After nearly a month of rest, Sky Nation had fully adapted to the weather and pace of life in the New World.
During that time, Franky and Nami, under Rolan's direction, used island clouds and steel to build several giant bridges between the six main islands.
On this day, Rolan called a meeting in the Shandora conference room.
"We now have five outer islands under Sky Nation," Rolan said, his voice calm and direct, "I want to develop each island into a base with a specialized purpose."
Everyone listened in silence before nodding in agreement. They supported every decision Rolan made. It was not just because of his authority, it was because almost every plan he had proposed so far had yielded incredible results.
At first, many doubted Rolan's ideas. He was younger than most of them and lacked formal leadership experience. But his strength and success left them no choice but to obey his commands. The first one or two successes seemed like sheer luck, but one bold decision after another consistently brought results.
Eventually they realized that Rolan's strategies were far ahead of this world's standard thinking. Their earlier doubts now seemed short-sighted. How could a sparrow understand the ambition of a swan?
So when Rolan announced his plan for the five islands, everyone raised their hands in support without questioning why.
Rolan saw the enthusiasm in their eyes and felt a quiet tension. This was not entirely welcome. He was not a god, and he knew mistakes were inevitable. Yet with everyone's current mindset, almost no one felt confident enough to offer constructive opposition.
He exhaled and pointed to a freshly drawn map.
"This island will be Guard Island, serving as training grounds and barracks for our army.
This island will become the research base, for technological development and high-end equipment manufacture.
This island will be the education center, hosting primary schools, academies, and specialized learning.
This island will serve as the health base with hospitals and medical research.
This island will be the livelihood base, focused on solving daily needs for our citizens."
Rolan also established a series of departments, including an intelligence division. He planned to bring a few more small islands outward to develop entertainment and tourism projects as well.
As he spoke, everyone's eyes gleamed. They had never considered such structured organization, yet it made perfect sense. With clearly defined roles for each island, Sky Nation would become more efficient and prosperous.
Rolan wasn't doing this to micromanage. Delegating to professionals ensured that citizens would always know whom to find for any need, rather than wandering aimlessly.
…
"Rolan, do we actually have a reason for going to see Whitebeard?" Kuro asked aboard the ship.
If they were going for a fight, they would not have brought just a handful of people.
Rolan's disciple, the Gold Emperor Ace, was commander of the Whitebeard Pirates' Second Division. So the assumption that they were headed for battle made little sense.
Could it be for an alliance? That was plausible, after all having strong allies in opposition to the World Government would be useful.
Rolan glanced at Kuro, a slow smile forming on his face. He knew exactly what Kuro was thinking.
"I'm going to see Ace. Don't read too much into it," he said in his usual unconcerned tone.
Enel, listening nearby, deflated completely. He had expected a battle, not a casual visit. His face twisted into thinly veiled boredom.
"So why am I even here? If I knew we were just sightseeing, I wouldn't have come with that sand-eating Crocodile."
Crocodile, unlike usual, did not retort. His expression was unusually thoughtful.
Seeing this, Enel grew furious, feeling ignored.
"Hey, stinky sand Crocodile, learned to act cool now, have you?"
Crocodile looked at him with an unreadable gaze.
"I intend to take Whitebeard's head next. You can find someone else to bother."
"What?" Enel prepared to strike, but Rolan raised his hand calmly to stop him.
Rolan understood Crocodile's purpose now. Originally, he had intended to bring only Kuro. But Crocodile insisted on accompanying them. So this explained everything.
Rolan recalled the original Marineford events where Crocodile fought Whitebeard's crew. Back then, Crocodile's attack was stopped by Luffy, and Whitebeard had looked at him with a deep, knowing gaze. It was clear they had history.
Rolan was not fully aware of the enmity between Crocodile and Whitebeard. He remembered that Charlotte Linlin once mentioned she knew Crocodile's secret, but the original story never explained it, so he did not know the details.
On this visit to the Whitebeard Pirates, Rolan suspected Crocodile would challenge Whitebeard. Rolan did not plan to stop it. He saw it as a friendly challenge and believed nothing disastrous would come of it.
…
Following Ace's Vivre Card, the ship quickly arrived in calm waters.
"There doesn't seem to be an island nearby. Is Whitebeard really here?" Crocodile asked anxiously, afraid Rolan had made a navigational mistake.
Rolan was silent for a moment before realizing the reason. Whitebeard was a pirate, and pirates rarely stayed anchored at fixed islands. Loyalty to family mattered more than territory. As long as Whitebeard was with his crew, no land was too distant.
…
At Marineford, Marineford headquarters was in chaos.
"What? Rolan Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates have met?!" Sengoku slammed his hands on the table in fury.
Garp muttered, "Probably not a provocation. Rolan has never started a fight before. If he truly planned to challenge Whitebeard, then yes it would be troublesome."
They feared Rolan might conquer the Four Emperors and unify the New World under his rule. In that case, there would be no force capable of stopping him.
…
At this moment, aboard the Moby Dick.
"Whitebeard, we have eyes on the pirate ship," Doma called from the mast.
"Ion's Crew?" Whitebeard asked, unfamiliar with the vessel.
Ace appeared nearby, excitement in his voice, "Whitebeard, that is Rolan's ship!"
Whitebeard laughed deeply, booming with hearty amusement.
"What does that brat Rolan want? Did he bring good sake?"
Marco looked hesitant, "I hope Rolan doesn't do anything foolish."
Whitebeard's laughter shook the timbers once more as he replied without concern.