Chương 17: Skypiea
"Although I've been here before, I still can't help but admire how beautiful it is," Nico said as they passed through Heaven's Gate, her eyes scanning the ethereal scenery of Skypiea.
"Yeah, it's something, isn't it?" Imai muttered, looking around with mild interest. "Last time I was here, though, I don't remember a sign like that. But then again, it was ages ago."
"Oi! You there on the ship!" came a sharp voice from the gate. An old woman stood by the side, her wiry frame accentuated by her stern demeanor. "Entry to Skypiea costs one billion extol per person!"
"Amazon!" Nico called out with a smile, waving to the old woman. "Remember me? It's Nico!"
The woman's face softened at the recognition. "Ah, you're from the Straw Hat crew. Fine, fine, you can pass for free," she said, then glanced suspiciously at Imai.
"And her?"
"She's with me," Nico said confidently. "Please let her pass as well. I'd really appreciate it."
Amazon sighed in resignation. "Alright, alright. But only because it's you."
Nico smiled warmly as their ship drifted past the gate. Deep down, she knew Amazon still harbored gratitude for all the Straw Hat crew had done for Skypiea in the past.
However, something felt off. The usually vibrant energy of Skypiea seemed muted, as though the air itself was burdened with unease. Nico glanced at Imai, who was already scanning the surroundings with a sharp eye.
"You sense it too, right?" Imai asked, her tone low and serious. "Something's not right here. The atmosphere is... oppressive, like the whole place is holding its breath."
Nico nodded. "It feels like everything's the same, yet completely different. If Enel really is back, then once we enter the Upper Yard, he'll sense us immediately."
"Good," Imai said with a devilish grin. "That's exactly what I want. I'll bait him out, rip his heart from his chest, and maybe even eat it for good measure."
"Must you always be so dramatic?" Nico muttered, shaking her head.
"But first, we need to figure out what's going on," Imai continued, ignoring the comment. "Is there anyone you know who might still be around here?"
"Conis used to run a café in Skypiea. I don't know if she still visits Angel Island, but it's worth checking."
"Let's split up and look around," Imai suggested. "I'll go straight ahead, and you take the right. Meet back here in thirty minutes."
"Got it," Nico agreed, heading off into the bustling streets.
As Imai walked through the crowds, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was deeply wrong. No one so much as glanced her way, which was strange considering her striking appearance usually drew attention. Worse still, the people of Skypiea moved with a mechanical efficiency, working tirelessly without pause.
"They're brainwashed," Imai muttered to herself, her eyes narrowing. "Enel must've been bored out of his mind to resort to something as pathetic as forced labor."
She shook her head, disappointed by the thought. "Such dull antics don't deserve my attention. I came here for a fight."
"Intruder!"
A booming voice echoed from above. Imai looked up to see an old man with a flowing white beard descending rapidly from the sky, clad in gleaming knight's armor and brandishing a lance.
"Aren't you a bit too old for this?" Imai muttered, her tone bored as she placed a hand on her sword's hilt.
The knight's lance thrust toward her, but she deftly blocked it with her sheathed blade.
"I'm not an intruder!" she shouted, parrying the attack. "I'm just visiting. Stop swinging that thing before I have to make you regret it."
"Silence, filth!" the knight roared. "Your presence defiles this sacred land!"
Imai sighed. "You really don't listen, do you? Fine, but I'm keeping the scabbard on. I'd hate to ruin my blade on you."
The knight lunged again, but Imai sidestepped effortlessly, countering with a swift strike that sent the man stumbling backward.
"You've got speed, old man, but you're lacking in every other department," she said, smirking.
"Impact Dial!" the knight shouted, raising a small, palm-sized device.
"Pro tip," Imai said, leaping back before the explosion triggered, "don't announce your sneak attacks."
As the dust settled, she looked at the knight with a mix of amusement and pity. "It's a shame. I'd have loved to fight you at your best, but this brainwashed version of you is just sad."
The knight charged again, but his attacks were predictable, and Imai easily deflected each one. With a swift upward strike, she knocked him out cold.
The knight crumpled to the clouds, his eyes rolling back as his weapon clattered beside him.
Moments later, a winged horse descended gracefully from the sky, its feathers gleaming in the sunlight. It nuzzled the unconscious knight before hoisting him onto its back and flying away.
"Well, that's new," Imai muttered. "At least the horse isn't brainwashed."
She dusted off her clothes and turned to find Nico approaching.
"Did you find anything interesting?" Nico asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Just a brainwashed old man and a flying horse," Imai replied nonchalantly. "What about you?"
"I found Conis. She's at the Upper Yard. Come on, we're heading there next."
Imai grinned, her excitement palpable. "Finally. Let's go cause some chaos."
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LoseADream
LoseADream i have a naruto and black cover fanfic in the works, idk when i should release them though. I've already written chapters for them too. Also, comment more. I want more interactions!
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