Chapter 143: The Goal is the Blue Sea—Let's Go!
Clang!
In the sky, the clear and loud ringing of a bell resounded throughout Skypiea. Every resident of the Sky Island heard the melodious sound echoing through the clouds.
Somewhere on the Sky Island, an old man clad in knight armor heard the golden bell. He looked toward the sound's direction, lost in thought.
"That's... the Light of Shandora!"
In Cloud End Village, when Wiper heard the dreamlike bell, he stared blankly at the sky, tears streaming down his cheeks. Behind him, all the Shandians were gazing excitedly in the direction of the sound.
"Great Warrior Kalgara, did you hear it? The sound of Shandora's Light echoing once again in the sky!" the Shandian chief thought silently.
"Mont Blanc Noland, you've waited a long time. This bell rings 400 years late. I hope it reaches your descendants," Wiper thought.
For 400 years, the Shandians had fought to reclaim their homeland from the Skypieans, determined to ring Shandora's bell again. Though not rung by their own hands, the sound reaching the heavens was enough. Wiper and his people hoped those who had waited would finally hear it.
Elsewhere on the Island of the Gods, deep within the massive forest, the giant snake known as the Lord of the Sky suddenly rose and twisted joyfully. After hearing the golden bell, its massive eyes welled with tears, seemingly remembering someone.
For a moment, the Lord of the Sky imagined seeing the man named "Noland" smiling once more.
On the upper levels of the Giant Jack, Robin stood before a Poneglyph, carefully reading the inscriptions etched in the ancient script.
"Can you read that?" Enel asked, approaching.
"Yes. I'm an archaeologist," Robin replied with a nod.
"An archaeologist?" Enel raised an eyebrow and touched the stone. "What does it say?"
Robin paused before answering. "It records part of the Void Century. Very important history."
"History, huh?" Enel glanced at her again, then turned and walked away.
At the Golden Bell, Luffy and Zoro continued to ring it loudly, hoping the sound would reach the sea 10,000 meters below—so the man waiting could hear it.
Below, on Jaya Island...
Mont Blanc Cricket was dozing when he heard the faint sound of a bell. He jumped up, then closed his eyes to listen carefully. The ringing grew clearer.
"That bell... it can't be mistaken. Only that bell makes such a sound!"
"Straw Hat... did you really find the legendary Shandora?" Hearing the long-awaited bell, tears welled in Cricket's eyes. Looking skyward, he whispered, "With this bell, you're telling me the City of Gold is real, that it's in the sky, and that my ancestor wasn't a liar. Right?"
"This is... truly romantic."
"Thank you, Straw Hat. I heard your message loud and clear!" Cricket shouted to the heavens.
In the sky, the bell continued to ring for several minutes. Throughout the cloud sea, the melodious chime echoed—a dreamlike hymn shared by all.
Skypiea, near the Upper Yard shrine...
"Alright! Our adventure on Skypiea ends here! Let's head back," Luffy said, having rung the bell dozens of times.
"Already? But there's still so much I haven't explored!" Usopp protested.
"I didn't even get to gather more herbs!" Chopper said sadly.
"Same! There's still loot I haven't finished collecting!" Nami added.
"I wanted more Skypiean ingredients!" Sanji chimed in.
"There are so many ancient ruins I haven't studied yet," Robin added.
"I'm fine either way," Zoro said flatly.
Luffy scratched his head. "Alright, we'll stay one more day!"
So the Straw Hat Pirates remained on Skypiea for another day, enjoying their final moments in the sky.
The next morning, the crew gathered aboard the Going Merry, ready to return to the Blue Sea.
Though rushed, the journey to Skypiea fulfilled many dreams. Even helping the Shandians reclaim their homeland had been achieved.
As they prepared to leave, Luffy turned to Enel. "Hey, Thunder Guy, wanna come down to the Blue Sea with us?"
"No need," Enel replied without hesitation. "The Ark Maxim will be completed in a few days. I'll travel to the Blue Sea on my own."
"Alrighty! Then we'll meet again down there, Thunder Guy!" Luffy said cheerfully.
"Tch. I hope not. And it's Enel! Remember it, you rubber moron!" Enel snapped.
"Hahaha! We'll meet again for sure, Thunder Guy!"
"It's ENEL! How many times do I have to say it?!" he yelled.
"Don't worry about it," Luffy laughed as the Merry began sailing. "Goodbye, Ai—Thunder Guy!"
Enel sighed and waved with his back turned, disappearing into a bolt of lightning.
A few days later...
A magnificent golden spacecraft rose from the clouds. It was the Ark Maxim—Enel's dream ship.
Unlike in the original timeline, this version of the Ark could be powered not only by Enel's lightning but also by numerous dials unique to Skypiea, including Breath Dials. It could even sail across the Blue Sea.
Enel stood tall, surrounded by his four priests and dozens of Sky Guards. He placed his hands on the control core, channeling lightning into it. Then, with a commanding voice, he declared:
"Target: The Blue Sea. Let's go!"
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