Cursed Seas and Slashing Tides

God Enel

"He’s gone.” The Sky Knight declared, watching as the man in the bull mask retreated.

“Who was that guy?” Nami asked.

The knight turned to face them. “Are you Blue Sea people?”

“Huh? I guess so.” Ryomen replied, vaguely understanding the term.

“Who was that man that attacked us?” Chopper asked.

“One moment. I’m sure you have many questions. But let’s talk business first.” The knight said, gesturing dramatically. “There are many dangers around here, but I can protect you from them. Just one whistle for five million extols!”

The crew stared in silence at his offer.

“What’re you talking about, old man?” Luffy tilted his head in confusion.

“I won’t go a single extol lower! I have to make a living too!” He huffed.

“Not exactly how I pictured a knight…” Ryomen mumbled.

“What’s an extol? And what’s with this whistle?” Sanji asked.

“Didn’t you all come by way of the high west peak? So, you must’ve arrived by island hopping.” The knight replied, seeming puzzled.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Luffy said bluntly.

“Wait—are there multiple ways to get here?” Nami asked, wide-eyed.

“What!? Don’t tell me you rode the monstrous sea current!? So, there are still people with that much courage…” The man exclaimed in disbelief.

“We didn’t have to ride that current!” Nami started tearing up as Ryomen patted her shoulder, trying to reassure her.

“It was thanks to me, actually!” Usopp announced proudly. “The others were bawling, but I said, «Never fear! Usopp is here!»”

“That so?” Nami replied, stretching Usopp’s cheek with a smirk.

The knight then tossed a small whistle, which Ryomen caught.

“Blow it once, and I’ll descend from the heavens to save you!” He declared. “Normally, it costs, but I’ll give this one free for your courage.”

“Wait! What’s your name?” Nami called out.

“I am Gan Fall, the Sky Knight!” He announced, gesturing to his bird. “And this is Pierre, my partner.”

Pierre then began to transform.

“He’s a bird with the power of the Uma Uma no Mi.” Gan Fall explained. Pierre shifted into a pink, black-spotted horse with wings.

“How beautiful! Just like a Pegasus!” Nami said in awe.

“Yes, just like a Pegasus!” Gan Fall affirmed from Pierre’s back.

‘Something seems…off.’ The others thought, casting dubious glances between Pierre and Stronger.

Stronger, mouth agape, finally snapped out of his daze as Gan Fall and Pierre flew away.

“Niheee!”

“He thinks he’s in love.” Chopper interpreted.

“I…sure, whatever makes him happy.” Ryomen shrugged, unwilling to give it much thought.

The Merry sailed on, winding through clouds until they approached a massive waterfall, reaching its base where a gate stood labeled “Heaven’s Gate.”

“This is a terrible omen. We’re all going to die.” Usopp muttered darkly.

“What if we’re already dead?” Zoro questioned.