Above Holy Land Mary Geoise, a massive island loomed, as if breaking free from the shackles of darkness.As they continued to descend, the flames of Holy Land Mary Geoise reflected upon the island.
The sharp howling of the wind echoed in the hearts of all present.
"What is that?!"
"Look at the sky! Why is an island falling from above?!"
"The island is falling!"
"We're doomed!"
...
An atmosphere of despair spread relentlessly.
Everyone watched as the massive island fell from the sky, wanting to flee and seek refuge, but unsure where to go—because the entire Holy Land Mary Geoise lay within the island's range of impact.
Kizaru, who had barely managed to break free from the Six Rod Light Restraint, was already in a sorry state.
Dragging his battered body, Kizaru was now covered in burns. He hadn't expected Roya to be so powerful, nor had he anticipated that an ability called the Six Rod Light Restraint could prevent his elemental transformation.
But when he looked up at the island descending from the sky, his usual demeanor was thrown aside. "Damn it, is this that guy's doing too?!"
The floating island, now devoid of its Talisman Power, began its descent from the sky. Friction with the air intensified as its speed increased, turning the entire landmass into a colossal fireball.
He had to stop the island's fall—otherwise, his salary for the month would surely be docked!
For the sake of his paycheck, Kizaru took a deep breath, crossed his arms, and pinched his index fingers and thumbs together.
"Yasakani no Magatama!"
Brilliant flashes erupted from his fingertips as countless radiant bullets shot toward the falling island. Each impact triggered violent explosions.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The relentless barrage of explosions shattered the island, sending fragments of varying sizes flying. Yet compared to the sheer scale of the floating island, these efforts were but a drop in the bucket.
His strength alone was far from enough!
Just then, a figure in a military cap arrived beside Kizaru. "Meteor Volcano!"
It was Akainu.
Akainu's fists transformed into molten rock, launching massive magma fists toward the airborne island. But even with their combined might, the sheer size of the island proved overwhelming.
On the warship, Roya observed the scene and thought to himself: It's time for them to act, isn't it?
As if confirming his thoughts, from the deepest part of Holy Land Mary Geoise—a place known as the Flower Room—a razor-sharp sword slash tore through the sky.
This slash blotted out the heavens, spanning thousands of meters. Wherever it passed, the air itself howled with terrifying force.
The slash locked onto the island above them, then split—one into two, two into four, four into eight—multiplying endlessly. In the blink of an eye, it fragmented into countless slashes, swirling like a violent hurricane around the island.
Before this storm of slashes, the island was shredded like paper. Within moments, the colossal landmass disintegrated into dust, scattering into the wind.
Kizaru and Akainu, still in Holy Land Mary Geoise, stared in shock at the scene before them. They couldn't believe that the island they had struggled so hard to destroy had been reduced to mere ashes in an instant.On the ship, Roya watched the scene before him, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips.
He reached out his hand, gently stroking Hancock's silky hair, and said to her, "It seems our gift wasn't delivered today. But I promise you, one day I'll give them an even bigger 'present'."
Roya continued, "For now, let me take you back to Amazon Lily first."
As his words faded, an electronic tone from the system echoed in his mind.
[Ding! Sign-in mission issued: Amazon Lily. Reward: Peak Armament Haki! Time limit: Three days!]
——
A day had passed since leaving Holy Land Mariejois.
The sky was cloudless, bathed in perfect sunlight.
Coupled with the warship's high mobility, this was undoubtedly the most relaxed journey Roya had experienced in a while.
Leaning against the ship's railing, letting the sea breeze ripple through his cloak, Roya spoke, "Are you planning to leave now?"
Standing behind him, Fisher Tiger replied, "I intend to return to Fish-Man Island for a visit."
"Stay safe."
Understanding that Fisher Tiger had his own plans, Roya didn't press him to stay, offering only a brief word of caution.
Fisher Tiger added, "If you ever come to Fish-Man Island, you must look for me!"
"Mm."
Sensing the boldness in Fisher Tiger's tone, Roya's lips curled slightly beneath his cloak.
Watching Fisher Tiger dive into the sea and swiftly disappear, Roya returned to his cabin.
Night fell, the moon bright and stars sparse.
By now, the warship had entered the Calm Belt.
The so-called Calm Belt, devoid of wind, posed extreme danger to ships reliant on sails for propulsion.
Not only that, the Calm Belt was home to numerous Sea Kings!
The strength of these Sea Kings was generally judged by their size and length.
A thousand meters was considered average—any vice admiral could defeat one given enough time.
Three thousand meters marked a stronger tier, requiring multiple vice admirals or even an admiral to overcome.
Those measuring five thousand meters or more were nearly impossible to kill without special means.
Due to their massive size, penetrating a Sea King's defenses was incredibly difficult.
Such beings were troublesome even for admirals!
Roya stepped out of his cabin to find Hancock standing alone on the deck, gazing at the hazy night in the distance.
He approached her.
"Missing home?"
"Yes." Hancock looked up at Roya and asked, "Law—Roya, don't you ever miss home?"
For some reason, when she uttered Roya's name, Hancock felt her face flush.
Fortunately, the cover of night concealed the blush she was certain Roya would have noticed.
"I do, and I don't."
"Why?"
"Because there's nothing worth lingering over."
Hearing this, Hancock felt a pang in her heart.
She raised her hand, gently tugging at Roya's sleeve, and said, "Roya, from now on, let me—"
Before she could finish, a sharp glint of alertness flashed in Roya's eyes.
Activating his Talisman ability, he instantly lifted the warship into the sky!
Below, the pitch-black waters surged violently, massive waves erupting without warning...