Time passed bit by bit, and in the blink of an eye, three days had gone by.
That morning, Raleigh, unusually not sleeping in, stood on the second-floor deck, watching the soldiers busily transporting supplies.
Distractedly eating his egg toast, Enel asked curiously, "Raleigh-sama, do you think they will agree?"
Raleigh shook his head and said, "Humans are the most complex creatures in the world. Nothing can simulate the human brain."
"Even someone you know well might sometimes do something you would never expect."
Enel looked bewildered and asked, "Then why have we been waiting here for three days?"
Raleigh patted Enel's head in exasperation and said, "Wherever we stay is the same. Besides, the food and drink here are quite good. I'm quite satisfied with this life."
Gion, holding a cup of black coffee, also came onto the deck.
"Is the matter settled, Raleigh?"
Raleigh nodded and then said to Gion, "Since we promised Gan Fall, we must keep our word."
"Anyway, I relayed Gan Fall's exact words and request to the Shandia People. How they interpret it and what they do is not our concern."
Gion nodded and asked curiously, "Then, what about them—"
Raleigh reached out and pinched Gion's cheek, saying, "That's their business and has nothing to do with us. After all, we're just messengers running errands."
"Enel, go keep an eye on the speed of the supply transport. Once it's done, we'll set sail back to Angel Island."
In the village of the Shandia People, the central square was already filled with many people.
But more and more people continued to pour into the square from all directions, lining up and sitting in place, waiting.
Chief Gim and his son Allen had long since arrived at the central platform in the square.
However, they remained quiet for the time being.
Gim and Allen's demeanors were completely different. Gim's gaze was fixed on those among the tribesmen who were too young or had disabilities from the war.
Allen, on the other hand, stared at the soldiers his own age and the captains who were as old as his father.
Gim's mind was like a kaleidoscope, constantly flashing through fragments of his memories—scenes from his youth, the day he became Chief, his brother dying in his arms, the first time he became a father.
"Since everyone is here, I'll get straight to the point."
"Recently, there's been rampant rumors in the village claiming that I'm representing the Shandia People to seek peace with the enemies of Skypiea. I can only say this matter is completely unfounded."
"Three days ago, that Marine ship from the Blue Sea did indeed deliver some messages on behalf of Gan Fall. However, we didn't agree immediately. After careful consideration, we decided to put it to a vote."
"Before that, I want to tell you something..."
Much later, after everyone had heard Gim's story, their eyes revealed expressions of disbelief and doubt.
However, since Gim's story was both evidence-based and logically impeccable, naturally no one refuted his words.
Even Allen, who had been filled with rage and ready to fight the Skypiean enemies to the death moments before, now had a new perspective.
When he looked at the audience below the stage again, his gaze coincidentally fell upon the younger individuals his father had been concerned about.
"Chief, what should we do next?"
"Chief, we'll all follow your lead. Whatever you decide, we'll do it."
"Chief, if we truly reconcile with the enemies of Skypiea, does that mean we won't have to see anyone die anymore?"
Listening to these sincere questions from below, Chief Gim felt deeply moved in his heart.
This was exactly why Gim had been moved by Gan Fall's words.
In truth, it wasn't just this generation that had been seeking ways to reduce friction and achieve peaceful coexistence.
However, most of the Shandia People had now forgotten their original mission, only knowing to charge forward alongside their tribesmen.
"For this trip to Upper Yard, we don't need too many people. Two hundred will be sufficient."
Chief Gim had decided to personally go and discuss matters with Gan Fall.
...
The Marine ship had already departed from the island where the Shandia People resided.
After gazing into the distance for a while, Raleigh finally gave up hope and decided to return to his sun lounger to rest.
Fortunately, he now had a capable assistant like Enel.
All tasks requiring Observation Haki coordination were delegated to Enel by Raleigh, who justified it as "training Enel's Mantra."
It was rather amusing—although this wasn't his first time here, during his previous visit to Jaya Island, Raleigh hadn't discovered anything particularly special.
Perhaps he was naturally incompatible with Shandora. If they wanted to search for Shandora on Jaya Island or Upper Yard, it would be faster and more convenient to have Enel handle it.
However, logically speaking, it didn't make sense that the God who had occupied Upper Yard for over four hundred years and the residents of Skypiea would leave such a large unknown place right under their noses.
The Marine ship traveled quickly, arriving at Upper Yard again within just half a day.
"Raleigh-sama, I sense something strangely familiar about this island."
"These things seem to have appeared in my memories before, and I remember them quite clearly from that time."
"I feel that in that direction, there's something that strongly attracts me."
Raleigh looked up, following the direction Enel was pointing.
Regarding Upper Yard, due to the rules established by the Shandia People last time, Raleigh hadn't had enough time to search for Shandora.
This time, with Enel summoned, their team had naturally expanded once again.
In a small dark cave within a mountain, Raleigh and Enel held their breath as they entered. Raleigh casually activated a mechanism—perhaps inputting a password he had deciphered—and then waited slowly for the door to open.
"Is this Shandora, Raleigh-sama? It doesn't seem particularly impressive."
Though there were splendid golden buildings inside the ruins, they were ultimately few in number.
While initially surprising, most people might forget about them after seeing them—their expectations had been set too high and weren't met.
"Who told you this was the full extent of Shandora?"
Raleigh smiled, looking at Enel before entering a seemingly dilapidated house and descending into its basement.
Only when a light appeared did Enel realize what true extravagance meant—what the City of Gold, Shandora, truly was.
Perhaps only such a dreamlike place deserved to be called the City of Gold.
Enel gazed around; everything was gleaming and constructed of gold.
However, its center was pierced by a massive beanstalk vine winding among four towering golden pillars.
Its presence replaced the original location of the Shandora Light, lifting the Great Bell to the vine's highest point!
---------
Read 40 chapters ahead and support me on patreon.
patreon (.)com/Newbietranslator