Chapter 57: Hikari's Descent to Skypiea

"Heheh… Although he often acts like a little adult, he still has a childish side," Kushina said with a small smile. "Guess I'll get used to it eventually."

"You will," Mikoto replied. "Just takes time."

As if summoned, Gin walked up to them.

"Mom! Did you finish dealing with the clan affairs?" he asked, brushing snow off his coat.

"Almost," replied Uchiha Hikari with a nod. "Things are calmer than I expected. It's mostly sorted now. I was thinking of exploring Skypiea in a few days. What do you think?"

She paused, then added with focus, "I need to map out Skypiea, collect gold, and get some Dials—the magic shells they use."

"I don't mind," Gin said, then detailed the situation. "Right now, the Skypieans and Shandians are still fighting. Be careful. It's best to beat both sides first, then act as a neutral party. They've been fighting over the Upper Yard for centuries. Only the Golden Bell can bring peace."

He elaborated further: the Skypieans claimed the land was a gift from God, while the Shandians believed it was their ancestral homeland. Communication was nearly impossible. The bell was their symbol of truth, and only by ringing it could one win the Shandians' trust.

"You're not going yourself?" Hikari asked, eyebrow raised.

"I'd rather not take the risk," Gin said honestly. "You're stronger, and you have better control. Also, you can always teleport away if needed."

Hikari smiled and patted her son's head gently. "Don't worry. I'm not reckless. I'll assess things carefully—and the space-time gate gives me options."

Gin exhaled in relief. "Alright. Be safe."

Without another word, Hikari vanished from the snowy island and appeared on Jaya, deep in the dense forest outside Mock Town.

Her Observation Haki spread instantly across several kilometers, scanning every movement, presence, and heartbeat on the island. Despite being from the shinobi world, her spiritual strength and battle instincts allowed her to awaken high-level Haki far faster than most.

"A chaotic world," she muttered, noting the lawless aura of the pirate town nearby. But she wasn't here for that.

With a hand seal, she summoned Hayabusa, her giant hawk-nin, from the space-time gate. In one smooth motion, she leapt onto its back.

"Fly," she commanded.

With a powerful shriek, Hayabusa soared upward like a crimson arrow. Within minutes, they passed the first sea of clouds.

"The White Sea," she murmured. "But still not high enough."

They continued higher, until breathing became more difficult and the temperature bit at her skin.

"Ten thousand meters…"

Above her, floating like a dream, was the Upper Yard—the former location of the Golden City of Shandora, now known as Skypiea.

"I've arrived," she whispered. "Unbelievable that an ocean current could lift an entire island into the sky."

Hayabusa began to falter from the strain. Hikari patted his neck.

"You've done well. Rest now."

She dismissed him back into her gate and stepped lightly onto one of the towering trees on the edge of the Upper Yard.

She paused, allowing her lungs to adjust to the thin air. Once ready, she activated Body Flicker and dashed toward the battlefield in the island's center.

Two forces clashed in a wide clearing—Skypiean militia and fierce Shandian warriors.

"Kill the Skypieans! Reclaim our land!" one Shandian screamed.

"Shut up, savages! This land is divine!" replied a Skypiean captain.

It was a bloodless war so far—many wounded, few dead. Gan Fall, the God (leader) of Skypiea, hovered overhead on his bird Pierre, watching helplessly.

"Swish."

A gust of wind signaled Hikari's sudden appearance at the battlefield's edge. Both sides froze, eyes drawn to the foreign figure cloaked in black.

Gan Fall descended cautiously.

"You… are you from the Blue Sea?" he asked in a deep, calm voice.

"Leave, outsider!" shouted Wyper—the English version of Rossi—the Shandian war chief. "This land is sacred!"

"Tch…" Hikari frowned. Gin warned her, but facing their pride in person was irritating.

She acted.

In a flash of flickering steps, she closed in on Wyper.

"You dare attack me!?" Wyper bellowed, leaping into the air.

"Fire Style: Flame Dragon's Roar!"

A colossal fire dragon surged from Hikari's mouth, engulfing Wyper in searing heat mid-air.

"What the—!" he gasped, caught completely off guard.

The blast threw him backward, flames licking every inch of his armor. He crashed to the ground, groaning in pain, smoke rising from his body.

"Wyper!" the Shandians screamed, rushing to his aid, eyes wide with panic and disbelief.

"Anyone else want to try?" Hikari said coldly.

They froze.

Gan Fall's brows furrowed, but he did not move. He sensed her power—this wasn't someone to cross.

"Who… are you?" he asked slowly. "I sense no hostility from you, despite your strength."

"I'm Uchiha Hikari," she said calmly. "From the Blue Sea. I came seeking the Golden City of Shandora. And if possible, I'd like to establish long-term trade for Dials with the Skypieans."

At the mention of the Golden City, the Shandians bristled again. Wyper stirred, voice raspy but defiant.

"The Golden City belongs to our ancestors! We will not let you touch it… even if it costs our lives!"

He tried to rise again.

But Hikari had had enough.

Suddenly, a wave of pure killing intent erupted from her, shaking the air. A semi-transparent Susanoo burst to life around her—a towering, skeletal figure of chakra cloaked in armor, black and menacing.

It loomed over the warriors like death itself.

"You still want to fight?" she asked, voice quiet… and terrifying.

"No way…"

"She—she summoned a giant monster…"

"Is she even human?"

The Shandians recoiled in horror, fear and awe crushing their will to fight.

Wyper looked up, body trembling. He'd never seen such raw power.

He wanted to fight. But he wasn't stupid. If he continued, everyone would die—his men, the elders, the children back home.

"I…"

He couldn't say it.

Even defeat was shameful.

But before he could respond, Gan Fall stepped in, wings outstretched.

"Ms. Hikari," he said respectfully, "I am Gan Fall, God of Skypiea. Perhaps… we should talk."

She turned to him, Susanoo fading, and nodded.

"Of course. I'd prefer peace. I plan to be here a while."

Gan Fall exhaled slowly. This woman was dangerous—but she might also be exactly what Skypiea needed.