Gan Fall didn't look nearly as old as he did in the original story. Though streaks of gray had begun to appear in his hair, he still radiated vitality from within. He was in the prime of his life, the height of both his strength and his glory.
Smiling warmly, Gan Fall rose from his throne and walked over to welcome Rojen's group.
"So that's the God of Skypiea?"
"He just looks like an ordinary old man."
"Yeah, I don't see what's so impressive about him."
The Nether Soul Pirates immediately started whispering among themselves, not even bothering to keep their voices down.
Gan Fall, having just approached, couldn't help looking a little awkward.
In everyone's imagination, Skypiea's God should have looked... well, godlike. Six enormous wings, a kind smile that embraced the world, and a majestic presence worthy of worship.
Instead, the person standing before them was just an old man.
'This' was Skypiea's God?
"Enough," Rojen said, shooting a glare over his shoulder. "Watch your mouths."
The crew obediently fell silent.
"My apologies. My companions can be a bit... unruly," Rojen said with an apologetic smile.
Gan Fall's awkwardness faded, and he waved it off. "It's only natural to be disappointed. The title of 'God' here simply refers to the ruler of Skypiea. It doesn't mean I'm an actual deity." He gave a wry smile.
He had long since grown used to the confusion visitors from the Blue Sea experienced when they first arrived.
"Oh, so that's it."
"So 'God' is just an official title."
"No wonder he's just an old man."
Even after the explanation, Chaporos and the others couldn't help muttering among themselves again.
Black lines practically appeared on Gan Fall's forehead. He might not be an actual deity, but he was still Skypiea's highest authority! Was it really okay to talk about him like that right in front of his face?
Rojen glared at his crew again, finally shutting them up.
"I've already heard what happened on the way here. Thank you for saving Garrido," Gan Fall said, bowing his head sincerely.
"Garrido took good care of us along the way. It was only natural that we'd help," Rojen replied with a smile.
"Garrido is very important to me. Knowing he returned safely is a great relief." Gan Fall smiled warmly.
"Hey, God!" Jason suddenly blurted out. "Got anything to eat? I'm starving!"
Gan Fall wasn't offended in the slightest. Instead, he laughed and gestured for everyone to follow him. "I've already prepared some of Skypiea's specialties, along with several local delicacies."
Five minutes later, everyone entered an enormous dining hall filled with long tables. One large banquet table near the back was already covered in food. Tender slices of meat glistened beneath rich golden sauce, while colorful vegetables were arranged beautifully beside steaming soup that filled the room with a mouthwatering aroma.
After going hungry all morning, the crew's appetites exploded. Several bottles of ruby-red wine had also been prepared.
"I hope you'll forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality," Gan Fall smiled.
Garrido stood beside him, smiling as well.
"It smells incredible!" The crew rushed to their seats, practically drooling as they dug into the feast.
Meanwhile, Rojen sat near Gan Fall, and the two quietly began chatting. At first, they simply exchanged stories about their respective homes. Gan Fall introduced Skypiea's famous landmarks, strange weather, local customs, food, and culture. In return, Rojen spoke about the Blue Sea and the differences between the two worlds.
The cultural exchange fascinated both of them, the world truly was vast. Before they knew it, half an hour had passed.
"To be honest, I don't know the exact details myself," Gan Fall said, eventually steering the conversation toward the history of Upper Yard. "According to our ancestors... about four hundred years ago, the island now known as Upper Yard suddenly appeared here."
Rojen listened attentively. Whether these stories were history or legend, they were details the original story had never revealed.
"Our ancestors were immediately fascinated by how different this land was from Skypiea. They explored it out of simple curiosity. But despite their good intentions... they encountered the greatest disaster in our history."
Gan Fall sighed. "They met the island's original inhabitants, the ancient Shandians. When the Shandians first arrived in Skypiea, they were frightened as well. But they were incredibly powerful, fierce warriors. When God's Army entered their land... they immediately chose war."
Gan Fall let out another sigh. "And that war... lasted for four hundred years."
"Four hundred years?" Even Rojen couldn't hide his surprise.
"That's right. Four hundred years ago, the God of that era drove the Shandians off this island. And ever since then... the war has never truly ended. Even today, the Shandians still refuse to give up reclaiming Upper Yard. But they're outnumbered now, they can no longer defeat God's Army." Gan Fall slowly shook his head.
"So in other words..." Jason spoke through a mouthful of food, "...you guys stole their homeland."
Gan Fall shook his head again. "I wouldn't put it that way. That war should never have happened, but once it began, centuries of hatred made it inevitable. In the end, Upper Yard could only have one master. The past is impossible to judge now, but today... Upper Yard belongs to us."
A trace of pride appeared on his face. After generations of struggle, Skypiea had emerged victorious. To him, that was something worth being proud of.
In this world, when interests were involved, there was no point arguing over who had invaded whom. What mattered was who ultimately possessed the land. The strong ruled; the weak were eliminated. That was the law of the world.
As for justice and kindness... they only served to ease the bitterness of war.
After finishing the story, Gan Fall fell silent for a long while, seemingly lost in memories of the past.
Rojen took a sip of the red wine, letting its dry taste spread across his tongue before asking casually, "God... I've heard that Upper Yard still contains ancient Shandian ruins. I'm rather curious about them."
Gan Fall nodded, not denying it. "They do exist. But after so many centuries, the place has become a desolate wilderness. Dangerous beasts roam the area, and there are many unknown hazards. Our ancestors declared it a forbidden zone long ago."
"A forbidden zone?" Rojen raised an eyebrow.
"That's right," Gan Fall nodded seriously. "No one from Skypiea is allowed to set foot there. So... if you're hoping to learn anything about that place from me, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed."
(End Of This Chapter)
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