At the center of Mock Town on Jaya Island...
"Aside from the pirate crews that have already left, the ones remaining are all local to Mock Town. Most of them have never even set sail and just run taverns and restaurants here. When they spot weak pirate crews, they sometimes resort to underhanded tactics—robbing and even killing them."
Redfield reported to Brook, having already used his specialized Observation Haki to sift through the crowd.
"Thanks for your help. Now, check the employees at Mortomas' news agency. See if any of them are spies for the World Government."
Brook sent Redfield off on another errand while he turned his gaze toward the local pirate bosses of Mock Town.
"From now on, this island belongs to the Hell Pirates. I won't interfere with your businesses, but if any of you provide information or services to the Marines or World Government agents, you'll be turned into ice!"
Brook swung his sword, releasing a burst of chilling underworld energy. A pirate who had sneered at him moments before was instantly frozen. Without hesitation, Brook stepped forward and shattered the frozen man with a single slash.
Standing among the gathered pirates, Brook's overwhelming strength made them tremble. Their previous arrogance was replaced by fear and newfound respect.
"From now on, keep records of all suspicious individuals arriving on this island—especially those snooping around for information. If you discover any World Government spies or Marines, report them to us immediately. If anything happens here, you die too."
Brook's words were a direct threat. It had been a couple of weeks since Mortomas relocated his news agency here, and there was a good chance information had already leaked.
"Captain Brook, this is our home! There's no way we'd let the Marines ruin it. We'll keep a close watch!"
Several pirate bosses immediately pledged their loyalty. After all, this was a pirate with a bounty of 200 million Belly.
"That news agency will be moving soon. From now on, act like it was never here. No one is allowed to discuss it. Understood?"
"A news agency? What news agency? There's never been one here, right?"
A tavern owner quickly caught on and spread the sentiment, drawing nods of agreement from the other pirates. Brook noted his sharp thinking.
"Good. You'll be in charge of gathering information and managing these people."
"Thank you for trusting me, Captain Brook! I, Snipe, won't let you down!"
Snipe beamed with excitement. A little flattery had just landed him a management position—unbelievable!
...
Next to Mock Town, Brook carved out a section of forest as the Hell Pirates' base, which would also serve as a supply and intelligence hub for Skypiea. Under Redfield's scrutiny, a spy was indeed uncovered among Mortomas' employees. The revelation left Mortomas stunned—this was someone who had worked for him for over three years!
Despite the spy's desperate pleas, Mortomas personally executed him.
...
Once the custom-made oxygen masks and tanks arrived on Jaya, Brook made a decision after consulting with the crew. He instructed Mortomas to command all the carrier seagulls to transport the Yellow Springs to the White Sea. Their mission: explore, conquer, and establish a foothold on Skypiea.
Brook and Crocus also ensured that the island whale, Laboon, remained near Jaya, urging it to stay close and grow stronger.
"Brook, people in Mock Town will see us flying up to Skypiea. Even if we make it, we'll still be easily exposed!"
"That's fine. Once we establish an aerial combat force, we'll shoot down any invading pirates or Marines."
Very few Zoan-type flying ability users could make it past the White Sea, except for those with powers like Golden Lion's. If the World Government ever tried to equip birds with oxygen masks to infiltrate Skypiea, the Hell Pirates would already hold the air superiority.
Taking down any flying enemies would be simple. Right now, their approach worked because Skypiea's inhabitants weren't on guard. If the Sky People started attacking their seagulls, even their landing wouldn't be easy.
...
On the day of departure, the Hell Pirates ordered all taverns and shops in Mock Town to close for the day. Though the command seemed strange, no one dared to disobey under Brook's pressure.
The Yellow Springs was stripped of unnecessary cargo, lightening its load. Over ten thousand strong seagulls took to the skies, pulling the ship upward. Even Qirin Lion and Parrot joined in to assist.
All they had to do was pass through the frigid, low-oxygen layer between 5,000 and 7,000 meters. Once they reached the White Sea at 7,000 meters, temperature and oxygen levels would stabilize.
As they broke through the thick cloud cover of the White Sea, they were attacked by sky fish. Brook, a Devil Fruit user, felt his strength drain the moment he was submerged in the sea clouds. Thankfully, Redfield stepped in to fend off the sky fish and sky beasts.
Once fully inside the sea clouds, the immense buoyancy naturally lifted the Yellow Springs, allowing it to sail freely through the White Sea without further assistance from the seagulls.
Regaining his strength, Brook used a Den Den Mushi to relay their successful arrival to Mortomas. Meanwhile, the exhausted seagulls descended back to Jaya.
As they sailed forward, they soon spotted a structure made of white clouds—an outpost guarded by a lone figure.
"Whoa! There really are Blue Sea people up here! I always thought it was just a legend!"
A middle-aged man with distinctive Skypiean wings excitedly snapped photos of them with an Image Dial.
"It's been ages since a Blue Sea dweller came up here! I only took this guard post so I could slack off!"
He continued muttering to himself as Brook and his crew curiously observed the winged man.
"Blue Sea guests! Welcome! Are you here for sightseeing? For just one billion Extol—equivalent to 10,000 Belly per person—you can take a direct Express Shrimp ride to Angel Island in the White-White Sea!"
The Skypiean official flipped through a small booklet, comparing the prices between the two seas.
"Yes, we're here for sightseeing."
Noticing that Enel had yet to take control and the costs were surprisingly low, Shakky casually handed over 100,000 Belly and told him to keep the change.
"Pleasure doing business! Safe travels!"
The monitoring officer put away his Image Dial and booklet, then blew a whistle. Moments later, a massive red lobster-like creature grabbed hold of the Yellow Springs and swiftly carried it up to the White-White Sea.
As they ascended, the crew finally got a full view of Skypiea's cities and lush green forests. Before them lay Angel Island and the legendary Upper Yard—formerly part of Jaya Island.
"Captain, could that really be the legendary City of Gold, Shandora?"
Shakky's eyes gleamed with excitement as she took in the breathtaking sight.
"This entire landmass was once part of Jaya. The white island next to it is home to Skypiea's native inhabitants—formed from island clouds. That's Angel Island."
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+100 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg