At this time.
Sky Island area.
On a floating sky island, a tall woman named Renee walked out of a shop. She touched her chin thoughtfully, holding a small notebook in her hand where she had been jotting down information. She murmured to herself, "Yes, there are many types of shellfish on the Sky Island, and they are easy to breed. In addition, unlike the Blue Sea currency, they can be bought cheaply here and sold at a high price down there."
She flipped through her notes and narrowed her eyes. "It's just that most of the people on Sky Island seem stubborn. I need a method to make them work for me."
Over the past few days, Renee had traveled extensively across various sky islands that specialized in shellfish breeding and sales. She studied the different tools and devices crafted using shellfish. It had taken time, but Renee felt the effort was worth it.
Because now, her plan could begin.
Her goal was simple: to lay the foundation for control over Sky Island.
In the long run, she even considered establishing a base of operations here, a headquarters of sorts, and taking complete control over the place.
"The women here are attractive," Renee thought, her eyes gleaming with ambition. "They're beautiful, many of them sexy… this could be the perfect place to build a kingdom for the gentleman."
From her perspective, allowing these women to serve her master, Mio, was an honor. But there was no need to rush things.
"First, I must instill a slave mentality across the island. That way, they won't cause trouble later on."
Her eyes turned cold.
Having lived in this world for a while now, Renee understood its rules very well—power was everything. Kindness had its moments, but sometimes it was entirely unnecessary. So long as something benefited Mio, no act was too extreme.
Even if that meant enslaving the population of a kingdom.
Even if it meant exterminating an entire nation.
Shaking her head, Renee dismissed her thoughts for now. She planned to return and formulate the next stage of her plan carefully.
But just then—
A sound echoed from the sky above.
Renee looked up and saw a figure soaring across the sky on a giant bird, armored and wielding a spear.
In the distance, teams of soldiers approached swiftly. It didn't take long before Renee found herself surrounded.
"Outsider!" the man in the sky barked. He descended on his mount and hovered before her. It was Ganfor, the self-proclaimed 'God' of Sky Island, still riding his mount which had not consumed a Devil Fruit. His eyes glared at Renee sharply. "I've been watching you for some time. You act suspiciously. I don't know what your aim is, but Sky Island does not welcome outsiders who bring danger. Leave now—or we'll arrest you."
His soldiers raised their weapons, surrounding Renee.
Renee, unfazed, tilted her head and asked calmly, "Are you the 'God' of Sky Island?"
"Yes," Ganfor replied sternly. "Which is why I must ensure Sky Island remains safe."
He had watched Renee for days. She hadn't stirred trouble directly, but her presence and actions gave him a strong sense of foreboding. He had made his decision—she had to go.
"Very well." Renee's lips curled into a subtle smirk. "Then can I ask you to help me gather all the people involved in shellfish cultivation and tool making on this island?"
Ganfor frowned. "I told you, you're not welcome. Leave."
At that moment, Renee's expression turned cold.
Suddenly, shadowy figures emerged behind her.
With a blur, a figure appeared behind Ganfor—swift and deadly.
Bang!
The armored "God" was grabbed by the head and slammed down from midair into the ground with a thunderous crash. Dust flew everywhere.
The figure responsible was a member of the Thorn Blade Corps, part of the Black Shadow Corps.
More and more Thorn Blade members emerged from the shadows, each instantly appearing behind the surrounding soldiers. Their curved sickles hovered near the soldiers' throats—one twitch, and it would be over.
"I wasn't asking," Renee said coldly. "I'm ordering you."
Her tone sent chills down everyone's spines.
"You have two choices. Obey me… or this island becomes a graveyard."
Her killing intent surged, sharp and unmistakable.
Ganfor gritted his teeth and raised his head, blood dripping from his forehead. "What… are you trying to do?!"
Slash!
A cold light flickered, and Ganfor's arm was severed from his body. He howled in agony.
Renee remained calm, her voice cold and steady. "I won't harm the islanders as long as they obey. I only need them to help me cultivate shellfish and craft shell tools. I'll pay them for their work. Now gather every person related to this field. You have one hour. For every minute that passes after the hour, one person dies."
She waved her hand lightly.
Behind her, more and more figures rose from the ground.
Thousands of soldiers—ninjas, thorn blades, and other operatives from the Black Shadow Corps—filled the square like ghosts.
"You can refuse, of course," Renee added, her tone even. "But if you do… everyone on this island dies."
Ganfor's eyes widened with shock and disbelief.
"You… You can't do this!" he shouted in protest.
"Then follow my orders," Renee replied coldly.
Ganfor clenched his teeth, trying to resist, but the thorn blade operative beside him stomped him into the dirt again. His body trembled under the pressure. Despite their numbers, the Black Shadow Corps overwhelmed Ganfor's strength with ease.
Boom!
Another stomp, and blood sprayed from Ganfor's mouth.
He could no longer ignore the power difference.
"I… I understand," he said hoarsely. "Just don't hurt the people. I'll do as you say."
"It's not a request." Renee's voice was devoid of warmth. "It's an order."
With her tall frame towering over him, she looked down at the defeated 'God' and spoke firmly. "From now on, everything I say is law. If you forget that, you won't live to regret it."
"…I understand," Ganfor gritted out.
The thorn blade operatives backed off slightly, allowing Ganfor to slowly stand. Clutching his bloody, severed arm, he endured the pain and said in a heavy voice, "I'll summon everyone now. Please, honor your word."
"I'm always trustworthy," Renee replied coolly.
But then—Bang!
She kicked Ganfor again, sending him flying backward. Her tone hardened further. "But I expect you to show me the respect I deserve. You may be the god of Sky Island, but from now on, remember your place."
The cultivation of slavery… begins now.