With Ron's help, the Shandora people carried the golden bell away, and as a token of gratitude, they gifted the golden pillar to Ron.
Thanks to Ron's intervention, Ganfall agreed to live in peace with the Shandora people, and after four hundred years of war, Skypiea finally experienced a long-awaited peace.
At Conis's house, she sat with Kaya, holding her pet fox, Sisi, and chatting happily. Occasionally, she covered her mouth from laughter, casting a shy glance at Ron out of the corner of her eye.
Ron was sitting with Raki and Aisa. Aisa, along with Marianne and her new friends, was in high spirits, eagerly sharing stories about their hometown.
"Miss Raki, would you be interested in joining us on our journey?" Ron asked casually. "Aisa is very talented. It would be a shame for her potential to go to waste here. If you come with us, there will be many more opportunities for her to grow."
"Well… I still want Aisa to live a happy and peaceful life here on Skypiea," Raki said, her gaze full of affection as she looked at Aisa.
"Don't worry about dangers," Ron assured her with a confident smile. "You know my strength. I defeated Enel without even using my full power. Even in the Grand Line, I am among the strongest. So, there's no need to be concerned about safety."
"In that case… I'll think about it," Raki replied, still hesitant but considering the offer.
"Oh, come on, Sister Raki, what's there to think about?" Kaya said as she walked over with Conis. "Conis has already agreed to come with us. You should too!"
"Conis, you've really agreed?" Raki was surprised, looking at Conis. With family ties on Skypiea, she hadn't expected Conis to decide so easily.
"Yes, my father gave his blessing as well," Conis said shyly. "I want to see the real ocean, the islands, and the world below."
She glanced at Ron with a bashful expression before lowering her head.
Ron couldn't help but give a faint, approving nod.
Nami, who was observing from the side, grit her teeth in playful frustration. This guy… he's already convinced one girl, and now he's trying to recruit Raki and Aisa too, she thought. Still, she didn't object to Conis, Raki, and Aisa joining. After all, no one could stop the captain from doing what he wanted.
A few days later, Conis brought her pet fox Sisi, and Raki and Aisa successfully boarded Ron's ship.
Nami piloted the Ark Maxim as it departed from Skypiea.
As for the Going Merry, Ron had decided to leave it on the island, docking it near Conis's father's house. He promised to bring Conis back for a visit in the future.
As the Ark left Skypiea behind, Conis waved a final goodbye. When the island disappeared from view, she lowered her hand, and a somber mood fell over her, Aisa, and Raki.
"Don't feel sad. It's not like you won't come back," Kaya said, approaching to comfort them. "Look at Vivi! She's a princess, but she's still sailing with us!"
"Vivi is a princess?" Conis asked, surprised.
"Wow, Sister Vivi is a princess? That's amazing!" Aisa exclaimed.
"Please, don't bring that up!" Vivi said, covering her face. "I didn't join the crew willingly, you know. Ron practically dragged me on board!"
"Haha, but now you're sailing with us and having a great time," Kaya replied with a smile.
"Well, that's true," Vivi admitted, her expression softening. She turned to Raki and Conis. "The world outside is full of wonders. I'm sure you'll both love it. Let's look out for each other from now on!"
"Yes, let's take care of each other," Raki agreed politely.
"Don't worry!" Vivi reassured them. "We're like a family here. You'll fit right in. Look at Aisa and Apis; they're already having a great time."
Indeed, not far away, Aisa and Apis were having fun, lying on the deck and staring at the clouds, chatting animatedly.
Ron, meanwhile, sat comfortably under an umbrella, sipping a drink prepared by Makino, while enjoying the scenery.
At the Ark's control center, Nami was busy keeping the ship on course. She couldn't help but pout as she glanced at Ron's relaxed demeanor. He's over there lounging while I'm doing all the hard work, she thought.
Nojiko walked over and looked at Nami with concern. "Nami, are you doing okay?"
"I'm fine," Nami said, smiling. "The flight is steady now. Once we're back on the sea, everything will be much easier."
"Good," Nojiko nodded. "How much longer until we reach the ocean?"
"Not long now. Can you check below and see if you can spot the sea?" Nami asked.
Nojiko moved to the side of the ship and looked down. Beneath the layers of white clouds, she saw the shimmering blue ocean.
"We're almost there!"
After about ten minutes, the Ark finally descended from the sky, landing smoothly on the water. With the energy Nami had stored in the power system, they could sail for a long time, as sea travel required far less power than flying. Now free from her duties, Nami rushed to the deck, her eyes fixed on the golden pillar.
"Oh my gosh, how much do you think this gold is worth?" she asked Robin excitedly. "Help me estimate, would you?"
"This golden pillar weighs several hundred tons," Robin replied, considering the market value. "It's probably worth over two billion berries."
"Over two billion berries?! Oh my gosh!" Nami's exhaustion disappeared in an instant, and she was practically glowing with excitement. She gazed at the pillar with longing, half-seriously considering sleeping next to it.
"Have we reached the surface?" Ron asked as he got up and stretched. "First, let's head to Jaya Island to resupply. With a bigger ship and more people, we'll need more provisions. Nami, I'll leave that task to you."
"Are we going to sell this gold?" Nami asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Not just yet," Ron said after a moment of thought. "Jaya might not be the best place to get a good price. Our next destination is Water 7, which is a more prosperous city. We'll sell it there."
"Great! I don't want to sell it at a loss!" Nami eagerly agreed. She then steered the Ark toward Jaya Island, where they planned to dock.
After reaching the island, Nami promptly distributed the berries they had obtained earlier to the crew, and Ron led the way off the Ark, ready to start resupplying and preparing for the next leg of their journey.