A Guy Called God

River's feat was undoubtedly awe-inspiring. Hauling a ship with both hands, he was going to fly all the way up to Sky Island through sheer physical strength.

Such an undertaking was a grueling test of stamina, energy, and willpower alike.

Even the world's strongest fighters might not be able to accomplish such a feat.

Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang!

Bursts of swirling air erupted beneath his feet as Foxy's Ship rapidly ascended toward the sea of clouds ten thousand meters above.

In Kurik's eyes, River and the ship soon became a black speck, then shrank to the size of a bird before finally disappearing altogether.

"If you can't hold out, the ship will crash and everyone will die!"

Kurik muttered, but there was nothing he could do. He could only silently pray for his old friend.

Meanwhile, in the New World, a ship was slowly sailing toward Dressrosa.

"Buru, buru, buru!"

Suddenly, the low ringing of a Den Den Mushi sounded.

Only after a long while did a hand reach out to answer it.

Yet neither side spoke at first, leaving the connected Den Den Mushi silent.

"It's safe now, JOKER!"

After about ten breaths, a low voice came through.

"Fufufufufufu!"

"How is the matter I asked you to investigate?"

Doflamingo's laughter rang out, though his tone carried a hint of seriousness and gravity.

"Though I don't know why you asked me to look into something like this."

"Information about that woman is highly classified even among the Marines at headquarters!"

"There also seem to be hints of something more important behind it."

The voice coming through the Den Den Mushi was grave.

"Vergo, all I need are results. This mission must be completed."

"No matter the cost."

Doflamingo spoke coldly.

"I understand. I've more or less determined the target's location, but I'll need some support from you for what comes next."

Vergo's voice was low.

"What support? Manpower, money, supplies? I'll do everything I can to help you."

"But you must ensure that woman's absolute safety!"

A glint flashed across Doflamingo's sunglasses as he spoke with a grin.

At least there's news! Now he would have something to report to Uncle River.

"I'll send you a list shortly. We'll need a great deal of money, and we may even need to use your influence within the World Government and the Marines."

"Replacing the guards around the target with our own people will be a very complicated undertaking."

Vergo's voice was solemn and serious.

"Understood. Do whatever you need to."

"Vergo, once you finish this job, you could even retire."

Doflamingo cracked a joke.

"All I want is to return to your side and work for you."

Vergo spoke evenly.

"Is that so?"

After a brief silence, Doflamingo nodded.

"As you wish."

Then the call ended, and Doflamingo sat there in silence.

He had become Numbered One 3, inheriting his father's number and gaining power far beyond anything he had possessed before.

For him, this was undoubtedly an excellent situation. Great strength was the foundation that guaranteed everything else.

"Fufufufufufu!"

"This sea will soon be thrown into chaos!"

"The Four Emperors? The Marines? The World Government?"

"Which side will claim the final victory?"

"I can hardly wait!"

After a pause, a glint flashed across Doflamingo's sunglasses.

"But my choice will never be wrong!"

Above Mock Town.

Sweat had already appeared on River's body. His feet stamped against empty air, while his arms creaked under the strain.

Hauling Foxy's Ship while using Geppo of the Six Powers to force his way up to Sky Island was undoubtedly an incredibly brute-force approach.

It was simple and direct, but it also put him through an enormous ordeal.

Twenty years ago, he had tried this same method. By the time he reached Sky Island, his entire body had ached, and he had been utterly exhausted.

Now, seemingly only halfway there, his body was already beginning to give out.

"No other choice!"

"Physical strength alone still isn't enough."

With a soft sigh, River's eyes widened.

"Gate of Opening, Gate of Healing, Gate of Life, Gate of Pain, Gate of Limit, Gate of View!"

"Open!"

In an instant, all six gates of the Eight Gates Formation opened. A layer of green energy enveloped his body, and even his face twisted into a fierce grimace.

An even greater surge of explosive power erupted from deep within his body, instantly restoring River to peak condition.

Bang!

His feet stamped hard against empty air, and he and Foxy's Ship became a streak of light, hurtling toward the sky.

His speed increased again in an instant.

Several hours later, River hauled the enormous Foxy's Ship through the clouds and into the White-White Sea ten thousand meters above.

The scenery before them abruptly changed, revealing a vast white world.

"So this is the White-White Sea?"

Everyone aboard the ship was stunned.

Vast expanses of white clouds stretched before their eyes, with strange fish occasionally leaping out of the cloud sea.

"We're here. Next, it's time to get down to business!"

At that moment, River climbed aboard, panting heavily.

Dragging a ship ten thousand meters into the sky had drained his stamina, energy, and willpower even more than a battle would have.

Sitting cross-legged on the bed, River kept panting, his heart pounding violently.

He was utterly worn out!

Even with the Eight Gates Formation open, the toll on his body, energy, and stamina remained.

This had undoubtedly been an enormous challenge, but its benefits were just as clear.

As he rested, his breathing gradually steadied. An immense surge of energy welled up from deep within his body, rapidly strengthening his already powerful physique.

"The body-tempering technique produced through evolution really is powerful."

A little over seven minutes later, River softly praised it as he felt the strength within his body.

The gains from every physical ordeal he endured would increase hundreds or thousands of times over. Although the effect would diminish as his body grew stronger, it was already more than enough.

This was also why his physical strength alone now made him as powerful as a monster.

Next, following River's directions, Foxy's Ship sailed toward Sky Island.

His destination was clear. The ship passed Angel Island, followed a white river, and headed straight toward God's Island.

"There's actually an island here!"

"Is it Shandora, the city of gold Kurik mentioned?"

"The boss said this island was blasted ten thousand meters into the sky by an updraft. I can't even imagine how powerful a current would have to be to launch an island like this into the air."

Everyone surveyed their surroundings, marveling aloud.

"Who exactly did you come here for?"

Crocodile asked in a low voice.

Looking ahead, River smiled.

"A guy called God!"

Crocodile's gaze sharpened. He abruptly raised his head and repeated gravely.

"God?!"