Chapter 266

The Going Merry floated gracefully next to the towering leg of the ancient elephant, known as Zunesha. Its immense size blocked out the sky above, and the crew marveled at the colossal creature that loomed over them like a living mountain. The sheer magnitude of the sight left everyone in awe.

"It's like looking up at an endless wall!" Usopp gasped, shielding his eyes as he tried to peer through the swirling clouds above. "I can't even see where it ends!"

"We're here, but how do we get up there?" Franky asked, arms crossed, a serious look on his face. "The ship can't just climb it."

Luffy grinned, showing his usual fearlessness. "It's easy!" he shouted, and without another word, he stretched his arms out, gripping onto the coarse leg hair of the giant elephant. With a swift yank, he shot into the air like a slingshot.

Zoro groaned, glaring at Luffy's disappearing figure. "You idiot! You can get up there, but what about the rest of us?"

"I'll fly up!" Reiju smiled confidently, activating her technological leg enhancements. Flames burst from her boots, propelling her into the sky.

Nami, not wanting to be left out, hopped onto her weapon and took off into the air like she was riding a broomstick. "I can fly too, thanks to the Clow Cards!"

The others stood there, looking dumbfounded.

"You can all fly! What about the rest of us?" Usopp cried out, feeling helpless. He wasn't the only one feeling left behind—Chopper, Franky, and Brook were just as confused.

Robin stepped forward, crossing her arms as she activated the power of her Flower-Flower Fruit. A series of arms sprouted from the elephant's legs, extending up toward the sky.

Sanji's eyes turned into hearts as he marveled at Robin. "Robin-chan, you're so thoughtful!"

Reiju, watching Sanji's fawning behavior, shook her head in disbelief, amused by her brother's antics.

However, after a few moments, Robin sighed. "No... this elephant is too tall. My arms can't reach the top."

The momentary excitement faded from Usopp, Chopper, and Franky as they realized the challenge still remained.

"What if we let the Going Merry float up?" a small voice suggested, cutting through the conversation. It was Little Merry, the ship's spirit.

"Float?" Nami was taken aback. "I can't just make the whole ship fly like that."

Logan chuckled. "I think Little Merry means making the Going Merry lighter—like mist."

"Exactly!" Little Merry nodded. "I can give the ship the quality of fog, making it as light as air. Then, with just a little lift, it'll float upwards."

Sanji, Usopp, and the others lit up with excitement. "Long live Little Merry!" they cheered in unison, relieved that they wouldn't be left behind.

"Okay! Let's do it!" Nami exclaimed, her spirits lifted. She prepared the Clow Card powers to assist with the plan.

Moments later, everyone felt a shift beneath their feet as the Going Merry began to rise from the water, floating gently above the waves. Usopp rushed to the side of the ship, peering over the edge. "It's working! We're floating!"

The crew watched in awe as the ship, now weightless, gently ascended into the sky, carried by a slight breeze. The massive legs of Zunesha passed below them as they steadily made their way higher and higher.

"Wow, it's really working!" Usopp danced excitedly around the deck.

"Don't celebrate just yet," Logan warned. "The Mink Tribe won't take kindly to humans arriving on their land."

Logan's words brought a sobering reality to the crew. The Minks, although honorable, were known for their fierce protection of their homeland.

Nevertheless, Logan remained focused on the mission at hand. Their primary goal was the Road Poneglyph hidden within the Whale Tree. With the Going Merry safely on the elephant's back, Logan shrunk the ship and stored it away, allowing everyone to disembark.

The group decided to split up, with Logan and Robin heading toward the Whale Forest, while the rest of the crew explored the island. Logan's Observation Haki gave them a clear advantage in navigating the unfamiliar terrain, making their infiltration into the Whale Forest swift and unnoticed.

As they entered the forest, the towering trees formed a canopy above them, creating a mystical atmosphere. In the heart of the forest, the ancient Road Poneglyph stood tall, bathed in the dappled light filtering through the leaves.

"No one's guarding it?" Robin remarked, surprised by the lack of security.

Logan nodded, his gaze scanning the area. "This must be a sacred place for the Mink Tribe. Normally, they wouldn't expect anyone to trespass here."

In the original timeline, the Minks had hidden Raizo of Wano here. But with the altered timeline, Raizo hadn't yet traveled through time, so there were no surprises waiting for them.

Suddenly, the peaceful atmosphere was broken by the distant sound of shouting.

"Is that... Luffy?" Robin asked, her eyes widening.

Logan smirked. "Sounds like they've already started a fight."

Robin sighed but couldn't help smiling. "Leave it to Luffy to start trouble."

"Let them handle it. We've got work to do," Logan replied.