The Thousand Sunny sailed smoothly on the White Sea, surrounded by endless plains of clouds, occasionally punctuated by massive, island-like solidified cloud formations. The glowing cloud creatures curiously approached the ship, but instead of attacking, they danced around it, scattering starlight, to the accompaniment of Brook's impromptu, melodious piano playing—a scene as dreamlike as a dream.
Not long after setting sail, at the edge of the sea of clouds ahead, a continuous "mountain range" appeared—a complex of buildings constructed from countless enormous, pure white, solidified clouds and some kind of lightweight, luminous stone. The architectural style was light and elegant, mostly employing streamlined shapes and domed designs. Many houses were even built directly on floating cloud islands, connected by rainbow-like cloud bridges. This was clearly a settlement of celestial inhabitants.
"We've spotted an island! No, it's a floating village!" Nami excitedly, pointing ahead.
"Wow! A house built in the clouds! That's amazing!" Luffy's eyes lit up.
Usopp and Chopper watched nervously, fearing that some strange creature might rush out from inside.
Just as the Thousand Sunny slowly approached, several Black Shadow flew out of the village and quickly drew near. They were several humanoid creatures with pure white wings on their backs, agile figures, wearing simple leather armor, and wielding glowing spears. Their faces were handsome, but their eyes were wary and scrutinizing.
"It's the Winged Tribe (Winged Tribe)!" Robin whispered, recognizing the race's features. "One of the legendary races that live in the higher White-White Sea, born with the ability to fly, and they don't usually have much contact with the Blue Sea people."
The leading Winged Tribe warrior hovered at the bow of the ship, his wings flapping powerfully to maintain stable levitation. His sharp gaze swept over the Straw Hat Pirates, lingering for a moment on those with powerful auras, such as Luffy, Zoro, and Ace, before finally settling on Allen, whose demeanor was the most calm yet unfathomable.
"Travelers of the Blue Sea, this is Kumokakure Village, the territory of the Winged Tribe." The Winged Tribe warrior's voice was clear and resonant, carrying an ethereal echo. "State your purpose. The Sky Archipelago do not welcome those who bring conflict and destruction."
His tone wasn't exactly friendly, but it wasn't outright hostile either; it was more like a cautious probe.
"We're here for an adventure!" Luffy shouted, grinning broadly. "Your village looks interesting! And there are people who can fly!"
The Winged Tribe warriors frowned slightly, seemingly uncomfortable with Luffy's directness.
Nami quickly stepped forward, flashing a friendly smile (and secretly pinching Luffy ): "Please don't misunderstand, we are the Straw Hat Pirates. We just followed the Log Pose here to see the beauty and wonder of the Sky Archipelago and hope to replenish our fresh water and food. We promise we won't cause any trouble."
The Winged Tribe warrior's gaze swept over the group, seemingly assessing the veracity of their words. His eyes lingered particularly long on Robin (intellectual), Chopper (cute and harmless?), and Allen (unfathomable).
" Log Pose..." The leading Winged Tribe warrior pondered for a moment, "To have traversed the Storm Corridor and arrived here proves you are no ordinary people. We Kumokakure Village, cherish peace and harmony, and abhor conflict. If you are truly just passing through as you claim..."
Before he could finish speaking, a rapid tolling of bells suddenly rang out from the center of the village! Immediately afterward, a chaotic and violent aura erupted from the clouds on the other side of the village!
"Oh no! It's the frenzied cloud beast horde! They've been attracted by 'that' again!" a Winged Tribe warrior exclaimed, his face showing a mixture of anxiety and anger.
The leading Winged Tribe warrior immediately looked at the Straw Hat Pirates, his eyes filled with a complex and urgent expression. " Blue Sea people! There's no time for words now! A horde of corrupted cloud beasts is attacking our village and holy land! They are numerous and extremely dangerous! If you truly want to prove you mean no harm, could you... lend us a hand?"
He made an unexpected plea for help.
Should they choose to stand by and observe, hoping to gain possible supplies and information? Or should they get involved in this sudden aerial conflict?
Without the slightest hesitation, Luffy clashed fists together, his fighting spirit blazing. "Some bad guys are bullying people, huh? Then let's knock them away!"
His decision also represents the will of the Straw Hat Pirates.
Upon their first encounter with the Winged Tribe, a sudden crisis plunges the Straw Hat Pirates into the center of the storm once again.