On Sky Island, deep within the hidden village of the Shandia tribe—

After hearing Sora's story, a few Shandian warriors respectfully guided him and his group to their secluded settlement.

Inside the chief's tent, Sora casually sipped the tea that Shalria had prepared and said:

"Old man, if you agree to my terms, I'll help you wipe out those so-called 'priests' and get your people back to the land that has belonged to you for generations."

Now that he had arrived at Sky Island, Sora had his eyes set on one thing: Enel's Rumble-Rumble Fruit. But while he was at it, he figured he might as well pick up some extras.

Among them? The Shandian warrior woman Raki, and their collection of special Dials—like the Impact Dial, which Reiju could use to upgrade her battle suit.

Raki herself wasn't particularly strong, but she was a unique character. Sora intended to recruit her to help fill out his crew and reach the 18-member limit required to upgrade to a Tier 3 Pirate Crew.

Across from him, the Shandian chief glanced away from the ongoing duel outside, finally turning his gaze toward Sora and the two maids beside him.

Outdoors, Reiju was currently mopping the floor with challenger after challenger. She had already racked up 100 wins in a row—defeating even Wiper, their strongest warrior—leaving the Shandians in awe.

The old chief took a long drag from his pipe and said:

"I know you're strong. But defeating the priests alone won't get us Shandora back."

"You're talking about Enel, right? Don't worry. I can take care of him," Sora replied calmly, sipping his tea.

While Enel was powerful, he lacked physical prowess. Once Sora activated his Top Swordsman Experience Card, combined with Haki, defeating him wouldn't be a problem.

Even without the card, he had tricks up his sleeve—like using Sea-Prism Stone brought from the surface. A well-timed sneak attack might be all it took.

And if needed, he had Reiju by his side—already a master of Armament Haki.

"You even know his name..."

The chief was clearly taken aback. He hadn't expected Sora to know so much about the situation on Sky Island.

"My patience has limits, old man," Sora said flatly. "If you're not going to agree, I'll just leave."

He was already considering whether to just take Raki by force. After all, Nami and Robin were still waiting to be snatched—he didn't have time to linger here.

"Chief. Agree to his terms."

A calm voice rang from the entrance.

"If there's a chance to reclaim Shandora, I'll do whatever it takes."

In walked Raki—black ponytail, lean figure in light purple battle garb, wings on her back.

She had been listening outside for a while and already understood what Sora was offering.

Reiju's overwhelming strength had shocked her to her core. And from Reiju herself, she had learned that Sora's power far exceeded hers.

He represented hope—a real chance to defeat Enel and fulfill a 400-year dream.

If this man could help them reclaim their homeland, she would gladly follow him, slave or servant—it didn't matter.

[Name: Raki]

[Affiliation: Shandian Warrior]

[Skill: None]

[Talent: None]

[Affection: 30]

[Power Level: 1-Star]

Sora glanced at her stat window, then slowly looked her up and down. Slender frame, confident stance—his interest clearly piqued.

He patted the spot beside him and smirked.

"If you're ready to make that choice… then this is where you belong."

Raki bit her lip, then silently walked over and sat down beside him.

Sora cupped her chin and looked directly into her eyes. "You know what it means to follow me, right? You can still back out now."

Under the intensity of his gaze, Raki's composure faltered. She turned her head away, eyes closed.

"I don't regret it," she whispered.

"Good," Sora grinned—and kissed her on the spot.

Raki instinctively resisted—but eventually relaxed and began to return the kiss. If she was going to ask for his help, then pleasing him was part of the deal.

Sora, sensing her intentions, only deepened the kiss, his hands roaming more freely.

The chief: "..."

Did you two just start making out right in front of me?

Flabbergasted, the old man stared at the scene unfolding in his own tent.

AHEM!

Shalria, ever dutiful, stepped between him and the couple, giving a dry cough and pointing to the tent flap—gesturing for him to leave.

This is MY tent, dammit!

The old chief silently cursed, but in the end, he let Shalria escort him out. Raki had made her choice—he had no right to stop her.

After all, reclaiming Shandora was his dream too. It was what all Shandians had waited for.

With the chief out, Shalria lowered the flap and stood guard outside, gripping a spiked club and blocking any would-be intruders—giving Sora the privacy he needed.

One hour later, Sora stepped out of the tent looking completely refreshed and in high spirits.

"Take Raki back to the ship. Let her get some rest," he said casually to Shalria.

Then, with Reiju in tow—and under the stunned gazes of Kaya, the others, and the Shandians—Sora headed directly for the Upper Yard, the sacred land known as God's Island.

Because Enel possessed a power similar to Observation Haki—his "Mantra"—and was incredibly fast, Sora had decided to bring only Reiju. Anyone else would just slow them down.

Once they had left, Shalria walked into the tent, glanced at the flushed and peacefully sleeping Raki, and clicked her tongue. Wrapping the girl in a blanket, she gently carried her back to the Divine Slave.

…

God's Island, Upper Yard—Apayado.

"Yehahahahaha... So, two intruders from the Blue Sea, huh?"

With eyes closed, Enel chuckled as he sensed Sora and Reiju setting foot on Apayado. The self-proclaimed god was dressed in his usual fashion: white turban, long dangling earlobes, bare-chested with golden bangles and a staff, wearing baggy hakama-style pants.

Enel summoned his four priests—Ohm, Gedatsu, Shura, and Satori—and ordered them to intercept the intruders.

After all, the "Survival Game" of the God's Trial wasn't scheduled until tomorrow. He didn't want his plans disrupted by a pair of reckless newcomers.

Besides, his Ark Maxim was still under construction and wouldn't be ready until the following day. Until then, he had no intention of initiating the elimination game.

Half an hour later—

Enel's brow furrowed slightly.

He had just lost the "sound" of one of his priests: Shura, master of the String Trial.

Moments later, the signals from Satori and Gedatsu vanished too.

Finally, even Ohm—the priest of the Iron Trial—went silent.

"Hmph… I thought they were just small fry. Turns out they're actually capable."

"But in the face of a god… all beings are ants."

With a smirk, Enel transformed into pure lightning and vanished in a flash.

___________

Don't forget to give Power Stone

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P/S: If you are interested, you can read up to 30+ chapters and receive daily updates at [email protected]/Betek (@->a).