters and bounty hunters might target their ship.
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