"If the Shandians and Skypieans continue fighting, one day there will be a final winner. And I don't think I need to explain what the cost of that victory would be," Rosen said calmly. This was a war of dialogue—no bloodshed, but no less difficult.
At his words, both the chief and Gan Fall fell silent. The cost of such a war would be one of two things: the victors enslaving the losers—or the complete extinction of one side.
Both outcomes were cruel. They had considered them, of course, but some truths are hard to accept, no matter how clearly understood.
"Since you know that, let me ask this: if I eliminated everyone here and took control of Skypiea by force—what could stop me?" Rosen asked.
The Skypieans' expressions changed subtly.
"Then why haven't you done that?" the Shandian chief asked after a pause.
"Because it goes against the principles of our ideal nation. We want to lead Skypiea into a more prosperous future—not destroy it."
"Skypiea has nothing to do with you. What do you really want? Don't tell us you pirates came here expecting nothing in return," Gan Fall said, suspicious of Rosen. If he truly wanted to rule Skypiea, he could've just done it. Why bother talking to these old men?
Rebellion? Perhaps. But realistically, the Skyfolk were no match for them.
"To be frank, we see Skypiea as a pilot island."
"A pilot for what? If you're trying to turn Skypiea into some kind of dangerous research facility, then even if we die, we won't let you enslave us," Gan Fall said sternly.
"Agreed," said the Shandian chief, surprisingly siding with Gan Fall. In the face of a common, overwhelming threat, even former enemies band together.
"If that's your assumption, then there's no need to talk further. What we want is to create a society where even the weak have rights, where lives are protected—not sacrificed under monarchies. We're piloting a democratic system," Rosen replied.
A democracy? A better life for more people? It sounded like a naive fairytale—especially coming from a pirate. It felt almost surreal.
But both Gan Fall and the Shandian chief were seasoned elders. They could tell when someone was lying. And Rosen, who already held absolute power, had no real reason to lie.
"You must have someone here skilled in using Mantra. I'm completely relaxed right now. I think it should be easy to tell if I'm lying," Rosen added.
Advanced Observation Haki could sense a person's true emotions. While it couldn't read exact thoughts, it could easily pick up on the anxiety or tension of someone lying—especially if they weren't mentally guarded.
"He's telling the truth," said a small girl hiding behind the chief. Her name was Aisa, a Shandian gifted with Observation Haki since childhood. She bore some similarities to Natalie but was two or three years older.
The chief had brought her along for her ability. She loved the earth and often snuck into the sacred land to collect sand.
"Even if what you say is true, we still don't know anything about you. And frankly, whether we agree or not doesn't seem to matter," Gan Fall said, pointing out the key issue.
Even if Rosen had good intentions, they didn't know him. That alone made things difficult. Unless they were given time to gather more information, trust couldn't be established.
While Skypiea was somewhat isolated, it wasn't completely cut off. If they really tried, they could dig up some information on him. After all, people had left the sky for the Blue Sea before—it was rare, but not unheard of.
A person as powerful as Rosen shouldn't be completely unknown down below.
"Your support would greatly help promote the new order. That makes you important. Take your time. We're not in a hurry," Rosen said. He had no illusions about convincing them immediately. That would be unrealistic.
And since they planned to stay on Skypiea for a while, there was no rush.
"Then what exactly is this new order and democracy you propose? Also, do you really think Shandians and Skypieans can coexist?" Gan Fall asked, voicing the question that had haunted his rule.
"Skypieans can survive without the sacred land. The Shandians have abided by an ancient promise for generations—and they're searching for the Golden Bell. I know hatred won't vanish, but maybe hope and peace can bury it. As for the new order—we can discuss it in detail…"
And they did—for the entire day.
Everyone present witnessed the vivid vision of a new nation laid out before them. From a structured leadership and legal framework to the protection of civil rights, from fair laws above the whims of rulers to systems built on equity rather than tyranny…
It stirred longing in the hearts of the Shandian chief, Gan Fall, and all who attended.
Even Skypiea, seemingly peaceful on the surface, had been a place of fear under Enel's rule. Arbitrary divine punishments left families in constant unease.
And the families of the God's Guards who had been imprisoned by Enel suffered deeply during those years.
"Could such a country really exist?" Gan Fall was shaken. In all his years, he had only seen rulers who governed by personal power. Rarely did laws ever override the will of the ruler.
They were used to monarchs holding life-and-death authority. Rosen's vision was like a door opening to an entirely new world.
"Nothing is absolute. Whether it can exist isn't for me to decide."
"No—it must exist," the Shandian chief said. "Maybe not exactly as you describe, but mostly. No single mind could design something so intricate. Your structure is too complete—it must've taken generations to evolve into this system."
His words silenced the room. Everyone turned to look at Rosen.
Rosen gave the chief a surprised look. This minor character in the original story had remarkable insight. "It does exist elsewhere. But in this sea, with its many unique environments, it may not always apply perfectly."
"There's really a country like that?" Even Hathaway and Robin were stunned. Rosen had never told them anything like this before.
"We need to talk," the chief said, addressing Gan Fall for the first time.
Back in Gan Fall's era, they had clashed many times. But now, in front of this man from the Blue Sea, individual consent or rejection held little weight.
He had to know where Gan Fall stood.
"I was thinking the same," Gan Fall nodded. It was clear the chief had just sent a signal.
"But before that—go light your Shandian beacon. I've heard it's a beautiful sound."
"You know where the Golden Bell is?!" the chief exclaimed, visibly moved. This was a dream passed down for centuries.
They didn't even know if the descendants of that man could still hear it—or if any even survived—but maybe, when the Golden Bell rang, someone would remember the legend that once lived on that land.
Its sound would surely reach the world below.
(End of Chapter)