Over three hundred years ago, a part of Jaya Island known as Shandora was sent soaring into the White-White Sea by a massive Knock Up Stream. It landed near Angel Island, home to the native Skypieans.
Having never seen soil or lush greenery before, the Skypieans were instantly captivated by the floating landmass. They launched an invasion, engaging in battle with the native Shandorans. Ultimately, the Skypieans emerged victorious.
They renamed the island "Upper Yard" and merged it with Angel Island to establish a new nation, the Kingdom of God. Meanwhile, the surviving Shandorans were forced into exile, pushed into the farthest reaches of the island, where they hid away in desperation.
These displaced people later became known as the Shandians. For centuries, they fought relentlessly to reclaim their homeland and ring the Golden Bell once more, fulfilling their ancestors' promise to Noland. This war between the Shandians and Skypieans stretched on for over three hundred years.
However, their prolonged struggle dwindled the Shandian population, forcing them to adopt guerrilla tactics to harass the Skypieans. Over time, they learned to use various Dial-based weapons in combat.
Despite their efforts, the population disparity remained a major disadvantage, preventing them from reclaiming their homeland even after four centuries.
Then came Enel, tipping the scales even further against them. The death toll among the Shandians soared once again, leaving them on the brink of annihilation.
"The culture here is heavily influenced by Dials, so stay on your guard," Brook warned his crew.
"So it's basically like having Devil Fruit abilities without actually eating one?" Shakky mused, listening to the list of Dials: Impact Dial, Reject Dial, Flame Dial, Water Dial, Axe Dial...
She suddenly became interested. "These would make great weapons. I want some!"
Silva, the crew's sniper, was particularly intrigued by the Flash Dial.
"Blinding my enemies and sniping them right after? That's a perfect combo."
Antonio, the weakest of the crew, saw an opportunity for power.
"A Water Dial to counter Devil Fruit users, a Flame Dial for offense... I could actually get stronger!"
Meanwhile, Tom, the Fish-Man shipwright, rubbed his hands together eagerly.
"New materials, huh? I wonder if there's anything that could revolutionize the Sea Train's suspension system. Gotta check it out."
The ship's doctor, however, had a different idea.
"Could a Flavor Dial store poisonous gas? Maybe even anesthetics? That could be useful..."
Redfield, on the other hand, scoffed at the fascination with external tools.
"I don't need any of these gadgets. Strength comes from within."
"The Skypieans and Shandians have no interest in gold," Brook remarked. "You're free to take whatever you find."
"For real, Captain?! Then what are we waiting for? Let's take over this island and claim all that gold!" Shakky's eyes gleamed with greed as she charged ahead.
Brook chuckled. "That's the plan. Listen up, everyone! This time, we're going all in! We take Skypiea for ourselves!"
Even Tom, usually level-headed, was eager. A few days ago, Brook had given him an ancient blueprint for shipbuilding. While much of the text was unreadable, the diagrams alone had blown his mind. He was already imagining ways to integrate powerful new designs into their pirate ship.
As the Yellow Springs docked at Angel Island, they were met with the curious stares of the Skypiean natives. The islanders sported hair-like antennae and decorative wings on their backs—nothing more than ornamental accessories, not actual wings.
A group of Beret Police officers soon approached, eyeing the newcomers warily. To them, Brook and his crew were no ordinary tourists. They were potential threats.
Inside the palace of Upper Yard, a lean, armored man sat upon the throne—Gan Fall, the current "God" of Skypiea. Beside him stood his twelve-year-old son, Gan Fore.
"Fore, why haven't you awakened your 'Mantra' yet? Have you been slacking off?" Gan Fall's voice was stern.
Mantra was a divine ability, essential for every ruler of Skypiea. Those who mastered it could foresee attacks, gaining an almost godlike perception in battle. Every God before him had wielded this power. But his son, despite his kind heart, lacked the necessary strength.
If Fore did not awaken his Mantra, how could he protect the Kingdom of God? Each new God had to face off against the mightiest warrior of the Shandians. A weak ruler would only drag their people into ruin.
"Father, why can't we just make peace with the Shandians? Why must we keep fighting? Can't we share Upper Yard?"
Gan Fall fell silent. Should he tell his son the truth? That their ancestors had stolen this land? That Upper Yard had always belonged to the Shandians and that they were the true invaders?
Instead, he sighed. "Strength is the only way to protect our people. If you become strong enough, perhaps one day, you can end this war."
Ruffling his son's hair, he muttered, "I wish we could end this conflict, too. But as long as the Shandians produce warriors strong enough to challenge us, we have no choice but to fight."
"I understand now," Fore declared, determination burning in his eyes. "I'll train harder. I'll become the strongest. I'll bring peace to our land."
Meanwhile, the Yellow Springs had fully docked, and Brook's crew disembarked. Their sheer presence sent shivers down the spines of the Beret Police officers, who instinctively stepped back in fear.
"Take us to your God!" Brook demanded, his aura flaring.
Panic spread among the Skypieans. They scrambled away, running for their homes.
"Intruders! They're not tourists! Sound the alarm—call the God!"
The Beret Police officers had only one hope: that their God would descend upon these invaders and bring divine judgment upon them.
In Upper Yard, Gan Fall received the urgent distress call. Without hesitation, he grabbed his Heat Dial-powered spear and sprinted toward Angel Island.
"Captain Brook, why don't you let me handle this so-called 'God'?" Redfield smirked, brimming with battle intent.
Having mastered both forms of Haki, his power had grown immensely—nearly rivaling Brook's own.
Brook nodded. "Fine. Show him that resistance is futile. If we break him quickly, he'll submit to our rule without a fight."
Brook's aura shifted as he activated his chilling ghost form, exuding an eerie, deathly presence.
The battle for Skypiea was about to begin.
+100 Chapters on p@treon/tambeerg