The journey to Gaya Island was far from calm. Violent storms and powerful sea kings appeared frequently along the way, causing no small amount of trouble.
As they ventured deeper into the Grand Line, natural disasters became increasingly frequent and intense. Lightning flashed, torrential rain poured, and towering waves threatened to swallow the ship into the abyss. On top of that, formidable sea creatures lurking beneath the surface often appeared, adding yet more danger to the voyage.
However, for the crew aboard the Silver Dragon, none of these challenges posed a real threat. With their extraordinary strength and seamless coordination, neither raging storms nor fierce sea beasts could slow their progress.
At that moment, a colossal crab appeared not far from the Silver Dragon. Its massive pincers raised high, it waved menacingly at the ship. Big Pan's eyes lit up. Spotting a rare delicacy, he jumped up and down in excitement: "Haha, Captain! Look at this crab! It must taste amazing. Today's dinner is going to be a feast!" His eyes gleamed with anticipation as he stared at the imposing creature.
Lin Yi followed Big Pan's gaze, a pleased smile spreading across his face. "Yes, it's excellent! A top-tier ingredient like this hasn't crossed our path in ages. Big Pan, go catch it!"
Without hesitation, Big Pan leapt into action, his body soaring like an arrow toward the crab. In an instant, he reached the target, expertly dodging the crab's deadly attacks and grabbing its pincers with precision. With a powerful swing, he sent the massive crab hurtling toward the Silver Dragon.
As the crab flailed wildly in midair, the crew braced themselves, realizing just how reckless Big Pan could be.
Robin, smiling, crossed her arms lightly over her chest. In an instant, dozens of delicate arms extended from her sides, forming two enormous hands made entirely of her smaller arms. Like walls of bronze, these massive hands caught the flying crab and pinned it firmly to the deck.
"Big Pan, are you trying to crush us all?" Filina exclaimed, exasperated.
"Hehe, just an accident," Big Pan replied sheepishly, careful not to provoke this particular young lady, knowing she could easily unleash some unintended chaos aboard the ship.
Night fell, lanterns lit, and Chiyo took center stage, preparing a lavish crab feast. The gigantic crab was transformed into a variety of delectable dishes, each exuding an irresistible aroma. As the crew tasted each bite, they couldn't help but rave, savoring the meal as if they might devour their own tongues in delight.
After the feast, everyone leaned back, full and content. Lin Yi turned to Filina. "Filina, at our current speed, how long until we reach Gaya Island?"
Filina picked up a slightly worn map, carefully studying it. Her eyes moved across the surface as she calculated the distance and time. Moments later, she looked up with a smile. "If everything goes smoothly, we'll reach our destination in three days."
The map had originally come from the group of monkeys they had encountered, and it allowed them to accurately estimate the distance to Gaya Island.
Lin Yi nodded, satisfied. "Good. The time is sufficient, not too long."
At that moment, Simon, who had been silent until now, spoke as if remembering something. "Captain, I've heard a legend about Gaya Island. They say there's a mysterious place called the Golden Land, though no one has ever seen it. Should we try to find it? We might discover something extraordinary."
Dotai's eyes widened in surprise. "Huh? I've never heard of this legend before."
Simon rolled his eyes at Dotai's ignorance. Dotai, realizing his mistake, scratched his head and kept quiet.
Lin Yi smiled at the group, not answering directly. "What about you all? Do you think the Golden Land really exists?"
The crew exchanged puzzled glances, unsure what he meant.
Reiko asked directly, "Captain, what is the Golden Land?"
Lin Yi chuckled. "Ah, to tell you about the Golden Land, we have to speak of a man."
"What man?" the crew asked, curious.
Lin Yi began the story of Roland:
"Over four hundred years ago, in the North Sea, there was a kingdom called Lubnil. Its fearless exploration team included the admiral and renowned botanist, Ventra Roland.
During his expedition through the perilous Third Grand Line, a sudden, violent storm forced Roland and his crew to seek refuge. Fortunately, they discovered and landed on an island Gaya Island.
At that time, a tribe called Sandia lived on the island, suffering from a terrible illness known as the 'Tree Fever,' which claimed many lives. Just as despair gripped the Sandia people, Roland and his team arrived like saviors from the sky. Using his knowledge and medical expertise, Roland discovered a cure, saving countless lives.
Furthermore, he courageously abolished the Sandia's ancient and cruel ritual of human sacrifice. This noble act earned him the tribe's respect and gratitude. During this time, Roland befriended a warrior named Kalgra, known as the 'Great Warrior.' Their first meeting felt like reuniting with an old friend, forging a strong bond.
Through this friendship, Roland was shown the legendary Golden Land, a town called Shangra. Every building gleamed with pure gold, dazzling the eye. At the town's center stood an enormous golden bell. When struck, its melodious chime carried across Gaya Island, as if nature itself were telling a story.
However, a misunderstanding arose. In order to save the tribe, Roland had to cut down sacred trees. The Sandia misinterpreted his actions as sacrilege. Enraged, Kalgra ordered Roland and his companions expelled.
Later, Kalgra learned the truth: the trees were diseased, and removing them saved lives. Overcome with remorse, he pursued Roland but could not catch him, leaving him with lifelong regret.
Upon returning home, Roland reported his findings. Hearing of Shangra's wealth in gold, the king's greed was piqued. He demanded Roland return to retrieve the gold. Yet Shangra seemed to vanish, and the king accused Roland of lying, condemning him as a 'Great Liar.'
Until his dying breath, Roland insisted the Golden Land existed. His descendants maintained this belief, dedicating generations to proving their ancestor's truth."
"Poor Roland," Chiyo whispered, pitying the man.
"That king was despicable," Filina said, frowning.
"Legends are like that," Robin said, wrapping an arm around them with a smile.
"I believe the Golden Land exists," Fiona said firmly.
"Why?" Big Pan asked, puzzled.
"Because he said so," Fiona replied calmly, looking at Lin Yi.
Lin Yi laughed. "Fiona's right. The Golden Land does exist."
The crew's eyes sparkled with visions of gold.
"Do you know where it is?" Big Pan asked, imagining all the delicious food they could buy.
Lin Yi smiled. "After Roland left Gaya Island, a powerful upward current lifted half of the island into the sky. The Golden Land is located there, suspended in the heavens, waiting for us to explore."
Filina clapped her hands with joy. "Amazing! Once we reach the sky island, we can start our treasure hunt immediately!"
The crew erupted in excitement, chattering eagerly. Lin Yi watched silently, a gentle smile on his face. His thoughts drifted to Enel, the former ruler of the sky island with the Goro Goro fruit, wondering if he had defeated Gan For and claimed the title of God of the Skies. Lin Yi felt indifferent. Enel's powers, though formidable, were no longer particularly interesting to him.
Three days later, they arrived at Gaya Island. Lin Yi skipped consulting Roland's descendants. Instead, he captured a guide bird and instructed Filina to create a cloud capable of lifting the Silver Dragon.
"Are you sure you can handle this?" Lin Yi asked, noting Filina's slight sweat.
"Don't underestimate me, Captain," she said confidently.
Under Filina's control, the Silver Dragon ascended steadily toward the sky island.
Chapter 49: The White Sea, Gate of Heaven
Lifting the massive Silver Dragon into the sky placed enormous strain on Filina. At around 6,000 meters, her pale pink face began to whiten, as if dusted with frost, alarming everyone. A fall from such a height would be fatal.
"Filina, perhaps you should rest?" Chiyo suggested, holding a handkerchief to her forehead.
But Filina shook her head, determined. "I can keep going."
Giving up easily was never her way.
Lin Yi smiled faintly, trusting Filina's strength and eager to see her limits.
The Silver Dragon climbed steadily: 6,100 meters, 6,300 meters, 6,500 meters. Filina's face grew paler, sweat rolled down her face, soaking her clothes. The crew's concern grew. Fiona gripped her sister's hand, heart racing, amazed by Filina's resilience.
Finally, just as Filina reached her limit, the Silver Dragon pierced through thick clouds, entering a vast ocean of clouds.
Exhausted, Filina collapsed. Chiyo and Reiko carefully helped her up.
"Filina, are you okay?" Lin Yi asked, concerned.
"I'm fine… just a little drained," she said weakly, smiling.
"Next time, don't push yourself like that," Fiona said gently. Filina hugged her sister, giggling, promising not to repeat her recklessness.
Curious, the crew examined their surroundings.
"Is this the legendary sky island?" Kuri asked.
"Not exactly. This is the White Sea, above the clouds," Lin Yi explained. "It's home to strange creatures. Watch carefully, and you'll see them moving."
"Clouds that behave like the ocean… incredible!" Simon exclaimed, spotting a shark-like creature leaping.
"Can we eat them?" Big Pan asked, eyes lighting up.
Robin teased, "Why not catch a few?"
Lin Yi noticed a shadow flicker across the cloud-sea likely a massive squid but didn't warn Big Pan. He trusted Big Pan's skills to avoid major danger.
Sure enough, Big Pan emerged from the cloud-sea with a giant blue fish, but a sudden upheaval sent a squid spraying black ink at him. He dodged most, but part of the ink hit his face, leaving him a mess.
Angry, he dived after the squid, returning later with a single tentacle, covered in black ink. The crew laughed at his messy appearance, Robin wiping tears of laughter.
"Why only one tentacle?" Lin Yi asked.
"It's too clever! I almost caught it, but it cut off its leg and escaped!" Big Pan sighed.
Chiyo comforted him. "It's fine! I'll make grilled squid for lunch. Maybe some squid balls too?"
Big Pan's face brightened, excitement returning.
At noon, Chiyo prepared a lavish meal, the aroma filling the ship. Everyone ate eagerly, fully satisfied.
Filina wiped her mouth and asked, "Captain, which direction next?"
The compass and maps were useless in the endless White Sea.
"We need to find the Gate of Heaven in the White Sea," Lin Yi said. "Only then can we reach the true sky island."
Focusing his Observation Haki, Lin Yi pinpointed the hidden gateway.
"Follow this direction, and soon you'll see the Gate of Heaven. The sky island lies beyond it!"
Dotai and Simon hurried to the helm. Dotai expertly controlled the Silver Dragon, activating its engines. The ship surged forward.
Soon, a magnificent golden gateway appeared ahead, hexagonal in shape, with a plaque reading: Heavens Gate.
A voice echoed: "Visitors from the Blue Sea, please pay the fee to enter Heaven."
Dotai spotted a small house nearby. A tiny old lady with white wings on her back held an old camera, aiming at the Silver Dragon.
"Slow the ship," Lin Yi instructed.
The old lady demanded ten billion berries. Lin Yi tossed ten thousand berries, warning her not to delay.
A massive crimson lobster appeared beneath the Silver Dragon. Its pincers gripped the ship, carrying it swiftly toward the White-White Sea.