Side Story: A Moment in Skypiea

The Straw Hat Pirates, who journeyed through the Grand Line, defeated Crocodile, one of the Shichibukai, in Alabasta and resolved the internal conflict there. After parting ways with Vivi in Alabasta, they arrived at Jaya, where they collaborated with Montblanc Cricket and the Shandia Tribe to reach the legendary Skypiea, the island in the sky.

While passing by the Gates of Heaven, they were asked to pay an entry fee of 1 billion Extol per person. However, the Straw Hat crew didn't possess the currency of Skypiea and couldn't pay. Although they could have used Berries for payment, the gatekeeper, Amazon, didn't inform them of this without being asked.

Ultimately, they were allowed to pass through the Gates of Heaven without paying. During this encounter, Amazon asked a mysterious question.

"Is there a 'Panda' among you?"

"Panda? No, there's none."

"I see."

"Huh?"

The enigmatic question puzzled Luffy and the others, but Amazon didn't provide any further information. The Straw Hat Pirates continued their journey to Skypiea via the Express Evi.

Later in Skypiea, they met Conis and Pagaya by chance and were invited to their home. Kind-hearted Conis and Pagaya explained to the crew about the special shells called Dials that are native to Skypiea.

"Hmm? I have one of these. It's a Tone Dial, right?"

"Oh? You know about the Tone Dial?"

Luffy took out a Tone Dial from his pocket based on Conis' explanation, and Conis tilted her head in curiosity. The rest of the crew also took notice.

"A Tone Dial... It's become quite widespread in recent years, but it was originally from Skypiea."

"What's that?"

Usopp, who knew about Dials, nodded in understanding, while Zoro, who didn't know, was puzzled.

"It's a shell that can store sounds. To be honest, I'm more surprised that Luffy has a Tone Dial."

"Yeah, I got it as a gift..."

"But even if this is a Dial, I can't imagine it making Wyper move."

After Usopp's explanation, Luffy muttered nostalgically, and the conversation shifted to other types of Dials.

Later, when they received a warning about the Forbidden Upper Yard, said to be the land of god, Conis asked Chopper a serious question while looking at him.

"Um... you look different from the others. Could you possibly be... a Panda?"

"No, I'm a reindeer!?"

"I-I see, my apologies."

"...Wait, we heard something like that at the gate too. Why 'Panda'?"

Following the mention of Panda once again, this time in the context of Upper Yard, Zoro tilted his head in confusion. After taking a sip of tea, Pagaya explained to clear things up.

"It's said to be passed down from the divine soldiers of Upper Yard, but the exact details aren't clear. There's a legend about the land of god, Upper Yard, and a mythical creature known as the 'Panda' that resides in the Blue Sea. It's said to be a beast of legend that even gods fear. When the Panda's anger is stirred, Skypiea will face destruction..."

"Wait, why a Panda?!"

The Straw Hat Pirates collectively interjected at Pagaya's explanation. To them, the idea of Panda being a mythical beast of legend made little sense.

Among the members present, only Robin wore an expression that seemed to convey an unresolved feeling, as if something was bothering her.

***

At the Gates of Heaven, due to not paying the entry fee, they were treated as illegal immigrants and had to undergo the trial of the Four Priests on the divine island, Upper Yard.

During this time, they became convinced that Upper Yard was once part of Jaya and that the Golden City existed there. The Straw Hat Pirates aimed for the city of gold, much to the knowledge of Enel, the self-proclaimed god, and his Four Priests' legion. Amidst the chaos, the Shandia warriors, the indigenous people, aimed to reclaim Upper Yard, creating a three-way battle for survival.

In the midst of the fierce battle, at the heart of Upper Yard, stood the Straw Hat Pirates' Zoro, Robin, and Nami, Shandia warrior Wyper, and the former god Gun Fall.

Finally, the god, Enel, appeared before them. In the face of the god's confident demeanor, Wyper raised his Burn Bazooka, a weapon of flame, and declared:

"At last, I've arrived here... at Shandora. With the pride of the Shandia in my heart... be prepared, God Enel. I, and we Shandia warriors, shall be your 'Panda'!"

"What nonsense are you spouting!?"

As Wyper made his resolute declaration, Zoro interjected with a somewhat incredulous expression. In response, Enel wore an amused smile, seemingly entertained.

"Yohoho, you're the Panda? How foolish... it seems you all have no understanding whatsoever of what 'Panda' truly represents. For beings like you to call yourselves Pandas is not just laughable, but utterly absurd."

"No, hold on! Why are you responding so casually to this as if it's normal?!"

As if Wyper's Panda declaration wasn't already shocking enough, Enel, a god, also displayed a solemn expression, and Gun Fall's expression seemed to indicate some realization. Zoro, Nami, and Robin felt an indescribable mix of emotions.

"Is it just me, or is something off about this...?"

"Don't worry, swordsman. Navigator and I are just as lost."

"At least for now, it's quite reassuring."

As the three, who were completely left out of the conversation about Pandas, exchanged their thoughts, Enel began speaking calmly.

"There was a time when I encountered a Panda. It was terrifying... I was filled with fear from the depths of my heart. Even as a god, I could only grovel and flatter desperately. Yet, I felt no shame about it... because Pandas are an overwhelmingly formidable existence. Despite appearing human, they belong to an entirely different species... truly a beast capable of annihilating everything."

"Human appearance..."

At Enel's grave words, Robin's expression seemed to hint at contemplation.

Then, Enel shifted his gaze towards Zoro and the others, wearing a somewhat serene smile.

"In truth, I was anxious and somewhat fearful as well. When I heard that the Skypieans had arrived, I wondered if the inhabitants of the Blue Sea, where such a monstrous Panda resided, possessed even greater power than I had imagined... Even if that Panda is an exception, if someone possesses even a fraction of its power, perhaps one-tenth, I might be defeated... Ah, that's why I felt truly relieved."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm saying that I felt genuine relief because you all were weaker than I expected. After all, that Panda is uniquely extraordinary, and the other Skypieans are not beings that can oppose me, a god. Thanks to that, I can proceed with my plans as intended."

He chuckled as he explained his plan – to achieve his objective of turning Skypiea into nothingness and reaching the boundless expanse, Fairy Vearth, and creating a new kingdom of gods.

With an expression of absolute confidence, Enel faced the four who stood against him, and with his overwhelming power, he shattered their resolve and crushed them in the ensuing battle.

***

The battle against the god Enel, who sought to erase all of Skypiea, was resolved thanks to the efforts of the Straw Hat's Luffy. Enel was defeated, and after 400 years, the Golden Bell rang.

On that night, a grand celebration was held throughout the island, and the Straw Hat Pirates departed at dawn, having collected the gold from the belly of the giant snake.

Aboard the Going Merry, as they sailed through the White Sea, the lower part of Skypiea, along with their benefactors Conis and Pagaya, Zoro wore a puzzled expression and muttered:

"We've unraveled a lot of mysteries... but in the end, the mystery about that Panda remains."

"Yes, indeed. I want to believe it's just a joke... but when even Enel, who was nearly invincible except against his natural enemy Luffy, seemed genuinely afraid, it makes you wonder if such a Panda truly exists."

Nami chimed in with a skeptical tone, having heard the conversation between Wyper and Enel. Seeing the two, Robin quietly interjected:

"Hey, swordsman, navigator. Do you remember when they were talking about the Panda... they mentioned that even if it looks human, it's a completely different species?"

"Huh? Oh yeah, they did mention something like that..."

"Hmm? What are you talking about? Pandas don't even look human."

Remembering that part of the conversation, Nami realized Robin's point, and Sanji and the others who had been excited about the gold approached as well.

"This is just my speculation, but... could it be that 'Panda' isn't referring to a species, but rather a name?"

"Hmm... So, Robin-chan, you mean the legendary beast isn't the ordinary animal 'panda,' but someone named 'Panda'?"

"Well, it's just a guess, and we're still in the dark about the details."

With that, Robin wrapped up the conversation. Then, looking at the excited group discussing the gold, she gazed up at the sky.

"...Panda... Name... A formidable existence."

As she murmured these words, memories of a conversation she had once had with Crocodile surfaced in Robin's mind. That opponent who seemed to genuinely fear someone, someone at the very top of the organization that ruled over the judicial island of Enies Lobby...

"...Spandam?"

"Huh? What's the matter, Robin?"

"Oh, it's nothing... just thinking out loud."

Nami looked curiously at Robin, who wore a tense expression, but Robin forced a smile and shook her head.

"(...It's unlikely that the Chief of CP9 would have any reason to come to Skypiea... I'm probably overthinking it.)"

***

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