One Piece: Conquering Wanokuni at Start

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Sea Circle Calendar, Late 1523.

The time for the Fire Festival was near, and the Sky Kingdom was abuzz with preparations for its annual grand celebration. Streets and skies were alive with activity, each citizen playing their part to make the event spectacular.

Prosperous. Rich. Grand. Spectacular.

These were Kuzan's first impressions as he arrived in the Sky Kingdom aboard Gion's ship.

Towering above the sea, the kingdom's three floating cities spanned tens of thousands of miles, casting vast shadows over the waters below. The sheer scale of it all left Kuzan in awe, providing a far clearer understanding of the kingdom's grandeur than anything he had gleaned from Marine intelligence reports.

He had read plenty: the distribution of the floating cities, the breathtaking scenery, the advanced technology, and even the long list of dignitaries invited to the Fire Festival. But words on paper couldn't compare to seeing it firsthand.

This was a nation unaffiliated with the World Government, a place that had once been just another small, struggling country in the New World. Yet, in less than twenty years under the leadership of the "Flying General," it had transformed into one of the wealthiest and most advanced kingdoms in the world.

As their ship docked at the Totto Land area—a region designated for receiving incoming guests—the sights overwhelmed the senses. Bright lights, colorful banners, and the sounds of celebration filled the air. The atmosphere radiated prosperity and joy, blanketing the kingdom in festivity.

Even Kuzan, with his usual laid-back demeanor, couldn't help but feel his mood lighten. The weariness from his travels, the lingering thoughts about justice and purpose—all of it seemed to fade as he stepped onto the festive streets.

Drawn by the lively atmosphere, Kuzan wandered toward a nearby drink stand. Spotting his favorite dairy farmer's milk on the menu, he walked up to the counter. "Excuse me, boss," he said casually, "I'll have a glass of dairy farmer's milk."

The shopkeeper, a stout man with sharp eyes, studied Kuzan for a moment before nodding and turning to prepare the drink. A short while later, he placed the glass on the counter, his gaze lingering on Kuzan as if sizing him up.

Kuzan ignored the scrutiny and took a sip. The sweet, creamy flavor hit his tongue, and his eyes widened behind his sunglasses. "This is delicious!" he exclaimed, his voice uncharacteristically lively. "Sweet and rich—good milk like this is rare."

The shopkeeper's stern expression softened, replaced by a proud smile. "Ah, you've got good taste, little brother. You must be new here, huh? Let me tell you, in Totto Land, anything related to desserts is the best in the world."

As if encouraged by Kuzan's praise, the shopkeeper filled his glass again, sliding it over with a smirk.

Kuzan accepted it with a nod, taking another sip before asking, "By the way, boss, how did you know I'm here for the first time?"

The shopkeeper chuckled, crossing his arms. "Isn't it obvious? Look at the kingdom right now—bright, busy, and alive with celebration. There aren't many people wandering around with a gloomy face like yours. Especially not on a day like this."

"That's your reason?"

Kuzan scratched his head as he glanced around, still not entirely convinced about his so-called "decadent appearance." Yet, the undeniable laughter and joy that filled the air were impossible to ignore.

'Is this atmosphere—the thriving Sky Kingdom under Alex's leadership—the reason for Gion's confidence?' he wondered, his gaze lingering on the bustling streets.

The Flying Throne

"Finally back, Gion," Alex said, seated comfortably atop his throne. His sharp eyes softened slightly as he gestured for her to come closer.

Without hesitation, Gion stepped forward. As Alex extended his arms, she settled herself in his lap with practiced ease.

Though it had only been a week since their last meeting, there was a strange yearning she couldn't quite explain. Perhaps it was because the usual troublemakers—Hancock and Yamato—were absent, leaving her without distractions. No longer holding back, Gion leaned in and bit Alex lightly on the shoulder. "Come to my room tonight," she murmured, her tone both commanding and intimate.

Alex, catching the faint blush on her usually composed face, placed a steadying hand on her as she shifted in his lap. Her long, toned legs wrapped around him with surprising force, a playful grin tugging at his lips. "Why the sudden boldness? Don't tell me Stussy hasn't been keeping you company recently," he teased.

"Don't compare me to her," Gion replied, her tone sharp as she shot him a glare. "I'm still a normal woman. It's perfectly natural for me to act on a whim when I'm around someone I like."

Alex didn't argue, choosing instead to grin silently. His thoughts briefly wandered, amused by her uncharacteristic forwardness. He silently hoped she wouldn't be asking for mercy later tonight—though the possibility seemed likely.

Sensing his gaze lingering, Gion quickly averted her eyes, shifting the conversation. "By the way, I brought Kuzan here like you asked, but he disembarked in the first area," she said.

"That's fine," Alex replied, his tone calm. "After all, this was your idea, wasn't it? Using the Fire Festival as the perfect opportunity to make your move."

"That's true," Gion admitted with a shrug, "but who knows what that guy's thinking—or what his final decision will be."

Alex chuckled. "You give me too much credit. You think I'm some kind of 'professional kidnapper.'" His voice carried a subtle playfulness. "But you're right—this is a rare, happy occasion. Leave the heavy stuff for another time and enjoy the Fire Festival."

Gion stretched lazily in Alex's lap before standing, her long legs uncrossing. As she moved, the tattoos of a black widow and a flying bird on her thighs seemed to dance with her graceful movements.

"Maybe," Alex said in a nonchalant tone, watching her retreat. While he had put thought into inviting Kuzan to the Sky Kingdom, his current position made such calculations feel less pressing than before.

Back then, he might have schemed endlessly to secure another top-tier ally, but now his power and resources left him far more confident.

Kuzan, while undoubtedly valuable, wasn't a critical piece in Alex's endgame. The former admiral had seen too much darkness in his Marine career to be easily swayed—he was a seasoned veteran, sharp and unpredictable. Even so, Kuzan's position aligned loosely with the goals of the Revolutionary Army, making him a potential ally for now.

As for the future, Alex had little doubt that he could deal with whatever came his way. Aside from the World Government and Im, who else could challenge him?

Watching Gion head toward her room, Alex's expression turned serious. "This Fire Festival is something to savor," he said softly. "It'll be the last grand celebration of the Sky Kingdom."

His voice carried a weight that hinted at far more than a simple festival. Whether it was the day foretold in prophecy, the pivotal events to come in 1524, or the echoes of the undead twenty years ago, everything seemed to point toward the year ahead—a year that would reshape the world.