The Return Of Joyboy!

The Going Merry sailed along the cloud belt, a road seemingly made of the softest white clouds, its surface rippling like a river made of mist, pushing the ship forward. The crew stood on the deck, captivated by the perfect blend of wonder and impossibility, each mesmerized by the surreal environment surrounding them. It felt like they were suspended between two worlds. Below them, the vast expanse of White-White sea and above them, a canopy of pale blue sky tinged with golden sunlight.

"Is this... natural?" Sanji asked, narrowing his eyes as he leaned on the railing. His voice carried awe but also a hint of doubt.

"Natural? No way!" Usopp exclaimed, standing tall, his finger pointed dramatically ahead. "This has to be some secret Skypiean technology. Maybe... some super-advanced sky machines!" He nodded sagely at his own assumption.

Robin's eyes twinkled with curiosity. "It does feel deliberate. Clouds don't form this uniformly," She observed, her gaze scanning the tunnel-like path ahead.

Chopper, clutching the rail tightly, had stars in his eyes. "It's like a dream! We're riding on a cloud river!"

Luffy, on the other hand, was having the time of his life. "Wahooo!" Luffy yelled, throwing his arms up in excitement, his grin stretching wide as the ship began to pick up speed. He was barely holding onto the ship's mast, completely unbothered by the increasing velocity as he let the winds rush past him. "This is so cool!"

"..There's a fake-" The wind tries to reach Luffy to warn him, but the ship goes by too quickly.

"There's something written on the top!" Nami pointed out, as the ship approached the glowing archway where the inscription above it became clearer and clearer.

"It's got to be the exit!" Chopper shouted out through the rushing winds.

"Godland Skypiea!" Usopp uttered as he read the glimmering words which seemed to be etched with sunlight itself, bold and commanding. "It's not an exit! It's an entrance!" He shouted out.

"Godland?" Zoro wondered aloud, his brow furrowed, as he stole a glance from Luffy whose grin was only widening with each passing second. "Why would they call it that?"

"Sounds suspicious to me." Nami shuddered a little, though she couldn't hide the anticipation for what was about to come next.

"Doesn't matter!" Luffy yelled. "We're going in!" His laughter echoed through the air as the ship sped toward the archway. His excitement was palpable, but even as he laughed, he started hearing the whispers the winds carried for him. It wasn't like the usual hum and cacophony of the winds. It had an unusual rhythm to it.

"Be care-"

"You were tri-"

"Skypiea isn't sa-"

Luffy's grin faltered slightly as he sensed the urgency in these whispers. "What's wrong?" He whispered back under his breath, tilting his head as confusion flickered across his face. "What do you mean?"

Even if the winds repeated what they said, the ship surging forward into the land of the fantasy, bursting out of the cloud belt and into the realm of breathtaking beauty, captured Luffy's attention.

The world of Skypiea unfolded like a dream. Endless expanses of the White-White Sea stretched beneath a sky of soft blues and golden light. Floating islands of solid cloud drifted lazily in the air, connected by staircases of light and ropes glimmering like spun gold. Colorful buildings with intricate feathered rooftops dotted the landscape, nestled among waterfalls of radiant liquid that cascaded from higher altitudes and disappeared into the clouds below. The air was sweet and crisp, carrying the faint scent of flowers.

"Whoa!" Nami breathed, her voice barely audible over the hum of the sea.

"This... this is heaven!" Chopper exclaimed, his voice trembling with awe.

"It's incredible!" Usopp shouted, already halfway over the side of the ship. "I need to see if the clouds are solid!" Without waiting for confirmation, he leaped from the deck, landing with a soft puff on the cloud floor. Chopper followed, bouncing excitedly alongside him.

"It's real!" Chopper cried. "The clouds are solid!"

"This place really is amazing," Sanji said, lighting a cigarette as he scanned the heavenly scene.

Robin smiled faintly, her curious gaze wandering across the floating islands. "It's like a world from a fairy tale."

Amid the crew's excitement, none of them immediately noticed the change happening to their captain. Standing near the mast, Luffy's usual raven-black hair had begun to shimmer, its color softening to ghostly white as the light bounced off it. His skin seemed to radiate warmly, his figure shimmering like a mirage. It was as if the sun itself had chosen him as its mirror, reflecting its brilliance in every fiber of his being.

Robin was the first to notice the change with wide eyes. "Captain-san," She called out softly, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Is it just me, or have you truly changed into something more.. ethereal?"

Zoro, standing nearby, turned sharply to look at Luffy. His appearance was glowing. Whiter. Ethereal, almost like he didn't belong to this world. "Oi, Luffy?" Zoro called out but Luffy wasn't paying attention. He stood unnaturally still, his cheerful demeanor slipped away to be replaced by a look of confusion, as unknown to others, the whispers of the winds grew louder and clearer.

"A fake god has risen." The winds seemed to cry, their voices trembling with urgency and sadness. "The puny mortal calls himself the Sky God but he is nothing more than a pretender, a shadow of the true divinity that once graced this realm, Lord Nika."

The words struck Luffy with a jolt of realization, igniting a storm of emotions within him. His usual grin faded into something darker—an expression of sadness, hurt, betrayal and anger. The once carefree expression was now clouded with a deep, simmering anger.

A fake god.

There was a fake God.

Someone had dared to claim his brother's title. Someone was calling themselves the Sky God, which is a blasphemous fraud. Luffy's hands clenched into fists, his fingers crackling with raw energy, his glowing form radiating heat as betrayal sank in. Enel had no right to call himself that. He has no right to claim the title of the Sky God. No one does. Not when his brother, Halad, the true Sky God, had died.

"The Sky God.." Luffy's voice was a low growl, barely above a whisper, his strawhat hiding the fierce rage in his eyes. His crew couldn't hear the fury in his words, but they could feel it in the air. "How dare he!" His eyes blazed golden and blue, as the winds responded, swirling violently around him as his rage grew. The sky seemed to darken as the air pressure around him shifted. The winds, rushing urgently past his ears, confirmed what he already felt in his core: this so-called Sky God, Enel, had proclaimed himself divine, spreading his name and false authority across Skypiea like a plague. To Luffy, this was not only blasphemy—it was an insult to everything Halad had once stood for, a mockery of the sibling he had loved and lost.

"Luffy?" Sanji called out, his voice filled with confusion. He stepped closer, eyes furrowed as he tried to understand the change in his captain.

"Not again." Zoro muttered under his breath, as he recognized Luffy's familiar transformation with the lack of majestic clouds with a mix of concern and resignation. He had seen this before in Syrup village, when Luffy was hypnotized. The entire island had shaken and the sky had turned blood red. Zoro was sure—after knowing the truth of Luffy's divinity—that the weather had reacted to Luffy's rage, the sun vanishing and the heat rising to a terrifying degree. If it weren't for the waves to claim Luffy at that time, Zoro was sure that everyone was in danger.

Luffy didn't hear his crew. His focus was elsewhere, his mind set on one thing: finding Enel and putting an end to this pretender's claim. His body surged with energy, the familiar warmth of the sun beginning to course through his veins. But this time, it felt different. Stronger. Almost like he was drawing from something greater. His form began to shift again, unconsciously, his power expanding. His nails dug into his palms. His face twisted with betrayal and rage. He could feel the weak, faint presence—the source of the blasphemy—and his body moved instinctively.

Without another word, Luffy stepped forward, his gaze hard and determined. "I'll be back," Luffy said abruptly, his voice cold and clipped.

"Huh?" Nami turned toward him, alarmed. "What do you mean, 'back'? Where are you going, Luffy?"

"To deal with some delusional trash," Luffy replied, his tone leaving no room for argument. Without waiting for a response, he crouched low, the air around him crackling with an intense energy, and launched himself skyward. He vanished into the distance, leaving the crew behind in stunned silence.

"What just happened?" Nami asked, her voice tinged with panic.

Zoro's sharp gaze lingered on the spot where Luffy had disappeared. "He's angry. Really angry."

"And glowing," Robin added, her tone calm but curious. She had noticed her 'temporary' captain glowing more than once but only during the shadow of darkness.. not in plain daylight—and wasn't that a mystery yet to be solved? "Did anyone else notice that?"

Nami nodded hesitantly, clutching the ship's rail tightly as her knuckles turned whiter. "Zoro.. Did you see him? His hair, his skin.." She spoke, her voice tinged with unknown terror. "He.. he looked like back then.."

Sanji, lighting a cigarette with a furrowed brow, exhaled slowly. "That idiot captain always does reckless things but this was different. What the hell was that?!" Sanji questioned. Never had he thought that Luffy's hair would turn whiter or he would glow in broad daylight. He was still confused with Luffy's abnormalities but this was too much! It almost makes him question what Luffy is if he isn't a human? Who is Luffy in reality? Was this just something a devil fruit can do?

"Like in Syrup Village.." Zoro answered to Nami, staring at the place Luffy was a moment ago. He needed to rush after him, but what could he do when a Godly being was in rage?

Nami turned to Zoro, her eyes wide with horror and panic. "Do you think it's happening again? That.. whatever happened in Syrup Village..?" She asked, hugging herself in assurance, not wanting a repeat of the nightmare she still has some nights.

Zoro nodded grimly, not seeing a way out of this. A part of his mind wondered if the form Luffy took in Syrup Village under the hypnosis is Luffy's real form? And perhaps Luffy is getting into his divine form once again.. due to being closer to the sun?

"What is happening to captain-san, swordsman-san?" Robin asked softly, her gaze locked in the sky, trying to find where her captain flung himself to but even with her Hana Hana no mi powers she couldn't. Though she knew that the first mate of the crew has some answers.

Zoro didn't answer immediately, unsure of whether to trust Robin on anything. He knew what was happening but he wasn't about to explain it to others, even if he considers them as his friends. He couldn't. Not when Luffy had asked him to not reveal his secrets to the crew. Not when he isn't ready and.. still afraid of his true form. In fact, the last time Luffy had transformed like this, the world seemed to be asking everyone's blood to only calm down.

"I'll go after him." Zoro stated after a long pause, his voice steady but with an underlying tension. "I need to make sure he doesn't get into any trouble."

"No, you'll only get lost." Nami responded sharply, grabbing Zoro's arm with her trembling hands. She was still scared, not wanting to see the childish, naive, innocent Luffy change into something monstrous once again. Nor was she ready to let anyone approach him during this state. "Luffy's already gone. We'll just have to wait for him to come back." Her smile wobbled as she uttered the words. "Let's explore the island while we can. It might be our only chance."

Zoro hesitated, but finally nodded. He wasn't about to let Luffy go alone, but it seemed there was no choice in the matter. With a sigh, he stepped back as the others began to disembark the ship. Meanwhile, Robin continued watching Zoro, her expression thoughtful. There was clearly more to Luffy than met the eye, and she was determined to find out exactly what that was.

"Zoro, Nami..." Robin said quietly, but the others didn't hear her. She wanted to ask more, but she also knew that it wasn't the time yet.

With no other option, Zoro and Nami reluctantly agreed to explore the island. But their eyes kept flicking back to the direction Luffy had vanished, hoping he wouldn't do something reckless.

.

As Luffy hurled himself off the Going Merry, his body plunged toward the misty cloud sea below. The wind howled around him as he fell, his eyes locked on the direction of his target, his face twisted with fury, every fiber of his being ready for what was coming next. His body stretched and distorted in ways that seemed unnatural, but it felt natural to him. The force of the fall did nothing to slow him down, his legs kicked once again, and his body shot upward as he pulled a chunk of the cloud sea from below. It was as if he was pulling a piece of soft dough—only it wasn't dough in reality. It was a chunk of the fluffy, ethereal clouds that made up the very fabric of Skypiea's atmosphere.

Luffy grinned widely at the chunk he'd pulled, looking almost pleased with himself. "Time to get back up there!" With a single push, he hurled himself back into the sky, the cloud in his hand acting as a trampoline. He rocketed back up, the cloud forming into a perfect cushion under his feet, which he stomped on lightly to gain momentum.

As he soared higher, the winds rushed past him, reminding him of the pleasant days spent with Halad and his arrival on the Earth eons ago. For the first time in centuries, he felt carefree and full of life in his and Halad's shared territory. He could feel the cool wind running through his hair, the soft clouds through which he passed and the very sky which greeted him, but something else was there—he could hear it, the whispers of the wind. But it wasn't just the usual hum of the atmosphere. This time, there was something sharper, a more distinct presence. Luffy grinned even wider as the whispers became clearer, carrying with them the scent of conflict.

"They're all here," Luffy mumbled to himself, eyes widening slightly as his haki sensed the presence of numerous people below. He could see everything from his sky. The towering structures of Skypiea, the figures of people scattered across the land. It truly was a splendid view. But one figure stood out to him. His eyes narrowed slightly, recognizing the weak presence of someone who dared call himself the Sky God.

The closer he got to his destination, the more he felt the sun's energy radiating through his body, fueling him and his rage. Though, it was different now, just like the times in his memory where he was in his whitish form, without any burdens and worry, unlike the recent time when he had tapped into his Nika powers. He had felt like an overwhelming beast filled with rage and emotions he couldn't handle. Like someone without a restraint and morality. But now, closer to the sun, in the very heat of the sky, it was different. The familiar, welcoming heat felt comforting instead of prickling and suffocating his heart. His own transformation, once chaotic and destructive, now felt steady and under control, like his energy was finally aligning with the sun's.

Luffy's hair glowed a brilliant white as light refracted off of it as though it were the sun's rays. His entire body shimmered, glowing as if the very light of the sky had become a part of him. His limbs stretched and twisted with ease, the air around him crackling with raw energy. The once terrifying unpredictability of his godly form had faded, replaced by a calm sense of dominance over the power he had once embraced. The more Luffy flew, the less the transformation felt like an alien force pushing against him. He was becoming one with it, with the sky, with the sun, without fear of losing control anytime soon. Being this closer to his domains felt refreshing and containing.

Ahead, Luffy could see Enel sitting atop his floating throne, arms crossed in a casual, almost bored manner as if he were simply waiting for him to arrive. Luffy could see the utter confidence and belief in the mortal's eyes as he approached, still sitting lazily as if he were untouchable.

Luffy's eyes burned with a quiet fury as he zeroed in on Enel. He wasn't interested in speeches, he wasn't interested in fighting any underlings—he only wanted to take down the one who dared mock the sky and its true guardian.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" Enel's voice boomed across the sky, dripping with arrogance and superiority. "Another fool who dares to challenge me. The true God of Skypiea and Sky." He stated, raising his hand as if to dismiss Luffy already. "Or perhaps you are lost, child."

Luffy didn't answer. Instead, his fist shot out, propelled by a force so powerful that the air around him wrapped with the movement, crackling with energy and rage. In an instant, his fist collided with Enel's stomach with a force that shattered the fake god's smirk and broke his rib cage to bits.

Enel gasped, his breath knocked out of him as he stumbled backward along with his throne, his arms flailing in an attempt to regain balance. His smug attitude and calm yet bored demeanor shattered instantly, replaced with shock and confusion.

Luffy started walking in deliberate slow steps towards Enel, unbothered by the people who rushed out of the room in horror, his body still shimmering with that intense white glow. His grin was grim, more of a statement than the usual expression of joy. His chest rose and fell with the power coursing through him, and his voice, when it finally came, was low but laced with fury.

"You're no god." Luffy's words were cold, cutting through the air between them. "I lost someone who was. No one can replace him. Not you."

Enel laid on the floor, crumbling in pain, as his face contorted into disbelief as he tried to recover his breaths and make sense of what was happening. "FOOL!" He shouted, his arrogance reaching its pinnacle even if his insides hurt. "Do you think you can stand against me?! I am the true ruler of Sky!" He threatened as he tried to summon his power. Lighting crackled around his fingertips but there was something about the divine looking kid that made it all feel irrelevant. "You will bow before me, or you shall be erased!"

Luffy didn't wait for any more threats. The sky was his. The sun was his. And no one—not some imposter, not anyone—had or will have the right to claim what belonged to him.

.

The Strawhat crew was scattered across the area, each enjoying the rare moment of peace. Nami sped across the cloud-like surface of the beach on a Waiver, expertly navigating its twists and turns. Conis's father, Pagaya, stood nearby, wiping sweat from his brow as he worked on another piece of machinery of the waiver which the Strawhats had picked from the ship which had fallen on the ocean.

Chopper and Usopp sat under the shade of a fruit tree, happily munching on the bright, sky-colored fruits that hung low from its branches. The two were locked in a playful argument about which fruit was tastier, laughing as they threw peels at each other.

Sanji lounged nearby, holding a drink he had prepared with a satisfied smirk, though his eyes darted every so often toward Nami, watching her steer the Waver with precision. Robin reclined on a nearby rock, reading a book she had found in Conis's house, her expression calm but curious as she glanced toward the others from time to time.

"Hey," Usopp said suddenly, looking up from his fruit. "Where's Luffy? He didn't even come for lunch at Conis's house earlier. That's not like him. He never skips a meal!"

Chopper nodded, his wide eyes filled with concern. "Yeah, and I haven't heard him laughing or shouting since we got here. It's so quiet without him."

For a moment, the group fell silent. Sanji lit a cigarette, his brow furrowing as he took a long drag. Zoro, paused for a second in his weight lifting and stared off into the distance—the same direction Luffy had flown off to earlier. Nami, who had brought the Waiver to a stop nearby, bit her lip nervously, her grip on the handlebars tightening.

Conis, standing near her father, tilted her head curiously. "Who's Luffy?" She asked softly, her tone polite yet puzzled.

"Our captain." Zoro was the first to answer.

Sanji exhaled a puff of smoke, leaning forward slightly as he added, "He's the one who keeps us together, though he's been acting strange lately."

Robin, setting her book aside, spoke next. "His behavior was... unusual," She said, her voice steady. "He seemed angry, distracted, like he was chasing something only he could see."

Nami's expression darkened, and her knuckles turned white as she gripped the Waver. She glanced toward Zoro as if seeking reassurance, but Zoro only kept his gaze on the horizon, his jaw tight.

Before anyone could continue, the atmosphere shifted abruptly. A group of figures emerged from the treeline, clad in the ornate, otherworldly uniforms of Skypiea's sky guards. They moved with precision, their wings flaring behind them as they approached the crew. Conis and her father stiffened, their eyes widening in surprise and worry.

One of the guards stepped forward, his expression stern. "You! You are those citizens of Blue Sea,who entered Skypiea unlawfully," He declared, his voice loud and commanding. "By decree of the Sky Lord, you are under arrest for evading payment of the entry fee."

"What?!" Usopp shot up, nearly choking on his fruit. He didn't believe that there was a sky lord that they had offended! What would they do now?

"Why's he calling us illegal trespassers?" Sanji questioned, taking a swig of his cigarette.

"It must be about the 1 billion extol entrance fee, which we certainly didn't pay." Robin answered.

"But that old lady said we could pass!" Usopp objected instantly. He truly didn't want to incur the wrath of a god.

Conis's father, Pagaya, stepped forward hesitantly. "Wait, there must be some misunderstanding," He said, his tone placating. "They're not bad guys, Captain McKinley–!"

"They are criminals!" The captain barked, cutting him off. "Regardless of your hospitality, they entered without following the laws of our land. Harboring them will only bring judgment upon you as well."

Conis clenched her fists, her voice trembling but defiant. "They're not criminals! They've done nothing wrong. Please, there must be another way."

The guards remained unmoved, their expressions hard as they turned their attention back to the Strawhats. "There are six of you here," The captain of the White Berets counted, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the crew. "But our reports indicated a seventh Blue Sea dweller. A child."

At this, the Strawhats froze. For a moment, all exchanged subtle glances, the weight of the question hanging in the air. Zoro's eyes narrowed slightly, but he said nothing. Nami visibly tensed, her grip on the Waver tightening further. Sanji's cigarette burned down to the filter as his brows furrowed in confusion.

Robin tilted her head curiously, her calm demeanor unwavering. "A child?" She repeated, her voice thoughtful. "There is no child among us." She lied fluently, not wanting to out the kid who had given her shelter for now.

The guard frowned, looking at each of them carefully. "We have no picture of this seventh individual, but the watcher of Heaven's fate, Amazon, saw a young boy, perhaps a teenager."

Zoro's expression hardened, and he crossed his arms again, leaning back against the tree trunk. "No idea who you're talking about," He said flatly, his tone dismissive.

Sanji, who had been casually smoking a cigarette, exhaled sharply, his brows furrowing. "A teenager? What are they even talking about?"

Usopp and Chopper, on the other hand, sweated in nervousness, knowing full well about the lies being exchanged. "Luffy looks like a kid to them too.." Usopp mumbled to Chopper as they moved towards Sanji and Zoro discreetly.

The guards exchanged glances, clearly growing more suspicious by the second. "We have no image of the seventh individual," The leader admitted, his voice cold. "But if you are hiding him, it will only worsen your crimes. Hand him over now."

Zoro's jaw tightened as he cast a sidelong glance at Nami, who had gone pale. Her grip on the Waiver tightened, and she opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out.

Conis, sensing the rising tension, hesitated before speaking up. "That kid is.. Luffy, right? Your captain?" She asked softly, addressing the Strawhats. Though a part of her questioned, why would the crew have a kid for their captain?

Zoro's voice broke the silence, calm and firm. "Yeah, he's our captain. And no, we're not handing him over." He answered Conis as well as the White Berets, his hands already on the hilt of his katana, ready to strike.

"Where is this 'Luffy'? Bring him to us, or we will detain all of you this instant!" One of the guards stepped forward and ordered.

Zoro scowled, unsheating his sword. "Good luck finding him. You're not dragging him anywhere."

Sanji adjusted his tie, a sharp glare forming, ready to protect the ladies. "Yeah. Luffy might look like a kid, but good luck handling someone who could eat all of you for breakfast."

The guards stiffened at the ominous tone. Conis and her father, still defending the Straw Hats, appeared increasingly concerned.

'If only they knew just what kind of child they were searching for.' Robin thought as her lips curled into a small, knowing smile. 'Who is part of one of the most legendary pirates and much more.'

.

Luffy pressed his foot harder onto Enel's stomach, causing the self-proclaimed Sky God to wheeze in pain. His golden rod lay discarded to the side, his once-confident smirk replaced with a grimace of desperation and pain. His breath came in shallow gasps, his body battered and bruised from Luffy's assault. Every fiber of his being screamed in agony and his chest ached from where Luffy's punch had shattered his pride and his ribs. He started coughing, coating his hand in blood. As Luffy's intense, glowing eyes bore down on him, radiating power and an unspoken warning, panic started to creep in Enel as he realized he was dangerously close to his death.

The sheer pressure emanating from the boy—no, this being—was suffocating. The light around him seemed to ripple, distorting the air like a mirage. Luffy's hair, glowing unnaturally white, shifted and flickered, as if reflecting the blazing sun. His eyes gleamed with a golden hue, and his body exuded an aura of raw, unrestrained power. Enel's mind raced in disbelief. 'How could this child—a boy who barely looks old enough to wield any weapon—hold so much destructive force?'

But Enel was desperate. He didn't want to die. The heat radiating from the boy and his destructive pressure was already making him lose consciousness. But he can't. He can't die. Not when he is a God. "W-Wait!" Enel stammered, coughing as he tried to speak. "This.. this isn't any fun, is it? Crushing me like a bug? Where's the thrill in that..?" The words felt foreign in his mouth and tasted bitter but Enel could find only this way to free himself from the one side trashing.

Luffy didn't budge or respond, his wide grin feral and manic as his foot pressed harder against Enel's stomach. The motion sent a sharp wave of pain though Enel's body, forcing a choked cry from his lips.

'This monster is going to kill me!' Enel's mind screamed. "I-I have.. a better idea..!" Enel croaked, struggling to sound confident despite the tremor in his voice. "I challenge you!" Enel coughed sickly once again, "A competition between gods and their believers!"

Luffy blinked, breaking out of his stupor, and tilted his head slightly. "A challenge?" He questioned as the pressure on Enel's stomach lightened, though his foot remained firmly in place.

"Y-Yes! A challenge!" Enel seized the opportunity, speaking quickly before Luffy could crush him again. "We'll fight using our believers. My team against yours. A real challenge. Unless..." He smirked weakly, his voice gaining a mocking edge. "Unless you're scared to lose and don't have anyone."

That did it. Luffy's interest was piqued, his golden eyes narrowed in thought and consideration. Enel took a shuddering breath, sensing he was finally getting through to the boy.

"And," Enel continued, playing his trump card, "The leader of the winning team gets the title of Sky God. Of course, that is if you think you can handle it."

Luffy's foot lifted slightly, and Enel nearly sighed in relief. A grin spread across his face as he crossed his arms, clearly intrigued. "A competition, huh?" He considered it for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, I accept. But when my team wins, I'm gonna punch your face in."

The image of Enel's future humiliation flashed in Luffy's mind, and he let out a laugh, imagining how hilarious it would be to see the so-called Sky God crushed under his crew's strength.

Enel coughed, trying to keep his composure despite the humiliation of being treated like a toy, though his trembling body betrayed him. "Good. Then we'll fight in the city of Shandora, on the Giant Jack. That will be the arena."

"Fine by me," Luffy replied, cracking his knuckles. "But hurry up and tell me the rules otherwise Nami would scold me. I wanna start already."

Enel ignored the rambling and sudden pouting of the monstrous child as he straightened slightly, propping himself up on his elbows. It hurts like a bitch. "Four rounds. The first three will be fought by our subordinates. The last will be between us—you and me. No divine intervention during the fights. And," He added with a smirk and crossed fingers, "Each team must have an equal number of participants. That means 50 members per team."

Luffy's jaw dropped at that. "50?! That's way too many! You never said anything about that before!"

Enel shrugged with confidence, realizing that the foolish and naive kid was already in his grasp. "You agreed to the rules. If I have fifty, you need to make a team of fifty before dawn. It's your problem not mine."

Luffy's face scrunched up in disbelief. "This is cheating!"

"You claim to be a god and are getting offended with this?" Enel smirked smugly, his logia powers were already slightly healing his body though it wasn't enough.

"You sneaky, unfair bastard!" Luffy growled, his fists clenching. But despite his outburst, his lips curved into a defiant grin. "Fine! I'll get my team together and beat you so bad you'll never call yourself a god again!"

Without waiting for a response, Luffy launched himself into the sky, using the clouds and wind to propel himself forward. He needed allies. Fast.

As Luffy's figure disappeared into the distance, Enel pushed himself up, wincing at the pain shooting through his body. He rubbed his bruised stomach and sneered. "I-Idiot. Let's see how far you get." He turned to one of his remaining priests, who had arrived during the commotion. "Prepare the Ark Maxim. We're leaving as soon as possible. I'm not fighting that freak again."

The priest hesitated. "But the competition—"

Enel shot him a glare, silencing any protest. "Let him waste his time gathering a team. By the time he realizes I'm gone, we'll be long out of reach."

The priest bowed, hurrying off to carry out the orders. Enel leaned against a nearby pillar, his mind racing. 'That kid.. No, that monster.. He's not normal. There's something terrifying about him.'

.

The Going Merry floated near the docks of Angel Island, rocking gently against the breeze. The Strawhats stood on the deck, the tension from their clash with the White Berets still hanging in the air. While Conis and her father stood on the beach, far away from the Strawhats, nervous and quiet, their eyes darting towards the Strawhats and the beaten form of the White Berets every so often.

Suddenly, the sky shimmered with golden light and the air grew warmer, turning all eyes towards the source, only for their gazes to lock onto a figure seemingly descending from the heavens itself.

"What's that?!" Zoro asked, squinting as he placed a hand on his swords.

"W-What is happening?" Usopp stammered, clutching onto the ship's railing.

"It ought to be an angel descending from the very heavens~!" Sanji gushed, striking a dramatic pose.

But as the figure grew closer, the answer became clearer—it was none other than Luffy. But not the same carefree captain they knew. This being looked otherworldly, his hair glowing an ethereal white and his skin radiating a soft golden hue. His eyes shone like molten gold and blue, bright and piercing, containing joy and yet a deadly warning of destruction. He stood atop a cloud, his broad grin unmistakable, yet his presence was undeniably mystical.

"L-Luffy!" Nami whispered, her face going pale as the memories of Syrup Village clawed their way to the surface. She swore she had buried it to the deepest part of her mind, never wanting to witness the horror again but here he was, standing in that dreadest form—the thought of which always brought chills in her. The suffocating heat, the blood red sky.. would they happen once again..?!

"N-No w-w-w-way!" Usopp trembled, his voice shaking, as he desperately begged his leg to start moving.

Chopper's jaws dropped, his small hooves clutching his hat but instead of being scared like Nami and Usopp, a strange respect surged through him for the Luffy-like figure. His instincts screamed that this was no ordinary being. No, it was something primal, something powerful, holding the reigns of creation and destruction in his very hold.. someone whose name his heart knew but mind had forgotten.

"Oi, Luffy? That's you right?" Sanji broke the silence, his voice steady but curious and questioning. "And what the hell is this form of yours?! Did you eat something weird?"

"Yep, it's me!" Luffy grinned, landing on the Merry's deck with a bounce as his cloud followed him.

"Captain.. What is this form?" Robin questioned, her curious eyes taking every nick and nack of Luffy, studying it carefully to find any clues which would reveal what's happening. "It's.. unlike anything I've seen or read before."

Luffy laughed carefreely, his voice carrying a strange warmth in it, which seemed hypnotistic. "This?" Luffy's smile widened beyond human limits. "I look like this when I'm at my most powerful. Don't worry about it!"

"Y-You.." Nami's breath hitched, as she forced herself to take a step back, shaking her head in terror. "This form.. You're not Luffy." Her voice trembled as she saw the confusion clear on Luffy's face. "You're.. something else."

Usopp paled further at Nami's words, gripping his slingshot tightly. "Y-Y-Y-You're not gonna do what you did in S-Syrup Village, right?" He questioned, his eyes never averting from Luffy's scary golden ones, trying to search for that playful, naive and innocent Luffy which he knows. "Please tell me you're still you."

Luffy's grin faltered for a moment, seeing the fear in Usopp's and Nami's eyes, confusion in Sanji's and Robin's, and respect in Chopper's and Zoro's. He didn't think that his crew would react so differently, but it was hilarious. "Of course I'm still me!" He laughed gleefully. "I've just got a challenge to win, that's all! But I need more members, so hop on!"

Before anyone could even react or process what Luffy uttered, the glowing cloud under Luffy expanded, spreading like molten gold and engulfed the entire Going Merry, lifting it off from the cloudy white-white sea beach.

"L-Luffy!" Nami shrieked, clutching the railing tightly. "What are you DOING?!"

"Relax, it's fine!" Luffy assured, laughing, his wide grin never leaving his small face. "See? We're flying now!"

The crew could only gape in stunned silence and awe as the ship floated effortlessly through the air. The conscious White Berets, Conis and Pagaya, standing on the beach, stared with wide eyes and dropped jaws, unable to comprehend what was even happening.

"How are you doing this all, captain?" Robin questioned, her eyes wide as she peered down from the railing of the ship.

"Hito Hito no mi: Model Nika." Sanji muttered, breaking the silence once again with his cigarette trembling between his lips. "This form.. It's related to your fruit powers, right?"

'Nika?' Robin wondered, remembering that she had heard the name somewhere. "But this doesn't seem like the work of a Devil Fruit alone.." Robin murmured as she remembered the books related to the awakening of the devil fruits. But with how Luffy was looking—otherworldly—it didn't feel like the work of the fruit itself. After all, how can a rubber based fruit—a paramecia, most likely—can give other powers?!

Luffy scoffed at his powers being called devil fruit's but as he opened his mouth, he hesitated and glanced at Zoro, who knew his secret.

"Luffy," Zoro sighed, meeting eyes with Luffy. He had always wondered if the form which Luffy had briefly taken in Syrup Village was how he looked before he lost his powers somehow.. But seeing this he was sure of it. "Are you ready to spill the beans now?" He questioned, ignoring the eyes which snapped towards him in an instant.

Luffy's wide grin faltered slightly, but the golden flow around him didn't waver. He tilted his head as if weighing Zoro's words. He wasn't ready yet to put his crew in danger but news from Sky Islands very rarely travelled to the Blue seas. Moreover, he should have controlled his powers and stayed in his human form if he still wanted to keep his powers a secret. Dad, Mom, Sabo and Ace were sure to be angry once they heard about this but Luffy was sure that his mom would be laughing at his antics once again. "Not yet. I need everyone for the challenge first! Then I'll explain, promise!"

"Challenge?!" Nami screeched, as if coming to her senses. "What challenge?! And why are you dragging us into this insanity!?" She questioned, forgetting her fear entirely.

"It's gonna be fun! You'll see!" Luffy's grin returned, impossibly wider and brighter, making everyone on the deck literally shield their eyes.

"Fun!?" Nami's voice cracked. "How is any of this—"

Before she could finish, Luffy's golden eyes darted to the forest below. His grin stretched wider, if that were even possible. "Oh, look! There's one now!"

"What's one now?" Usopp asked nervously.

Luffy didn't answer. Instead, his arm shot out, stretching impossibly far toward the forest. A massive South Bird, caught completely off guard, squawked loudly as it was snatched up by Luffy's glowing hand. The bird flailed for a moment but stopped as soon as it came face-to-face with Luffy. The massive creature blinked, its sharp gaze softening into what could only be described as respect.

"What the hell, Luffy?!" Usopp yelped, practically climbing onto the mast. "Why are you grabbing a bird of all things?!" He didn't want to pecked on by the massive south bird like the one with whom they came did.

"For the competition!" Luffy proclaimed cheerfully as he placed the South Bird gently onto the cloud beside him.

Robin tilted her head, studying the bird, which now seemed content to perch beside Luffy only. "Captain, how many members do you need for this.. challenge?"

"Fifty!" Luffy declared, throwing his arms wide.

"FIFTY?!" Nami and Usopp screamed in unison.

"Have you lost your mind?!" Nami continued, her voice rising in pitch. "We barely managed to get out of that mess with the White Berets, and now you want to recruit fifty people—or birds?! Whatever they are?! Do you even realize how insane this is?!"

"You're dragging us into this without telling us anything like always!" Usopp added, trembling in fear of what game Luffy was dragging them into now.

Luffy's grin wavered again, and the golden glow around him darkened. For a split second, the sky shifted into a deep crimson, the warmth of the air turning oppressive. After all, this challenge wasn't just a normal one for him. It was for Halad. He could have plummed Enel back to the blue sea, obliterating him completely but the way that egoistic mortal acted, insulted the sky, he deserves his ego to be crushed along with his body.

The sudden shift in the atmosphere made everyone almost freeze. Nami and Usopp clutched each other for dear life, and didn't dare say another word.

"Luffy.." Zoro stepped forward, his hand still on his sword. "If you want us to follow you, you're gonna have to give us something. At least tell us why this is so important."

Luffy's golden blue eyes flicked toward Zoro, then back to the horizon. For a moment, the glow around him softened. "I will," He said quietly. "But not yet. Once I've got everyone, I'll explain everything. I promise."

"Luffy—" Robin began, but Luffy suddenly perked up, his grin returning.

"They're here!" Luffy uttered, his voice filled with excitement.

"Who's here?" Sanji asked, frowning.

"The Shandorians! They can join us too!" Luffy replied. Without another word, he launched himself off the ship, heading straight for the forest below.

"Luffy, wait!" Nami shouted, but it was too late.

The crew exchanged uneasy glances as the Going Merry continued to sail through the sky, carried by Luffy's mysterious cloud.

"What the hell is going on with him?" Sanji muttered, lighting a cigarette to calm his nerves.

Robin crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. "There's more to this than he's letting on. This 'challenge'—it's not just a simple one, is it?"

Zoro leaned against the railing, his gaze fixed on the forest where Luffy had disappeared. "No, it's not. But whatever it is, he's determined to see it through."

Nami hugged herself, shivering despite the warmth in the air. "I just hope we survive whatever this is."

The crew fell silent, the weight of uncertainty settled over them as they waited for their captain to return.

.

Luffy landed gracefully in the heart of the Shandorian village, his glowing form radiating a gentle warmth. His golden eyes scanned the area, taking in the warriors sharpening their weapons and the cautious stares from villagers peeking from behind crude wooden huts. In the center of the village stood Wiper, the warrior Luffy had captured earlier, his expression a mix of disbelief and simmering anger.

The Shandorians bristled as Luffy's bare feet touched the ground. Wyper stepped forward, his jaw tight. "What the hell are you, a Blue Sea dweller, doing here?" He demanded angrily, his weapon ready for attack. This kid had almost given him a brain freeze with his questions earlier. But seeing his mysterious and almost.. majestic foreign form.. he couldn't help but wonder who truly the kid is. 'But he can't be anything more than a blue sea dweller!'

Luffy tilted his head, his grin childlike but confident. "I'm here to make a deal," Luffy answered with a bright grin as his voice carried an ethereal echo that silenced even the murmuring winds.

"A deal?" Wiper scoffed, crossing his arms. "We don't make deals, kid."

Ignoring the hostility, Luffy's golden eyes shifted to the villagers. His omnipresent awareness picked up their deepest desires, a silent chorus of anger and desperation. They wanted their land freed, their people safe, and their tormentor gone.

"You want to get rid of Enel, right?" Luffy asked casually, floating on the still air, his glowing form catching everyone's attention. "I can help with that."

A ripple of surprise swept through the gathered warriors. Some chuckled bitterly, while others outright laughed.

"You?" One of the warriors sneered. "A kid from the Blue Sea is going to take down Enel? Don't make us laugh."

However, the laughter was not universal. The older Shandorians and those who still believed in the existence of gods fell to their knees in reverence. "The Sun God.. has descended," One of them whispered, bowing deeply, recognising the otherworldly glow and linking it to the sun god.

Luffy pouted, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. "Oi, don't do that," He mumbled, willing his glow to dim completely. He folded his arms over his chest, containing all his powers inside but his otherworldly appearance was still undeniable. His white cloudy hair still floated ethereally and his golden blue eyes gleamed despite his efforts to appear less imposing. "I'm not here to be bowed to. I'm here to help!"

Wyper, unimpressed, spat at the ground. "We don't need a Blue Sea dweller to save us. Especially not one who looks like he's playing dress-up as a god." He raised his weapon high in the air, ready to attack the one who had dared to capture him earlier.

Luffy's grin disappeared, replaced by a pout of frustration as the disrespect hung heavy in the air. He hadn't come here to fight but to make allies. Without a warning, he let out a controlled burst of Conqueror's Haki, which wasn't overwhelming but was enough to knock the air out of those who had mocked him.

The warriors along with Wyper who had mocked Luffy staggered, dropped to their knees and gasped for air, their faces pale as if the weight of the sky pressed upon them.

Luffy's golden blue eyes narrowed, his voice carrying a strange calmness that amplified his childish tone. "I don't care if you trust me or not. All I want is for you to fight with me to save your home. Isn't that what you want too?"

"Sun god.. we want to fight but our bones don't support us." The old, wise men spoke, their bones creaking. "But you can use as shields or however you please." The other wise people agreed along.

"It's okay." Luffy spoke softly, not willing to go so far to take old men. Though their determination was strong, he needed warriors who could fight alongside him.

Murmurs, once again, spread through the crowd, uncertainty mixing with awe, until a child stepped forward—a small girl, barely ten, with determined eyes.

"I'll fight," She said boldly.

"Aisa!" Wyper snapped, glaring at the child. "You can't! I refuse to let you join!"

"Wyper, I want to!" Aisa declared, running towards Luffy, without any fear. "I want to see everyone free."

"But—"

"Aisa can join." Luffy interrupted Wyper as he hoisted the girl up in his arms, with a wide grin. "Aisa's strong and gifted by nature."

Aisa looked up at Luffy, her small hands clenched into fists. "I won't let you down," She said, her voice steady.

Finally, nineteen more warriors stepped forward, hesitantly but their faces were resolute. With the group assembled, Luffy formed another cloud from thin air, its surface shimmering like sunlight on water. The Shandorians gasped in awe and shock as he gestured for them to step onto it.

"Let's go!" Luffy said cheerfully, hopping onto the cloud himself.

"You're awesome, mister!" Aisa cheered with awe.

"Call me Luffy.. or Nika." Luffy spoke, nudging the little girl as they watched the rest of the Shandorian warriors hesitate, but one by one, climbing aboard, unable to deny his surreal power.

The cloud rose, carrying them toward the Going Merry.

On the ship, the crew turned to see Luffy returning with a crowd of Shandorians in tow.

"More recruits?" Sanji asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Seems like it," Zoro said, his arms crossed as he studied the group.

"They actually agreed?" Nami asked, incredulous.

"Yup!" Luffy said, grinning as he dropped onto the deck.

Before anyone could ask more questions, the ship began to approach the towering Giant Jack. At its base stood Enel, his piercing gaze locked onto the approaching group. The air crackled with his presence, his form radiating a sense of omnipotence that made even the bravest of the crew uneasy, but of course it seemed like nothing compared to Luffy.

"That's the Kami?" Usopp squeaked, trembling. "The Sky God?!" He failed to notice the dark glare which crossed on Luffy's face at the words.

Nami paled, clutching Chopper for support. "We're doomed..."

Sanji lit a cigarette, exhaling sharply. "Of course, Luffy had to challenge a god of all beings!"

Zoro, however, narrowed his eyes as he inched closer to Luffy, glancing at Enel with distrust. "He isn't the Sky God, right?" He asked Luffy in a low voice, noticing the dark glare etched on his face.

"No, that mortal is just an imposter." Luffy replied, his golden-blue piercing eyes meeting that of Enel's, and making him sweat.

Zoro nodded at the answer, satisfied for now. Though, his mind wandered to the connection between.. Nika and.. Sky god. Luffy had shown control over winds and weather.. So doesn't that make him—-

"Is that all you've brought, boy?" A sharp, mocking laugh from Enel echoed across the clearing, before Zoro's thoughts could wander. "Pathetic. You'll never win with so few."

Before anyone could retort to Enel's words, the ground trembled and Nola, a giant snake, emerged from the surrounding clouds. The massive snake slithered forward and bent its head towards Luffy like a loyal friend.

"I've got Nola too!" Luffy declared with a proud laugh, grinning ear to ear at his luck for getting Nola on board soon after the declaration of the challenge.

Though, the sight of the giant snake caused chaos among the recruits.

"NOLA?! W-WHY IS THAT THING HERE?!" Usopp wailed, clinging to the mast of the ship for his dear life.

"Luffy! This is a bit too much!" Nami screamed, her face pale as she clutched the railing and stayed as far as she could from the sharp teeth of the massive snake.

"Whoa, that's cool!" Chopper's fear melted into awe, his eyes sparkling as he admired the massive figure of Nola.

Enel's smirk faltered briefly before he laughed louder. "Even with that oversized worm, you're still short on numbers, boy."

As if on cue, a figure appeared in the distance. Gan Fall, the Sky Knight, approached cautiously, his face creased with concern. He had heard the White Berets and some citizens had been taken to the sacred land.

"Old man!" Luffy called, waving his hands and his grin widening. "Perfect timing! Join my side, and we'll get rid of Enel for good!"

"What are you saying? You–" Gan Fall stopped, stunned, his eyes widening as he took in the people gathered and the glowing form of the child calling for him. The aura of divinity radiating–although slightly dim–was unmistakable. "..You're not ordinary."

"Nope! So, you joining or what?" Luffy asked, titling his head like a curious child.

Gan Fall's hesitation lasted only a moment. "If it's to free Skypiea from Enel's tyranny, then I'll fight alongside you."

Before the conversation could continue, Enel clapped his hands mockingly. "How touching. But there's still not enough subordinates."

With fake pity, he gestured to the White Berets and a group of captured citizens—including Conis and Pagaya—standing bound at the base of the Giant Jack. He had ordered his priests to find some useless members for the challenge. That monster's team should be filled to the brim with baggage that wouldn't be helpful at all. After all, he can't run away from the self proclaimed god yet. The Ark Maxim's almost done. He just needs a lil bit more time. "Take them. I'm feeling generous. They can fight for you."

The previously beaten guards bristled at the proclamation, their loyalty torn between survival and defying their kami but eventually, they stepped forward, their gaze having shifted to the helpless citizens they are meant to protect. Their hesitation was replaced with determination with one look at their previous god—Gan Fall.

Luffy's grin widened as he saw his team come together. "Thanks, lightning guy!"

Enel sneered. "Don't thank me yet. Tomorrow, we'll see who the true kami of the sky is." With that, he turned to leave only to be stopped when Luffy's voice rang out, louder and firmer than before.

"You're not a god." Luffy called out, his golden blue eyes glowed fiercely as he stood tall against Enel. The air seemed to tremble at his words, a faint gust of wind swirling around him, as though it were responding to his anger. Luffy finally had enough of everyone's misconceptions. "You're just someone playing pretend, if you truly believe you're a god then you're far too gone in your own delusions. The real guardians of the sky would never act like you."

"The real guardians?" Enel sneered, though his smirk faltered slightly. "And who might they be, little boy? Are you saying you know them?"

Luffy tilted his head, the winds picking up around him in an almost unsettling manner, his grin turned mischievous but edged with something deeper—something ancient. "Let's just say they were nothing like you." He paused, his eyes darkening for a moment, a shadow of something painful flashing across his face. "The sky was theirs to protect. Halad.. the Sky God.. He used to sing with the winds. His song was everything to the sky, but when it was taken from him..." Luffy's expression hardened as his fists clenched. "The winds grew angry. And the clouds.. the clouds never forgive anyone who dares claim the title of the Sky God so lightly."

Luffy's gaze turned cold, almost as though he could feel the weight of the winds and the clouds themselves judging Enel. "But that title isn't yours. It never was or will. It was passed eons ago to the Sun God.. Nika." He said the name with a quiet authority, as though it was both a declaration and a promise. "The sky.. is mine to protect now along with the sun. And I'm not letting you get away with pretending to be something you're not."

The wind howled around Luffy as if he was in the eye of a cyclone, picking up speed, answering his declaration. The clouds around them shifted, darkening ominously as if angered at the mere mention of Enel's false claim. The Shandorians, the strawhats, and even Enel couldn't ignore the palpable tension in the air—the very sky seemed to be alive with fury.

Zoro stood by Luffy, his arms crossed and a small smirk tugging at his lips. He'd known this was coming someday.. though the addition of another title was something new to him too. "About time the rest of the guys caught up, right, Luffy?"

Everyone could only watch in stunned silence as Luffy—no, Nika—nodded and stood resolute, his eyes blazing with the same fire that had once burned within the sun and the winds Halad had wielded. Nika's proclamation felt like the sky itself had spoken, the wind whispering old, forgotten songs, and the clouds brooding in silent judgment.

The anger of the winds and the heaviness of the clouds seemed to respond to Nika's words. He had inherited the mantle, the power, the gentleness and the fury of Halad, though the memories of his brother's sacrifice were still incomplete to him.

Yet, the sky remembered. The winds and clouds would never forget.