Chapter 17 — Clash of Beliefs
Monkey D. Ash stood quietly as Poker disappeared into the mouth of the Giant Snake. There was no need to rush.
After all, We couldn't escape from Enel. With the Observation Haki of his "Mantra" enhanced by the power of the Goro Goro no Mi (Rumble-Rumble Fruit), the self-proclaimed god could sense everything across all of Skypiea.
Defeating one of his priests must have already alerted him.
Ash smirked. Maybe he'll come to me.
Suddenly, his eyes narrowed.
"Who's there?"
His voice was sharp and firm as he turned toward a thick tree nearby, Observation Haki flaring. Someone had been sneaking around.
A figure stepped out, hands raised. "I mean no harm, friend from the Blue Sea. I was just passing by."
It was Gan Fall, the former God of Skypiea, astride his unusual pink-spotted bird, Pierre. He had just parted ways with Wyper, the leader of the Shandians, and had stumbled upon Ash and his crew. He'd thought to help—until he saw how effortlessly they brought down The Master of the Sky. That had changed his mind.
Too late to flee now.
"Hey, old man! Your mount is so ugly!" Tuan Tuan declared with a scrunched-up face, waddling over and staring at Pierre with distaste.
Pierre squawked in outrage and lunged forward, chomping down on Tuan Tuan's round head.
"Yaaah!! I'm the vice-captain of the Smiling Pirates!" Tuan Tuan screamed, flailing his pudgy fists.
Bang!
Pierre flew backward with swirls in his eyes, hiding behind Gan Fall with only his beak peeking out, glaring at Tuan Tuan like he'd seen a monster.
Ash sighed and rubbed his forehead. "You kind of asked for that."
"But I wasn't wrong!" Tuan Tuan muttered grumpily.
Ash turned to Gan Fall, face calm again. "I'm Monkey D. Ash, from the Blue Sea. We're in need of a guide, and as a Skypiea native, I'm sure you know where Enel is. Please take us to him."
"You're looking for God Enel?"
"Exactly."
Gan Fall hesitated. "I advise against it. That man is dangerous. He's moody, cruel—and kills on a whim. You're walking into death."
"Tch, old man, don't underestimate our captain," Tuan Tuan said while casually picking his nose. "He's the strongest. We're just here to see how 'godly' this Enel really is."
Gan Fall stared at them, then sighed. So young, so cocky… They'll learn the truth the hard way, like all the others.
Still, he stayed.
Time passed.
An hour later, Poker emerged triumphantly from the serpent's jaws, dragging a three-meter long golden sculpture behind him.
"Captain Ash, mission complete!" he grinned, covered in dried blood and innards. His ghost-like appearance was horrifying, yet he didn't seem to care.
Ash pinched his nose. "At least wash your face first…"
"Gold?! So much gold!" Carina squealed, tearing open a treasure sack. A mountain of golden trinkets spilled out—bracelets, crowns, statuettes, and coins.
Tuan Tuan's eyes sparkled. "That's a LOT of meat…" he muttered, already calculating how many mountains of roast pork he could buy.
Ash chuckled, shaking his head. A bunch of gold-obsessed gremlins…
Still, he couldn't help but feel amazed. Even knowing the Master of the Sky hoarded treasures, seeing it in person was something else.
But then came the system prompt.
---
𝘚𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮: Exchange ratio confirmed – 10,000 Berries = 1 System Point
---
Gan Fall looked at them and Asked—"Are you really going to face Enel?" Worry
returning to his voice.
Ash nodded. "Yes. After today, there will be no more dictators on Skypiea. The people deserve to be free from fear."
Gan Fall gazed at him, then gave a slow, solemn nod. "Then I will guide you."
---
At that moment — in Enel's temple…
A shirtless man with a white turban, long earlobes, golden staff in hand and thunder drums on his back took a lazy bite from an apple.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"Someone defeated Shura."
He gestured lazily to the three remaining priests before him. "Go. Eliminate them."
Without a word, Ohm, Gedatsu, and Satori stood and took up their weapons, heading toward the intruders.
---
Back at Ash's crew…
Gan Fall raised his arm, pointing into the distance. "That building ahead—Enel lives there."
"Thanks," Ash replied calmly.
Suddenly, a strong gust rustled the trees. Three figures dropped into view, blocking the path forward.
Satori laughed eerily. "So you're the ones causing trouble."
Ohm drew his massive blade. "You defeated Shura?"
"Yeah," Ash replied flatly. "I thought priests would be strong. Guess I was wrong."
"You brat!" Ohm snapped, slashing his sword. Cross-shaped waves of compressed air shot forward.
But before they could land—
Boom!
A blur of feathers and flames exploded forward.
Gin stood in front of the crew,
transformed into his Mythical Zoan form: Bird-Bird Fruit, Model: Nue. His six flaming wings shielded the crew, scattering the sword strikes like paper.
"You won't lay a hand on the captain!" Gin growled.
The priests staggered back, eyes wide.
"What… What kind of Zoan is that?! Why is the fire so… cold?"
Ash turned to his crew. "They're yours. I'll go find Enel."
Gin grinned. "Leave it to us. They'll learn real quick who's boss!"
"You got it, Captain!" Carina shouted, readying her twin pistols.
"Don't forget me!" Poker added. "I'm not just a doctor—I'm an adventurer too!"
Ash gave them a nod and vanished in a streak of lightning.
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To be continued…