Kulike's news was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples among the Straw Hat Pirates. The brief respite was broken, but what shone in everyone's eyes was not fatigue, but familiar curiosity and fighting spirit.
" The Sky Road... The Emerald Dream..." Luffy chewed on these words, his eyes growing brighter and brighter. "Sounds like there are lots of interesting guys and meat I've never seen before!"
Nami had already skillfully unfolded the nautical chart. Although the location of Sky Island was far beyond the scope of a regular nautical chart, she quickly marked possible routes based on her previous experience traveling to Sky Island and Kulike's description. "We need to return to the vicinity of Jaya Island first and find that specific Knock Up Stream... The weather and ocean current data need to be recalculated..."
"Super-Aerial Adaptability Modification!" Franky excitedly rushed towards the Thousand Sunny, his arms transforming into various tools. "We need to strengthen the hull's resistance to strong winds and high-altitude low-pressure conditions. Perhaps we could install a temporary Wind Dial levitation system..."
While preparing a large number of bento boxes and ingredients for the upcoming voyage, Sanji gave Kulike an elegant bow. "Miss Kulike, please rest assured, the Straw Hat Pirates will definitely resolve the crisis on Sky Island. Please be sure to allow me to provide you with the best possible service along the way~"
Zoro inspected his three beloved swords; though he didn't speak, the slight upturn of his lips revealed his anticipation for the upcoming battle. Chopper, both nervous and excited, began preparing medicine to deal with altitude sickness and an unknown illness. Usopp, while boasting about his heroic feat of "shooting down the sun from the clouds," secretly examined his slingshot and the Seed of various magical plants. Robin smiled as she organized her notes, showing a keen interest in the historical legends of the " Emerald Dream." Brook tuned his violin, preparing to compose a new chapter in his aerial adventure. Jinbe calmly assisted Franky in inspecting the ship, ensuring safe navigation. Law began studying the special pathogens and anatomical structures that might exist on the Sky Island. Ace forcefully put his arm around Allen's shoulder, firelight flickering in his palm. "Hey, bro, looks like we brothers will be fighting side by side again!"
Feeling the heightened emotions of his companions, Allen felt a gentle throbbing within the recently subsided " World Seed," seemingly sensing the impending encounter with the " Emerald Dream," which was related to the "Origin of Life." He looked at Kulike and nodded earnestly. "We will do our best to mitigate the effects of the battle's aftermath."
Preparations were underway at a rapid pace. With Franky's tireless modifications and Kulike's partial support in terms of Sky Island technology, the Thousand Sunny's appearance underwent some subtle changes—retractable, wing-like Wind Dial were added to both sides of the hull, and special buoys for navigating the sea of clouds were attached to the bottom of the ship.
"It's finished! This is my latest masterpiece— the Thousand Sunny Sky Drive Mode!" Franky, sporting dark circles under his eyes, proudly displayed his achievement.
After bidding a reluctant farewell to the villagers of Foosha Village, especially Makino who repeatedly warned them to be careful, the Straw Hat Pirates set sail once more. This time, their destination wasn't a horizontal route, but the vertical sky!
The ship followed the direction Log Pose and headed towards Jaya Island. Several days later, they returned to that familiar sea area, searching for the massive Knock Up Stream that could have carried them to an altitude of ten thousand meters.
"It's coming!" Nami gripped the helm tightly, sensing the subtle changes in the currents and wind, and shouted a warning, "Everyone, hold on tight! We're charging!"
A massive whirlpool formed on the sea surface, Thousand Sunny was sucked in by an irresistible force, shooting straight into the sky along the towering water column! The familiar feeling of weightlessness and the rapidly passing scenery still made my heart race.
When the surroundings finally calmed down, the view opened up before them—they were once again above a vast sea of white clouds, with a white beret-shaped Sky Island appearing and disappearing in the mist in the distance.
However, unlike the peaceful atmosphere in my memory, the sea of clouds in front of me appeared somewhat chaotic, with small cloud vortices occasionally swirling in places where they shouldn't be, and even faint, unnatural thunder could be heard in the distance.
Kulike stood at the bow of the ship, her long, emerald-green hair dancing in the wind. She gazed at the uncertain sky, her expression grave.
"Welcome back to Sky Island, Straw Hat Pirates. As you can see, the balance is spiraling out of control. We need to get to the Shrine of God as soon as possible to find out what's going on."