Sky Island, Gate of Heaven.
Above the boundless White Sea, Astrix bid farewell to his only crew member—Vice-Captain Dracule Mihawk.
"Mihawk, take this gold for your travel expenses."
The least scarce resource on Sky Island—or rather, in Shandora—was gold. Otherwise, Astrix wouldn't have used it to pave the way for cooperation with Kizaru.
Mihawk accepted the package. "Captain, when are you planning to set sail?"
Having witnessed the legends of Sky Island and Shandora, it was time to continue his training. His defeat by Kizaru had only strengthened his resolve.
Yet, for some unknown reason, he felt a faint sense of melancholy.
After only two months together, Mihawk belatedly realized that he had come to truly respect Astrix.
Astrix thought for a moment. "In two years."
"I'm fifteen now. When I turn seventeen, I'll return to the sea to find you. At that time, we'll ride the waves and search for our remaining comrades."
Astrix alone could form a crew.
But if they wanted to gain a foothold on this sea, relying only on him and Mihawk would be far too difficult.
They needed more like-minded companions.
People like Bartholomew Kuma, Jinbe, and the future Admiral Fujitora, Issho—these were the kinds of individuals they had to recruit.
"Mihawk, during your training, if you meet anyone you respect, don't forget to invite them on behalf of your Captain. I'll take care of the ship."
Mihawk nodded. "See you in two years."
The reason Mihawk had agreed to join the Morning Star Pirates was simple: convenience. Having Astrix as a nearly omnipotent Captain meant far less trouble.
Without another word, Mihawk turned and leapt straight down from ten thousand meters in the air.
Astrix seized the moment, pulled out his Image Den Den Mushi, and frantically snapped photos of Mihawk's heroic figure.
"What a pity… he's always wearing that hat. You can't even see the flying bamboo dragonfly…"
Since meeting Mihawk at Twin Capes, traveling to Loguetown to witness Captain Roger's final moments, and then rushing to Sky Island to evade capture and purchase Musou Isshin, Astrix had hardly stopped moving.
The journey had been far too rushed.
He hadn't even had the chance to properly enjoy the scenery.
Now, at last, things had slowed down.
Astrix strolled through Sky Island with his hands in his pockets, occasionally greeting the citizens along the way.
Geographically speaking—
Sky Island sat ten thousand meters above the sea. Only ability users like Astrix and Kizaru could travel freely between it and the Blue Sea.
It was ideal as an early-stage base, but not as a long-term headquarters.
Not unless Astrix had enough points to equip every crew member with flying bamboo dragonflies—or even flying cloaks.
And Wano?
Located in the New World, it could only be accessed via treacherous waterfalls. Easy to defend, difficult to attack.
It was also the sole source and processing center for Seastone—a critical strategic resource.
It was the perfect location for the future headquarters of the Morning Star Pirates.
The only problem was—
How to defeat Kaido?
"I'll wait a few more years."
As soon as Astrix returned to the Thunder Palace and sat down, the former Sky Island faction led by Gan Fall and the Shandian faction led by Kalgara rushed in to pay their respects.
"Lord Thunder God…"
Astrix waved his hand, signaling them to sit.
"I already know why you've come."
The root conflict between the Shandians and Skypieans lay in land scarcity.
And, of course, mutual distrust.
The Skypieans saw the Shandians as barbaric invaders.
The Shandians saw the Skypieans as shameless occupiers.
"The issue of land distribution will be handled by a Sky Island Committee," Astrix said calmly. "It will consist of elders from both sides and will allocate residential and agricultural land based on population."
"The two tribes will rotate settlement and farming areas."
"The Shandians will provide Dials and Cloud Sea technology. The Skypieans will provide agricultural knowledge. A cooperative will be established to develop efficient farming."
"The former battlefield is fertile land, wasted by years of conflict. That ends now. It will be used to feed everyone."
"In addition, the former God's Guard and Skypiean warriors will be reorganized into the Thunder Cloud Guards, responsible for security, law enforcement, and suppressing rebellion."
"Peace Day will be established as an official holiday."
Astrix's voice grew firmer.
"I have only one requirement: fairness. Fairness—and nothing less."
Just as he finished speaking, a series of notification sounds rang out in his mind.
"Ding. Your consigned item: Den Den Mushi has been purchased by the Warhammer user. +9000 points. Current balance: 11,916."
"Ding. Your consigned item: Jet Shell has been purchased. +900 points. Current balance: 12,816."
...
"Ding. Your consigned item: Octopus Balloon has been purchased. +900 points. Current balance: 15,966."
Astrix was stunned.
As expected of someone traversing the Warhammer world—they had bought out nearly everything on the trading platform.
A true top-tier patron.
Taking a deep breath, Astrix steadied himself and said solemnly:
"Gan Fall, Kalgara, I'll be counting on you."
"Yes, Lord Thunder God."
After everyone left, Astrix began thinking about how to best use his 15,966 points.
The safest option was to purchase Armament Haki and Observation Haki—costing a total of ten thousand points.
With the amplification of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, Observation Haki would greatly enhance his combat awareness.
Armament Haki would compensate for his greatest weakness—defense—and lay the foundation for advanced techniques like Ryuo.
But there was another option.
Iron Balloon—the same monstrous physique as Big Mom—cost twenty thousand points.
Astrix rubbed his temples.
Armament and Observation Haki could be trained.
But Iron Balloon could not.
It was an innate body, independent of Haki, and its defensive power could stack with it.
An absurdly powerful physical defense—immune to ordinary blades, bullets, and attacks.
It was the foundation of Big Mom's overwhelming strength—and a perfect match for Astrix's innate power.
The choice was obvious.
Though he didn't yet have enough points, the monthly refresh was only three days away.
The Warhammer user had already purchased six types of items—including four Dials previously bought by others.
Given their spending habits, the remaining Dials would likely sell as well.
That would be enough.
"I'll wait a little longer."
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