Sky Island and the Shandians

With the help of the Saruyama Alliance, Saunders successfully arrived at the White Sea.

The White Sea is located 7,000 meters above the ground, formed by the "Sea Clouds" within the Emperor Clouds. It's a sea that can be navigated. The true Sky Island is still 3,000 meters higher, in the White White Sea.

As soon as he arrived, Saunders felt his body reacting uncomfortably—he knew this was due to the thin oxygen at this altitude, causing altitude sickness.

With a powerful use of his Observation Haki, he spread his awareness across his surroundings, monitoring everything in the vicinity, from the sea creatures and Sea Kings swimming in the sea, to the watchmen stationed at Heaven's Gate in the distance.

"I've found it."

Having detected the location of the Heaven's Gate watchman, Saunders steered his ship in that direction.

Soon, he arrived at Heaven's Gate. Passing through, he saw a small, elderly woman with white wings on her back and a face full of wrinkles. She quickly took several pictures of Saunders.

"I am Amazon, the watchman of Heaven's Gate. Are you here for sightseeing or for battle?" The old lady asked expressionlessly.

"Is the current God of Sky Island Gan Fall or Enel?" Saunders asked.

The old woman was slightly surprised as she glanced at Saunders.

"The God is Enel."

"Are you here for sightseeing or for a fight? If you want to go up to the upper level, you need to pay 10 billion extol."

It seemed Enel had already destroyed his homeland and taken over here. That was good news for Saunders.

His concern had been that Enel hadn't arrived yet, which would have meant a wasted trip.

"Just take me up," Saunders said, not intending to pay.

After all, whether he paid or not, she would still let him through.

In the original story, this old woman was quite sly. She didn't tell the main group that not paying would make them criminals.

The old woman gave Saunders a deep look but said nothing.

Two massive claws grabbed Saunders' ship. These were from one of Sky Island's creatures, a "Sky Shrimp."

With a whoosh, the Sky Shrimp carried Saunders' ship upward at great speed.

The watchman at Heaven's Gate began to report to God Enel and his priests that an illegal intruder had entered God's domain.

The Sky Shrimp raced along, soon carrying Saunders and his ship up to the White White Sea.

Upon reaching the White White Sea, Saunders expanded his Observation Haki to cover all of God's domain.

Everything within God's domain was now under his control.

He quickly located Enel's position.

Without hesitation, Saunders steered his ship toward that direction.

When he arrived at Upper Yard, what greeted him was a scene of lush greenery and towering trees.

The dense forest was surrounded by clouds, making the scenery breathtakingly beautiful and dreamlike.

After walking for a short distance, the sounds of battle filled the air.

Saunders approached and saw a group of people wearing simple clothing, engaged in a fight with another group.

"Is this the Shandians fighting against Enel's priests?" Saunders thought.

Here, the only ones dressed like natives were the Shandians.

These people were descendants of the original inhabitants of Upper Yard.

Upper Yard, also known as God's Island, was their homeland.

Four hundred years ago, the people of Angel Island had driven their ancestors out of this place, leading to a 400-year war between the Shandians and the people of Angel Island.

Now, though God's Island had a new ruler, the Shandians continued to carry on the will of their ancestors, determined to reclaim their homeland.

In all fairness, Saunders supported the Shandians.

After all, this place originally belonged to them. The people of Angel Island were the invaders.

At the moment, the Shandians were being pushed back by two of Enel's priests and their warriors.

After some thought, Saunders directly intervened, flashing into the battlefield and kicking one of the round-bodied priests into the air.

"Who are you?"

The sudden appearance of an outsider caused both sides to immediately stop fighting, looking warily at Saunders.

"I'm looking for Enel. Can one of you call him for me?" Saunders said, smiling as he looked at Enel's subordinates.

"How dare you call God by his name!"

A priest holding a spear and riding a large bird shouted angrily before charging at Saunders.

"30 million volts—Thunder Strike!"

Lightning gathered at Saunders' fingertips, and he unleashed a bolt of lightning at the priest.

Boom!

Thunder roared through the forest, and the spear-wielding priest collapsed instantly.

"That's God's power!"

"How do you have it?"

The round-bodied priest exclaimed in shock.

They were all too familiar with the electric power flashing from Saunders' hand.

That was the power God Enel frequently used.

How could this man from the Blue Sea possess it?

Could he be from the same race as God?

The Shandians also seemed to be considering this possibility, as they immediately retreated a few steps, keeping their distance and staying on guard.

"God's power? This is just the power of a Devil Fruit."

Lightning flickered in Saunders' hand as he spoke calmly.

"Now, can you bring your God here?"

"What business do you have with God?"

Having seen a priest of his rank be instantly defeated, the round-bodied priest spoke with a much calmer tone.

"I'm looking for a few strong subordinates. I think your God would be a good fit."

Saunders smiled as he spoke.

As a Logia-type Devil Fruit user with the powers of the Goro Goro no Mi (Rumble-Rumble Fruit), Enel would be a valuable asset no matter where he was.

However, Enel's physical combat skills were lacking, and he had no Armament Haki. The only Haki he was somewhat proficient in was Observation Haki.

If Enel agreed to be Saunders' subordinate, he would need serious training in physical combat and Armament Haki.

Hearing that Saunders wanted to recruit Enel as his subordinate, the priest's face darkened with anger.

"Arrogant! God's strength is beyond your imagination."

"Tsk."

Saunders, unwilling to waste time, unleashed another Thunder Strike on the priest.

Lightning flashed, and before the priest could react, he was struck.

The powerful electricity coursed through his body, causing his eyes to roll back as he collapsed to the ground.

Having dealt with Enel's subordinates, Saunders turned to the Shandians.

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T/N:

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