The Shandian chief held his breath, his composure unshaken.
He knew this decision would determine the fate of his entire tribe.
He had pondered it for a long, long time before finally making this difficult choice.
Only this could completely alter their people's destiny and allow them to return to their sacred homeland!
These outsiders were the strongest of the strong, each possessing awe-inspiring power.
Even the once-invincible god Enel had been effortlessly subdued by them.
The powers they wielded—flames, light, ice—each no weaker than Enel's lightning—were true divine abilities!
Faced with such formidable foes, the Shandian chief knew his tribe stood no chance.
Thus, he made a shocking decision—to pledge the entire tribe's allegiance to Ron!
He didn't know if this choice was right, nor what challenges and hardships the future might bring.
But at this point, they had no other choice.
For the sake of their people's future, for the chance to reclaim their sacred land, they had to take this bold step forward.
Ron gazed deeply at the Shandian chief, who had humbled himself and felt a strange satisfaction.
In this chaotic world, encountering someone so discerning and pragmatic was rare.
A tribal leader needed not just martial prowess but also the wisdom to assess the situation—and this chief was undoubtedly such a man!
"Ten years. Just ten years of your loyalty, and you'll regain your freedom." Ron's words, though softly spoken, struck like a hammer, especially upon the chief's heart.
The Shandian chief paled, mistaking Ron's words for dissatisfaction.
He hurriedly explained.
"Ron-sama, please believe me! our tribe's submission is sincere, without the slightest deceit—"
But before he could finish, Ron raised a hand to stop him.
A hint of unyielding resolve, flashed in Ron's eyes.
"It's not that I distrust you. I simply don't think it needs to take that long. Besides, we won't stay here forever."
Hearing this, the chief's heart finally settled.
He nodded quickly in understanding.
The warriors around them also brightened, as if seeing a glimmer of hope.
If it was just ten years, then it wasn't an unacceptable condition for them.
"Chief, I'm willing!" A warrior stepped forward first, his voice filled with determination and resolve.
"I'm willing too! If it's only ten years, what's there to fear!" Another warrior followed closely, his eyes flashing with unyielding spirit.
Soon, more and more warriors voiced their willingness to accept the condition.
Their responses surged like a tidal wave, filling the scene with an impassioned atmosphere.
Ron watched all this and nodded slightly, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.
He knew these Shandian warriors weren't just physically outstanding—more importantly, they valued loyalty and righteousness.
Otherwise, they wouldn't have kept a four-hundred-year-old promise in their hearts and put in so much effort for it.
Such people were undoubtedly the strength he needed most.
"Ron, what do we need these guys for?"
Jozu had somehow sidled over and only now managed to interject, his tone carrying a hint of confusion and bewilderment.
He was clearly somewhat surprised by Ron's sudden decision to recruit Shandian warriors.
Ron turned around and looked at Jozu with a smile, patiently explaining.
"Jozu, we need to broaden our horizons. We can't just stay holed up on a small island forever.
As time goes on, our territories will increase, and so will the gold.
When that time comes, we'll need capable hands to manage all that wealth and land."
Hearing this.
Jozu seemed to understand somewhat but still said uncertainly, "Uh... I guess so."
As he spoke, he scratched his head awkwardly, looking a little embarrassed.
Ron continued, "Besides, you know gold and treasures will inevitably attract covetous eyes.
So at this point, finding people who are loyal and don't care much about gold becomes especially important.
They won't betray us out of greed for wealth but will instead serve us wholeheartedly."
After hearing this, Jozu suddenly had an epiphany.
"I get it, they're the ones!"
His gaze turned toward the Shandian warriors nearby and he couldn't help but marvel inwardly.
'These warriors aren't just outstanding in combat, but they also have zero interest in gold!'
'Just give them some useless land as a reward, and they'll fight like their lives depend on it!'
'They're absolutely perfect!'
Thinking this, Jozu couldn't help but exclaim, "So worth it! As expected of Ron, always thinking ahead!"
Ron shook his head, clearly unimpressed by Jozu's unoriginal flattery.
He sighed lightly and turned to leave, leaving Jozu talking to himself where he stood.
Only a few seconds later did Jozu finally snap out of it and realize Ron was already gone, having clearly left the task of arranging these people to him alone.
Realizing the responsibility on his shoulders, Jozu immediately adjusted his attitude, becoming extremely serious.
He nodded solemnly in the direction Ron had left, as if making a promise to himself and to the distant Ron.
"Don't worry, Ro. I'll complete the task with all my might!"
...
After resolving the matters between the Shandian tribe and the natives of Skypiea, The operations of Sky Island were finally on track, and the gold mine was being excavated at full speed.
Purifying the mined gold was simple and Enel volunteered for the task!
The Rumble-Rumble Fruit not only generated lightning but also produced intense heat from its electrical power.
Melting and refining gold, adding borax for further purification—it couldn't be easier!
Thus, rewards were distributed based on contribution.
Enel received a considerable amount of gold, but he had no interest in it and gave it all to Jozu for free.
Of course, he claimed it was a selfless act, but in truth, he was deeply intrigued by the black substance that had coated Jozu's fists when he defeated him.
"Uh, ... Jozu, can you tell me what that black stuff was?" Enel genuinely wanted to know—losing without understanding why was frustrating for him.
"...Fine, since you're sincere, I'll give you a brief explanation. Otherwise, you'd embarrass the Whitebeard Pirates."
"Yes, yes!!!" Enel eagerly perked up to listen.
"That was Haki."
"Haki?"
"Yeah, ah... what a headache. I forgot you're new here. Alright, let me start from the beginning. There are three types of Haki..."
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