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Above the White Sea, a warship sailed with an angel leading the way on board.
Sengoku, despite his long life and all the things he'd seen in the sea, had never been to the White-White Sea or any sky islands. So even he found the experience a bit strange.
After about ten minutes, the warship entered the Gate of Heaven from the sky above the island and sailed toward its center.
In the distance, fifty floating islands hovered in different places, all perfectly positioned and stunningly beautiful. It looked like a land from a dream.
"Oh wow~ This place is gorgeous! It's a totally different experience seeing it in person than in a photo," said Vice Admiral Tsuru, marveling at the heavenly beauty.
Standing nearby, Sengoku was just as amazed.
"Yes, it's even more impressive than in the pictures! You could call this a paradise on earth!"
The angel guiding them stood proudly to the side, clearly pleased with Tsuru and Sengoku's compliments. This heavenly place was their home, after all.
After a while, as the Marines gazed in awe, the warship entered the ring-shaped White Sea from the River of Clouds.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, please board this ship, and we will take you to the first cloud island," said the angel, pointing to a luxury yacht beside them.
"Is your god on the second-level sky island?" Sengoku asked, glancing at the second island.
"No," the angel shook his head and pointed higher. "The second level is where the guards of the island's protector and the gods' office are located. The god is on the higher Island of God."
Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru looked up, spotting a large sky island about 500 meters above, resting on the top of giant vines.
"You live that high up?" Sengoku was surprised. It reminded him of the Celestial Dragons, separating themselves from the common people and standing above everyone.
"How do we get up there?" asked Tsuru, looking at the River of Clouds that only reached the first island.
"Fly up," the angel answered plainly.
"Uh..." Tsuru sighed. Of course, angels have wings, so they can fly.
Sengoku studied the Island of God, about 2,500 meters above Apaya. From the second island, it would still be another two kilometers up. Unless you were an angel or had a Zoan or Paramecia Devil Fruit that allowed you to fly, it was nearly impossible to reach.
This made it a perfect natural defense, along with the soldiers stationed on the first and second islands. The security was tight.
Then, Sengoku glanced at the ten clouds floating at the same level as the second island. He sensed the presence of over 1,100 strong warriors, some with power equal to brigadier generals. Some were even stronger.
Among the ten clouds, four warriors were close to Vice Admiral level, two were right on the edge, and two were slightly weaker.
Ten elite lieutenants and thirty-four vice admirals.
Originally, there had been only twenty-seven. But after a recent attack, the five legions added seven more of their best fighters, pushing them to this level.
There were nearly 300 elite major generals, 287 to be exact.
Among the other 800 warriors, over 500 were at the rank of major general. More than 300 were close to brigadier general level.
Feeling the powerful presence of these warriors, Sengoku was shocked. These must be the ten legions Aokiji had mentioned.
This force alone could rival the Marines!
Even though the Marines have six Admiral-level fighters, 30 elite vice admirals, and nearly 300 mid-level combatants, this legion's high-ranking officers were about equal in power. The real fighting strength of many vice admirals in the Marines was closer to elite major generals, due to military promotions.
In terms of ordinary major generals, the Marines weren't much stronger than this Sky Island force.
Despite controlling a small part of both halves of the Grand Line and four seas, the Marines only have about seven or eight hundred major general-level fighters.
Many of them had earned their ranks through military accomplishments, not just strength.
'This nation is stronger than any of the Four Emperors' crews! It might even have the strongest military force in the world!' Sengoku thought. He was relieved that this nation was allied with the World Government and felt fortunate to have gone to Mary Geoise to persuade the Five Elders.
If this nation ever broke away from the World Government, it would become a serious threat to the Marines, especially since the Marines haven't fully controlled the first half of the Grand Line yet.
And if this nation ever became a pirate crew or joined the Revolutionary Army, they could rise to become the strongest force in the world instantly!
Their ability to live in the sky and move freely gave them a mobile base and barracks, making them incredibly hard to deal with—like the girl Garp had mentioned with the (Fuwa Fuwa no Mi) Devil Fruit power.
Besides these ten legions, there were also four powerful individuals close to Vice Admiral level, and their king was already one of the world's strongest fighters.
Silently, Sengoku pulled his gaze away.
As they walked towards the luxury yacht, Sengoku gave orders. "Wait here. We'll return soon. We must head back to Marine Headquarters today."
"Yes!" the Marines responded in unison.
Vice Admiral Tsuru followed quietly. After hearing Aokiji's report about the five legions, she had her own thoughts.
Tsuru, known as the "Great Tactician" for her intelligence, had the role of chief strategist for the Marines. Her sharp mind often surpassed even Sengoku's.
Thinking back to a year ago, the nation's forces weren't as strong as they were now, but even back then, they were at the level of Admirals.
Now, they were even stronger, with their legions ready and prepared for battle.
The yacht started moving, following the River of Clouds toward the first island.
Before long, Sengoku and Tsuru reached the second level, where the buildings stood tall and impressive.
This was when Arthur, the king, had decided that the previous structures weren't grand enough for the political center of the nation. Using his lightning powers, he had architects redesign the buildings in the style of ancient celestial dynasties, making everything more majestic.
Instantly, the overall grandeur increased. The place was now brilliantly lit, with a majestic atmosphere.
The government offices were well organized, covering everything from military and national defense to education, tourism, public safety, and more.
"It looks like a highly advanced government facility," Sengoku remarked to Vice Admiral Tsuru.
Lieutenant General Tsuru withdrew her gaze, nodding in deep approval.
"Such well-defined responsibilities and efficient management methods are far more advanced than most countries in the world."
The leading angel beside them arrived at the destination, politely asking them to wait before leaving.
Sengoku and Tsuru exchanged glances, wondering how they would ascend to the next level. Should they use Moonwalk?
Just then, a beautiful woman descended from the sky.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Lieutenant General Tsuru, hello. My name is Jessica. I'll be escorting you to meet Arthur." Jessica nodded politely at the two and then touched a pillar nearby.
To their surprise, the entire ornate pavilion, with its carved beams and painted buildings, began to rise into the air. It turned out that this pavilion was specially designed to transport important visitors from other races who couldn't fly.
Given the high status of Sengoku and Tsuru, they were considered distinguished guests. So, although Arthur hadn't personally invited them, he still sent Jessica for this task.
After a short while, the pavilion stopped at the Island of Gods.
As the three stepped out of the pavilion, Sengoku looked around, filled with even more emotion.
This island was a stunning combination of the former Island of Gods and an incredibly beautiful natural landscape. The scenery was far beyond that of the floating islands below.
The buildings, with their intricate carvings and painted structures, were even more artistic, grand, and breathtaking than those on the lower islands.
In the banquet hall of the shrine, Sengoku and Tsuru were escorted by Jessica.
And there, waiting for them, was Arthur.