Their eyes held both fear of the unknown and anticipation for the coming transformation.
They had spent decades living under the existing order and its rules. Only now did they finally understand that they were taking part in a change far more radical and breathtaking than anything they had imagined.
It would tear apart every restraint of the old world and write an entirely new chapter in history.
Ron stood tall, his gaze blazing with unwavering conviction as though it could pierce through every obstacle and reach the distant future.
Boundless ambition burned within his eyes like twin torches, illuminating everyone around him.
"We aren't building a shelter where people can hide from disaster and cling desperately to survival.
"We're building an ark that carries hope and dreams into a new era!
"It will become a new beginning for human civilization—a symbol of our journey out of darkness and into the light!"
He slowly spread his arms, his broad sleeves stirring in the wind as though he meant to embrace the whole world.
"When the islands scattered across the Four Blues are gathered here…
"When civilizations from every corner of the world meet, clash, and eventually become one…
"Then this place will cease to be an ordinary kingdom.
"It will become a true Eternal Divine Kingdom—a sacred land containing all the wisdom and power this world has to offer!"
Shiki was already trembling violently with excitement.
Wild joy covered his rugged face as he struggled to force out the words.
"I… I've waited far too long for this day! It was like waiting for dawn through an endless night, but it's finally here!"
Before anyone could respond, he threw back his head and roared toward the vast sky.
"Float Corps, hear my command! Prepare to depart immediately!
"Bring the islands of the Four Blues to the Divine Kingdom without delay!"
Countless figures immediately rose from every corner of the kingdom like a surging tide.
They were Float-Float ability users personally trained by Shiki, each radiating an imposing presence.
They assembled into orderly formations that stretched across the sky like an enormous flock of migrating birds, then flew toward the Four Blues with unwavering determination.
Their countless silhouettes drew brilliant trails across the night, as though writing the opening lines of a new legend.
Ron nodded slightly before adding in a solemn voice,
"Remember this. Treat any residents willing to come with us respectfully and bring them safely to the Divine Kingdom.
"As for those who refuse…"
A sharp golden light flashed through his eyes like the edge of a blade.
"Let them remain in the world that is about to be remade. Ultimately, everyone must bear the consequences of their own choice."
Beneath the quiet night sky, Shiki could no longer contain his delight.
"Jihahahaha! Jihahahaha!"
His laughter rolled like thunder, making the surrounding air tremble violently.
Completely overcome with joy, he began waving his arms so wildly that Kogarashi and Oto slipped from his hands and plunged into the deck with a loud clang.
Shiki did not even notice.
He danced around like a madman, pouring decades of pent-up passion into that single moment.
Then he shot toward the East Blue like a streak of golden light.
"First stop—Loguetown! Let the whole world witness the beginning of this miracle!"
"How many years has it been?! How many damned years?!"
His voice carried the weight of decades of longing.
Driven by overwhelming emotion, Shiki seized the front of his clothes and tore them open, revealing his scar-covered chest.
The intersecting wounds resembled a weathered map, each scar recording a battle, hardship, or forgotten story from his past.
"The floating empire I always dreamed of… can finally become real!"
His voice trembled, but every word emerged from the depths of his soul, burning with unshakable conviction.
Then he rushed back in front of Ron like a violent gust of wind, landing heavily on the deck.
Near-madness blazed in his eyes, hot enough to ignite the air.
"Brat—no, Ron! You're the one man who truly understands me!"
For once, he even abandoned his usual dismissive way of addressing Ron and called him by name.
He stared intently into Ron's eyes, desperate to find the same dream reflected there.
"Ever since I mastered the Float-Float Fruit, I've had the same dream every night!
"I see thousands upon thousands of islands suspended across the heavens, shining like jewels set into the endless sky.
"Brilliant bridges of cloud connect them, and people travel freely between the islands while laughter echoes through the air.
"It's a world belonging to me—a floating empire ruled from the sky!"
Shiki became increasingly entranced as he described the magnificent vision he had carried for so many years.
Whitebeard frowned, his thick brows drawing together in concern.
"Shiki, calm down."
"Calm down?"
Shiki whirled around, his long hair whipping through the air like a lion's mane.
"Jihahahaha! Newgate, you don't understand at all!"
He waved both arms excitedly, trying to express a dream too vast for words alone.
"Why do you think I insisted on creating floating islands in the first place?
"Because I saw what was possible!"
...
"That possibility was like the first light of dawn breaking through the darkness. Once I saw it, there was no way I could ever give up!"
Shiki suddenly lowered his voice and leaned forward with a secretive look.
"You know, the years I spent in Impel Down were hell, but I never abandoned that dream.
"Every single day, I scratched designs into the walls with my fingernails. Every line and every pattern was part of my plan for the floating empire."
He slowly held out both hands.
Under the light, everyone could clearly see the permanent damage worn into his fingernails. Those marks were proof of his stubborn faith, showing how he had continued dreaming of the future even while trapped in despair.
Kaido narrowed his dragon eyes, curiosity flashing through them as he let out a low laugh.
"Wororororo… So the first thing you did after escaping was go looking for islands?"
"Exactly!"
Shiki excitedly slapped Kaido's scales.
"But my power had its limits. I could only move a dozen or so islands at once…"
He abruptly turned toward Ron, open admiration filling his eyes.
"But now, with Ron backing me…"
Shiki leaped onto the railing and threw both arms wide toward the sea.
"Let every island in the Four Blues take to the skies! We'll show those bastards in Mary Geoise what a true Kingdom of God looks like!"
Big Mom frowned slightly, concern entering her gaze.
"Mamamama~ Shiki, your swords…"
Her voice drifted faintly through the sea breeze, gentle yet unable to hide her urgency.
Shiki had been completely swept up in his grand declaration. Only after hearing her did he finally look down at the deck as though waking from a dream.
Kogarashi and Oto were still embedded between the wooden planks, their cold blades quietly gleaming as if they had been forgotten amid all the excitement.
Shiki burst into hearty laughter.
He waved one arm toward them, and an invisible force immediately pulled both swords free. They rose into the air like obedient birds and flew straight back into his hands.
The moment his fingers closed around their hilts, his grin grew even more confident.
"With Ron at my side, who needs a couple of damned swords? The islands under my command are the strongest weapons in the world!"
He spread his arms and looked around proudly, his eyes filled with satisfaction at the kingdom surrounding him.
Then, just when everyone expected him to continue boasting, his expression abruptly became serious.
The playful arrogance in his eyes was replaced by a deep, intelligent light.