Chapter 52: Unification

Doflamingo stood before the assembled people of Angel Island, lightning coiling around his hands. His expression was stern, godlike, deterring any hint of disrespect.

Gan Fall struggled to rise from the ground, drawing the attention of all the Sky Islanders. They waited with bated breath for the answer of their former God. Gan Fall did not disappoint them; ultimately, his heart was still with Angel Island, and he couldn't bear to watch so many of his people die needlessly.

With great difficulty, Gan Fall pushed himself upright. He looked at Doflamingo, swallowing the immense bitterness and helplessness in his heart. He dropped to one knee, bowing his once-proud head in allegiance.

"I, Gan Fall, former God of Angel Island, lead the people of Angel Island in pledging allegiance to our new God!"

"We pledge allegiance to the new God!"

Seeing their old leader bow his proud head, the other Sky Islanders hesitated no longer. They followed his example, kneeling and swearing loyalty to Doflamingo.

Doflamingo watched Gan Fall's sensible display with considerable satisfaction. He'd actually considered killing him; after all, the Gan Fall he knew from other accounts wasn't usually this quick to yield.

"Fuffuffuffu... Excellent. You are all very wise."

The members of the Donquixote Family beamed. Without lifting much more than a finger, they had conquered this beautiful sky island.

"As expected of the Young Master!" "Long live the Young Master!"

Amidst the rising chorus of praise, Doflamingo remained impassive. He had a clear understanding of himself – he still had a long way to go.

Meanwhile, as Gan Fall fell, news reached the Shandians in their Hidden Village.

"Chief! Chief! Terrible news!" Eskal burst through the door, rushing breathlessly towards the Chief.

"What is this behavior, Eskal? Why are you always in such a frantic state lately?" the Chief scolded, unable to tolerate Eskal's panicked demeanor any longer.

"But it really is! It's truly terrible news!" Eskal protested, feeling wronged.

"Alright, alright. Whatever has happened, remember: calmness is the first principle. Now, speak," the Chief said, his tone softening slightly with earnest advice.

"Yes," Eskal nodded, composing himself. "Gan Fall has been defeated. There's a new God now. A group from the Blue Sea has taken over Angel Island."

"Gan Fall... defeated? Truly?" Astonishment flashed in the Chief's eyes. He murmured in disbelief.

"It's true! Absolutely true! Gan Fall and all the Sky Islanders have already surrendered to them!" Eskal insisted urgently, seeing the doubt in the Chief's expression.

"Do you know who defeated him?" the Chief asked, looking intently at Eskal.

"Well, I'm not entirely sure... but I heard they call themselves pirates or something. We could ask Cricket, though! He's from the Blue Sea; maybe he knows who these people are," Eskal suggested, scratching his head.

"Hmm. Come with me. We'll ask Brother Cricket. Perhaps... perhaps this is our chance to return to our ancestral homeland," the Chief said gravely, a flicker of hope in his eyes.

"Our ancestral homeland..." Eskal murmured, longing filling his voice.

Shortly after, they arrived at the place where Cricket was recovering.

"Brother Cricket, how are your injuries? Are you settling in alright here?" the Chief greeted him warmly.

"Much better now, thank you for asking, Chief. It's thanks to your people's care that I'm recovering so well. I'm quite comfortable here," Cricket replied respectfully and humbly.

"Hahaha, that's good to hear, very good," the Chief chuckled, stroking his beard with relief.

Being young and impulsive, Eskal couldn't hold back any longer. "Brother Cricket!" he burst out. "Angel Island has been taken over by people from the Blue Sea! They call themselves pirates! Do you know anything about them?"

"What? Gan Fall defeated? By pirates?" Cricket looked utterly perplexed.

"Yes, yes! All of Angel Island has surrendered to these pirates already!" Eskal confirmed, sensing Cricket's disbelief.

"It's true," the Chief added, explaining further. "We don't know where these Blue Sea people came from. Since you're also from the Blue Sea, Brother Cricket, we thought you might know them. Perhaps... this could be our chance to return to our homeland."

After hearing their explanation, Cricket understood the situation. He pondered for a moment, then spoke. "Rest assured, Chief. I'll go take a look immediately. If I recognize them... then perhaps we truly do have a chance to fulfill our shared wish."

"We're counting on you, Brother Cricket. No matter what, you are our dearest friend," the Chief said sincerely. He and Eskal then bowed deeply to Cricket.

"What are you doing, Chief? Please," Cricket quickly stopped them. "Don't worry. We will light Shandora's Light again and honor the bond forged by our ancestors."

"As it should be, Brother Cricket."

"I'll head out now."

Taking his leave, Cricket made his way directly to Angel Island. It remained as beautiful as ever, and the residents on Lovely Street went about their work peacefully, showing no signs of the battle that had just transpired.

After defeating Gan Fall, Doflamingo had Gan Fall lead them to God's Shrine on Upper Yard. Doflamingo had zero interest in administering this sky island; this damn place where Shandians and Sky Islanders had fought for 400 years was nothing but a headache.

Doflamingo took his seat upon the throne within Gan Fall's shrine, looking down upon the defeated Gan Fall and the Priests standing below. They, in turn, gazed up at the man on the throne with reverence and fear. Doflamingo – this man who commanded lightning like a true god – was awe-inspiring.

"Gan Fall," Doflamingo broke the silence.

"My Lord God! I am here! Gan Fall awaits your command," Gan Fall responded immediately, showing astute deference.

"I have a task for you. I want the Shandians to submit. All of them. They are to join Angel Island under my rule. I will not tolerate such destabilizing factors in my territory," Doflamingo stated from his high seat, his voice devoid of emotion.

"Yes, my Lord. Leave it to me," Gan Fall agreed without hesitation. Truthfully, bringing the Shandians into the fold was something he had long desired but lacked the power to achieve himself.

"Enel, Vergo. You two will accompany Gan Fall. There should only be our voice in our territory."

"Yahahaha! Excellent, Doffy! Suits me just fine. I wasn't satisfied with that last fight anyway," Enel grinned upon hearing the order.

"That's settled then. Report back once the Shandians have submitted," Doflamingo dismissed them curtly. He had better things to do... like 'train' with Ibes. Proper training, of course.

Gan Fall, Enel, and Vergo gathered their men and headed towards the Hidden Village, tasked with ensuring the Shandians' submission.

Back on Angel Island, Cricket observed the peaceful bustle of Lovely Street. When residents noticed the wingless man approach, their expressions immediately shifted to ones of respect. "Sir," one called out, "is there anything you require?"

Cricket, who had been about to ask questions himself, paused, instantly understanding the situation. They think I'm one of the conquerors. He quickly adapted. "No, nothing. Just taking a look around. Carry on with your work." He decided caution was best until he knew exactly who held power here.

"Ah, very well, Sir. We won't disturb you then," the residents replied perceptively, not wanting to bother him.

Cricket nodded and continued on his way, resuming his exploration.

"Chief! Trouble! Gan Fall is coming, and he's brought others!" a scout reported urgently back at the Hidden Village.

"So soon? It seems this new God is quite ambitious. He intends to subjugate us as well?"

"What do we do, Chief? How should we respond?"

"Don't panic. Gather everyone. We will meet them together."

"Yes, Chief!"

Soon, the Shandians stood assembled as Enel's group arrived.

"Gan Fall! What are you doing here?" the Chief demanded, standing before his people. "We have kept to our own affairs. Leave immediately!"

"By order of my God, the Shandians are commanded to submit!" Gan Fall declared bluntly, wasting no time.

"Ridiculous!" the Chief scoffed, spitting the words with contempt. "Gan Fall, weren't you God? Now you bow to another and expect us to do the same? The hatred of four hundred years isn't so easily forgotten! You may have no spine, but that doesn't mean we Shandians lack backbone! We would rather die than yield!"

"Rather die than yield!" the other Shandians roared, their voices filled with righteous anger.

"You say that because you haven't witnessed the power of the new God," Gan Fall pleaded, his tone genuinely weary. "I advise you in good faith: surrender quickly. Don't cause needless casualties."

"Enough chatter, old man," Enel interrupted impatiently. "Doffy said: submit or die. Let them choose."

"Yes, Lord Enel," Gan Fall responded, showing no outward emotion.

"Submit or die. I will only ask once," Enel stated flatly, his gaze sweeping over the defiant Shandians.

"We will never bow to them!" "Chief, let us fight! We are not afraid!" "Death before dishonor!"

A clamor rose from the Shandian ranks. But strangely, the Chief, who had just spoken with such fiery conviction, fell silent. It was as if the iron-willed man from moments ago had vanished.

Finally, he spoke, his voice heavy with pain. "We... submit. However, we submit to the new God. We will never submit to you, Gan Fall!"

"Boring... how boring..." Enel muttered, clearly expecting more resistance. Was that it?

"Why, Chief?" "We could have won!" "Don't do it, Chief! We aren't afraid to die!"

The Shandians stared at their Chief in disbelief, shocked by his decision.

"Silence, you brats!" Eskal roared, quieting the dissent. Though he didn't understand the Chief's reasoning, he trusted it. "All of you! Prepare to meet our new God! All of you!"

Gan Fall was taken aback by his old rival's swift capitulation.

"You!" one indignant Shandian warrior glared fiercely at Gan Fall.

The hatred of four centuries couldn't be erased so easily. Many Shandians seethed, their eyes fixed on the Sky Islanders accompanying Gan Fall.

"Enough. Let's go," the Chief commanded, cutting off further protests. "We will meet this new God." He knew they had no choice. His earlier defiance was mere posturing; he knew they couldn't even defeat Gan Fall's forces, let alone the one who had crushed Gan Fall so easily. The new God's power must be terrifying, and surrender was the only path that didn't lead to annihilation. His show of backbone was simply to ensure they weren't underestimated.

"You've made a wise decision," Vergo commented calmly, then turned and headed back ahead of the group.

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