Thanks to the immense spatial enhancement granted by the Voidborn Chaos Fruit, Ash Thalos found that his Golden Crow Rainbow Transformation had evolved dramatically. Not only had the distance of each teleport increased severalfold, but the stamina required to activate it had also dropped to a negligible level. What once demanded careful pacing now felt almost effortless.
As a result, the three of them traveled in near constant motion, flashing across stretches of sea and sky without pause. Whenever fatigue began to settle in, they would land on a small island, rest briefly, enjoy a proper meal, and then continue their journey with renewed vigor.
Because of this relentless pace, they arrived at Jaya a full day earlier than Ash had anticipated.
After introducing the Kirk siblings to Mont Blanc Cricket, Ash contacted Sali through a Den Den Mushi. He learned that the Diwen Village fleet had already entered Jaya's surrounding waters and was expected to dock safely by the next morning.
The thought of reuniting after more than twenty days stirred something rare in him, a quiet anticipation he did not bother to hide. Unable to remain idle, he took to the sky and headed out over the sea to hunt Sea Kings, securing the finest ingredients for the reunion feast.
The Kirk siblings rolled up their sleeves without hesitation. If they were to join Ash's crew, they would need to prove themselves to these so called monstrous eaters he had described. If they failed to satisfy such appetites, their reputation as champions of Gourmet Island would be little more than a joke.
Mont Blanc Cricket, watching the trio ignite with competitive fervor over food, could only sigh. His sole desire was far simpler. He wanted to reach Skypiea and witness with his own eyes the legendary land his ancestor, Mont Blanc Noland, had spoken of.
The next morning, before the Diwen Village fleet even sailed into Jaya's bay, the towering bonfire Ash had prepared was already visible from afar.
When Sali and the village chief disembarked, they were greeted by a fully arranged celebration. A massive bonfire roared at the center, mountains of ingredients were neatly stacked, hundreds of barrels of fine wine stood ready, and the fragrance of expertly prepared dishes drifted across the shore.
After proper introductions, the villagers lavished praise upon Ash's foresight in recruiting professional chefs. Once they tasted the dishes crafted by the Kirk siblings, admiration poured forth without restraint. Compliments flowed as freely as the wine.
For a group whose formal education was nearly nonexistent, their vocabulary expanded impressively when it came to food.
After the feast, as noon approached, the village chief made a decisive call. There was still daylight to spare, so relocation would begin immediately.
Unlike the dramatic ascension Ash had once accomplished by personally lifting an island into the sky, this effort was far more measured. With the coordinated efforts of wind and water ability users, along with spatial manipulation support from Ash, the seven ships rose steadily into the air.
Before the sun painted the horizon gold, they pierced through the cloud layer and emerged above the White Sea, ten thousand meters above the surface.
The village chief inhaled deeply, his weathered face breaking into a satisfied smile.
"So this is the legendary Sky Island. The air is excellent."
Ash had quietly prepared for possible altitude sickness, but his concerns proved unnecessary. The elders stood comfortably, breathing in the cool air with contentment. Even the youngest children crawled across the deck without a hint of discomfort.
The people of Diwen Village possessed formidable physiques to begin with. Regularly consuming sea beasts and even Sea Kings had forged bodies far beyond ordinary standards.
Once he confirmed everyone was acclimating without issue, Ash led the fleet toward God Island.
They were met by both the Shandians and the Skypieans.
"You are all waiting together?" Ash asked, slightly surprised to see both groups present.
Gan Fall stepped forward respectfully. "After you left, we relocated as agreed. Only a portion of our people remained to await your return."
His tone carried unmistakable caution. Beyond Ash, several individuals had flown here under their own power. Such a sight was not something one encountered every day. Devil Fruits were not vegetables to be harvested in bulk.
Wyper's expression remained stern, yet far less hostile than before. He nodded courteously and gestured toward the elder behind him.
"We Shandians have moved to the island you promised. This is our chief."
Ash did not waste time on unnecessary formalities. Instead, he brought Mont Blanc Cricket forward.
"As agreed, I have brought the descendant of the great adventurer Noland," Ash said calmly. "This is Mont Blanc Cricket. You are descendants of the great warrior Calgara."
After facilitating the introduction, Ash turned his focus to rebuilding.
The golden structures of Skypiea could not remain untouched decorations. If this city were to become the Diwen villagers' new home and his personal stronghold, it required careful restoration. The gold would be removed methodically, without compromising structural integrity. He had no intention of dismantling it recklessly as Enel once had.
The village's young men handled the labor of clearing debris and reinforcing foundations. Meanwhile, the village chief engaged Gan Fall and the Shandian chief in extended discussions, laying the groundwork for peaceful coexistence.
The three islands Ash had previously raised were clustered near God Island. With his permission, the Shandians named their new homeland New Jaya Island.
The Skypieans, whose population was larger, occupied two islands and connected them using their technology. They named them Freedom Island and Angel Island. Island clouds served as natural buffer zones, easing tension between former enemies.
Though hostilities had officially ended, true harmony would take time.
After thoughtful negotiations, the village chief formally requested that the Shandians be permitted occasional access to God Island. Out of respect for the elder's diplomacy, Ash granted the request.
In return, Wyper and his warriors joined Sali in the immense task of restoring Skypiea's central city.
Night fell slowly in the heavens. Beneath a sky thick with stars, a wide plaza had been cleared atop the giant vine. The discarded vines and branches were repurposed into towering bonfires.
Diwen villagers and Shandians gathered together. Elders exchanged stories and traditions. The younger generation shared strong drink and roasted White Sea Kings.
Near the largest bonfire, Ash consumed nearly eighty percent of the dishes prepared by the Kirk siblings. Sali and Pini stared in disbelief, contemplating whether restraining him might preserve at least a fraction of the meal.
Amid the laughter, Sali noticed Mont Blanc Cricket and Wyper staring toward the distant silhouette of the Shandora Bell.
She gently reminded Ash of the promise.
A faint smile curved his lips. Ringing the bell was a simple act. Yet its meaning ran deep.
In a blink, he appeared beside the golden bell.
He drew in power, compressed it into his fist, and struck.
"Dong…"
The sound reverberated across the White Sea.
"Dong…"
It carried through clouds and into memory.
"Dong…"
The ancient echo bridged four centuries.
Mont Blanc Cricket fell to his knees, tears streaming freely. Wyper and the Shandians wept without restraint.
The promise between Noland and Kalgara had finally been fulfilled.
____
Send your Powerstones, now !!
Pretty please (´ε｀ )