The Float-Float Fruit's powers, combined with Ron's system space, were simply too convenient.
With the amount of supplies that could be stored in the system, they could comfortably remain airborne for months on end.
For six whole months, the Traveler had transformed into a floating ship, drifting high above the clouds, over 10,000 meters in the sky where no one could reach them. Not once did they descend to the sea below.
Meanwhile, in the North Blue, Kizaru waited at the Marine branch for a month. Yet even with Sentomaru by his side, no news of the floating ship or the so-called "Calamity from the skies" surfaced. Finally, the Admiral and his companion returned to Marine Headquarters empty-handed.
After the North Blue incident, where Ron's actions shook the seas and his public challenge to the World Government and Marines went viral, everyone eagerly awaited his next move.
But as the months passed, the sea returned to silence. Ron, the Traveler, along with his crew, seemed to have vanished overnight, leaving no trace behind. The man who once caused the world to tremble with a series of explosive events had seemingly disappeared into thin air.
Everyone knew they were still in the sky, but the sky was vast—who could say where they truly were?
As the heat of Ron's exploits faded, the world's attention shifted to new events. News of emerging pirates and ongoing conflicts among the New World Yonko soon dominated the seas once more.
During those six months:
Ace, after consuming the Logia Flame-Flame Fruit, made quite a name for himself in the Grand Line, earning the moniker "Fire Fist Ace." With a bounty of 96 million berries, he had quickly risen to become one of the most promising Supernovas.
Elsewhere, Dracule Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman and a Warlord of the Sea, was reportedly sighted in the North Blue.
In the New World, tensions brewed between Kaido's Beast Pirates and Big Mom's crew over the ownership of a particular island. While the two Yonko themselves didn't clash, the skirmish between their crews became one of the most talked-about events of the half-year.
One day, atop the towering Red Line near Reverse Mountain, a ship gently descended from the sky, landing on the peak of the continent that pierced through the clouds.
Standing at the crossroads where the four seas' ascending currents met the single descending current to the Grand Line, Ron and his crew marveled at the breathtaking view.
To enter the Grand Line, all ships from the four seas—unless they braved the Calm Belt—had to pass through this point.
"What a magnificent sight," Conis remarked, her golden hair dancing in the fierce wind as she gazed ahead with a smile.
Beside her, Robin nodded slightly, her usual calm demeanor unshaken by the awe-inspiring scenery.
Ron, with his black blade at his side, chuckled as he made a rather unusual suggestion. "Since we're here, how about we cook up some good food?"
Kuina and Bonney's eyes lit up simultaneously—though their motivations were quite different. Kuina loved hotpot, while Bonney simply loved food.
Even Enzo cheered enthusiastically.
And so, amidst the convergence of the seas atop the Red Line, the crew set up a pot, unloaded a variety of ingredients, and began enjoying a hearty hotpot feast.
They had barely started eating when a pirate ship sailed up one of the nearby currents.
Onboard, a group of ambitious pirates, eager to conquer the Grand Line, spotted Ron and his crew casually having a meal atop the Red Line. The sight left them utterly speechless, their jaws dropping in disbelief.
After finishing the meal, Ron stretched, his bones crackling audibly.
"Six whole months of floating in the sky... It's about time I stretched my legs," he said with a grin.
Hearing his words, Kuina, Robin, and the others exchanged glances, smiling knowingly.
"Let's go," Ron declared. "It's time to enter the Grand Line."
The next day, the floating ship was sighted near Drum Island in the Grand Line. The sighting immediately sent ripples through the world.
When news reached Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral Sengoku set down the receiver of the Den Den Mushi, his eyes gleaming with cold determination.
"So, you've finally reappeared... Traveler Ron."
To Sengoku, Ron was no longer a mere rogue—he was now an existential threat that had to be eliminated as soon as possible.
Sengoku immediately issued an order, instructing Kizaru to take Vice Admirals Onigumo and Dalmatian aboard a warship and head straight to Drum Island, the so-called "Nation of Medicine."
After all, when it came to someone like Ron, the Traveler, who possessed the powers of the Float-Float Fruit, the usual numbers of warships or personnel were practically meaningless.
As Kizaru set off, Sengoku mulled over the matter further. To ensure everything was foolproof, he sent a message to one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea—Bartholomew Kuma.
"If you assist Kizaru in capturing Ron, the Traveler, I'll delay that matter by six months beyond the original agreement," Sengoku promised.
After a moment of silence, Kuma agreed.
Thus, the team dispatched to capture Ron now consisted of one Marine Admiral, two Marine Headquarters Vice Admirals, and one Warlord of the Sea!
When news of this lineup broke, it created an uproar.
Ron, the Traveler, who had caused a major disturbance in the North Blue half a year ago and then vanished from the public eye for six long months, had finally resurfaced in the Grand Line along with his floating ship. The fact that the Marines had sent such a formidable force to apprehend him only added fuel to the fire.
The entire Grand Line erupted with excitement!
The newspapers wasted no time, dedicating all their headlines to this breaking news.
"Ron, the Traveler, has finally reappeared after six months of silence! We've been waiting for this!"
"So, he's arrived on the Grand Line now, huh? That guy…"
"In comparison to his return, all those new pirate rookies recently making waves feel like small fry."
"I wonder what kind of major headlines he'll create this time. Damn, I'm starting to feel a little excited!"
"Can't wait to see what happens next!"
"One Marine Admiral, two Vice Admirals, and a Warlord of the Sea… My god, it's like they're preparing to fight a Yonko!"
Meanwhile, onlookers from all walks of life began to chatter, their curiosity and excitement palpable.
"Drum Island, huh? That's so far from the Sabaody Archipelago. Otherwise, I'd love to go and watch this unfold in person."
"You? If you went there, the aftermath of their fight alone would probably kill you. Just stay put and wait for the papers, buddy."
"Ugh… you're probably right."
"I heard the Calamaity from the skies Crew doesn't have any notable records aside from Ron's. That so-called Iron Witch… think she's strong enough to hold her own?"
"Well, we'll see soon enough."
Pirates, bounty hunters, journalists, and government intelligence agents all began converging on Drum Island at lightning speed.
Journalists, in particular, were moving at a breakneck pace. After all, this was about Ron, the Traveler—a man widely speculated to become the sea's fifth emperor. His return was a sensational event that promised sky-high ratings and readership.
Moreover, with Kizaru personally leading the charge, the possibility of witnessing a clash between a Marine Admiral and the enigmatic Ron was simply too good to miss.
If they could also capture the strength and abilities of the other members of the Crew in action, it would be the kind of news that defined careers.
Failing to report on this in time? Such a journalist wasn't worthy of the title.
This wasn't just a story—it was the story. And no one wanted to be left behind.