"Haha, are you all curious about what an artificial island cloud is?"
Shirogai noticed the confusion on their faces and spoke without hesitation. "Do you all know of Sky Island?"
"Sky Island…"
Some members pondered deeply. Others, truly unfamiliar with it, asked in disbelief, "Does Sky Island really exist? Isn't it just in ancient tales?"
The one who asked was Verglas (Iceburg). He had no knowledge of Sky Island whatsoever.
"Sky Island exists," Vochi Katakuri suddenly declared.
Although Katakuri wasn't entirely certain why Shirogai had recruited him into this organization, he had been tracking news about Shirogai and the Straw Hat Pirates in recent days.
From underground reports, Katakuri had learned that after defeating Big Mom, this Fifth Emperor had directly challenged another of the Four Emperors—Kaido. And it appeared he had emerged victorious.
"He really did it…"
Katakuri's expression showed a slight tremor of respect, mixed with his usual composed demeanor.
This monster's Talent Fruit was far more formidable than those of the other Four Emperors. Combined with Haoshoku Haki rivaling Big Mom's, and top-tier Observation Haki reactions, it was no surprise he could overcome other emperors.
Now, being part of this unfathomable organization, Katakuri had no intention of holding back. Perhaps he could secure a position here and gain advantages for his Big Mom Pirates.
He shared his knowledge of Sky Island without hesitation, unwilling to be sidelined.
"From what I've learned, Sky Island isn't solitary. Most islands are connected. Surrounding them is a sea of clouds, and unique creatures, unlike those of normal oceans, inhabit these skies."
Katakuri recalled a Sky Island native who had gifted Big Mom a massive shell capable of recording and playing sounds, earning the right to live in Totto Land.
"In addition, Sky Islands produce shells with unique abilities. Some store and replay sound, others store water or flavors, and some can be used in combat. We once considered journeying to Sky Island, but abandoned the plan for reasons unknown," Katakuri said in a low voice.
The reason was simple: Big Mom forgot about Sky Island within days, and no one advocated further exploration. The Sky Island native eventually broke taboos and had his soul absorbed by Big Mom, ending all discussion.
"I see…"
Members unfamiliar with Sky Island now had a rough understanding of its existence.
Serpent, narrowing his eyes, scrutinized Vochi beside him, thinking:
"This one… is a pirate! And clearly a high-ranking officer of a large crew!"
Even Serpent, despite his Marine authority, only knew of Sky Island's general existence, not its location. He couldn't imagine a high-ranking Marine joining Shirogai's anti-World Government, anti-Celestial Dragons organization.
"Haha, Vochi is correct."
Shirogai took over, smiling slightly. "No need to hide it. The Sirius and Pegasus come from Sky Island. With the help of the Sky, they've developed machines to create sea clouds and island clouds. Soon, we will attempt to generate sea clouds in other areas, and ultimately, island clouds that can sustain long-term habitation."
"Creating island clouds and sea clouds? Wait…"
Katakuri's expression shifted, turning grave. He looked up at Shirogai and asked, his voice deep:
"Null San, are you saying you possess the technology to create island clouds and sea clouds in the skies of other regions?"
Though Katakuri was renowned for combat, he was far from ignorant. Due to his upbringing under Big Mom, he had acquired extensive knowledge beyond mere fighting.
He immediately grasped the strategic significance.
In today's world, who dominates? The Marines under the World Government, undeniably. Then come the Four Emperors. The Marines are powerful because they control most islands, maintain strongholds across the seas, and possess methods to traverse the Calm Belt, free from Sea King attacks.
The Emperors, though formidable, cannot match the Marines' global influence. Crossing the Calm Belt carries high risks and losses.
But if one can move unimpeded in the sky at altitudes of ten thousand meters, Marine supremacy loses its meaning.
The Marines govern the seas, but above ten thousand meters, they are powerless.
A pirate crew with this technology could bypass the current world order entirely, establishing uncontested sky navigation routes.
No Marine, no Emperor—none would exist in this aerial realm.
If island clouds could sustain long-term habitation, resource scarcity issues on the seas could be resolved. Nations would no longer rely solely on sea routes. Trade could flourish above ten thousand meters, safely and efficiently, unimpeded by storms, Sea Kings, or pirates.
Katakuri's mind raced. The implications were staggering.
Island nations, currently constrained by oceanic hardships, would leap at the chance to expand into the sky. If these clouds could house settlements, it would mean nearly unlimited living space. Even doubling the land area in a nation's airspace would be transformative.
Once this became public knowledge, the world would erupt in chaos.
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