Translator: PapaSmurf0700
As they gathered outside the quaint hut, Nami held up a weathered picture book she found on a stake. "Check this out, everyone," she called out, catching the crew's attention. "It's an old book titled 'Liar Noland.'"
Usopp couldn't help but burst into laughter, hands on his hips. "Haha, what a title! This must be a fun read!"
Sanji, overhearing the conversation, stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Liar Noland?" he mused, a flicker of recognition in his eyes. "I remember this story from my childhood!"
Nami turned the book over in her hands, inspecting it. "It's published by Lvneel Publishing," she noted.
Sanji nodded. "Yeah, that's right. I grew up in North Blue, and Lvneel is a kingdom there. Didn't I mention that before?"
Nami shook her head, "Nope, you never did."
Meanwhile, Chopper continued to dig nearby, the sound of his efforts filling the air. Nami couldn't help but shout over to him, "Chopper, can you quiet down a bit with the digging?"
Chopper stopped abruptly, looking up with wide eyes, shocked.
Zoro, observing the scene, resigned, simply patted Chopper's head and said nothing.
Sanji took the moment to share the legend he knew so well. "About 400 years ago, in North Blue, there was an explorer named Mont Blanc Noland," he began. "Noland was famous for his incredible stories from his voyages. People adored his tales."
"He once came back claiming to have found an island full of gold in the Grand Line," Sanji continued, capturing everyone's interest. "Excited, he took the king to this island, but when they arrived, there was no gold to be found."
"The king, furious at being made a fool, declared Noland a liar and had him executed. And the strangest part," Sanji paused for effect, "is that Noland was still smiling at his execution..."
Just as Sanji was wrapping up the tale, a new voice interjected from the shore. A muscular man with a diamond-shaped face and short yellow hair, drenched and smoking a cigarette, corrected him: "Not quite right. Before Noland died, he was in tears—not smiling."
The man's solemn tone and presence caught everyone off guard. It was clear he wasn't just any stranger.
"This portrayal of Noland in the picture book is far too silly," he added, his voice tinged with a personal touch that revealed his connection to the story.
As the crew looked on, it dawned on them who this man must be—Mont Blanc Cricket, a descendant of Mont Blanc Noland himself.
After their meeting, two orangutans arrived, joining Mont Blanc Cricket in clarifying everything. The crew learned more about Cricket: although he often claimed to detest Noland, since arriving on this island, he'd dedicated his days to searching for gold in the sea to vindicate his ancestor.
Usopp was deeply moved by the centuries-spanning saga and wept openly. Luffy, however, seemed less interested. He addressed Cricket directly, "Uncle, I'm headed to Sky Island! I'm not here for tales about liars!" Usopp, disappointed by Luffy's blunt attitude, punched him, exclaiming, "Idiot, show some respect!"
Yet, Luffy maintained his determined gaze. Cricket, amused by Luffy's resolve, chuckled and turned to pull a book from a shelf. "The only person who claimed to have seen Sky Island was the 'big liar' Noland himself," Cricket explained as he presented the book to Luffy. "And this," he said while opening a specific page, "is the evidence he left behind."
Though Noland never reached Sky Island, he described elements unique to it in his logs, like the Waver, a ski-like sailing tool that operates without wind, powered by a special shell, and the vibrant Sky Fishes he claimed to have seen. These notes were now shared with Luffy and his crew, lighting up the eyes of the Straw Hats, especially Luffy, Chopper, Usopp, and Merry.
Their excitement was palpable as Luffy exclaimed, "Let's hurry up and go there!" Chopper, Usopp, and Merry echoed his enthusiasm with a chorus of "Yes, yes, yes!"
Nami, frustrated by their lack of practicality, snapped, "Idiots! Aren't we supposed to be figuring out how to actually get there?"
BOOM! Her fist of love silenced Luffy and Usopp, who apologized meekly.
Chopper and Merry watched from the sidelines, internally noting, 'Nami sure is scary!'
Cricket, witnessing the chaotic but spirited interaction, laughed heartily, "Hahaha, you folks are truly an entertaining bunch!"
Next with a gleam in his eye, he revealed the only known way to reach Sky Island: "The upstream current!" He expected a reaction of fear or hesitation as he detailed the risks involved. To his surprise, however, the crew seemed unfazed, even excited, discussing plans for their adventure on the island.
"You guys, aren't you worried? If you fall down halfway, you will definitely die," Cricket couldn't hold back his concern.
Luffy, with his typical confidence, clapped a hand on the shoulder next to him and reassured, "Don't worry, uncle, Bai Ye will take care of everything."
Observing the unwavering trust the crew placed in Bai Ye, Cricket turned his gaze towards the white-haired priest, wondering about his capabilities. Bai Ye, catching Cricket's inquisitive look, simply shrugged and responded confidently, "If it's just that kind of danger, I think I can handle it."
Bai Ye's assurance stemmed from his knowledge that even the damaged Going Merry had successfully landed on Sky Island in the original story. Now, with enhanced protections and a sturdier build, rising with the current seemed well within the realm of possibility.
Cricket, smiling at Bai Ye's confident demeanor, remarked, "What a wonderful group." He then stood, energized by the meeting, "It's been a long time since I met people with real dreams like you. For you dreamers, I and the orangutans will help you achieve your dream."
As everyone readied to proceed with the preparations, Bai Ye interjected with a suggestion, "Before that, I have some advice that might help you."