Leaving the sky islands!

Jackson POV

I can't believe it. One of the strongest devil fruits that was shown in One Piece is just stored and left to rot? (not literally rotting)

"Wait a minute. You just said that you haven't seen it yourself yet you are sure it's what I am looking for? Also what do you mean by open secret?"

"Well it's not really a secret. It's more like a legend anyone knows in Birka."

"And how does this legend go exactly? If possible the short version."

I'm a bit skeptical whether It would really be this easy to find the fruit and even more so after hearing it might be just a legend, so I urge Enel to tell me more. The later listened and nervously starts to narrate the story.

"So, the short version is that a long time ago, our ancestor was given the fruit by a traveler saying that it would grand power to whoever ate it. It gave mentioned ancestor divine power which helped him in many things, but he died young. To be precise he drowned but even after his death, the fruit reappeared. It reappeared again and again like a curse since no matter who ate the fruit, died young. Most of them by drowning. The description of the fruit matches the ones you told me so I assumed you are looking for that. It is not confirmed but basically seen as an open secret that the fruit is stored in the palace."

"..."

"..."

Silence filled the room. For a moment I doubted whether my luck could be this good but stopped thinking about it. I would go to check it anyways so no need to think to much.

Instead of that, I should think about my part of the deal, for now at least. How exactly do I 'free' the wingless people? And what about those among the citizens and soldiers who are on their side?

It's out of question to blindly slaughter everyone who doesn't agree on freeing them, which makes this a bit more complicated. Taking them along is out of the question since there won't be enough room for them. But then what can I do? Even if I killed the saint and his followers will the civilians accept that outcome just like that? For possibly centuries, the wingless people were seen as 'lower beings'.

'Should I just bring them to Gan Fall like I did it for the others?'

Thoughts like this suddenly came to my mind but I think that would be pushing it quite a bit. Or would it? Instead of wasting time thinking about it on my own, why not ask for other people's opinion.

"Enel."

He flinched when he heard his name being called.

'Am I that scary? No, focus.'

"What kind of support do you have in mind?"

"...A reformation of this City."

"Hm?"

"Please help us get rid of the saint and the high ranking officials on his side!"

"Wait! How is that a solution? Do you think freedom will follow after you kill the opposition? Well bad news, it won't cause Birka as a whole is involved!"

"...With all due respect but that part should be left to the people."

"What?"

'I don't understand what exactly should be left to the people. Is there something that eluded my attention?'

Enel suddenly continued to talk. Unlike before his voice sounds resolute and sincere. There is no trace of being nervous or insecure, instead he excludes the aura of... of a charismatic leader which makes it impossible to link his current self to the lunatic shown in anime and manga.

"This rebellion. I didn't just blindly rush into things because it was hard to endure. Among the soldiers, citizens and even among high ranking officials in managing positions. There are also people helping us and all we need is a chance to work together with them. But that is impossible as long as the saint and his faction rule. As for everything that comes afterward, and I am saying this with the utmost respect, it's not your responsibility."

He suddenly bowed his head.

"The wrong done by Birka's people should be corrected by Birka's people but we need a chance for that to happen. I beg you. Please lend us your strength and present us a chance!"

I am certain that he is being sincere. In both, ambition and request.

"Okay."

His head moved up so we could make eye contact.

"I will give you and the people your chance."

The mixture of expressions that kept showing on his face were... interesting to watch. But as I continued to speak his expression turn somber again.

"I will make a move. It will be a powerful one that might even benefit the wingless people in the time to come. And I am adding another condition."

"Powerful move? A second condition?"

As expected he became flustered. It might seem cheap on my part to add another condition so suddenly but suck it, since I hold all the advantages in this negotiations.

"If I understood correctly we are going to get rid of the ruling faction on Birka, namely the saint's faction, so a new faction can rise to power. Your faction. Fine. I'll even help a bit more. During the battle I will show off my crew's dominating strength to everyone in Birka. I'll even leave a symbol representing my support and protection for the new faction."

Something changed in the way, Enel is looking at me the more I talked and it's not a positive change. There was a hint of suspicion.

"...Are you aiming to take control by placing a puppet ruler in Birka?"

He even interrupted me, despite breaking out in sweat.

'Wait...what did he just say?'

Realization hit me, even making me almost laugh out loud. I'm someone who doesn't wish to control things since it's too much of a pain in the ass. What's wrong with having no responsibilities and enjoying life?

"No."

So I answered him honestly and told him what I wanted instead.

"My condition is for you to join me and my crew on our adventures."

"..."

"..."

"... Excuse me?"

Despite the hate Enel deserved and rightfully received in my old world, he is someone who awakened haki on his own and developed his fruit's power to a point where he could sink islands.

If we are honest, Luffy would have stood no chance at all if he wasn't made out of rubber. Furthermore even that lunatic Enel one-shot guys like Zoro and Sanji without getting serious.

Now imagine Enel, not gone bonkers and not overly relying on his fruit. Enel who properly uses haki to it's fullest and gained battle experience from fighting those, stronger than him instead of people who can't even touch him. His potential is great and all I have to do is turning it into actual power. Perhaps even teach him some concepts behind electricity or magnetism.

And like this the deal was made.

The next day.

*crumble*rumble*crumble*

The saint's castle is being demolished. That bastard saint called together all the soldiers and tried to hide in the castle with his trusted aids and helpers.

'Well this works perfectly fine for me.'

Was what I thought. Even though around 15% of all soldiers secretly supported Enel and the rebellion there were still thousands of soldiers ready to fight so I just let them do that.

As it turned out I didn't even need to interfere, given my crew's progress in strength. There is no need to say how easily Robin dealt with those cannon fodders while Sachi, Bepo and Penguin had the absolute advantage against any opponent no matter the number, since they were fighting in Law's room.

Augur on the other hand was like a nightmare for everyone who dared to go after him. Regardless whether its from close or far he always hit his target, decimating his opponents even without using his new rifle.

'But shouldn't he use it so we have something to present the rebel army?'

Well, it's not like he won't find any fights where he can use it, if he wants to.

Surprisingly the most progress was on Sabo's and Kuina's part. Kuina practically run through the soldiers like a hot katana through butter. Reflexes, techniques, soru and geppo and even strength and stamina. Everything is coming together on the battlefield, sharpening this natural sword fighter with every swing she did.

Sabo on the other hand, didn't need much techniques. I was surprised about how strong his power has become when he floated towards the castle and started throwing chunks, the size of a two story building each with every swing of his hand.

The remaining soldiers surrendered or ran away while the castle got destroyed.

*three weeks later*

During the last three weeks Enel took full advantage of the situation and publicly executed the saint and the heads of his faction, Allowing a new faction to seize the power.

Of course not everything went smoothly since some citizens protested but as Enel told me, that's not for me to worry about.

'After all I am no god.'

But I am no liar either. As promised I played my part and showed that me and the others support the new ruling faction and would lend them our help when needed.

The devil fruit turned out to be in the palace as Enel said. I found it with Sabo's help but I still haven't given it to anybody the first few days. Only later it was decided with a vote that our new crew member can eat it after I suggested this to the others.

So after these three weeks in which the most pressing matters were being settled, the time for our departure came. There was no party or banquet to see us or Enel off since the general mood in Birka was somewhat tense but that's okay.

Because now, we can finally return to the grand line!

(AN: Hey everyone! I kind off rushed the ending a bit because I wanted to be finished with the sky islands saga. Sorry for that! Now we can continue on our journey towards the big battles, time skips and significant power ups! Hope you enjoy reading my ff!)