People lived off whatever the land and water provided.
On Sky Island, land was scarce. The ever-present clouds, on the other hand, had become a resource for the Skypieans to explore.
Pagaya explained, "These aren't ordinary clouds. You know about Seastone, right? These clouds are seawater that was blown into the sky and solidified, so they retain some of its properties."
"The Cloud Sea is relatively new, though, and it keeps flowing, so it's held on to those properties. The clouds beneath our feet lost their Seastone content over a long time and gradually became a new kind of cloud."
On both sides of the stairs, Skypieans with baskets on their backs were digging up clouds. They cut the clouds into cubes as though quarrying stone, then loaded the cubes into their baskets.
Rubick said, "I know about this. Records from my country mention that Sky Island has a culture unlike ours. Cloud Culture and Dial Culture are the most distinctive parts of it."
Pagaya was delighted that someone from the All Blue knew about his country's culture. He smiled and said, "That's right. These clouds can be made into all kinds of tools, and Dials have their own special uses. You can take some with you when you leave."
Usopp immediately perked up. "Really?"
"Haha, they're common around here. They're not worth much."
The group chatted as they made their way to Pagaya's home.
His house was simple, but its high-altitude location and white interior walls made it feel wonderfully bright. The large balcony faced the Cloud Sea, and in the distance they could even see Nami riding a Waver.
Rubick stood on the balcony and sighed. "Facing the sea, with spring blossoms all around."
Robin stood beside him. "Rubick, I didn't know you had such a poetic side."