Chapter 28: The Path to the Sky

The wind carried the scent of salt as I stood on the shore, staring out at the endless horizon. Skypiea. A land that most thought was just a myth, a place high above the seas, untouched by the world below. But I knew it was real, and more importantly, I knew what I was after.

The Rumble-Rumble Fruit.

A Devil Fruit so powerful that it was said to make its user an unstoppable force of lightning. If I could obtain it, it would push my strength beyond what I had ever imagined. Not even Kaido would be able to ignore the power of nature itself.

But reaching Skypiea wasn't going to be simple. The only way up was through the Knock-Up Stream, an unpredictable natural phenomenon that launched ships into the sky with devastating force. If my ship wasn't built to endure it, I would be dead before I ever set foot on the Sky Island.

And for that, I needed Water 7—the city of shipwrights.

Arriving in Water 7

The journey to Water 7 was smooth, thanks to my growing mastery of the seas. My navigation skills were improving, but they weren't enough for the precision needed to sail through a deadly current like the Knock-Up Stream.

As my small ship docked at Water 7's bustling harbor, the sight before me was breathtaking. Massive waterways crisscrossed the city like veins, carrying gondolas and ships through its floating streets. Towering shipyards filled the skyline, with cranes lifting massive planks of wood while shipwrights hammered away with expertise.

The people moved with purpose, their chatter filled with discussions of ship designs, repairs, and upcoming projects. Water 7 wasn't just a city—it was a machine, constantly in motion, a place where the best shipbuilders in the world thrived.

This was exactly where I needed to be.

Commissioning the Perfect Ship

I made my way through the city, seeking out the most skilled shipwrights. Finding the right one wasn't difficult—Water 7 was filled with professionals—but I needed someone who could build a vessel capable of surviving the Knock-Up Stream.

After asking around, I found a group of elite shipwrights who were willing to take the commission—for the right price.

I handed over a hefty sum of gold and treasure that I had gathered from my years in Mock Town. They examined the blueprints and requirements I laid out:

A reinforced hull to withstand extreme pressure.A highly flexible frame to survive the impact of the ascent.A lightweight yet sturdy design to maneuver through the air once launched.

They were impressed by my knowledge of ships and the level of detail I had provided. "This isn't just a standard ship," one of the builders muttered. "You're planning something insane."

I smirked. "That's an understatement."

They agreed to start the construction immediately, estimating that the ship would be ready within a month. Until then, I had one more thing to take care of.

Mastering Navigation

While waiting for my ship, I knew that sailing through the Grand Line wasn't something I could take lightly anymore. Navigating in Mock Town and Water 7 had been one thing, but getting to the Knock-Up Stream at the right time required absolute precision.

I needed to learn from a master.

I spent the next few days seeking out the most skilled navigator in Water 7. Eventually, I found an old seafarer—a retired captain who had guided ships through impossible waters for decades. His knowledge of ocean currents, wind patterns, and the behavior of dangerous streams was unmatched.

When I approached him, he laughed. "You? You want to learn navigation? With that sword on your hip, I figured you were just another warrior."

I smiled. "A swordsman who doesn't know how to control the seas will never make it far."

He seemed amused by my response and agreed to teach me. Under his guidance, I learned more than I ever thought possible.

I studied the stars, understanding how to use them for precise movement.I memorized the patterns of the Grand Line's chaotic weather, learning how to predict storms and currents.I practiced reading wind shifts, using even the faintest breezes to my advantage.

The old captain pushed me harder than I expected, but I welcomed it. And then, one day, as I looked out at the ocean, I felt something change. It was as if the sea itself was speaking to me.

That night, as I rested, my Copy System activated.

Ding!

A panel appeared before my eyes:

System Update: New Skill Acquired!

✅ Master Navigation Acquired – You have reached the level of a grandmaster navigator, capable of charting complex routes, predicting ocean currents, and maneuvering through even the most dangerous waters.

The Waiting Game

As the weeks passed, I spent my time sharpening my swordsmanship and refining my Haki. But more than anything, I was preparing for what lay ahead.

The Sky Island wasn't just my next destination—it was a key turning point in my journey. If I succeeded in obtaining the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, my power would be elevated to an entirely new level.

One month later, the shipwrights called for me. My ship was ready.

I stood at the docks, staring at the vessel they had crafted. It was perfect. Sleek, reinforced, and built to withstand the impossible.

But just as I prepared to finalize my preparations, I heard whispers among the shipwrights and workers.

"A powerful pirate crew just arrived for repairs," one man muttered.

"Which crew?" another asked.

"The Red-Haired Pirates."

I froze. Shanks.