Chapter 9

Around Raijin Island, there lies a hidden island enveloped in clouds. If one isn't attentive, it could easily be mistaken for a part of the White Sea.

Within this cloud-bound island space stands a colossal white cloud sculpture, depicting the legendary warrior Kalgara.

This place is known as Cloud Shinobi Village, boasting several primitive tents scattered across its expanse. Among them, one tent stands out as the largest and distinct from the rest. Inside this tent resides an old man adorned with a feather crown.

He is the chief of the Sandia tribe, currently wearing a troubled expression. He can't shake the feeling that something significant has occurred, although he lacks a clear reason. "Could it be... related to Webber and the others?"

Meanwhile, in Raijin Island's shrine, Arthur occupied the seat once belonging to Gang Cole.

Before them stood a group of Sandia warriors, occasionally scorched and singed.

Arthur glanced at the unconscious individuals and signaled Enel and the others beside him. The five of them approached and revived the Sandia soldiers with water.

"Run!" Weber and Komachiyo shouted upon being awakened by the splashes.

However, they soon sensed the tense atmosphere. Looking around, Wyper and the rest paled instantly. None of them attempted to flee; they were all ensnared.

As for why they weren't restrained, Webber and the others understood that escape was futile. The opponent's speed and strength were overwhelming.

They knew they stood no chance against the Logia Thunder Fruit's formidable abilities.

Webber's glare at Arthur could have been lethal.

"What's your intention?" Wei Bo, respected as the group's leader, spoke up.

Since Arthur hadn't killed them outright, there had to be a motive. Perhaps he sought something from them or wanted to establish a connection?

This cerebral activity, unusual for Weber who usually resolved matters through violence, left him puzzled.

"I wish to meet your chief. Will you take me to him?" Arthur stated his purpose plainly.

Sandia were born warriors, and Arthur saw value in their physical prowess. Keeping them under his command seemed advantageous.

"You bastard! What are you planning? We won't let our chief meet a monster like you!" Komachiyo's boss glared fiercely at Arthur.

"Discharge!" Arthur uttered calmly, followed by a small electric shock hitting him.

"What are you playing at!" The Sandia warrior erupted in anger.

"I have no ill intentions. I simply wish to converse with your chiefs. Don't you desire to return to your tribe and continue the ways of your ancestors?" Arthur replied.

"What do you mean?" Wyper, seen as a promising future warrior of the tribe, eventually calmed down.

"It's straightforward. I aim to become jaya's deity. Those living around jaya must submit to me. In return, I'll grant you a life akin to that four hundred years ago in your ancestral home," Arthur revealed his purpose.

"Impossible! We are Sandia warriors! We'll never bow down to you or anyone else. And we certainly won't trust you!" Webber's rejection was resolute. Surrendering was never an option for their Sandia fighters.

"Heh, do you court death?" A sarcastic smile curled on Arthur's lips.

Webber fell silent. No one desired death, but he'd rather die than submit to someone of unknown origins.

Yet, he glanced subtly at the Sandia warriors beside him.

If they all perished, Sandia would suffer greatly.

Arthur noticed Webber's glance. A pleased smile played on his lips. If this person didn't care about his comrades, there would be little recourse.

If Webber were to fall, the others might view Arthur as an enemy, choosing death over surrender. In that scenario, there was little to be done.

"Weber, isn't it? Consider it, surrendering to me isn't shameful. You can return to Raijin Island and your ancestral home!" Arthur continued persuading.

"And perhaps even relight the lamp of Shandora."

"What!?" Both Webber and the others were intrigued by the last statement.

"The lamp of Shandora, a treasure of legend. But it's been four hundred years since anyone heard its beautiful chime."

"Impossible, the lamp of Shandora vanished four hundred years ago!" Sailor Moon ope ope no mi's furrowed brow betrayed her disbelief and suspicion.

"Since I've mentioned it, it means I know! If you choose to surrender, Raijin Island will belong to both the Kong and Shandia peoples. You can return to your ancestral home and even relight the lamp of Shandora," Arthur assured the Shandia with confidence.

For four hundred years, they had fought over not crossing the chasm with the Kong and solely aimed to claim Raijin Island and recover the lamp of Shandora.

However, if they could sit down and talk, many conflicts could be avoided. This was evident when Luffy visited Sky Island, fostering harmony in Apayado.

The eyes of the Sandia warriors flickered with uncertainty. They weren't sure whether to believe this young man from the outer island.

Yet, the lamp of Shandora symbolized their four-hundred-year-old longing and regret.

"If you show me the lamp of Shandora, I'll arrange for the chief to meet you," it wasn't Webber but Sailor Moon ope ope no mi who spoke up, breaking the hesitation.

"Raqi..." The others were surprised by ope ope no mi's boldness.

Webber interjected anxiously, "No, we can't trust him! We can't risk the fate of our tribe!"

"But I want to try! What if... what if he's telling the truth? What if he has no ill intentions? The lamp of Shandora has always been our greatest dream," ope ope no mi spoke with determination, biting her lip.

"This..." Wei Bo hesitated. Eventually, he sighed and closed his eyes, opting to let

ope ope no mi take the chance.

He remained silent, leaving the decision in ope ope no mi's hands.