One Piece, Volume 31

Chapter 286
At Heaven's Gate, the gate-keeper responsible for charging visitors tries to charge all of the escaping Skypieans an exit fee; completely oblivious to the panic going on around the island. A citizen shouts out warning her to flee as well, as White-White Sea is about to be destroyed. Back at Angel Island, the lightning from Enel's attack is causing devastation to the land, destroying buildings and sealing off exits while the White Berets aid in the evacuation.

On the Going Merry near Upper Yard's shore, Conis and her pet wait patiently as Luffy continues to climb Giant Jack in an attempt to reach Enel. Still waiting in the Shandia Village, the Chief is warned by his fellow people to hurry.

Near the base of the beanstalk, Usopp comments on how close the lightning strikes are getting, only for Nami to tell them all to run to their ship while she leaves to help Luffy, racing up the beanstalk using the Waver. Zoro and Gan Fall awaken, Robin advising them to leave soon. However Wyper does not move, instead watching the destruction the now ecstatic Enel is causing to his homeland. Thinking back to his childhood, Wyper remembers the time when his chief explained to him the one reason his ancestor, Kalgara had to retake their home and ring the bell, and that was for his good friend Mont Blanc Noland.

Going back 400 years into Jaya's past, an exploration crew is attacked by somebody they refer to as "Shandora's Demon." Fearful of the lone man, the crew's captain sets sail without all of his men, however this is all for nothing as the warrior skilfully throws a large iron ball on a chain, severely damaging the fleeing ship. Unable to escape, the crew is defenseless against Kalgara's assault and quickly fall. Warning them to not move if they still wanted to live, he sets fire to the ship's remains and sends the surviving crew away on life boats; relieving them of all their supplies.

Further out on the Grand Line, another exploration crew are seen commenting on the extreme weather. Both the crew and ship in disrepair, they begin to despair and plead for their admiral to aid them. Rather then replying, he jumps overboard and into the ocean. Thinking he had abandoned them and committed suicide, the crew begins to question how he could have broken before them despite having entered the Grand Line twice before. Noticing he had even stripped and folded his clothes before diving, it is not long before a familiar chestnut shape emerges from the water. Getting back on board, the crew welcome him back as a dead Sea King is pulled out of the water, the admiral just killed for food. Complaining about the crew's worthlessness, the admiral is revealed to be none other than Mont Blanc Noland.

Chapter 287
Two years into his voyage in the Grand Line, Mont Blanc Noland logs his crew's travels during a fierce storm. He tells his crew to dock at the nearby island because he heard the sound of a bell in the roaring thunder. Meanwhile on the island of Jaya, the populace is dying off one by one due to a disease present on the island. The ill priest on his deathbed exclaims that the only way to appease the gods and lift the curse on the island is by offering the most beautiful woman on Jaya as a sacrifice. A silhouette of a young woman is shown as she sits mending clothes. The priest passes away, and the surviving villagers become distressed and discuss what they can do. One of them notices a blotch on a young man's arm, and Seto runs out of the building screaming. Someone tries to follow him but is told that once the mark of the evil spirit appears, it is too late.

Seto runs into the woods, and he gashes his forearm with a rock and pleads for the blotch to go away. The scene cuts back to the the young woman shown in full, who says that she is glad to offer herself as a sacrifice. Her mother cries and Mousse tries to comfort her by saying that she would give her life to help the villagers. The two embrace as Mousse thanks Herb for raising her. Back in the forest, Kalgara appears before Seto after a hunt, and the young man cries to him about wanting to be a strong warrior and not wanting to die.

Noland and his crew arrive on Jaya, and they tease him for saying he heard a bell when none of them could. They see South Birds fly by and continue to tease their captain until the bell rings loudly for all to hear. Noland approaches the forest and notices Seto who tries to run away at the sight of invaders. He falls from weakness, and the ship's doctor identifies his ailment as Tree Fever. Noland orders the doctor to vaccinate the entire crew with Conine. They walk through the natives' village and find it empty, and Noland demands an answer from Seto. The people gathered at the Sacrificial Altar, and they begin their ceremony, tying Mousse down and offering her blood to the Kami. Herb cries out for her daughter, and the giant snake appears from out of the water.

Kashigami lunges at Mousse to eat her while the villagers watch, but something falls in the water. All of a sudden, Noland appears on the platform and slices off the giant snake's head, killing it. The villagers scream in horror and demand that Noland and Mousse both be killed. Noland tells Mousse that she does not need to die now as the young woman clutches to him crying, and Kalgara stares intensely at the intruder.

Chapter 288
The Shandia are in dire panic in the wake of Mont Blanc Noland slaying Kashigami, who they believed to be their God. Noland's own crew begins to panic as well, unsure of what exactly their captain has just gotten them into. As the villagers call upon Kalgara to kill Noland as retribution, the two men stare each other down. Kalgara's daughter, Mousse, begins to weep at the inevitable clash between the two warriors. Noland attempts to reason, but Kalgara is uninterested and rushes him. They exchange taunts during their clash: Noland asks if this is all Kalgara's got, while Kalgara states this is nothing, but at least it's "progress". The Shandia are shocked that Noland is able to match Kalgara in strength. Kalgara sees his daughter watching the fight, and throws her a dagger. He implores her to take her own life to save the village, telling her she should be ashamed. She attempts to comply, but Noland smacks the dagger out of her hand. Kalgara however takes advantage of the opening, impaling Noland through the back of his shoulder. Noland's crew calls out for him in worry, but they are held at knife point by the villagers. Kalgara states that the crime of slaying their God can't be redeemed by Noland's life alone, adding Noland's crew to the retribution. This infuriates Noland, who states it is a shame that the concept of using blood to appease gods still exists in this time and age. He vehemently refuses to be sacrificed, ridiculing the idea of using God as an excuse to take lives. He instead proposes that the Shandia give him time, and he will accomplish the same feat that they intended by sacrificing Mousse's life: curing the village of their sickness. This causes an uproar among the Shandia, and Kalgara reaffirms his intent to kill Noland. Noland however counters that if he were to escape, the villagers would continue their tradition of sacrificing people, which he intends to never let them do again. The Shandia Chieftain however senses Noland's sincerity, and gives Noland a deadline of the next day's sunset to keep his promise while his crew is imprisoned. 

As Noland's crew sit in their cell, there are mixed feelings of both doubt and reassurance that he will get the job done. They notice that Mousse is locked up as well in a cell adjacent to them, and some of them wonder how she can live in a village like this. When she inquires about their captain however, the crew universally praises Noland's reputation as an explorer, botanist, and beloved man in general. While Mousse herself has no reaction, this appears to be put the crew at ease, with many of them now wondering what they can do to pass time. 

At the chieftain's residence, a few of the villagers question him about why they were not allowed to kill the intruders. He responds that they will have their answers tomorrow, as the village's continued survival is worth the wait. The disgruntled villagers urge Kalgara himself to speak up, who simply states that he will kill Noland immediately at the first sign of trouble. The chieftain agrees to this, saying that since they can no longer hear the voice of their god, he will instead listen to the voice of his people. Kalgara leaves in frustration, only to see Seto outside waiting for him. He asks Seto if he's feeling any better, to which he responds that he is. However, Seto asks Kalgara to elaborate on his meaning of the word "progress" when he said it to Noland during their fight. Elsewhere in the forest, Noland is delighted that he has found exactly what he was looking for: the Kona Tree. 

The next day, Noland's crew and the rest of the villagers are awoken by an earthquake. The crew asks to be freed, while the villagers panic that Kashigami is enacting his wrath upon them. Kalgara immediately begins his hunt for Noland, upset with himself that he allowed the explorer to live. The earthquake has drastically changed the landscape of the entire island, causing a very large part of it to sink. Kalgara notices this as he zips through the forest, and eventually discovers Noland wedged in one of the crevices where the island split apart. He taunts Noland, telling him that God did this to him. Noland however retorts that their God must not be that powerful, only being able to take down one man. Kalgara calls him stubborn, and Noland asks why he's come. Kalgara explains that he will kill him for the sake of their god Kashi, and asks if he knows why the earthquake happened. Noland is amused at the thought of the snake causing an earthquake, and jokes that it must want to eat him first. This draws more ire from Kalgara, though Noland continues by reaffirming his intent to get back to the village. Kalgara however, is content to sit and watch Noland attempt to get himself out of his current predicament.

Chapter 289
Mont Blanc Noland continued to struggle to no avail to free himself from the large pieces of land he was wedged between. Kalgara watched in amusement, taunting him and wondering how he was staying alive. He reminded Noland that sunset was coming, and his crew would all be slain soon at the hands of the villagers. Kalgara explained that Noland was getting what he deserved for ruining the rituals of his people. Back in the village, the Shandia continued to tend to their sick. However, a group of warriors became enraged at Noland's crew, blaming them for the plague and now the earthquake too. They attempted to impale some of the crew members through the cage; however, they were stopped by Seto, who reminded them that as warriors of Shandia, they must honor their words.

Back in the forest, Noland continued with all the power he had to try to break free of the earth, this time breaking bones in the process. Although he still made no progress, his efforts visibly affected the land holding him, impressing Kalgara. The pain did not deter Noland in the slightest, as he continued trying to free himself while Kalgara watched intently.

In the village, Seto's efforts ultimately did not stop the villagers from taking Noland's crew to the sacrificial altar. They pleaded that their captain was not back yet and attempted to appeal to Seto to get them to stop, but he was unable to do anything. Kalgara informed Noland that it was twilight, and the ritual should be starting back in the village. He told him that he looked pathetic, and wondered how Noland was able to survive this long in his predicament. Noland asked just what the villagers were so afraid of, to the point that they were gladly willing to throw away innocent lives. Kalgara questioned Noland on what he meant by "gladly", and Noland stated that the villagers sacrifice their own peers and feel good about it. This enraged Kalgara to the point that he cut Noland off by kicking him in the face. He told Noland to quit acting like he knew everything, and that the Shandia have lived this way for centuries. Noland retorted that being such a long tradition did not make it right, angering Kalgara further. He went on to chastise Kalgara for being so willing to kill an innocent girl without batting an eye, even calling the actions of the villagers inhuman. Kalgara again questioned Noland's use of the word "gladly", before angrily yelling that Mousse was actually his daughter. This fact only caused Noland to criticize Kalgara further, saying he had no mercy for even his own child. Kalgara replied that the voice of their God, spoken through the mouth of their priest, was absolute, asking Noland if he could understand such a concept. Since the words of their god was absolute, he cannot disobey God's Will even for the sake of his own family. In the Shandia village, Noland's crew had been brought to the altar, desperately crying out for their captain as they realized they were about to be burned.

As Kalgara and Noland continued their argument, a giant snake emerged from the forest, still eating a large feline creature. This was the god known as Jaya, and was Kashigami's offspring. Kalgara told Noland that Jaya had come to punish him. Noland angrily asked Kalgara if he was dying here because of God's Judgment, or an accident. Continuing this line of thought, he also asked if their village was actually dying from a curse, or a disease. Noland revealed that 60 years ago, his home had been suffering from the exact same disease that Shandia were. The plague had ravaged his people at 90% death rate, but thanks to the breakthroughs of herbalists, the death rate of the disease was now less than 3%. He explained that the cure had been synthesized from extracts of the Kona Tree, which he now had in his possession. He stressed that he had the tools to save the entire village, and that many researchers had died to ensure the creation of the cure. Yet, their sacrifice was being stepped on by the superstitions of the Shandia, which was why he felt their rituals were an affront to mankind and the true root of evil. This caused Kalgara to remember the Chieftain's words of doing his best to listen to the voices of his people. Jaya attempted to devour Noland, but Kalgara intervened and killed the gigantic snake. Standing on Jaya's corpse, Kalgara asked Noland what he just killed. Noland replied that it was a snake. Kalgara angrily retorted that what his people call a God, Noland merely calls a snake. He continued that the curse that had been killing everyone, Noland merely called a curable disease. Now in tears, Kalgara asked Noland if he could truly save his people, to which Noland replied that he could.

At the rise of the full moon, various villagers were being cured and rejoiced with their families. Seto smiled at all the happy families, while Kalgara tearfully embraced his daughter as Herb watched in tears as well. As Noland himself was given medical attention, his crew and the Shandia celebrated together.

Chapter 290
A small snake emerges in the forest, alarming a few of Mont Blanc Noland's crew. Now up and about after his injuries, Noland notices the snake's resemblance to Jaya and Kashigami. He asks Kalgara if he may be "Its" descendant, and Kalgara asks for clarification, however refers to it as a "snake" as well. Realizing Kalgara's change in philosophy, both men share a roar of laughter together. The newfound camaraderie between the two puzzles some of Noland's crew and the Shandians alike, but they are nonetheless happy to see the men getting along. 

Kalgara decides that he wants to show Noland something. He takes his crew to an area of the forest that leads down to some ancient ruins. As they descend the steps, Noland hears the sound of a bell, knowing that he's heard it before. They ultimately arrive in a city made completely gold, with a large belfry at it's center. Noticing Noland's astonishment, Kalgara explains that this is the city of Shandora, and that the Shandians are the descendants of the people who lived here. Noland's crew can't contain their excitement and rush off, with Noland warning them not to take what isn't theirs. Kalgara however gives the crew permission to take as much of the gold as they can carry, except for the Golden Belfry. This is the Shandian's repayment for all that Noland has done to save them. Noland rebuts that his people have been guarding this place for centuries, but Kalgara clarifies that they were guarding the city, not the treasure. Being more specific, he states that what they are truly guarding is the poneglyph at the base of the belfry. While none of the Shandians are able to decipher the message of the ancient stone, one thing Kalgara knows for sure is that the city of Shandora was decimated for defending the poneglyph. He explains that it is thus the will of his people to protect the past and what remains of it at all costs. The sound of the bell acts as a beacon for the spirits of their deceased ancestors to find their way home, after they have descended to heaven. Kalgara further explains that the bell represents the prosperous days of Shandora, and that they ring it to the four corners of the world with no fear of intruders. For this reason, they refer to the Golden Belfry as "The Light of Shandora". Noland in turn offers his testament, relaying the story of how he was able to follow the sound of the bell through the treacherous storms his crew faced out at sea. He notices that the same snake from earlier has followed them, as he also seems to really like the bell. Noland asks if it will become large too, and the snake smiles gleefully in agreement. 

Kalgara offers Noland and his crew extended stay as the first welcomed guests of the city. Noland accepts, stating that they still have plants to collect and people to cure. Some of Noland's crew discover an Eternal Pose, as well as a map of Jaya. Noland notes that Shandora ultimately leads to the "right eye of the skull" on the map. 

Noland's crew and the Shandians work together on a variety of tasks including rebuilding the village after the destruction of the earthquake, gathering more vegetation, and fishing (the snake joins in here). They celebrate at night by dancing around a campfire, with Mousse personally making sure Noland joins in. The bond between Noland and Kalgara continues to strengthen as they work together, with Noland even being allowed to ring the Golden Belfry himself. 

A month later, there is suddenly incredible tension again between the two groups. The Chieftain warns the villagers to return to their homes if they cannot control their emotions. One of the Shandians vents that Noland's crew will always be "god-slayers", and that they have no respect, but is cut off by someone announcing the arrival of Noland's crew. Noland asks everyone if Kalgara is around, but he is met with silence and glares from the villagers. Noland then asks Seto what is going on, who replies that Kalgara is not interested in seeing Noland ever again. Seto angrily asks when Noland is leaving, and Noland is speechless. A few of Noland's crew asks about they have done to upset them again, but Noland stops them. He implores his crew to get back to work, as there are still parts of the forest that they need to check. A few Shandians approach Kalgara at the Shandora ruins to notify him of Noland's crew, but he angrily retorts that he will for sure kill Noland if he sees him again. 

Noland's crew has been ousted and is taking refuge at the beach by their ship. One of the crew notes that the bell didn't ring today, and wonders where Noland is. The crew doctor approaches Noland, who is sleeping in isolation. He reminds Noland that they should be done with their work in another two days, and Noland asks that he relay this message to the rest of the crew. The doctor voices a small amount of resistance to the plan, but Noland tells him that they are done talking.

Chapter 291
Mont Blanc Noland briefly reflects on his friendship with Kalgara, from the latter suggesting that Noland remain in Jaya and marry his daughter Mousse, to all of a sudden being told that Kalgara never wants to see him again. Noland returns to the golden city of Shandora, convinced that Kalgara will be there. He implores Kalgara to explain his sudden shift in attitude towards him, but Kalgara responds by throwing a spear at Noland. Noland barely manages to dodge the spear, being sliced on the cheek  as it passes by. Kalgara warns Noland to leave his presence if he doesn't want to be killed, and Noland complies without objection. 

Noland and his crew continue their work in the forest, as the Shandians eagerly await the departure of the crew with passive-aggressive attitudes. The small snake that befriended Noland and Kalgara is deeply saddened by Kalgara's refusal to ring the bell, as Kalgara states that it no longer means anything. Later that night, Noland's crew notices that Noland hasn't eaten anything as they discuss their imminent departure from the village. They again note that the bell did not ring, and that the villagers seem to be full of murderous intent for reasons they do not understand. Noland, Mousse, and the snake all observe the full moon in different mental states: the snake is still saddened at the bell not ringing, Mousse appears to be in deep thought, and Noland is still upset at the broken bond between himself and Kalgara. Mousse decides to leave, and the crew doctor also observes the moon and drinks as the rest of the crew has gone to sleep. Mousse approaches the doctor from the shadows hoping to talk, as the doctor is greatly startled at her presence. 

Kalgara sits among a multitude of tree stumps in the forest of Jaya, confused and frustrated that Noland's crew has chopped down so many of their trees. He asks if this was all the sacrifice for Noland's healing, lamenting that he ever allowed Noland to stay. Mousse explains to the crew doctor that the trees they have cut down are known as the Forest of Embodiment, and they house the souls of the Shandian ancestors. The sound of the bell guides the souls to this forest, where their souls rest. To the Shandians, it is their duty to guard the forest, as it is more important than their lives. The doctor finally understands why the Shandians are upset with them, and Mousse further explains that they haven't acted on their feelings because they are still grateful for the crew saving their lives. Although the Shandians understand that there was no way the crew could have known this, they are nonetheless upset at the desecration of what was considered holy ground. 

The next day as the crew prepares to leave, Noland finally understands his transgression. The doctor attempts to justify the crew's actions as necessary, but Noland states that they can't find excuses for themselves. In an attempt to set things right, he orders his crew to give back all the gold that the Shandians allowed them to take. Mousse runs back to the Shandian Village in haste, seeking her father. When she finds him she drops down before him in tears, asking if the Shandians would have chopped down the trees as well if they knew that the trees were making their people sick. She begs her father to let the crew stay, emphasizing that the Shandians will regret it forever if they allow their relationship to dissolve like this. Remembering Kalgara and Noland's bond, she tells her father that he will make the "Savior of Shandora" sad for the rest of his life if he does not rectify this. As Kalgara demands for his daughter to explain, Mousse recalls more details of her discussion with the doctor the night before: The doctor explains that the Forest of Embodiment was actually already dead, to Mousse's shock. He notes that Tree Fever spreads by using the trees themselves as a medium for infestation, so anyone who enters the forest became infected. Furthermore, the disease has claimed countless lives, so the one hundred casualties that the Shandians suffered is truly nothing compared to what would have happened without Noland's intervention. Once an infected tree is found, it, as well as all other surrounding trees must be cut down in order to prevent the infestation from spreading. He concludes that they have dealt with the infestation in it's entirety however, so the island is now completely safe. The trees were cut down out of necessity, not with the intention of disrespecting the Shandian's ancestors. The Shandians are horrified by their grave error in judgment, finally realizing that Noland was protecting Shandora as well. Kalgara quickly races off, despite the cries from the Shandians that Noland's ship is probably long gone. 

Aboard Noland's ship, the crew is excited to head back to Lvneel, though there a few crewmates that are saddened by having to leave the gold. As Kalgara races through the forest, he thinks to himself about how he was wrong about Noland, hoping that his friend will wait for him. As Noland's ship departs the cost, the crew notices that the bell is finally ringing once again. The entire Shandian village is working together to ring the bell, apologetic for their treatment of Noland and determined to make sure that Noland hears the bell. Kalgara runs to the shore and shouts for Noland, who happens to still be close enough to see and hear him. Kalgara pleads for his friend to come back some day, telling him that he will be waiting and ringing the bell for him. He promises that the Shandians will guard this place no matter what, and to not let any storms stop him from coming back, as the bell will always be ringing for him until he does. Kalgara states that they will once again be friends, and Noland tearfully promises that they will meet again.

Chapter 292
Some time ago, in a country in the North Blue, Mont Blanc Noland is shown in his village. It is revealed that Noland told outrageous and hard-to-believe stories to the children, and despite the fact that no one could tell if the stories were true, they liked him nonetheless. One day, after returning from a grand expedition, Noland tells the king that he had discovered the ruins of a great city, Shandora, which was literally made of gold. The king, excited about this new prospect of wealth, grants Noland permission to take three ships into the Grand Line five years after he had returned. As the admiral of the exploration team, Noland would take the king and his royal soldiers instead of Noland's usual crews. The king insists that he and Noland shall travel on the same ship for safety, but Noland warns the king to be prepared for the tough times to come.

On their journey through the Grand Line, the group encounters a sea monster, takes fierce winds that could tear the sail to shreds, nearly runs into icebergs, and lost one of their ships. The king and the soldiers cry for Noland to help them, but Noland states that the soldiers are not good at sailing, and that in order to ensure the safety of the king, some of the ships have to be sacrificed. Finally, on November 16, 1127, the groups arrives at Jaya, which Noland is certain is the same island that he had come to before. The king and the soldiers are excited, but all they see is a small cliff next to the ocean and half of a building. Noland is shocked, and wonders where the rest of the island is, but the king kicks him, calling him an incompetent fool. The king is furious, asking Noland why he lied, and where the gold is the Noland promised. Noland, still in shock, wonders where the Shandia went. He asks Kalgara, if he is still alive, to ring the bell, the light of Shandora.

Six months later, back in Lvneel in the North Blue, Noland is asked to restate his claim to the public. Noland holds by his statement, saying that he had seen a golden city in Jaya six years ago. A man who apparently sailed with Noland is brought forth and asked how much of the story is true. The man replies that it is all a lie, making the people think of Noland as scum for pretending to be an adventurer. Some of Noland's real crew members, seeing their admiral on the execution stand, rush forward, saying that the man who had disputed Noland's claims was never with them on their journey. They ask Noland if he reunited with Kalgara, but the king orders for them to be taken away before they can continue. For making false claims to the king, Noland is then sentenced to a public execution, with the crowd calling him a liar. Noland's crew tries to argue, but Noland can do nothing but wonder where Kalgara went.

The year before Noland's execution, in Shandora, Kalgara walks off to ring the golden bell, and is accompanied by Seto. Seto stops momentarily to feed the snake, Nola, as Kalgara proceeds up the stairs to the bell. Seto wonders when Noland will return, but Kalgara states that it is not an easy trip to make, but as long as the bell is ringing, Noland promised to eventually return. Suddenly, the sky turns dark, and something resembling an earthquake occurs. Kalgara tells Seto to stay calm and return to the village, but the Knock Up Stream shoots Shandora into the sky, causing it to land on the gigantic beanstalk on Upper Yard. The impact causes the golden bell to ring, amazing the Skypieans, causing the god of Skypiea want to live there. Finding people there, he decides to banish them. In Shandora itself, everyone is trying to find out if they are accounted for, when Skypiean warriors rush in, claiming the land for their god. Kalgara, finding it difficult to breathe, says to hide the women and children and yells that he does not care who they are, they cannot have their home. Kalgara thinks that he made a deal with Noland, and that he will let him know that he is still there eventually. He continues, saying that although many things have changed, he will relight the light of Shandora.

Chapter 293
In a flashback, a young Wyper hears more of the Shandian history from the village chief. He expands upon Kalgara's rallying cries to "Relight the Light of Shandora", so that his friend Mont Blanc Noland would know that the Shandians are still there. Wyper listens intently as the chief explains that the bell was never rung again, and how they later learned from their friends at sea that Noland had been executed. He was executed because he persisted in his claims that the City of Gold truly existed, and was publicly shamed as a liar at the execution. Ever since, all stories about the existence of Shandora have been denied without exception. The chief reveals that Kalgara never learned the truth about Noland's fate before he gave his life defending the land, and that for generations the Shandians have been trying to fulfill his wish. Wyper cuts him off, stating that when he grows up, he will ring the bell. Wyper asks if Noland will hear it. This brings the chief to tears, affirming that Noland will indeed be able to hear because they are so close to heaven. 

In the present, Wyper watches the destruction of Skypiea in horror as Enel continues to rain down lightning bolts in every direction. Aisa urges that they must run away, or be destroyed as well. Wyper ponders what right Enel has to take everything from his people. As Enel continues to float above in the Ark Maxim, he spots the Shandian Village. He claims that since the Shandian ancestors came from the Blue Sea, they should return to where they belong, as he discharges a powerful lightning bolt on the village. Homes, totems, and other valuables are instantly destroyed, yet the statue of Kalgara remains standing firm. The Shandians look on in horror, having previously evacuated to a safer location. 

On Angel Island, the White Berets are still evacuating the citizens to safety at sea as quickly as possible. People are frantically running and screaming as the lightning continues to cause unprecedented destruction. McKinley laments on the tragedy that has befallen Skypiea, and shudders to think of how much worse it would have been had they not listed to Conis' warning. Just then, a large lightning bolt appears to completely decimate Angel Island. At the Going Merry's location, Conis reflects on the sequence of events from her initially reporting the Straw Hats, to Pagaya's injury at Enel's hands. 

Aboard the Maxim, Enel sadistically laughs at the chaos he has caused, as he charges even more lightning to destroy the island. At Heaven's Gate on the White Sea, a few citizens notice that someone has fallen through the clouds. Enel passes by God's Shrine in his ship, and destroys it in the process, stating that it no longer serves a purpose. The consequential debris from the explosion lands in the Shandora Ruins, in the proximity of an unconscious Nola. Enel affirms that his only interest now is the golden bell. Coincidentally, Wyper asks Nico Robin about the bell, having heard her speak of it before. Realizing that's where Enel is headed, he asks Robin about the location. She tells him that Giant Jack penetrated the city of Shandora near it's center, and the center is where the bell was originally located, so the bell must be somewhere near the top. 

Enel pauses for a moment, realizing that there are two "voices" approaching him. Nami is on Luffy's tail, who is running towards Enel under the impression that Nami is still aboard the Maxim. Luffy states that he will not let Enel get away.

Chapter 294
Enel finally reaches the summit of Giant Jack, noting that he is likely the first person to ever reach this height. As he begins surveying for the Golden Bell however, he hears Luffy running up the beanstalk, the large golden ball molted on his arm ringing with each step. Luffy himself briefly stops at the ruins of God's Shrine, wondering if he's reached the top. Enel addresses Luffy, expressing his surprise that he managed to drag the huge golden ball all the way up the beanstalk with him. Luffy charges Enel demanding that he stop running and fight him, but Enel strikes the top portion of Giant Jack with lightning, causing it to break and fall over. This sends Luffy plummeting back down, admonishing Enel for his under-handed tactics. 

From the Straw Hats location near the beanstalk, Wyper is attempting to climb as well despite the group's protest that he will get himself killed. Usopp however, notices something falling down towards them. It turns out to be the charred beanstalk, and they just barely manage to dodge it falling on them. This causes Robin to wonder just what's going on towards the top of the beanstalk, and Aisa reminds Wyper not to get himself hurt. Wyper expresses his frustration, knowing how close he is to the bell and fulfilling Kalgara's wish. 

Towards the top of Giant Jack, Luffy has managed to break his fall by stretching his arm completely around the circumference of the beanstalk. Enel notices him still hanging on, and decides to taunt him. Enel asks him to stay right where he is, as he has something "special" to show him. Enel disappears, and Luffy suddenly notices a huge opening in the sky above Angel Island. Rather than wait around Luffy decides that now is the best time to try and board the Maxim, and he hoists himself back up to the ruins of God's Shrine. Before he can make another move however, he gets completely run over from behind by Nami in her waver. Luffy wonders how Nami got there, and she explains that Sanji and Usopp helped save her, much to Luffy's delight. As they begin to discuss their next move, they notice a huge spherical cloud appearing in the opening above Angel Island. The Skypieans present at Angel Island notice this as well, and frantically begin trying to escape. Nami points out that the cloud is much more condensed with electricity than normal, as the Straw Hats notice it from their location as well. Gan Fall is absolutely horrified at what he sees. Enel reappears aboard the Maxim, boasting his superiority in the skies with the Ark Maxim. The Shandians, the Skypieans that managed to escape Angel Island to the White Sea in ships, as well those still present on Angel Island all look on in absolute terror as Enel drops "Raigo" on Angel Island. In a blinding flash of light the entire island is decimated by lightning, leaving nothing but a gigantic crater in its place. 

The onslaught of lightning strikes immediately resumes, much to Usopp's chagrin. Gan Fall is beside himself with grief, extremely distraught that Enel could be such a heartless monster. Back at God's Shrine, Nami implores Luffy to get aboard her waver so that they may escape back to the Going Merry. Luffy refuses, to her shock. He explains that although he no longer needs to save her, he still has business that he needs to take care of. Nami assumes that he means fighting Enel, but he reminds her that the Golden Bell is here. Nami states that while the gold is indeed important, Enel still has the capability of destroying the entire island, and Luffy along with it. Luffy reminds Nami that she has seen the golden city of Shandora now with her own eyes, so they now have proof that Mont Blanc Noland's story was not a lie. In a brief flashback, Luffy remembers Mont Blanc Cricket stating that his ambition to find the golden city was not for the sake of clearing his ancestor's name, but for settling a duel between himself and the man who ruined his life. Luffy is determined to tell Cricket that his ancestor wasn't lying, and that the golden city has been right here in the sky all these years. Luffy states that if he is able to ring the bell really loud, Cricket should be able to hear it, and thus stop endangering his life by constantly diving into the depths of the ocean to find the city. Luffy refuses to let Enel take that bell away, for that reason. He announces his intention to ring the bell so loud that everyone on the blue seas will hear it, and that he is staying here no matter what until he does.

Chapter 295
As the Ark Maxim continues to fly above Skypiea and lightning rains down from every direction, Luffy is finally able to make contact with the ship. Enel however instantly appears and kicks Luffy's hand off the edge of the boat, stating that he did not invite him to be there. Luffy plummets back down to Nami's location along Giant Jack. Nami reminds Luffy that such a plan wouldn't work, as Luffy expresses his frustration. Enel taunts the pair for their first-hand view of his "Raigoh" attack, and tells Nami that it's too late if she is thinking of rejoining him. As Nami retorts that she would never have joined him anyway, Enel states his plan to completely destroy Skypiea with another Raigoh as soon as he finds what he wants. This triggers Luffy to pursue Enel again, but Enel hits the beanstalk with lightning once more, causing him to fall down. Enel bids farewell to Luffy, telling him to just stay there and wait for his impending doom, as no one can stop it now. This time Luffy grabs Nami's waver to pursue Enel up the beanstalk, but Enel again strikes it to knock Luffy back down to Nami's location. In a fit of frustration, Luffy reaffirms his intent to ring the Golden Bell as he recalls Mont Blanc Cricket's tireless efforts to help them get to Skypiea. 

As Nami sits in awe at her captain's resolve, Zoro and Robin also briefly reflect on their adventures with Luffy after the crew initially split in search for the Golden City. They recall Luffy asking if a Golden Bell would be there, to which Robin confirmed according to Mont Blanc Noland's diary. Zoro and Chopper ask Luffy why he wants to know, to which Luffy responds with his own question: he asks if Cricket, Masira, and Shoujou will be able to hear it if he rings the Golden Bell. In the present, Zoro, Robin, Gan Fall, Usopp, Wyper and Aisa discuss this revelation. They realize Luffy has the same target as Enel, and Wyper is surprised to hear that Luffy wants to ring the bell too. Zoro notes that if his captain said he would do such a thing, then there is nothing than Nami can do to convince him otherwise. 

Elsewhere in Skypiea, the rescued inhabitants of Angel Island note that Heaven's Gate has been destroyed along with the island, essentially trapping them with no access to the White Sea. They eventually come to the realization that they are sitting ducks, unable to do anything but watch as they prepare to meet the same fate that befell Angel Island. They also notice that due to the constant lightning strikes, the sea below them is slowly vanishing as well. Enel notices a shiny object in the distance, and stops the Ark Maxim on a cloud after realizing he has found what he is looking for. He stands in delight before the Golden Bell of Shandora, and comments that he will be taking it with him to Fairy Vearth. 

Back at the Straw Hats location, Usopp notices something falling down toward them, and frantically tells everyone to dive away. It turns out to just be a huge leaf, but Aisa notices that something is written on it. Realizing it is a message from Luffy and Nami, Robin reads it aloud. The message tells them to cut down Giant Jack, and make it fall westward. As the crew contemplates the intention behind Luffy and Nami's plan, they are suddenly awestruck when they notice a Raigoh above Skypiea that is even bigger than the one that destroyed Angel Island. Luffy and Nami notice the gigantic ball of lightning in the sky as well, and remembering his threat from earlier, Nami deduces that Enel must have found the Golden Bell where the Ark Maxim has stopped. As Luffy hopes that the crew below got his message, he questions why Nami is not running away now that he has a plan that will work. Nami asserts that Luffy does not know how to control the waver, and thus she is entrusting her life to her captain with this final chance that they have. Below them, the crew realizes that Nami and Luffy will be using Giant Jack as a bridge to get to the Ark Maxim's current location. Usopp believes the plan is suicide, but Zoro explains that they won't actually know until they try it. A lightning bolt crashes down right next to them near the base of beanstalk, prompting Zoro and Wyper to direct everyone else to safety. Wyper makes a mental note they that have to accomplish this before Enel brings down his ultimate attack on Skypiea. Zoro states that the survival of Sky Island now rests on Luffy's shoulders, and he charges forth toward the beanstalk.