After completing Brook's commission, Nicholas bid farewell to Laboon and Crocus, steering the Sea monarchy toward the boundary between the Grand Line and the East Blue, where the Calm Belt intersected with the Grand Line.
Half a day later, Nicholas arrived at the junction of the Calm Belt and the Grand Line.
During the journey, Nicholas even encountered a storm.
However, with the performance of the Sea monarchy, such a level of storm was no problem at all.
Even the waves stirred up by the storm, were just a spectacle for Nicholas to appreciate the fury of the Grand Line.
It could be said that in the Grand Line, having a reliable ship was like having a second life.
"The Calm Belt is truly miraculous..."
Nicholas stood at the bow of the ship, gazing into the distance. He could see the Grand Line area engulfed by fierce winds and rainstorms, while on the other side of the Calm Belt, it was calm and sunny, with a clear distinction between the two.
As the Sea monarchy sailed into the range of the Calm Belt, even the previously billowing sails gradually fell silent, and as they ventured deeper, they eventually came to a complete standstill.
Just as the name suggested, the Calm Belt was an area of the sea without wind.
The Calm Belt was a sea area devoid of wind, guarding the Grand Line like two sentinels.
In fact, the most expedient way to enter the Grand Line was to pass through the Calm Belt directly. However, because there was no wind in the Calm Belt, many pirate crews found it impossible to navigate properly once they entered the area. Moreover, compared to the dangerous currents around Reverse Mountain, the giant sea kings lurking in the Calm Belt posed an even greater threat to pirates who had just entered the Grand Line from the Four Blues.
Therefore, aside from the Marines who mastered the Sea-Prism Stone technology, only the powerful pirate crews of the New World could freely traverse the Calm Belt.
Under the cover of night, a dozen warships bearing the emblem of the Flower Country slowly approached an island.
"Hey, is the intelligence accurate? Are those guys really here?"
On one of the ships, a soldier dressed in the uniform of the Flower Country whispered to his companion.
"Of course, our intelligence department has been following them since they entered the New World. Now we can confirm that guy isn't here. Anyone who dares to cross us, the Flower Country, will have a hard time."
"But what if he finds out what we've done and retaliates against the Flower Country? You know, his bounty is as high as those monsters in the New World."
The Flower Country naval soldier who initially inquired wore a worried expression. Although the Flower Country's navy was a formidable force, there was still some gap compared to those monsters in the New World.
"Don't worry, as long as we wipe them all out, who would know it's us? You're too... Oh, what's this?"
Suddenly, an unidentified object fell from the sky and splattered onto the face of the Flower Country naval soldier, leaving him in a state of shock and disgust. The stench was overwhelming, and he could barely contain his nausea. The Flower Country naval soldier wiped the substance off his face, feeling exasperated and angry.
"Damn birds! If I catch you, I'll pluck you clean!"
Swearing under his breath, the Flower Country naval soldier wiped away the gooey substance from his face and vowed to take revenge on the bird.
"Sorry, can you watch for me while I wash my face? This damn bird..."
He gestured to his companion and rushed to the washroom to clean up.
"Go ahead, and make sure you clean it thoroughly. Hahaha..."
His companion laughed heartily as they watched him leave.
Suddenly, another glob of gooey substance fell from the sky, hitting the laughing Flower Country naval soldier directly in the face, even finding its way into his mouth. After a bout of retching, both soldiers hurriedly made their way to the ship's washroom.
With a screech, a giant Falcon pierced the night sky, breaking the silence and drawing the attention of the Flower Country's navy below. They watched in astonishment as the massive Falcon, with wings spanning over two meters, soared through the night sky at an astonishing speed, heading toward an island not far away. In the blink of an eye, it became a mere speck in their sight.
Only after the giant Falcon's silhouette disappeared completely did the Flower Country fleet below regain their composure. They couldn't help but discuss the scene they had just witnessed.
In a mansion on the island, the same Falcon stood on the ground, nuzzling against Stussy's leg affectionately.
Stussy picked up a piece of raw meat and fed it to the Falcon, then turned to her companions and spoke.
"I'm sure you all understand by now. The enemy has already surrounded this island. There's no escaping, and all we can do is confront them head-on. After all, we're not burdens to Nicholas. Our only option is to defeat them directly. But Katie will stay with me."
Stussy rubbed Katie's head reassuringly, indicating that Katie would stay with her.
"Sister Stussy, Katie can fight too."
Katie held the weapon Nicholas had given her, her eyes firm as she spoke.
"Don't worry, I can make sure those guys pay a heavy price before they even set foot on the island."
With her weapon in hand, Simon walked towards the beach. He would show these enemies what a sniper could do in open ground.
"Simon, remember, if you can't stop the enemy, retreat immediately."
Stussy reminded him.
"I know. As someone who's never seen the captain dominate the sea, I won't easily choose to die."
Without looking back, Simon waved his hand to indicate he understood.
"I'm sorry, Miss Stussy. I may not be of much help at a time like this, but rest assured, I'll protect you and Katie with my life."
With his shield in hand and his giant axe, Vista spoke firmly.
"Vista, don't say that. Since Nicholas chose to entrust Shakky to give you that Devil Fruit, he believes in you. And it won't be long before it's daylight. By then, you'll be our real ace!"
Watching Vista, Stussy smiled. Although she wasn't good at direct combat, she could use her abilities to hold out until daylight. In fact, if she didn't have to worry about Katie and the others fully utilizing their abilities, dealing with these Flower Country navy soldiers would be easy.
"Flame Wing, go ahead and continue monitoring the enemy's movements."
Stussy patted the Falcon's head.
With a coo, the Falcon flew toward the approaching Flower Country naval soldiers.
Through bombardment, it would let these enemies know the wrath of Flame Wing.