The Arrival Killing Order, and the Island Takes Flight!

With the island's residents lending a hand, Shiki's old base had been fully restored, and the villagers' homes were quickly rebuilt. The island, once dominated by fear and oppression, now buzzed with life, and the once-desperate faces of its people lit up with newfound smiles. The fierce animals roaming the island were driven into a dense forest by Sanders, who intended to turn the area into a training ground.

Meanwhile, he salvaged parts of Shiki's wrecked flagship to reconstruct the Ship. His previous ship had become far too small, especially considering his plans to one day convince—or perhaps kidnap—Princess Shirahoshi onto his crew. A ship too small would never hold her massive frame. While using an island as a floating base was an option, it was slow. Sanders needed a real ship for quick movement and planned to make smaller flying vessels powered by stored electric energy, so his crew could operate independently of his abilities. Someday, he envisioned a fleet of airships powered purely by technology—a departure from Shiki's fleet, which required his direct support.

While Sanders continued his recovery and ship construction, Issho led the villagers in rebuilding their community, and Robin researched the island's ancient history. As for Nami… she had practically taken up residence in Shiki's treasury, mesmerized by the mountainous piles of gold and berries.

One day, Robin was leisurely strolling along the shoreline when she noticed a cluster of small dots on the horizon. Casually pulling out a telescope, she adjusted her view and froze as the distant shapes sharpened into sight. A line of giant Marine warships, their sails marked with the unmistakable blue seagull emblem, approached. The formation was spearheaded by a dog-headed warship, flanked by ten more ships, each larger than standard Marine vessels, like massive beasts gliding over the waves. Their dark hulls gleamed ominously in the sun, and the towering cannons aimed unwaveringly at the island.

"Marines?" Robin's heart skipped a beat, and a chill crept over her. "This is… a Buster Call?!"

An icy dread flooded her veins as memories of Ohara's destruction surfaced. Her body trembled, and cold sweat beaded on her forehead. The gentle sea breeze did nothing to quell the growing terror in her heart. Seeing her beloved home engulfed in flames replayed in her mind.

"The Marines have launched a Buster Call!" She broke into a desperate sprint toward the heart of the island, needing to warn Sanders before it was too late. Every second counted; the entire island could be reduced to rubble if they didn't act swiftly. She could almost hear the deafening roar of the cannons that had obliterated Ohara.

Out of breath, Robin stopped and called into the sky, "Sanders! Captain! The Marines are here—the Buster Call is here!" She knew Sanders's Haki could cover the entire island, and her voice would reach him.

Over by the construction site, Sanders's ears perked up. He stood, eyes narrowing, and looked toward Robin. The moment had arrived.

The entire person floated into the air.

First, he notified Issho, and then swiftly headed toward Robin.

Soon, Sanders arrived at Robin's location.

"What's wrong?"

"Sanders, the Marine Buster Call is here!" Robin's eyes were filled with terror. Even though she knew her captain could wield power far beyond that of a Buster Call, she couldn't suppress her inner fear.

That was the brutal shadow the Marines had cast upon her childhood—a nightmare she would never forget!

"It's alright; I'm here." Sanders placed a comforting hand on Robin's shoulder, his voice warm yet firm.

He'd thought that Robin's fears would fade over time thanks to the Thunder God Pirates' strength. However, he didn't anticipate that the shadow of the Buster Call would leave her this shaken.

In that moment, Robin no longer resembled the calm and knowledgeable archaeologist she usually was; instead, she seemed like a small, trembling creature encountering its natural predator.

"It's just ten warships." Sanders spoke soothingly, "The Thunder God Pirates are too powerful for the Buster Call to harm you—or anyone on this island."

Sanders' words seemed to calm her. Although some fear still lingered in her gaze, Robin appeared more composed.

Issho arrived shortly after.

"Sanders, what happened?" Issho asked.

"The Marines sent a Buster Call. And Garp is here, along with an old friend of mine." Sanders chuckled. "Looks like he's recovered from his injuries."

Facing the Marines' overwhelming fleet, Sanders' eyes were without a trace of fear; in fact, he looked eager.

"Shall we lift the island now?" Issho asked. "The Buster Call's indiscriminate attacks will cause severe casualties among the island's residents."

He wasn't worried about the Thunder God Pirates. With the strength he and Sanders possessed, the Buster Call couldn't harm them. Nami was a Logia-type Devil Fruit user, impervious to ordinary artillery unless they used Seastone bullets. Robin's Observation Haki had also developed to the point where she could easily avoid attacks.

Moreover, with both himself and Sanders present, Robin's safety was assured. But the island residents, lacking the ability to evade the bombardment, would have no way of surviving unless they were all airborne.

"Alright, let's lift it today." Sanders agreed. "I'd planned to stay a bit longer, but it seems it's time to go."

He hadn't lifted the island immediately because Issho suggested they let the residents fish to replenish the island's food supply. But now that the Marines had brought the Buster Call, there was no need to remain.

With a thought, Sanders set the island trembling—not as violently as when it initially descended, but enough to cause the surrounding sea to churn and splash.

Slowly, the island rose into the air, accompanied by a small body of seawater and the fallen islets nearby. Sanders had already imbued the smaller islands with the powers of his Float-Float Fruit, enabling them to float at any time.

The island residents felt only a slight tremor beneath their feet, and the sky seemed to draw closer.

After a short while, the tremors ceased, and the island floated steadily in the air.

The island residents went back to their tasks, unperturbed by the island's ascent. They had been informed well in advance by Issho that the island would rise again one day.

Inside the island's treasure vault, Nami, who had been counting Berries, was suddenly buried beneath a mountain of treasure.

"What just happened? An earthquake?" she muttered, dazed, as she crawled out from under the pile of treasure, brushing off the gold chain tangled around her head.

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T/N:

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