Chapter 73: Skypiea Island

After leaving Sabaody Archipelago, William and his group finally arrived at the legendary Skypiea. As the flying bar broke through the white clouds, the breathtaking sight of the floating islands, cloud sea, and radiant sun greeted them. 

Robin was the first to speak. Her voice carried awe as she gazed at the fluffy white expanse of the White Sea below. "Wow, this is incredible. Who would have thought there was a place like this? Although we've been to Shiki's flying island, but this feels so different. And... is that the White Sea I've read about, Rayleigh?" 

Rayleigh nodded with a small smile. "Yes, and that," he said, pointing to the islands before them, "is Angel Island. The one with the giant forest is Upper Yard." 

Sandersonia's eyes sparkled as she leaned over the railing. "This place is beautiful! So, this is going to be our new home, huh?" 

William's sharp gaze scanned the islands. And faint smirk tugged at his lips. "It's perfect," he declared. "The perfect place to build a kingdom. Hidden from the World Government and full of potential." 

Rayleigh chuckled. "Marigold, steer us toward Upper Yard. We're going to meet an old friend." 

"Got it!" Marigold said, taking control of the flying bar. She maneuvered it skillfully, bringing them closer to Upper Yard, where they eventually landed. 

As soon as they stepped off the bar, a group of Skypiea soldiers surrounded them. Gan Fall, a regal-looking older man with a lance, stood at the head of the group. His soldiers glared at William's group. One of them pointed and shouted, "Invaders! How dare you set foot on our holy land! You—" 

Before he could finish, Hancock, growing impatient, unleashed her Conqueror's Haki. A wave of overwhelming energy knocked out all the soldiers instantly, leaving only Gan Fall conscious. The old man collapsed onto the ground, panting and visibly shaken. 

William placed a firm hand around Hancock's waist and gave her a look. "Honey, we're here to take over, sure, but we're not bad people. Let me explain to this gentleman why we're here first." 

Hancock snorted, crossing her arms. "Why bother? Let's just toss them all from here to the Grand Line." 

Robin chuckled, her dark sense of humor slipping out. "If that happens, I wonder if the people below would think it's the end of the world. Raining people instead of frogs." 

William burst out laughing. "Robin, that's dark—but hilarious." 

Rayleigh smacked William on the back of his head. "Enough joking! You're scaring my friend." 

Rayleigh approached Gan Fall, offering him a hand to help him up. The older man stared at him for a moment before recognition dawned. "Rayleigh? Is that really you? It's been more than ten years! Where's Roger and the others?" 

Rayleigh's smile softened. "The crew disbanded long ago. As for Roger… he's Dead." 

Gan Fall's expression fell. "I'm sorry to hear that." He turned his gaze to William and the others, frowning. "Rayleigh, why are they here? They said something about taking over Skypiea. What's going on?" 

Rayleigh sighed and gestured for William to step forward. "Explain it yourself, but remember—this man is my friend. Show some respect." 

William approached Gan Fall with confidence, his tone firm yet calm. "I'll keep it simple, old man. I'm here to take over Skypiea because I want to build a kingdom far from the reach of the World Government. But I promise I won't harm your people. Rayleigh told me about the 400-year war between Skypiea and the Shandia Tribe, and I'm going to end it today." 

He paused, his green eyes narrowing. "So, you've got two choices: fight, knowing you can't win, or surrender and avoid unnecessary bloodshed. What's it going to be?" 

Gan Fall hesitated, looking to Rayleigh for reassurance. 

Rayleigh gave him a small nod. "Trust me, Gan Fall. This kid might be reckless, but he won't harm your people." 

Realizing he had no other option, Gan Fall sighed in resignation. "Fine. I surrender. Just keep your promise." 

William grinned. "Smart choice. Now, I want you to go to the Shandia tribe, and call their shief here. By the way, don't call me 'God.' I'm not one, and neither were you. How could you let people call you that, you shameless old man?" 

Gan Fall flushed with embarrassment. "Then… what should I call you?" 

"King William," William replied confidently. 

Gan Fall nodded. "Understood, King William. But I don't think the Shandia chief will listen to me. We're enemies, after all." 

William turned to Marigold. "Marie, go with him. Show the Shandia chief that he doesn't have a choice." 

Marigold smirked. "On it." 

Gan Fall summoned his bird, Pierre, who transformed into an awkward-looking winged horse. 

Hancock wrinkled her nose. "What an ugly horse." 

Robin smiled. "I think it's unique. Beautiful, even." 

William chuckled. "Robin, I know you like weird animals. But that thing is hideous." 

Marigold and Gan Fall flew toward the Shandia Tribe. Upon their arrival, the Shandia warriors immediately tried to attack Gan Fall, but Marigold stepped forward, summoning massive cloud snakes with her ability. The warriors froze in fear as she spoke. 

"Skypiea has a new ruler—King William. He said he'll end the 400-year war and treat your people fairly. But if you don't cooperate, I'll beat you all, and drag your chief to him myself." 

The Shandia warriors got angry and wanted to attack her, but their chief stepped forward, his gaze steady. "Is what you say true, miss?" 

Marigold nodded. "I have no reason to lie." 

The chief hesitated before sighing. "Fine. I'll come with you." 

When they returned, William greeted the Shandia chief with the same confidence he'd shown Gan Fall. "I want to build a kingdom on Skypiea that represents freedom, equality, and dignity. I promise to improve your lives. All I ask is that you follow the laws of my kingdom." 

Gan Fall asked, "Your Majesty, what laws will those be?" 

William replied, "We'll decide after exploring this island. You and the chief will help write them. And chief, your tribe can return to Upper Yard." 

The chief bowed and said with excitement. "Thank you, King William. Thank you." 

With formalities out of the way, William and his group began exploring Upper Yard. Led by Robin, they eventually arrived at the Golden City of Shandora, buried beneath layers of Island Clouds. As they uncovered the ruins, they were awestruck. 

The city glittered with gold, every structure a testament to ancient craftsmanship. 

William let out a low whistle. "What a sight. Chief, tomorrow I want your people to start cleaning this place up. I'm turning it into a museum—no one lives here. This is history, and I won't let anyone ruin it." 

The chief looked moved. "Thank you, King William." 

Robin looked at William and smiled.

William raised an eyebrow. "What? I was raised by scholars. If I let anything happen to this place, I think old man Clover would come back and haunt my ass."

Robin laughed. "Exactly! You wouldn't get a moment of peace."

As they continued exploring, Robin found ancient words inscribed on Shandora's ruins. "Keep thy motives in heart, with closed mouth. We are those who will weave history with the ringing of the great belfry," she read aloud.

Eventually, they reached the Golden Bell atop Giant Jack. Marigold used her ability to bring it to the ground, revealing the Poneglyph beneath. Robin read it, discovering it contained information about an ancient weapon. "It's about the location of an ancient weapon," she explained.

William shrugged. "Not interested."

Rayleigh asked. "Are you really not interested in ancient weapons?"

William smiled. "Not my thing."

Shakky pointed at the bell. "What about this, Robin?"

Robin spotted another inscription. "It says, 'I have come here and will lead this passage to the farthest ends of the world. Gol D. Roger.'"

William grinned mischievously. "Rayleigh, did you vandalize the Golden Bell?"

Robin's eyes narrowed. "Did you?"

Rayleigh broke into a sweat as arms sprouted from his body. "No! Stop, Robin! I'm just a dumb pirate! I don't know ancient writing!"

"Then who?" Robin demanded.

"It was Kozuki Oden!" Rayleigh blurted. "His family created the Poneglyphs 900 years ago!"

Robin withdrew her arms, and Rayleigh slumped in relief. "You're hateful, kid." he muttered to William, who burst into laughter.

Robin turned to the Shandia chief. "Your tribe has fulfilled its duty. You're free from the promise your ancestors made centuries ago."

The chief cried with relief and said, "Thank you." Then he looked at William and said, "King William, can I go and tell my tribe?"

William grinned. "Before you leave, let's ring the bell."

He glanced at Marigold. "Marie, make it sing."

Marigold smiled and rang the bell with her ability. Its resonant chime echoed across the sky, bringing tears to the eyes of Skypiea's residents. They cried out in joy, "The war has ended!"