Rolan no longer paid attention to Nola, signaling Wyper to lower his bazooka.
He scanned the crowd, locking eyes with each person. Everyone fell quiet, sensing that he was about to say something important.
Rolan nodded once, then spoke clearly:
"First: We will found a nation here on Sky Island. I will serve as the King, and Kuro will be my advisor—equal in standing with me."
"Next: We need to appoint two assistants."
Some people furrowed their brows. The term was unfamiliar.
"An assistant will hold the highest authority after the King and the advisor," Rolan explained simply.
He paused, letting the idea sink in.
"I want Gan Fall and the Chief to take these roles. When I am away from Sky Island, all governance will be entrusted to both of you."
Gan Fall hesitated, but Rolan's voice was firm:
"You have guided Sky Island for years. Your wisdom is respected. Please, do not refuse."
Reluctantly, Gan Fall nodded.
"Very well. This old man will devote what remains of his strength for the people."
The Chief shifted uncomfortably. He had expected to retire, to live a quiet life planting gardens and brewing tea. But Rolan's proposal elevated him to a high post—and one of real influence.
Rolan met his gaze.
"You've done more than any of us. Why would you step away now?"
The Shandia people around them spoke up in agreement.
"There is no one more worthy than the two of you," they said. "Gan Fall and the Chief, together, are what Sky Island needs to unite."
The Chief sighed softly, exchanging a small, knowing look with Gan Fall.
Rolan nodded, satisfied.
"With both of you leading, Sky Island will have no lack of guidance."
He then continued:
"Of course, a country needs its defense. For now, Enel will lead our army. Wyper will be his deputy."
Enel tilted his head, nodding in acknowledgment. Wyper, still emotional from the reunion and the Golden Bell, steadied himself.
"Wyper," Rolan said quietly,
"peace is precious, but we must be prepared. I need someone loyal and fierce to help protect all of us."
Wyper considered Rolan's words, then bowed his head.
"I will do my best, God."
Rolan reached into his system space and produced a small, strange fruit. He handed it to Wyper.
Wyper's eyes widened, and he barely dared to take it.
"God, what is this?"
Rolan watched him with a small, knowing smile.
"A Devil Fruit. Eat it. Your strength will be needed."
With great care, Wyper bit into it. The crowd gasped. In a flash, his form shifted—bones strengthened, skin lithe—and he transformed into a Pterodactyl, flapping powerful wings.
Robin reacted immediately:
"That's an Ancient Zoan Devil Fruit! Pterodactyl form!"
Rolan raised an eyebrow, impressed by Wyper's courage and transformation.
He continued:
"Once our nation is established, we will build an education system. Robin-san, I want you to be the head of education."
Robin's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Rolan smiled, then raised his voice for the final announcement:
"Since the war is now over, it is time for a celebration. Tonight, I call for a grand banquet. Inform all residents to attend."
A cheer erupted through the crowd. Everyone nodded and dispersed to prepare.
When only Rolan and his crew remained in the square, Enel lay down, yawning. He preferred apples to social gatherings.
Robin, on the other hand, could hardly contain her enthusiasm. She drifted into Shandora, drawn by the ruins and their secrets.
---
Night fell. A massive bonfire lit up A Pa Ya Duo. Under the moon and stars, voices and laughter united. The Angels, the Shandia, the God's Guard, and the Ion Tempest crew all danced, hand in hand.
Crickets chirped softly in the background, mingling with laughter and whispered stories.
Zoro sat off to the side, a drink in hand. Robin perched on a stone nearby, her eyes distant yet joyful. Lina helped the island's chefs serve food. Crocodile leaned back, smoking slowly.
Rolan, Kuro, Gan Fall, the Chief, and Nami sat together, discussing their future.
Gan Fall's face was somber in the firelight.
"Your vision is ambitious, God. Implementing all of these ideas will be difficult."
Rolan nodded.
"Change is never easy. But without hardship, there is no beauty on the mountain peak."
He spoke of the policies of his past life—systems of education, medicine, and justice—and though his audience was in awe, they couldn't dismiss how hard it would be to build such a society.
Enel scoffed softly:
"You could just centralize power, Rolan. If someone resists, you could crush them with force."
But there was a hint of respect in his voice. A grudging acknowledgment of Rolan's philosophy.
Rolan met Enel's gaze, his tone calm but firm.
"Maybe I could do that. But that's not the world I want."
Gan Fall and the Chief exchanged smiles.
Rolan laughed softly, then added something unexpected:
"By the way—soon, I plan to move Sky Island into the New World. What do you all think?"
The question hung in the air.
The bonfire crackled, sending sparks into the night sky. Shadows danced on the ruins, blending with the laughter and whispers of hope.
Above, stars shone like scattered gems, and the soft glow of the moon painted the faces of those gathered. In that light, Rolan's vision felt possible—a kingdom reborn under the open sky.
For a moment, the past struggles seemed distant, replaced by the promise of a future built by hands both old and new.
And somewhere in the darkness, Nola slithered silently, watching over the newborn nation, a guardian as ancient as the land itself.
________
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