By afternoon, all the crew members had returned to the ships one after another. Nearly everyone carried armfuls of bags. Many sailors said the captain paid them far too well—they simply could not spend it all, so they could only buy more fine tobacco and liquor to enjoy themselves.
After Herbert finished counting the crew and informed Julian that everyone was present, Julian ordered, "Raise the sails and set off! Charge toward the Grand Line!" Julian thought to himself, I've spent nearly half a year sharpening my sword. Now it's time to swing it and carve out territory. As long as I get Gan Fall of Sky Island under control, Sky Island can change hands.
Julian thought to himself, I now have strong troops, powerful horses, and countless experts. All that remains is for me to make the first move and start the war. Sky Island's god, Gan Fall, might not even be able to beat George.
Julian had been zigzagging through World Government member nations in the South Blue because he needed to follow an S-shaped route to plunder treasures, Berries, gold, and Devil Fruits. Over the past half year, he had invaded and robbed an enormous number of kingdoms.
Julian also figured the Marines definitely wanted to get their hands on him and grind him into the dirt. Moreover, the Roger Pirates had already disbanded. The taller the tree, the stronger the wind. So Julian no longer planned to rob treasures, Berries, gold, or Devil Fruits for the time being. He would set that aside first and head to Sky Island to seize territory.
Julian also had Herbert activate the Paramecia Devil Fruit's Gale-Gale Fruit ability, continuously unleashing hurricanes to accelerate the fleet. The twenty-two giant ships sped across the sea, sailing in neat formation like primordial beasts.