After ten long days of flight through the skies, Leno and his companions finally reached the legendary Skypiea, carrying with them Amazon Lily and several smaller satellite isles.
"Wow~ it's so beautiful! That's Skypiea? It's incredible!"
"Yeah, who would've thought there's such a breathtaking place hidden ten thousand meters above the sea?"
"Huh? The clouds up here feel so strange."
As islands suddenly appeared amid the vast, endless white of the cloud sea, Nami and Carmen gazed around in awe, marveling at the wonders of nature.
"Alright, everyone, I'll settle Amazon Lily first, then we can go explore Skypiea."
Seeing their childlike curiosity, Leno had to cut in with a smile. There would be time later for exploration. Turning to Hancock, he instructed, "Hancock, take a few people and come with me to meet the island's natives. Explain our customs clearly to avoid unnecessary conflicts."
Hancock, standing beside him, was also captivated by the heavenly scene. She quickly nodded. "Yes, Lord Leno. I'll make all the arrangements."
Rumble—rumble—
Considering the customs of Amazon Lily, Leno placed the island and its satellites upon a section of the White Sea near Birka, letting the Kuja warriors first grow accustomed to their new surroundings.
The area was far from Angel Island—safe enough for now. Once they established friendly relations, there would be time to move closer.
After arranging the islands, Leno led the group toward the temple on Angel Island.
"Big brother, I love this place! Can we live here forever?"
Nestled in Leno's arms, little Aileen gazed dreamily at the sea of clouds below, eyes shining like stars.
"Of course we can. Our little princess Aileen can stay as long as she wants!"
Seeing her so delighted warmed Leno's heart. He had worried that a child might fear such a strange new place—but Aileen was fearless.
"You're the best, big brother mua"
"Hahaha!"
Behind them, Hancock could only watch as Aileen boldly kissed Leno's cheek, her heart writhing with jealousy.
Biting a handkerchief, her bright eyes locked furiously on the spot Aileen had kissed.
'That little brat! That should've been my privilege!'
Noticing Hancock's burning stare, Aileen turned around, stuck out her tongue, and made a mocking face.
That only made Hancock's temper flare further, and she almost lunged forward to discipline the cheeky girl.
Nami and Nojiko exchanged helpless looks. After days of traveling together, everyone already understood Hancock's "condition."
In front of Leno, she was utterly obedient—but anyone, male or female, who got too close to him instantly became her rival.
Thankfully, Leno's warnings had kept her from doing anything reckless.
Soon, the Gale descended smoothly onto the plaza of Angel Island's temple. Citizens and guards who had gathered below immediately fell to their knees upon seeing Leno.
"It's the Lord!"
"Lord has returned!"
"All hail the Lord! Welcome home!"
The plaza filled with voices and kneeling figures. Joy and relief shone in every face—their "Lord's" return was like a divine reassurance that calmed all their fears.
Leno's companions were stunned. Their jaws dropped as they looked at him in disbelief.
'This is what you call "having some connections"? You're clearly in charge here!'
In Leno's arms, Aileen gazed up at his face, her eyes full of adoration and pride.
"Rise, all of you," Leno said gently. "Spread the word—those new islands near Birka are under my protection. There's no need for panic."
After ensuring everyone heard, he turned to Wyper. "Wyper, bring your squad captains and follow me."
He led the group toward the temple, and the others quickly followed.
Along the way, Wyper asked cautiously, "Lord, when we heard the noise earlier, we thought it was an invasion and assembled the guards to investigate. Now…"
"We'll handle that later. Let's go to the temple first. I'll explain everything clearly."
"Yes, my Lord."
Upon arriving at the temple, two rows of priestesses knelt in greeting. "Welcome home, Lord!"
Behind him, Nami, Nojiko, and Kuina all gave Leno strange looks, while Belle-Mère glared at him as though he were scum.
Feeling those murderous glares, Leno awkwardly waved a hand. "Don't get the wrong idea. They volunteered to be handmaids here..."
Everyone gave him a collective "do you think we believe that?" look. Leno coughed dryly and changed the subject.
"Wyper, explain Skypiea's customs and rules to my people later. My only order is simple—peace and stability."
After assigning Wyper his duties, he turned to Hancock. "Hancock, the same goes for you. I'll have local women teach your people how to live safely up here."
"We obey your command, my Lord!"
"Yes, Lord Leno."
After issuing a few more arrangements, Leno dismissed them to their tasks.
Once Wyper had led Sandersonia, Marigold, and the others away, only Leno, his close companions, Hancock, and Elder Nyon remained in the grand hall.
Elder Nyon, still in awe, was the first to speak. "Truly a man who creates miracles—first Marineford, now Skypiea as well."
"You big dummy! How—how did you even become the 'God' of this place?" Nami blurted out, eyes wide in disbelief.
Thinking back to their childhood days, she couldn't imagine when Leno had come to Skypiea—let alone become its "God."
"That's a long story. Let's eat first; I'll tell you while we eat."
"Carmen, Skypiea has plenty of unique cuisine. You can study them later if you'd like."
Carmen's eyes sparkled with delight. "Really? That's wonderful! Thank you, Leno!"
With the help of the priestesses, Carmen quickly had a feast prepared, filling the hall with heavenly aromas.
As they dined, Leno recounted his arrival on Skypiea, how he resolved its long-standing conflicts, and how the people came to recognize him as their "God."
Everyone listened in astonishment. Nami's gaze burned into Leno, silently demanding, 'And what else haven't you told us?'
Nojiko sighed, rolling her eyes. "Nami, don't you get it yet? Leno's gold came from here."
Nami froze, her face turning pale. "Nani?!"
She came back to her senses a moment later, muttering to herself, "I see... I... see!"
Grinding her teeth, she stood up and glared daggers at Leno.
"H-hey, what are you doing? Don't do anything rash! I'm warning you!"
Seeing the fury in her eyes, Leno felt a chill run down his spine and instinctively prepared to bolt.
"Soru!"
"Ahhh! Stop! Help! Somebody save me—!"