In the end, Conis found herself reluctantly convinced by Ron, though it was more due to the persistent efforts of Kaya and Apis.
Kaya and Apis understood there had to be a deeper reason why Ron chose to face Enel. Conis, being a native of Sky Island, naturally feared the so-called "god." However, in the Sword and Rose Pirates, Ron's word was absolute. As their captain, his orders were law, and everyone followed them.
Besides, Kaya and Apis weren't just members of Ron's crew; they were also the ones closest to his heart, united in their devotion to him.
And so, still dazed and somewhat unwilling, Conis returned to entertain Kaya, Apis, Robin, Makino, and the others.
Meanwhile, Ron and Nami left Angel Island, setting off toward the Holy Land. Their ride? Conis's Waver.
Ron had attempted to pilot the Waver himself, only to fail miserably. He nearly drowned in the white sea, dragging himself ashore just in time to catch Nami trying her best to stifle her laughter. His face flushed with embarrassment.
"Why don't you take over?" Ron said, trying to salvage his pride.
Nami chuckled softly, eyes teasing. "Looks like Captain Ron isn't so all-powerful after all."
With practiced ease, Nami took control of the Waver. Standing behind her, Ron wrapped his arms around her waist as they headed across the harbor.
Nami's cheeks reddened slightly. "Hands off," she muttered under her breath.
"Right, sorry." Ron coughed awkwardly, trying to compose himself, though his eyes couldn't help but wander over her figure. In his mind, only Robin came close to rivaling her beauty.
Before long, they reached the Holy Land on the opposite shore.
"We've arrived," Nami said, bringing the Waver to a stop.
"Let's go," Ron said, leaping ashore and scanning the dense jungle around them. Something was off—there were no guards, though this area should've been heavily defended against the Shandorians, who had been fighting for their ancestral homeland for centuries.
Nami followed him, parking the Waver and glancing curiously at the jungle. "So, what's the plan?"
"We go straight in," Ron said, grabbing her hand and leading the way into the thick foliage.
Nami gave him a side-eye. "Why didn't you bring anyone else? Don't tell me you just wanted some alone time with me."
Ron shot her a blank look. "Do I really seem like that kind of guy?"
"Yes, yes you do," Nami replied without hesitation.
Ron sighed dramatically. "My reputation is ruined!"
Nami smirked. "Did you ever have a good reputation?"
"I—"
Nami suddenly interrupted, "Hey, something's happening up ahead."
Ron had sensed it long before her. His power far surpassed hers, but he wasn't in any rush. "Looks like a fight. Let's go check it out."
"Alright," Nami agreed, though a hint of hesitation crept into her voice as she followed.
Ron placed an arm around her waist again, pulling her close as they moved swiftly toward the battle. This time, Nami didn't pull away. Though she had grown more reserved around him, her closeness to Ron was undeniable.
When they reached the clearing, they saw two groups locked in combat.
On one side were the Guardians of God, fiercely loyal to Enel. On the other side stood the warriors of Shandora, battling with everything they had but clearly struggling.
The clash was brutal, but the Guardians held the advantage.
Both sides noticed Ron and Nami's arrival. The fighting stopped momentarily as everyone turned to face them.
"Who are you?" one of the Guardians barked, eyes cold. "This is a sacred place. Trespassing here means death."
The Shandorian warriors stayed silent, though one woman gave Ron and Nami a sharp look, noting their lack of wings. Her suspicion deepened—were these strangers from the Blue Sea?
Ron didn't flinch. "Where's Enel? I need to have a word with him."
"How dare you utter the god's name so casually!" one of the Guardians growled, glaring with venom. "You're asking for death!"
"Enel's name is off-limits? Wow, that guy's even better at playing god than I thought," Ron chuckled.
"No wings… you're not from Sky Island!" another Guardian exclaimed, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "You must be from the Blue Sea! Trespassers like you will die here!"
Ron sighed. "You really think you can kill me? I suggest you tell me where Enel is, or you'll regret it."
"Insolent fool! Heretic! For the glory of god, you must die!"
The Guardians charged at Ron and Nami with bloodlust in their eyes, weapons raised to kill.
The Shandorian warriors exchanged glances, uncertain what to make of the situation.
Wyper, their leader, frowned in confusion. "What's going on?"
"Look, Wyper! They have no wings—they're from the Blue Sea!" a female warrior named Raki pointed out.
Wyper's eyes narrowed. "Their goal seems to be Enel."
"Let's see how this plays out," Raki suggested, a sly grin crossing her face. "Maybe they'll help us."
Wyper nodded. "Alright. We watch."
The leader of the Guardians raised his weapon and bellowed, "For god! Kill the heretics!"
"Kill them!" the others echoed, surging toward Ron and Nami with a roar.
"Seriously?" Ron sighed, shaking his head. "I was going to let you live, but since you're so eager to die…"
With one swift motion, Ron unsheathed his sword. In a blur of deadly steel, blood splattered across the ground.
The Guardians of God fell, lifeless, their bodies crumpling before they could even comprehend what had happened.
The Shandorian warriors stood in stunned silence. These Guardians, who had given them hell for so long, were just… gone. Slaughtered in an instant by this stranger from the Blue Sea.
Wyper and his warriors exchanged looks of shock, their minds reeling.
Who were these two? And just how strong were they?
The battlefield fell silent, as all eyes rested on Ron.