New World, Elbaf.
The giant Adam tree rose from the earth, its trunk so massive that hundreds of Giants would need to join hands to encircle it. It pierced straight into the clouds, while above its canopy, a sea of clouds churned as though the entire sky rested upon its branches and leaves.
Three artificial Sky Islands built upon the giant tree's branches floated quietly high in the air like three pearls embedded within the sea of clouds.
Long before officially setting sail on the Grand Line, Dawn had placed these three Sky Islands—constructed at tremendous cost—beside Elbaf's Adam tree in order to find an absolutely safe haven for his research team. Guarded by the world's strongest Giant warriors and isolated from the rest of the world, this place was the safest fortress on the entire sea, without question.
A streak of dark purple light flashed through the sea of clouds, moving so fast that even the Giants' extraordinary eyesight could not catch it. Amid the sharp rustle of wind whipping his coat, Dawn landed steadily on the central Egghead Sky Island without stirring even a speck of dust.
The moment he steadied himself, he raised a hand and snapped his fingers. A black spatial vortex slowly unfolded beside him. Xiao Ai's round little body slid out from within it, and a ring of transparent spatial ripples spread across her belly as Judge, dressed in a brand-new Germa standard combat uniform, stepped out at an unhurried pace.
After several days of recuperation, Judge had long since lost his previous dejection and misery. A sharp gleam had returned to his clouded eyes. Though his body was still weakened by injury and illness, the innate arrogance of the King of Germa had returned to him.
Dawn led him through layer after layer