Translator: PapaSmurf0700
As Bai Ye pondered over Laugh Tale, he found himself gazing at Luffy, who seemed to embody the spirit of Joy Boy in this era. He understood why the treasure at the final island was dubbed "a big joke." Smiling to himself, Bai Ye mused, "Laugh Tale? It really is a place worth looking forward to."
Just then, Luffy's voice burst through Bai Ye's thoughts. "I want to write on it too!" he declared. "If the Pirate King Roger left a message here, I'm going to leave one too!" His excitement was palpable, fueled by a youthful defiance of "if he can do it, so can I."
Nami responded with a mix of exasperation and affection, "I know, I know. Anything related to Roger gets you fired up." The stone surface of the poneglyph was already carved, but the gold next to it, where Roger had left his message, offered a blank slate.
With her newfound powers from the thunder fruit, Nami found herself reluctantly drafted as Luffy's assistant, capable of manipulating metal or stone much like Enel once did. She turned to Robin with a playful grin, "Robin, could you translate Luffy's message into ancient text later? You know he'll want the same prestige as Roger."
Luffy responded with a wide, triumphant smile, seemingly basking in an applause only he could hear.
Usopp muttered under his breath, "No one's praising you, you idiot."
Robin laughed gently, nodding in agreement. "Of course, I'd be happy to help," she said warmly. "What message do you plan to leave, Luffy?"
Even Zoro couldn't help but lean in, curious. The legacy Roger left behind was monumental; his words carried the weight of his title as Pirate King. Although the Straw Hats, being relatively new to the grand stage of piracy, had a long way to go, their ambition and Luffy's dream did not falter.
Bai Ye, standing a step behind the rest of the crew, quietly asked Luffy, "So, what message do you want to leave, Luffy?" He knew Luffy's thoughts often ran simpler and more direct than most.
Without missing a beat, Luffy responded with unbridled enthusiasm, "It's decided! Just write this!" To Luffy, the connection was clear: the Pirate King left a message, and since he aimed to be the Pirate King, he should too. His logic was straightforward but filled with his typical resolve. After a brief moment of thought, he clapped his hands together, having made up his mind.
"I'm coming for the title of Pirate King!
Monkey D. Luffy, Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates."
With those words chosen, the Straw Hats' adventurous chapter in Upper Yard drew to a close. Soon after, the soldiers who had departed from Upper Yard spread tales of the Straw Hats' deeds.
The Sky Islanders and the Shandia, well-prepared and eager to welcome the Straw Hats, had a special surprise waiting for them. The surprise was simple yet perfect for the occasion—a grand banquet, much to Luffy's delight.
The banquet, lasting a full three days, saw a joyous assembly of many creatures, including the cloud wolves, the Master of the Sky, and the large South Bird. Laughter and merriment echoed across the skies, with the Straw Hats at the heart of the celebration.
Although remnants of the 400-year-old strife between the Shandia people and the Sky Islanders lingered, there was a shared hope that time would heal old wounds. United, they would safeguard Upper Yard and its symbol of peace—the Shandorian Golden Belfry Bell.
It was during this time that Gan Fall and the Shandia village chief proclaimed the Straw Hat Pirates as the guardians of their sky kingdom. Taking inspiration from the governance styles of some islands in the blue sea, they hoisted the Straw Hat Pirates' flag over Angel Island and Upper Yard, marking the first time the crew claimed a territory of their own. Luffy, brimming with pride, joyously clapped Gan Fall and the village chief on the back, laughing heartily.
Bai Ye, understanding the responsibilities that come with such a designation, took it upon himself to ensure the safety of their new territory. He crafted and laid down a defensive formation around the kingdom—a powerful shield capable of both attack and defense. Bai Ye estimated that unless faced with a siege from the likes of the three admirals, this formation would hold steadfast, essentially making their new territory impregnable.
With these protective measures in place, and their role as guardians established, the Straw Hats were ready to set sail once more, continuing their grand adventure.
Chopper waved goodbye to all his new animal friends. Though he hadn't picked up any medical skills on Sky Island, the friendships he'd made were a joy in themselves. Plus, he often chatted with Bai Ye about alchemy, giving him plenty to ponder for a long time.
Robin had deep discussions with Gan Fall and the Shandia village chief. As an archaeologist, she was fascinated by the histories of both the Golden City and Angel Island, which might have been built by lunar people. On Bai Ye's advice, Robin started to keep a logbook similar to Kozuki Oden's, destined to become a treasure for future adventurers.
Nami went on a shopping spree on Angel Island with Conis. Despite the shopkeeper's insistence that everything was free, Nami, changed by her travels and wealth, chose to pay for her purchases.
Usopp and Pagaya explored all kinds of novelty dials, feeding Usopp's passion for invention.
Sanji shopped for exotic ingredients, with Luffy tagging along, tasting everything in sight.
Zoro, having learned the flying slash during his battles, felt it was his greatest gain and that he didn't need to shop.
Merry, with Bai Ye's help, left a beacon on Upper Yard, a marker for their eventual return.
As the day ended, it was time to say goodbye.