Being able to discern the opponent's strength is also a form of strength

The battle with Maha and Guernica turned out to be a valuable opportunity for the CP9 members to gauge higher-level opponents. Jabra, in particular, known for his competitiveness, seemed to be quite motivated and focused on training.

A bit surprising was that Lucci seemed to have already developed a sense for Observation Haki. It appeared that after I had given him some tips, he had been training on his own, as he demonstrated movements that hinted at his use of Observation Haki during the battle with Mahan.

He's not yet able to consciously use it effectively, but his sense in this area is impressive. I have a feeling that Lucci might be the first among the CP9 members to master Haki.

Well, setting that aside, at present, I had Lilith on my back as I flew towards the sky. The purpose was Skypiea... to go to Upper Yard.

Not to deal with Enel or anything like that, but for the sake of Uta. With Uta's debut, the Tone Dial... specifically the Tone Dial of TD (Thunder Dial) is crucial.

However, TD became popular and its cultivation method was established between the start of the series and two years later, so it's not yet available in circulation.

Nevertheless, there are those who know of its existence, and I'm on my way to Skypiea to fulfill Lilith's request to acquire several Sky Island Dial shells.

Well, I promised to assist Uta as much as possible, so a little effort like this should be fine. It's just a matter of shopping and coming back, so it shouldn't be a problem.

"...But why are you coming along?"

"Well, I want to go to Skypiea too... going the usual way would take too much time. In that sense, a straight path to the sky like Panda's is convenient."

Honestly, he's still quite the amiable character. I shook my head in exasperation at his unchanged nature, passed by a few clouds, and soon, there was Skypiea floating in the sky before us.

We didn't go through the Milky Road... but, to be honest, we didn't exactly ascend from the White-White Sea in the standard way, so I'm not sure where the Milky Road is.

For now, we landed in a less populated area of Angel Island and got Lilith off my back. There should be a bustling area in Angel Island, so it should be possible to buy the shells there.

I don't have Skypiea's currency, Extol, but it seems that bartering or exchanging for Berries can also be done, so there should be no problem.

"But really, why are you coming along?"

"Well, I want to go to Skypiea too... the normal way is just too time-consuming. In that regard, Panda's way, straight to the sky, is convenient."

Completely the same as always, Lilith's response was frustrating, and I sighed. Passing by a few clouds, we soon had Skypiea in our sight.

We hadn't used the Milky Road to get here... but, to be honest, we didn't ascend directly from the White-White Sea, so I had no idea where the Milky Road was.

Anyway, our actual purpose was to acquire the Thunder Dial, and as soon as we obtained it, we would head back. When I mentioned this, Enel's expression brightened.

"I see, I see. Well then, please wait a moment!"

He turned into lightning and disappeared just as I thought, and in a short while, he returned holding a large number of shells in his hands.

"Well, as our esteemed guests, I shall present you with these Shell Dials! Including the Thunder Dial."

"Wow, so many, is this alright?"

Lilith's eyes gleamed as Enel offered quite a number of Shell Dials.

"Of course. However, in exchange... well, it's not that simple, but... the people of Skypiea aren't used to those from the Blue Sea. It could cause a commotion, so, if possible..."

"Right, got it. Once we receive these, we'll head back right away."

"I-I see! I apologize... well then, allow me to present these to you."

Enel's visibly brightened expression as I responded prompted him to hand over a large number of Shell Dials. He seemed eager for us to leave, so I accepted them obediently and stored them in the case Lilith had. As promised, we prepared to leave Skypiea.

As I felt Enel's gaze following us as we descended with smiles and waves, I decided to quickly jump off and return to the Blue Sea.

***

After Spandam and his group left, Enel stopped his waving hand and muttered with a pale expression.

"...Wha, wha, what was that monster... I remember, it was called Panda, right? I've heard of it, a race from the Blue Sea... But is a Panda truly such a terrifying creature..."

Originally, Enel had come to this place with the intention of playing around with the rude intruders, considering he had some spare time. However, upon seeing Spandam, he immediately sensed his overwhelming strength and gave up on the idea of fighting. Instead, he started worrying about what he would do if Spandam's goal was to defeat him. However, when he learned that Spandam's purpose was the Dial shells and that they would leave once they obtained them, he felt a deep sense of relief.

"I must sternly instruct the priests as well... that they must never touch the Blue Sea's Pandas..."

Enel, who proclaimed himself an all-powerful god and had absolute confidence in his own power, had his pride shattered to pieces. He felt that he had to desperately flatter and appease someone in order to not upset their mood, to the extent that he had to beg for his approval. He understood that this individual was an overwhelmingly powerful being, even to the point that he could effortlessly crush Enel himself, who was supposed to be a god, and that this being was a monstrous existence.

Perhaps it was due to Enel's mastery of Observation Haki at a high level, known as Mantra in Skypiea, that he had such a profound understanding of Spandam's might. In any case, Enel immediately comprehended Spandam's immense power and felt genuine fear from the depths of his heart.

And thereafter, Enel spoke to his subordinates, the priests: "In the Blue Sea, there dwells a fearsome monster that can even devour gods," "Never lay a hand on the Blue Sea's Pandas," "If you incur the wrath of the Pandas, Skypiea will meet its demise." He emphasized these points strongly.

An absolute god like Enel speaking of the existence of such a monstrous creature had the priests trembling in fear. From that day on, the presence of a Panda, a magical beast that could consume gods and bring destruction to the world, was handed down with deep reverence, becoming a tale told throughout Skypiea.

***

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