To Meet, like the Half Moon Hidden by Clouds

A flashback begins with a narration box: "In a certain kingdom in North Blue, There lived a man named Montblanc Noland." Noland, a man with a distinctive chestnut-shaped growth on his head, is shown smiling broadly. He walks cheerfully through a quaint town, carrying a newspaper. Townspeople greet him warmly: "Morning, Mr. Noland!" and "Good morning!" Another narration box notes, "The townspeople had no idea whether Noland's tales were truth or were fiction." Noland is then seen sitting on a log in a snowy landscape, surrounded by a large group of excited children and some adults. One child asks, "Tell us the story about the country of dwarves!" Noland smiles and replies, "Sure, why not. It was back when I was still-" The narration continues, "Noland the explorer was always speaking of his great adventures so grand and unbelievable they seemed like lies." The scene shifts to a bustling port where a large, majestic ship arrives. People on the docks cheer, "It's Noland's ship!" and "Welcome back, Noland!" The narration states, "One day, upon returning from another voyage, Noland reported to the king thus:" The King of Lvneel, looking eager and wide-eyed, says, "Tell us more of your stories!"

Noland stands before the King of Lvneel, gesturing grandly with both hands as he passionately describes his discoveries. He says, "Its name is Shandora, and if there ever were a city of gold, it surely refers to this city!" The King and his advisors listen with wide-eyed amazement, their eyes literally sparkling with greed and wonder. A narration box transitions the story forward: "5 years later, Lvneel Kingdom". The King, now looking serious and authoritative, tells Noland, "Marie Joie has granted us permission to enter the Grand Line. As such, I wish to appoint you the admiral of our next exploration fleet." Noland, bowing respectfully with a confident smile, replies, "I humbly accept the post, your majesty..."

Noland warns the King about the perilous journey ahead: "Yes, but... In that case, I must ask your majesty to be prepared to face the harshest of dangers." The King stubbornly replies, "I, too, have decided to personally come aboard. Is that clear? However, you are to leave your former crew behind this time. My royal troops will be taking their place for this voyage." The scene abruptly shifts to a disastrous voyage on the Grand Line. The fleet is battered by massive storms and attacked by giant, terrifying sea monsters. Panic ensues among the inexperienced royal troops. Voices cry out in terror: "NOLAND!" "IT'S A MONSTER! SAVE US!" "ADMIRAL NOLAND!" "THE SAIL'S BEEN TORN APART FROM THE WINDS!" "SHIP NO. 3 IS MISSING! IT MUST HAVE VEERED OFF COURSE!" "ICEBERG UP AHEAD! THE RUDDER WON'T MOVE!" "ADMIRAL NOLAND!" "NOLAND!" "NOLAND, WHAT DO WE DO!?" "ARE WE STILL NOT THERE YET!?" Noland is shown gritting his teeth in intense frustration and stress, thinking, "DAMN LANDLUBBERS! I KNEW THOSE SOLDIERS COULDN'T HANDLE THIS VOYAGE...! AT THE VERY LEAST, I HAVE TO PROTECT THE SHIP HIS MAJESTY IS SAILING ON!"

The battered ship finally arrives at an island. A sign in the corner reads "Marine calendar, Year 1127, November 16th." The King, looking out eagerly from the deck surrounded by his exhausted troops, asks, "Is that the island, Noland!?" Noland smiles confidently, "Yes, Most definitely, your majesty!" However, as the perspective shifts to show what they are looking at, the shore is just a sheer, barren cliff face. A small, familiar house sits alone on the edge of the cliff, but the lush jungle and the golden city of Shandora are nowhere to be seen. A large, jagged "!!?" speech bubble expresses the collective shock of the crew as they stare at the empty landscape where the other half of Jaya should be.

Noland is shown kneeling on the barren ground near the edge of the cliff, staring out at the sea in utter disbelief. He mutters to himself, "WHY...? WHY DOES THE ISLAND MEET THE SEA HERE...?" Behind him, the King's face is shown in an extreme close-up, contorted in absolute, terrifying fury. He screams at the top of his lungs, "NOLAAAAANNND! YOU DECEIVED ME, DIDN'T YOU!? JUST WHERE IS THIS CITY OF GOLD SUPPOSED TO BE!?" The King's rage is palpable, depicted with heavy shading and jagged speech bubbles, while Noland remains frozen in shock, unable to comprehend the missing land.

Noland's face is covered in sweat, his eyes wide with confusion and despair as he tries to comprehend the impossible situation. He thinks, "WHERE... DID THE VILLAGE GO...? WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS ISLAND...?" He desperately calls out in his mind to his friend, "KALGARA, IF YOU'RE STILL ALIVE, PLEASE LET ME HEAR IT... THE SOUND OF THE GOLDEN BELL...! PLEASE ANSWER ME WITH THE LIGHT OF SHANDORA!" The scene shows the empty cliff side again, emphasizing the absence of the city. A narration box then shifts the time and place: "Half a year later, North Blue, Lvneel Kingdom". A large execution platform is shown erected in the center of the kingdom's capital, surrounded by a massive crowd.

Noland is on trial. A narration box announces, "NOLAND'S PUBLIC EXECUTION IS STARTING!" Noland, looking bruised and battered but resolute, speaks firmly to the crowd, "6 YEARS AGO, ON THE ISLAND OF JAYA IN GRAND LINE, I SAW AN IMMENSE GOLDEN CITY. I SOLEMNLY SWEAR THE CITY OF GOLD EXISTS." The massive crowd murmurs in uncertainty. An official announces, "We now call to the stand one of the sailors who accompanied Noland's voyage 6 years ago." The official asks the sailor, "Tell us. Are Noland's claims, True...?" The sailor coldly replies, "No. They are but bold-faced lies." The crowd erupts in shock and anger. People in the crowd yell, "What!? So Noland was... Nothing but a liar!?" "Then... Were all of his stories until now... Also lies!?" "THAT SCOUNDREL! HOW DARE HE DECEIVE THE WHOLE COUNTRY AND PLAY A FALSE HERO!"

Chaos breaks out in the crowd as Noland's original crew tries desperately to push their way to the front to save him. They shout, "THIS WAY, GUYS!" "Aghh! Our admiral's up on the execution stand!" "STOP! I'VE NEVER EVEN SEEN THAT SO-CALLED WITNESS OF YOURS!" "WHO THE HELL IS HE!? HE WASN'T A PART OF OUR CREW!" "Clear the way!" "ADMIRAL!" The King watches coldly from his balcony and orders his guards, "Restrain them." A guard replies, "Yes, sir." Noland, kneeling on the execution block, looks back at his struggling men, thinking, "My men... What happened!? Were you not able to meet Kalgara and the Shandia!?" The executioner raises a massive blade. An official reads the final sentence: "THE EXPLORER MONTBLANC NOLAND, IS HEREBY SENTENCED TO DEATH BY BEHEADING FOR HIS GREAT LIES!"

Noland's crew members scream in despair, tears streaming down their faces, "OUR ADMIRAL WOULD NEVER LIE!" "ADMIRAL!" "ADMIRAL!" The massive crowd surrounding the execution platform chants angrily, "LIAR! LIAR! LIAR! LIAR! LIAR! LIAR!" Noland kneels on the wooden platform with his hands bound behind his back, two executioners standing ready with their weapons raised. Despite his impending death, Noland's expression is sorrowful but calm, his thoughts entirely on his friend. He thinks, "KALGARA... WHERE ARE YOU NOW? ARE YOU ALIVE...?...MY ONLY CONCERN IS OF YOU AND YOUR PEOPLE." The crowd continues to scream "LIAR!" as the scene fades.

A flashback begins, indicated by a sign: "Jaya, 1 year before Noland's visit". The bustling, vibrant city of Shandora is shown, full of life and activity. Kalgara walks through the city with a young Seto. Seto asks, "Kalgara! You're going to go ring the bell, aren't you? I'll come with you." They encounter the giant snake, Nola, resting among the ruins. Kalgara laughs warmly, "Hahaha... Hello, there, Nola! You've already made this place your home, haven't you?" Nola hisses happily, "CHURARARA". Seto asks eagerly, holding a piece of fruit, "Kalgara, when do you think Noland and his men will come again?" Kalgara smiles down at him, "Hahaha... That's all you ever ask when you come here."

Kalgara explains to Seto, "He's from the seas to the far North. And he's got his own family to look after in his country. It's not a trip he can make so simply. But he made a promise." Kalgara looks determined, "So as long as we continue to ring the bell here on this island, I'm sure the day will come when he-" Suddenly, a massive rumble interrupts him. "UOHH!" The ground shakes violently. "!!?" Seto panics, "WHAT'S GOING ON!? AN EARTHQUAKE!?" He looks up in fear, "THE SKIES ARE DARK TOO!" Kalgara realizes the immense danger, "THIS IS NO ORDINARY MATTER! COME, SETO! WE MUST PROTECT THE VILLAGE!"

A spectacular full-page illustration shows a colossal Knock Up Stream erupting from the ocean. The massive, swirling pillar of water shoots straight up into the sky, tearing a huge chunk of the island of Jaya right out of the sea and carrying it upwards into the dark clouds. Massive boulders and debris fall away as the landmass is launched violently into the heavens.

The massive chunk of Jaya, carrying the city of Shandora and the Golden Bell, lands violently on the white sea of clouds. The impact throws people and buildings around, creating massive craters in the cloud surface. The giant beanstalk is visible in the background, piercing through the clouds. In the foreground, Skypieans with their distinctive antennae look on in absolute shock and awe at the sudden appearance of this massive landmass in their sky.

The Skypieans stare at the newly arrived land in wonder. One says, "GOD! IT'S A HUGE CHUNK OF VEARTH!" Another adds, "It's so beautiful... To think a vearth of that size could come up!" The God of Skypiea, a large man with a dark, thick beard, speaks authoritatively, "Yes. You all heard the beautiful ring of vearth just now, didn't you? That is proof that the heavens have bestowed this gift upon us! It is the birth of a holy land! It is only fitting that I live there." Someone points out, "THERE ARE PEOPLE THERE!?" The God commands ruthlessly, "DRAG THEM OUT FOR ALL I CARE! I AM GOD AND ALL IS AS I WILL IT!"

Chaos erupts in Shandora as the Skypiean forces attack. Shandorians are confused and injured. Voices cry out, "What happened..." "Is everyone alright!?" "Treat the wounded!" Skypiean soldiers charge in, yelling, "DRAG THEM OUT!" A Shandorian warns, "Kalgara! Someone's coming this way!" Kalgara orders his people, "Protect the women and children! We warriors must fight off these invaders!" A voice booms from the sky, "THIS VEARTH IS NOW MINE, FOR I AM GOD!" Kalgara, panting heavily in the thin air ("HUFF... HUFF... WHY... AM I FINDING IT SO HARD TO BREATHE...?"), fights back fiercely with his spear. He yells defiantly, "I DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE GOD OR WHATEVER... YOU'RE NOT TAKING OUR LAND FROM US!"

A brief glimpse of Noland's logbook sitting on a table in a stone cell is shown, a single drop of water falling nearby. Back in the sky, Kalgara fights desperately against the Skypiean invaders, his body covered in wounds and blood. He thinks of his promise, "WE PROMISED, DIDN'T WE, NOLAND... THAT WE WOULD MEET AGAIN ONE DAY. WHAT WOULD YOU THINK IF YOU WERE TO COME BACK TO JAYA... BUT NOT FIND US THERE...?" He strikes down enemies with ferocious power, thinking, "PLEASE WAIT A LITTLE LONGER. I'LL TELL YOU SOON ENOUGH, THAT WE ARE STILL HERE!"

Kalgara continues his fierce battle, his thoughts entirely on Noland. "THE VILLAGE HAS CHANGED QUITE A BIT SINCE LAST TIME. THE CROPS YOU GAVE US HAVE GROWN WELL. MY DAUGHTER IS MARRIED TO SETO NOW." A small flashback panel shows Kalgara and Noland smiling and clinking cups together in friendship. Kalgara roars as he fights, "THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS I WISH TO TELL YOU, NOLAND. LET US MEET ONCE MORE ON THE SAME LAND, NOLAND!" He screams a desperate command to his people, "LIGHT THE FLAME... OF SHANDORA!"

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