Chapter 54: 54. Grand Line, The Land Of Gold

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Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- The Sing-Sing Fruit, the Devil Fruit ability wielded by Uta in the theatrical release, is known as one of the few powers capable of potentially destroying the world. Beyond musical notes and the formidable Demon King of Songs form, Uta's most potent ability lies in her power to draw people's spirits into an illusionary world she creates through song. This effect is absolute—bypassing Haki defenses, ignoring any distance limit, and affecting anyone who hears her singing, even through a Den Den Mushi. But mere mind control isn't the extent of this ability. When someone's spirit is pulled into her virtual realm, their body in the real world falls under her command, making them a complete puppet from the moment they hear her song. This overwhelming power even rivals the dangerous abilities of the Hobby-Hobby Fruit, granting Uta's Devil Fruit a world-ending potential all its own. By Sea Circle Calendar Year 1505, Uta, who had joined the Red-Haired Pirates, had already started to wield her Sing-Sing powers. Yet, Alex remains uncertain of the exact moment Uta encountered Shanks and obtained the fruit. He knows only that it was found in a treasure chest in some unknown location, but determining its exact place or time is nearly impossible. While Shakky might have information on the Red-Haired Pirates, Alex sees little chance of beating Shanks to Uta's discovery. Even if he could, he isn't sure if Uta had her Sing-Sing Fruit at that time, or if circumstances would still lead her to gain it later. Regardless, there is a significant difference between encountering a mere songstress and a songstress with terrifying, world-bending powers. The choice would be clear. Alex recalls that in the year Shanks visited Foosha Village, Uta had already shown her Sing-Sing ability. Following an unfortunate incident, Shanks left her behind on an island, which Alex sees as a potential opening to establish his own influence over her. With this tantalizing lead left for future plans, Alex concludes his journey to the East Blue, moving forward with newfound insights and intentions. Only the North Blue and South Blue remain unexplored by Alex, but rather than continue roaming the Four Blues, he sets his sights on the Grand Line. Flying toward the legendary Jaya Island, his route aligns closely with the plot's trajectory. After a stop on Drum Island, where he acquires advanced medical supplies and technology, he proceeds without delay. Finally, upon sighting the approximate location of Mock Town, the fleet ascends, aiming directly for the fabled Sky Island where riches and the Rumble-Rumble Fruit await. Without needing the upwelling currents or the white sea's influence on Devil Fruit users, Alex maneuvers his ship within the anti-tide cabin, easily soaring up 10,000 meters, breaking through the sea of clouds, and reaching the legendary Sky Island. Unlike other islands in the world, this Sky Island stands as a true symbol of the sea's magic. While newcomers from the East Blue and Yamato looked around in awe and curiosity, most others seemed unfazed. For Alex, who has encountered countless Sky Islands in his air travels—at least ten or fifteen—this one was simply another stop. "Haven't you seen Sky Islands before? Why are you getting so excited?" Perona asked, looking at Yamato's boundless enthusiasm with a hint of exasperation. "But this Sky Island is different from the others!" Yamato replied, dashing across the deck to take in every view. "It's way bigger than any of the others, so there has to be something amazing here!" "Yamato's right; this is no ordinary island," Alex added, his words drawing the immediate attention of everyone on deck. Under their curious stares, he continued without hesitation: "Have you heard the legend of Noland, the Liar King? In that tale, Noland once visited Jaya Island and discovered a land of gold—Shandora. But when he returned to his homeland with this news, the Golden Land was nowhere to be found, leading to his execution for deceit." For those unfamiliar with the story, Alex gave a brief summary of its key points, omitting the ending and letting them piece together the implications. "This island is located directly above Gaya," Laffitte remarked, connecting the dots. "If Noland was telling the truth, perhaps this Sky Island was once part of Gaya Island before it was lifted into the sky. So, the Golden Land of Shandora... is actually up here?!" The revelation electrified the crew. Hogback's eyes lit up with a gleeful anticipation, the sheer mention of a "Land of Gold" sparking visions of wealth beyond imagination. Ignoring the usual entrance routes through Sky Island's turbulent White Sea, Alex guided the ship directly to the holy land of Apayado, bypassing the need for the Knock-Up Stream. Flying through the dense jungle canopy, with vines and branches brushing against the ship, they arrived at a wide, canyon-like area in the center of the vast forest. Nestled in this valley was an ancient ruin—a city glowing with golden light even in the absence of direct sunlight. "Is that... the legendary Land of Gold, Shandora?" Hogback nearly toppled over the ship's railing, craning his body as far as he could to glimpse the golden city below. From the elevated vantage point, the full scale of Shandora became clear. Towers, houses, even the grand clock tower—everything was layered in gleaming gold. Even though he had read about it in the tales, the grandeur and scale of the real Shandora left Alex momentarily breathless. The sheer amount of gold here was staggering, easily worth thousands, possibly trillions, of Berries. In the original stories, just a few bags of gold were worth hundreds of millions. Compared to a mere few bags, an entire city covered in gold—enough to fill dozens of clock towers—was an unimaginable fortune. And with Alex's powers, bringing this Golden Land back to Wanokuni would be effortless. He could transport it at an altitude of tens of thousands of meters, ensuring its secrecy and security. In short, they had struck gold—literally and figuratively. Once the ship landed, Hogback was the first to dash toward Shandora, with the others eagerly following. Alex, meanwhile, used his Float-Float Fruit powers to secure Shandora in place, while the rest of the crew explored to their hearts' content. After giving everyone some time to wander, Alex departed the island alone. Though the gold was valuable, he had come here with another purpose in mind—the pursuit of one of the most powerful Logia Fruits in the world, one that had vanished for ages: the Rumble-Rumble Fruit.