Skypiea, Angel Island.
Marines bustled around the warship, loading the last of their supplies. Over the past two days, they'd gotten along well with the residents of Angel Island, trading Sky Island specialties and all kinds of Dials.
That morning, after returning, Cricket stood at the bow of the ship, staring off toward the direction of the Shandian settlement, lost in thought.
Further down the deck, Sakazuki stood in conversation with Gan Fall, who had just arrived.
"I've passed your message to the Shandians."
"And their response...?"
"A grudge built over four hundred years doesn't fade so easily."
"I understand..." Gan Fall turned to look toward the land of Upper Yard, his expression quiet.
After a moment, he gave Sakazuki a silent nod of thanks and walked away. His steps were heavy, his back more hunched than before.
...
Shandian settlement, Hidden Cloud Village.
Today, for once, no one was training. Everyone sat quietly in the central plaza, looking downcast and lost in thought.
Since morning, after the two visitors had left, the village had remained silent.
The chief stood at a distance, watching them. His gaze lingered especially on the children, and a soft sigh escaped him.
Clen sat nearby, shoulders slumped, frustration etched across his face. But as he looked around at the people—his people—he couldn't hold onto that anger. He shut his eyes, and memory swept through him.
He saw the chief from his childhood, gently telling him stories.
'Clen, today I'll tell you about the great warrior Kalgara.'
He remembered the bitterness in his own voice.
'Four hundred years of humiliation, and he thinks he can erase it with one word? Peace?!'
Then came the final words of a fallen comrade.
'Cough... cough... Clen, you must take back our land...you must... reignite Shandora…'
'Lord Clen, will you tell us the story of the great warrior Kalgara again?'
The memories struck him like waves.
After a long silence…Clen opened his eyes again, now filled with determination.
He stood up, slung the Burn Bazooka over his shoulder, and strode forward.
The chief looked at him with a hint of surprise in his eyes.
"All warriors," Clen said, loud enough for all to hear, "take up your weapons. Come with me."
There was confusion at first, but no hesitation. One by one, the warriors stood and followed, grabbing their arms and walking behind their leader.
"Clen!" The chief called out.
Clen paused briefly, but didn't turn back. His answer came in silence as he continued forward.
...
Upper Yard, God's Shrine.
Gan Fall had just returned to the palace when a guard rushed in, panicked.
"God! The Shandians! They're marching toward the sacred land with full force!"
"What?!"
Gan Fall quickly put on his armor, grabbed his spear, and mounted a strangely colored, winged horse before flying off in a hurry.
When he reached the heart of Upper Yard, the sight that greeted him was unexpected.
The Shandians were not launching a furious assault. Instead, they were charging straight for the massive vine—Giant Jack—that towered over the island. They ignored everything else in their path.
He couldn't understand what they were trying to do, but he made his decision.
"Everyone, stand down!"
The members of the Divine Squad hesitated as his voice rang out. They instinctively froze and turned to their god.
"Let them through," Gan Fall ordered again.
"But... God..." one of them protested.
"I said, move aside!"
The command left no room for argument. Though unwilling, the Divine Squad stepped back, parting to make way.
The Shandians offered Gan Fall only a fleeting glance before pushing forward, eyes locked on the towering vine, following Clen's lead.
Gan Fall silently watched them disappear into the depths of the island.
Clen ran with everything he had, his eyes never leaving the vine's peak.
'Four hundred years… Kalgara's dying wish… the Light of Shandora…wait for me, Cricket…'
...
Meanwhile, at the harbor on Angel Island.
With the last supplies loaded and a map of the White-White Sea secured, the marines prepared to set sail, waving farewell to the Skypieans who had helped them these past two days.
Just then—
Dong—! Dong—! Dong—!
A series of melodic chimes rang out across Skypiea. The sound was clear and pure, like a sacred hymn that echoed through the sky. It washed over them, calming the spirit and lifting the heart.
"What is that?"
"The Song of the Island!"
"It's beautiful..."
"You guys remember that old legend, right?!"
"Could it be…?"
The Skypieans murmured among themselves as a long, low bell toll followed.
Wuuuuuu…!
Everyone on the warship stood still, quietly listening to the wondrous chimes. At the same time, Sakazuki turned to look toward Upper Yard.
...
High atop Giant Jack, Clen knelt before the ancient, glowing Light of Shandora. The bell shone warmly in the morning sun.
"Four hundred years..." he whispered.
He stood up slowly and looked toward the Heaven's Gate.
"You have to come again!!!" he shouted, voice cracking with emotion.
In that moment, his figure seemed to merge with the spirit of Kalgara. Across centuries, the two warriors had become one.
...
Side Story: 400 Years Ago, Jaya Island.
A figure sprinted through the dense jungle, feet pounding the earth.
His most striking features were the spiky red hair trailing down to his knees and the red tattoos covering both shoulders. Shirtless and gripping a long spear, he darted through the trees, leaving only a blur as he rushed toward the shore.
'What grave sin have I committed. Wait for me, Noland!'
At the shore, Noland stood on the deck of his ship, staring at Jaya Island for what seemed like forever.
At last, he turned and looked at his crew. "Get ready to set sail. We're returning to the Kingdom of Lvneel."
"Aye, sir!"
As the sails dropped, Noland's bold voice boomed across the ship.
"Set sail!"
Suddenly—
Dong—! Dong—! Dong—!
The sound stopped him in his tracks. He looked back, stunned.
"Why... is the bell ringing...?"
"Admiral! Over there!"
A fiery red figure had reached the shoreline. He ran into the shallows and stopped, chest heaving. Then, drawing a deep breath, he shouted at the top of his lungs.
"NOLAAAND!!!"
Noland gripped the railing tight, eyes wide as he stared at the figure.
"Kalgara..."
On the beach, Kalgara looked at the ship drifting farther and farther away. Memories of their meeting and friendship flooded his mind. The bitter misunderstanding and the pain of their parting overwhelmed him. Tears welled up and spilled down his cheeks.
"Come back again!!!!"
As he finished, it felt like all the strength drained from his body. He dropped to his knees in the sea, sobbing.
Then he suddenly looked up and roared with every ounce of strength he had.
"I'll be waiting for you here on this land!
"We'll keep ringing this bell!
"So that when the day comes and you return, you'll never lose your way at sea!
"So that even in the fiercest storm, you'll still see this island!
"We'll ring the bell, waiting for you!
"We will meet again one day my friend!!!"
Dong—!
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