Chapter 146.1 : Priests!!

Ian looked up at the thunder in the sky.

Is it any wonder that, in his past life, there were always people on various forums praising the Thunder-Thunder Fruit as the strongest Devil Fruit?

Even when the mythical Zoan versions came, or when the Logia type was phased out, it didn't matter.

The Thunder-Thunder Fruit was still incredibly powerful.

It had three very insidious and unreasonable abilities.

First, the ability to amplify Observation Haki to an exaggerated level through electromagnetic waves.

Second, the ability to launch precise long-range strikes, with a detection range to match.

Third, the ability to move at speeds that could be described as instantaneous teleportation, in line with the first two abilities.

Combined, these three powers were enough to be truly maddening.

What could you do if you were struck by lightning from over ten kilometers away?

You couldn't catch up, couldn't escape—what could you do?

Apart from these annoying abilities, the lightning itself was a powerful energy that could be used directly as a power source.

It was truly a versatile, all-around ability.

No wonder it was the favorite Devil Fruit of pirate fanfic protagonists before the era of Mythical Zoans.

But...

As they say, times have changed.

Crack!

A brilliant bolt of lightning fell from the sky, but it didn't strike Ian.

An invisible barrier blocked the descending lightning, instantly shattering it and transforming it into shining silver serpents that spread in all directions.

Armament Haki barrier, kid!

Even Kizaru could deflect Nika Luffy's punches!

A mere lightning bolt...

"What?"

In the center of Birka, inside the temple, the pale-skinned man widened his usually lazy eyes in shock.

The attack didn't work?

After a brief moment of astonishment, an intrigued smile appeared on his face.

"Yehahahaha! Interesting!"

His voice boomed like thunder. "Gather the priests! Someone interesting has arrived!"

Over by Ian.

"Was that thunder?"

Yamato, standing on Ian's shoulder, curiously looked up, but there were no dark clouds in the sky.

The nearest clouds were the fluffy white ones floating about three kilometers above the sea of clouds.

Where did that thunder come from?

"It's the fireworks welcoming us."

Ian smiled lightly.

"Fireworks?"

Down below, on the deck of the Golden Dragon ship, Dorry laughed heartily. "Then these fireworks are a bit too intense!"

"Is it the enemy?"

Jack immediately became alert. "Ian-nii, should we prepare for battle?"

"Don't rush. Let's see what kind of welcome they've prepared for us first."

Ian's lips curled into a smirk.

Yamato, still holding onto Ian's neck, grinned and said, "Someone on the island has already started moving."

Ian flapped his wings, moving forward until he reached the edge of the island, then gently descended, placing the Golden Dragon ship atop the sea of clouds.

Only then did he take a moment to observe the island.

They were likely at the port of this country.

Yes, who said the islands on Skypiea can't have ports? 

There are ships on Skypiea too, and they communicate with each other.

In fact, Skypiea even has a form of punishment called the "Cloud Drift Punishment."

It involves binding a person and throwing them onto a ship, letting the ship drift on the sea of clouds until it reaches the edge of the clouds, where it falls into the Blue Sea, resulting in a fatal crash.

Ian returned to his human form and landed on the deck.

"It seems like we're not really welcomed here," he said.

Law stood with his arms crossed, gazing at the people of Birka on the shore.

It was clear to see that the residents of Birka were backing away, trying to distance themselves from the port, trying to get away from the Golden Flying Dragon.

Fear was evident on their faces, as though they were afraid of some terrifying event about to unfold.

"Didn't that elder say something earlier?" Ian said with a smile. "He mentioned that this island has a very brutal ruler, and he probably doesn't welcome outsiders."

"Oh?" 

Black Maria chuckled behind her hand. "That elder also said that the man ruling this island is someone referred to as 'God,' and he possesses god-like powers."

"God, huh?" 

Ian chuckled lightly. 

Who isn't a god these days? 

Let's have a little "Pirates Ultra: Gods and Gods" showdown.

After all, the final enemy is the one who calls himself a god. Starting with a small god in the sky above should make for a nice appetizer.

Wait, could I end up turning into Ra after all?

"Ian, they're here!"

Yamato's eyes suddenly brightened, and she leaned out toward the ship's edge.

On the coast, the crowd scattered in fear. A group of soldiers wearing clean white uniforms and skating on strange shoes like rollerblades sped down the wide street.

They carried various weapons, but without exception, all their weapons were white and made of clouds.

Above the sea of clouds, there is neither soil nor rock, and naturally, there are no metallic minerals. Therefore, all the weapons on Sky Island are basically combinations of clouds known as "Iron Clouds" and various shellfish.

The soldiers surrounded the entire port, their weapons aimed at the Golden Dragon.

Leading these forces were three men.

They all appeared to be quite young.

One was a bald man riding a massive dog.

Another was a knight riding a purple flying bird.

The last one wore purple clothes, biting his upper lip, rolling his eyes, and had hair that looked like the legs of a spider standing on end.

Ian scanned each of them one by one.

He had some recollection—they were the priests under Enel's command that appeared during the Sky Island arc.

Is it the same old crew?

"Intruders, stop here."

The knight on the flying bird flapped his wings and flew above the Golden Dragon. He looked down at Ian and the others.

When he saw Dorry and Brogy, the man's face clearly showed a shocked expression.

"Are there people this large from the Blue Sea?"

But then…

He sneered.

"So what if they're big? In the face of the great God's power, they are still nothing but ants."

"The great God Enel says, you have committed an unforgivable sin by daring to reject the punishment sent by God."

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