The Cloud Road emerged from the dense woods, leading to the skybridge outside the High Tower District. A small clearing lay at the bridgehead, surrounded by relatively normal trees.
Helmeppo stayed glued to Zoro's side, walking almost shoulder to shoulder with him. Looking perfectly confident, Zoro strode without hesitation toward the left of the bridgehead.
"Zoro... why are you going over there when the skybridge's right in front of us?"
Helmeppo grabbed Zoro and pointed toward the skybridge-and the very conspicuous Tower beyond it.
"...Because..."
Zoro studied the skybridge with one eye narrowed and the other wide open. He gave it some serious thought.
"I. Think there might be an ambush on the bridge... I'm not lost. Trust me."
Zoro looked earnestly at Helmeppo and gave him a thumbs-up.
"...I suppose... huh?"
As they approached the skybridge, Helmeppo noticed a familiar figure on the other side.
A blond man in a black suit stood across the skybridge with his back to them.
"Damn it... Curly Brows got here first."
Zoro's steps faltered.
"Mr. Sanji? He was faster than us."
Helmeppo spotted him too.
"Well, that's because his opponent was weaker..."
Zoro clicked his tongue, then instantly remembered the way and strode straight onto the skybridge.
"...Really?"
Helmeppo rubbed his chin, but hurried after him anyway.
According to Sanji, the Ball Trial was a forest where people lost their way, while the ordeal of swamp was a region of swamp cloud. Both were areas with terrain that was difficult to traverse.
The ordeal of string was more of a trap zone designed to intercept intruders.
Only the ordeal of iron posed a challenge unrelated to the terrain.
The ground before the skybridge looked level, with nothing but white island cloud.
"...?"
Helmeppo felt something wrong underfoot. Island cloud had a slight