God Enel

"He's gone." The Sky Knight declared, watching as the man in the bull mask retreated.

"Who was that guy?" Nami asked.

The knight turned to face them. "Are you Blue Sea people?"

"Huh? I guess so." Ryomen replied, vaguely understanding the term.

"Who was that man that attacked us?" Chopper asked.

"One moment. I'm sure you have many questions. But let's talk business first." The knight said, gesturing dramatically. "There are many dangers around here, but I can protect you from them. Just one whistle for five million extols!"

The crew stared in silence at his offer.

"What're you talking about, old man?" Luffy tilted his head in confusion.

"I won't go a single extol lower! I have to make a living too!" He huffed.

"Not exactly how I pictured a knight…" Ryomen mumbled.

"What's an extol? And what's with this whistle?" Sanji asked.

"Didn't you all come by way of the high west peak? So, you must've arrived by island hopping." The knight replied, seeming puzzled.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Luffy said bluntly.

"Wait—are there multiple ways to get here?" Nami asked, wide-eyed.

"What!? Don't tell me you rode the monstrous sea current!? So, there are still people with that much courage…" The man exclaimed in disbelief.

"We didn't have to ride that current!" Nami started tearing up as Ryomen patted her shoulder, trying to reassure her.

"It was thanks to me, actually!" Usopp announced proudly. "The others were bawling, but I said, «Never fear! Usopp is here!»"

"That so?" Nami replied, stretching Usopp's cheek with a smirk.

The knight then tossed a small whistle, which Ryomen caught.

"Blow it once, and I'll descend from the heavens to save you!" He declared. "Normally, it costs, but I'll give this one free for your courage."

"Wait! What's your name?" Nami called out.

"I am Gan Fall, the Sky Knight!" He announced, gesturing to his bird. "And this is Pierre, my partner."

Pierre then began to transform.

"He's a bird with the power of the Uma Uma no Mi." Gan Fall explained. Pierre shifted into a pink, black-spotted horse with wings.

"How beautiful! Just like a Pegasus!" Nami said in awe.

"Yes, just like a Pegasus!" Gan Fall affirmed from Pierre's back.

'Something seems…off.' The others thought, casting dubious glances between Pierre and Stronger.

Stronger, mouth agape, finally snapped out of his daze as Gan Fall and Pierre flew away.

"Niheee!"

"He thinks he's in love." Chopper interpreted.

"I…sure, whatever makes him happy." Ryomen shrugged, unwilling to give it much thought.

The Merry sailed on, winding through clouds until they approached a massive waterfall, reaching its base where a gate stood labeled "Heaven's Gate."

"This is a terrible omen. We're all going to die." Usopp muttered darkly.

"What if we're already dead?" Zoro questioned.

"Yeah, sounds about right." Sanji added, sending Chopper into a panic.

"I'm glad we died a quick and painless death. Now we can be together in peace." Ryomen added, eyes closed.

"Don't just believe them!" Nami shouted, exasperated.

"We're dead!? Heaven!? I can't wait! I'm finally going to heaven!" Luffy cheered.

Robin chuckled at their antics. "Never a dull moment with you all."

An elderly woman with wings emerged from the gate. "Are you tourists or warriors here for war?" She asked, snapping photos of each of them.

"What a little pruney angel!" Luffy exclaimed.

"The entrance fee for the upper yard is one billion extols per person. That's the law."

"How much even is that?" Usopp mumbled.

"And if we don't have that much?" Nami asked.

"You may still pass." The woman replied.

"We can!?" Usopp's eyes widened.

"But the choice is yours. I'm not a gatekeeper or guardian. I simply ask…what you wish to do."

Before anyone could answer, Ryomen stepped forward.

"Hm?" The woman narrowed her eyes at him.

Ryomen reached into his back pocket, making the woman step back cautiously.

"Can't believe you even gave us the option." He said.

"What are you going to…?" She trailed off in fear.

"I'm gonna…" Ryomen pulled out his wallet, surprising everyone. "Pay, of course! Don't wanna start off with trouble."

"You're…going to pay!?" The woman and his crew exclaimed in shock.

"C'mon, let's just go!" Luffy shouted.

"Quiet! Only an idiot would think we can pass without something happening!" Ryomen retorted.

"You were hiding money from me?" Nami questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"Not the time, Nami." Ryomen turned back to the woman. "So, how much is that in berries?"

"A hundred thousand per person." She replied, still shaken.

"That much!?" Ryomen muttered, looking at Nami with a strained smile.

"No." Nami turned away, crossing her arms.

"Please?" He asked.

She sighed, relenting. "Fine, but you owe me one." She handed over part of the fee.

"And one more." The woman noted, looking at Stronger.

"Him too?" Ryomen and Nami groaned.

"Why is he even following us? Didn't he want to be free?" Zoro asked.

"Nehee!"

"He says he's curious." Chopper translated.

"Yeah, well, his curiosity's draining my wallet!" Nami grumbled.

A giant lobster then appeared under the Merry, lifting it up the waterfall and toward the upper yard.

The crew reached the entrance at the top of the waterfall, surrounded by clouds, with buildings visible in the distance.

"An island!" Usopp exclaimed, eyes wide.

"It's Skypiea!" Luffy cheered.

The Merry docked at a nearby beach, and the crew stepped off, marveling at the sensation of walking on clouds.

"This scenery really is something." Zoro said, taking in the view. "It's like a dream."

"Yeah, but look at those guys, they're so excited, haha…they're hopeless." Sanji laughed, eyeing the idiot trio, now joined by Stronger, hopping around the clouds in excitement. "Yippee!!" He then dived into the clouds.

"So are you." Zoro mumbled, then glanced at Ryomen, who stared at the surroundings with an uncharacteristic gleam in his eye. "What's going on with you?" 

Ryomen blinked, snapping out of his reverie. "It's just...I've never seen anything like this before. It's beautiful."

"Are you sure?" Nami asked, striking a playful pose in her shorts and bikini.

"Yes," He replied, his gaze shifting to her.

They locked eyes for a moment, until Nami huffed and turned away, muttering something under her breath.

"Pfft." Robin held back a laugh.

"Everything okay?" Ryomen asked her.

"Yes, I just remembered something funny." Robin said as she looked at Nami. "How about a walk on the beach?" Robin asked with an amused smile.

Ryomen shrugged. "Why not." 

The two strolled along the beach, leaving the others to relax.

After a while, Ryomen spoke up. "So…any regrets about joining us?"

Robin considered this, then shook her head. "None. Your crew has an…unfamiliar atmosphere, but it's surprisingly refreshing."

"That's good," He nodded, before glancing aside. "I know we haven't had a chance to talk much since Alabasta. But I didn't forget what you said in the crypt—or when you decided to join us."

He turned to her with a sincere smile. "I'll make sure to be someone important to you, so you can stay with us without regret."

Robin's expression shifted, caught off guard. Then a teasing smile returned. "Didn't take you for the sentimental type. Don't you feel guilty, playing with women's feelings?"

"What!? I didn't do anything to Vivi! I don't know why she feels that way either!" Ryomen exclaimed, suddenly becoming flustered.

"Vivi?" Robin raised a brow, a glint of amusement in her eye. "Looks like I really should watch myself around you."

"I—no, that's not what—" Ryomen stumbled over his words, then sighed. "Let's just head back."

Robin chuckled softly. "As you wish."

They returned to find the others talking with a woman holding a white fox, and a man on a strange jet ski, both with antennas and white wings.

"Residents?" Ryomen mused.

"Seems like it." Robin replied. "It'll be interesting to see just how similar their culture is to a regular island."

"Can't hope it's a peaceful place." Ryomen remarked.

"Probably not." Robin agreed.

"Guys! They invited us to their house!" Luffy called out, noticing their return.

"What were you two doing?" Nami asked with narrowed eyes.

"Just walking. Why? Jealous?" Robin replied with a playful smile.

"Pfft, no!" Nami quickly turned away, stealing a glance at Ryomen.

Suddenly, Luffy jumped onto the jet ski, attempting to figure it out..

"What is he doing?" Ryomen asked, watching with a raised brow.

"Trying out a 'waver'." Usopp explained, shaking his head.

"Looks like he's struggling." Ryomen noted, watching as Luffy teetered off the side and flopped into the clouds.

"Oh no! Is he okay?" The woman exclaimed in worry.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have let him ride it alone." The man added.

"I wonder if he sinks in this sea too." Sanji remarked.

"Well, it's not normal sea. Maybe he'll float." Zoro replied casually.

A few moments later, Luffy disappeared into the fluffy clouds.

"There he goes." Sanji said dryly.

"I guess not." Zoro added.

Ryomen called out, "Luffy!" And quickly mounted Stronger, who swooped down, fishing him up from the clouds.

Luffy blinked, dazed. "Almost fell through…a cloud?"

Ryomen chuckled, patting Stronger's side. "Good job, Stronger. You're pretty handy."

Stronger turned away shyly, nodding in response.

"Forgive me, even a small wave can make the waver hard to control." Pagaya said, apologizing.

"It's fine, really." Ryomen assured him. "I have a feeling Luffy would've found a way to crash regardless."

Luffy overheard and pouted. "Hey!"

"Is it that difficult!? I want to try it too!" Chopper said.

"I've been practicing since I was a child and I only recently learned how to drive it." The girl tried to dissuade him.

"You might be ready in about ten years." The man affirmed.

"What!? That's a long time!" Usopp shouted in shock.

"Hey!" Nami suddenly exclaimed, causing them to look at her.

"She's riding it!?" Usopp yelled as he saw her skilfully use the waver.

"How come she can ride that thing!?" Luffy exclaimed in disbelief.

"Your touch isn't delicate enough, Luffy!" She replied.

"Hey, Nami! We're going to the man's house now! Hurry up and get off! Stupid! Get off right now, you dummy!!" Luffy shouted.

"Nice try." Sanji commented with a scoff.

"You guys go on ahead! Can I ride it a little longer, mister!?" Nami asked.

"Of course! But please be careful!" He advised her.

"Don't stray off to far, Nami!" Ryomen shouted in concern.

The then walked away, but noticed Luffy wasn't following.

"C'mon Luffy, you're gonna be left behind." Zoro told him.

"Sink!!" Luffy yelled at Nami with his tounge out.

"You rotten kid!!" Sanji angrily kicked him.

Ryomen shook his head in exasperation, then dragged Luffy by the ear back to the family's house.

…

At Pagaya and Conis's house, the crew finally took a break after the long journey to Sky Island.

Sanji was preparing dinner in the kitchen when he called out, "Agh! This sauce is terrible—it numbed my tongue!"

"My apologies, that one's spoiled." Pagaya said.

"Then throw it away!" Sanji yelled.

Meanwhile, the rest of the crew was lounging, chatting about their day.

Ryomen fed a blue apple to Stronger as he quietly muttered, "This place is really strange. With all these weird fruits around, we need to be careful not to accidentally eat a Devil Fruit…"

"Haha! Who'd be dumb enough to do that?" Luffy laughed.

"You!!" They all exclaimed.

Before Luffy could get angry, Sanji and Pagaya came out with dinner, making him forget about everything else.

"Hey! Where'd Nami go?" Sanji asked, glancing out the window.

"Still on the Waver." Luffy mumbled through a mouthful of food, clearly annoyed.

"Father…I hope she's alright," Conis said, worry evident in her voice.

"Yes, Conis, I share your concern." Pagaya replied, looking uneasy.

"Why?" Ryomen quickly asked, his tone sharp with urgency.

"There is one place here that no one should go." Conis explained. "It borders our island, so it's easy to reach."

"What place?" Zoro asked, brow raised.

"The Upper Yard—the sacred domain of God Enel." Conis said, her voice reverent.

"And this wasn't important enough to tell us?" Ryomen snapped, frustration evident as he shifted, ready to head out.

"My apologies, it slipped my mind." Pagaya said, bowing slightly.

"She'll be fine." Usopp reassured Ryomen.

"Yeah, if anyone can sense danger and avoid it, it's her—and Usopp." Zoro added with a slight grin.

"Besides, you can't reach her even if you tried." Robin noted, her calm voice a quiet anchor.

"What's this about a God?" Luffy asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Enel—the omnipotent God—resides there." Conis explained.

"Huh. I say we go look for Nami then." Luffy said decisively.

The crew exchanged knowing glances. 'He's going there no matter what.' They thought in unison.

 …

Later, back at the beach, they regrouped as Pagaya worked to salvage a Waver found on the fallen Galleon.

"What do you think we'll find there?" Chopper asked, eyes wide with nervous anticipation.

"The God!" Luffy and Usopp shouted together—Usopp's voice tinged with dread, Luffy's with excitement.

"You mean Nami, right?" Ryomen reminded them with a sigh. "We're going to find her, after all."

"Huh? Oh, yeah—Nami!" Luffy said, catching himself.

Right then, a shout echoed from the shore.

"Guys! Big trouble!" Nami yelled as she sped toward them on the Waver.

Luffy glanced her way, his face scrunching in frustration.

Ryomen noticed and smacked him lightly. "Control yourself." He murmured.

As Nami reached them, she described a strange forest, men who seemed to hunt people, and a massive beam of light that obliterated everything it touched.

"Whoa!!" Luffy and Usopp gasped, their reactions worlds apart.

"Well, then…no need to go there anymore." Usopp muttered, pointing to Nami.

"Yes, let's just stay here." Nami agreed quickly.

Luffy grumbled, clearly undeterred and still itching to explore.

"How about we rest for tonight, gather information, then go in fresh?" Ryomen suggested, trying to placate him.

"Sounds good!" Luffy agreed, his excitement cooling slightly.

"Great." Nami and Usopp mumbled in unison, both deflated.

"Could we ask to stay the night?" Ryomen asked Pagaya, a bit embarrassed at the imposition.

"Of course." Pagaya replied kindly.

"I'd love to hear more stories about the Blue Sea!" Conis added, smiling warmly.

With that, they headed back to the house. 

…

"A man made of sand?" Conis exclaimed, captivated by Usopp's tale.

"Hmhm. But I took him down!" Usopp bragged, grinning.

Ryomen and Luffy both shot him a look. "Hey."

"Sounds similar to God Enel's powers." Conis murmured.

"What do you mean?" Ryomen asked, curious.

"He can summon lightning, and rumor has it he can even become lightning. That's why we consider him invincible." Conis explained.

"A Logia, huh?" Zoro muttered.

"Tch. That complicates things." Sanji added.

"I'll just punch him, like with Crocodile!" Luffy declared confidently.

"Luffy, lightning doesn't work like sand." Ryomen sighed.

"The only one here who can fight a Logia user is Ryomen." Robin noted, earning a challenging glare from Luffy toward Ryomen.

"What're you looking at me for? It's not my fault!" Ryomen retorted.

Nami took the chance to steer the conversation. "What about those four men? What's their deal?"

"They're his priests." Pagaya explained, going on to describe how each man has a trial.

The crew continued talking until late, sharing concerns and strategies, before drifting off to sleep.

…

Much later, Ryomen stepped outside for some air, watching the moonlight.

"Things got serious pretty fast, huh?" Sanji mused as he joined Ryomen outside, lighting a cigar.

"Yeah, but that's nothing new for us." Ryomen replied with a small smile.

Sanji glanced sideways at him. "I noticed you seemed distracted back on Jaya. Didn't even touch my food—should I take that as a critique?"

Ryomen chuckled. "Nah. You'd probably attack me if I criticized your cooking."

"Damn right. So…" Sanji took a long drag. "Are you good now?"

"Better." Ryomen exhaled, the tension in his expression easing.

A beat of silence passed before he spoke again. "There's something I wanted to ask…just between us. I feel like you and Zoro will be the only ones to understand."

"Shoot."

"This Devil Fruit—it's different." Ryomen admitted. "I can feel it trying to control me, like it's got a will of its own."

Sanji raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Ryomen looked away. "Not sure, exactly. But…it's like every time I channel its power, I'm forced to lean into this…negative emotions."

Sanji's gaze hardened. "So, what do you want us to understand?"

"If it ever gets bad…promise me you and Zoro will do what's necessary."

Sanji's eyes widened before he slowly exhaled, processing Ryomen's request. "You're serious?"

"Yes." Ryomen replied firmly.

After a long pause, Sanji looked him in the eye and said, "Then…no."

"What?" Ryomen asked, taken aback.

"I'm not doing it." Sanji stated. "If I say yes, you'll stop fighting against it. But you have to keep pushing back. We're all in this together until the end, right?"

Ryomen's eyes widened, then softened. "Yeah…that's right."

"Good." Sanji nodded, dropping his cigarette and grinding it under his heel. "Don't expect much more from me, I don't want to make a habit of consoling men."

As he headed inside, he caught sight of Zoro leaning casually against the wall, eyes closed.

"You could've pitched in, you know." Sanji muttered.

Zoro shrugged, not opening his eyes. "You seemed to have it covered."

Ryomen heard the two of them leave, alone in the open air, he gazed toward the horizon, feeling a subtle shift within himself. 

His mind settled, his will began to sharpen. These words, these bonds—they gave him just the push he needed to move forward.

Unknowingly, he had taken a small step closer to unlocking the potential within him.