Chapter 85 : Returning with a Full Load

Time passed quickly as the girls finished introducing themselves.

Hikaru nodded with satisfaction. Since they had come to him, he would naturally not turn them away.

"From now on, you are no longer citizens of the Kingdom of Gnosia. You have a new identity as residents of the Kingdom of God."

"You will be tested and evaluated. Those fortunate enough to pass will join my Angel Dance Troupe. You'll no longer struggle for survival. From this day forward, you will serve only me!"

"Those who don't make it needn't despair. You'll be sent among the people to teach the children the arts of singing and dancing."

Though his tone remained calm, the weight of his words determined these performers' fates.

The guards didn't dare make a sound, fearing they'd be noticed and eliminated. As for their mission to escort the dance troupe? They were lucky just to be alive!

The dancers and singers were terrified. They were merely a group of women skilled only in performance arts. They had no power to resist the destiny Hikaru imposed upon them.

After all, they worked as performers simply to survive.

If what he said was true, wouldn't passing his test free them from the threats of this chaotic sea?

"Pasta, you'll be their manager for now. Once you pass the evaluation, you can be promoted to my divine concubine and arrange the troupe's performances for me."

Pasta was stunned. She never expected to be singled out, believing herself to be just another face in the crowd. Perhaps her unique figure had caught his attention...

Noticing the complex expressions around her, she quickly responded, "Yes! Sir!"

Hikaru nodded. Obedience was good. If only everyone showed such compliance in his presence.

He surveyed the area with his Observation Haki and, satisfied nothing was amiss, used the power of the Flap-Flap Fruit to control Asuka Island and began breaking it free from the sea's constraints.

BOOM!

The mountains of Asuka Island connected to the sea shook violently as Hikaru's forceful application of the Flap-Flap power altered the original geography.

Rocks, soil, and loose debris broke away and crashed into the sea, creating massive splashes.

Land previously hidden beneath the waves revealed itself, expanding Asuka Island's habitable area.

"The God has begun to exert his divine power!"

On the shore, Asuka Island residents abandoned their possessions and rushed toward the island's center, fearing they might be left behind and lose their chance to enter the heavenly kingdom.

On either side of the performers' boat, Asuka Island warriors cheered and praised their god's power.

With Hikaru aboard to stabilize the vessel, the singers and dancers remained unaffected by the island's upheaval.

But a thin guard beside the unconscious captain realized something was wrong. From Hikaru's attitude, it seemed he had no plans for them. What unknown fate awaited them?

The unknown is most terrifying. She carefully considered her words before leaning forward and asking tremulously:

"Sir, what arrangements do you have for us guards?"

Hikaru was momentarily taken aback. He had indeed forgotten them. His focus had been on Pasta and the performers. These guards barely registered in his awareness.

"You..."

Hearing his voice, all guards held their breath, afraid to miss any word determining their fate.

"Everyone should do their duty and join my angel team."

The guards sighed with relief. The Angel Guard seemed a reasonable destination. As long as they weren't tortured to death, they would willingly serve.

"Purupurupuru~ Gatcha~"

Hikaru's Den Den Mushi rang and he answered.

"Big brother, what's up~ Maya has packed her things, we can return to Sky Island!" the voices chorused.

Nami and Vivi's synchronized greeting infected Hikaru with cheer. He chuckled and responded: "Alright~"

After a brief chat, Hikaru flew toward the witch Maya's residence with the boat beneath his feet, amid the performers' exclamations of wonder.

Witnessing this "divine power," they realized how wise their recent decision had been.

After briefly explaining to Nami and the others, he welcomed them aboard.

Nami patted his shoulder and said teasingly, "Big brother, why didn't you tell us earlier that you wanted to see singing and dancing? We haven't properly shown you our talents yet!"

"It's not important. I already understand your unique abilities. If you want to perform for me, we can arrange it sometime. Whoever performs best will receive my personal guidance~"

Hearing this, Nami's cheeks flushed, while Vivi, hanging onto Hikaru's arm, smiled mischievously.

"Then I'll compete with Nami for first place. I'll show you how my charming Meito dance can captivate you, big brother~"

Nami playfully argued with Vivi, their laughter leaving Hikaru pleasantly overwhelmed.

Maya, newly joined to the God Temple family, curled contentedly in Hikaru's arms, continuing to strengthen their bond.

Robin observed this heartwarming scene with a smile, while secretly using her Hana Hana no Mi powers for some unknown purpose...

They returned to Sky Island amidst laughter and playful banter.

Thanks to Nami, this journey to Asuka Island had been incredibly fruitful.

First came the lovely witch Maya, three gemstones, and the legendary Shichiseiken.

Three additional surprises followed: the Hebi Hebi no Mi's white snake and green snake forms, plus the enchanting Pasta and her dance troupe.

...

Sky Island, Shrine.

Under Hikaru's instructions, Pasta and the dance troupe were escorted away by angels for "examination and evaluation."

The results largely matched his "visual assessment." Most passed the "test," including Pasta.

After all, they were members of the Kingdom of Gnosia's folk performance troupe. Through their own organization, they maintained some control over their destinies.

Under Corona's leadership (the troupe's head), each proved quite "shrewd," not as easily deceived as inexperienced young women new to the world's ways.

Without someone responsible for their welfare, they would never surrender themselves easily.

This was the only precious leverage these performers possessed that might "change their fortunes."

The next day, Hikaru engaged in lengthy discussions with Hina, Tashigi, and Raki... They primarily addressed internal security development in the Kingdom of God and related matters.

Finally, he smiled and pinched the despairing Tashigi's cheek, saying to Hina: "We accidentally captured some guards yesterday. Distribute them according to needs and assign them to the Angel God Team and Angel Guard."

"Hina understands~" 

Hina's voice sounded unusually weak, likely from the intensive training she had been conducting with Tashigi and Raki for the Angel Team...

Raki smiled, now much stronger than before.

With her experience as a Shandian warrior and innate desire for strength, she had bonded well with Hina and valued her guidance.

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