With the pleasant peal of the bell seeing them off, the Toot Toot Forward reached the edge of the White-White Sea, then switched to its Paolumu form and slowly descended.
The Valstrax form could have brought them back to the Blue Sea faster, of course, but Meowrah wanted to test the new Paolumu form modified with Dials and Island Clouds, so they chose this more leisurely mode.
They were also taking Ai Haibara Meow's feelings into consideration. If they used the Valstrax form for a high-speed descent, the Little Kitten would probably get scared while stubbornly denying it again.
As the Toot Toot Forward slowly descended, Xie Wen and the others could make out the ocean below, as well as Jaya Island not far away.
They had chosen to descend near Jaya Island because Xie Wen planned to trade information about Sky Island to Cricket for Noland's diary so Robin could read it. They could also stop by Mock Town to find out what had happened on the seas lately... mainly to see whether Ace had defeated a Shichibukai, just as he had in his "destiny."
Shalmeow, who had been summoned up in the sky, lay against the ship's railing, peering down curiously.
"What a magnificent ocean~ I'm starting to look forward to our adventures, meow~"
Shalmeow swished her tail excitedly, lightly kicking her little feet as they dangled beside the railing, and spoke in high spirits.
A moment later, she turned to call to Xie Wen, who was brushing Meow Jūshirō's fur. "Xie Wen, dear~ It looks like some ships are coming toward us~ Do you need me to take care of them, meow?"
"Wait a moment."
At her words, Xie Wen carried Meow Jūshirō over to the side of the ship and leaned out to look down.
Although