Boss, I didn't expect to eat such delicious food with you!"
Brad gave Caesar a thumbs-up, and then the feast began. Everyone enjoyed themselves, reveling in the lively atmosphere.
That night, no one spoke much—they were too busy indulging.
The next morning, the crew rose early. Today, they planned to explore the island on their own. After breakfast, they bid farewell to Gan Fall and set out.
"I'm going to show you something interesting," Caesar said, glancing at the group with a slight smile.
"What?" Regina asked in a neutral tone.
"Yeah, what's so interesting? How interesting is it?" Lily perked up instantly, eyes shining with curiosity.
"Could it be some kind of special shell?" Hades mused, rubbing his chin. He knew Caesar had a keen interest in Dial technology and figured it might be a rare find.
"I've seen plenty of fascinating things along the way," Arnold added, rambling in a way that almost sounded like a tongue twister. "Whatever Caesar found must be even more special."
Caesar simply shook his head with a grin. "Just follow me."
He extended his hands, releasing his Kenbunshoku Haki-enhanced telekinetic ability. A surge of thought power enveloped the group, lifting them effortlessly into the air. As they ascended rapidly, they soared past the Giant Jack, the massive vine connecting Upper Yard to the sky above.
The crew's eyes widened as they approached a vibrant, multicolored cloud formation.
"Are we heading for that colorful cloud?" Granary asked, shielding his eyes from the bright reflection of the sun.
"That's right," Caesar confirmed. "The interesting thing is up there."
Their anticipation grew as Caesar guided them towards the floating mass. As they reached the top, their eyes widened in astonishment.
Right in the center of the cloud island stood an enormous golden bell—the legendary Golden Belfry of Shandora.
The moment their feet touched down, Eli sighed, "It's so convenient having Caesar around... We can go anywhere effortlessly."
"That bell is incredible!" Brad exclaimed, taking a step forward.
"Let's get a closer look," Caesar said with a smirk, leading the way.
As they neared, the sheer magnificence of the Golden Belfry became undeniable. It was massive, its surface gleaming under the sunlight, radiating an ancient aura. The engravings of Shandora's history and the Poneglyph embedded beneath it added to its solemn presence.
Wei Na ran her fingers across the cool metal, feeling its deep history. "Who could have placed such a grand structure here? And what was its purpose?"
"Caesar, is this what you wanted to show us?" Lily asked, her voice filled with awe.
Caesar nodded. "This is what they call 'the Song of the Island.' It's said that when it rings, its chime echoes across the sky, carrying the will of Shandora."
Lily's eyes widened. "So, this is what produces that legendary sound...!"
Eli gave the bell's surface a small tap, but no sound followed.
Yakexi grinned mischievously. "This thing would look amazing on our ship. Imagine how majestic it'd be!"
Lily shot him a glare. "What are you thinking? The Caesar Pirates aren't thieves. Besides, it's way too big to fit on our ship."
Yakexi chuckled. "I was only joking."
Meanwhile, Caesar stood in front of the Poneglyph, contemplating something. His fingers traced the ancient text for a moment before he smirked and unsheathed his Seastone-infused dagger.
With precise strokes, he carved a message into the gold plating next to the historical inscription:
"Caesar was here."
Then, after a pause, he added another line:
"You're too slow, Roger."
[119]The crew blinked in confusion.
"Caesar, I understand the first part, but what's with the second line?" Hades asked.
Caesar chuckled. "Just leaving something interesting behind. No deep meaning."
With that, everyone lost interest in the inscription. However, some found the idea amusing and followed suit, carving their own names next to Caesar's.
Later, when the Roger Pirates arrived, they would find these inscriptions—and Roger himself would laugh at Caesar's challenge.
Caesar, still amused by his little prank, turned to Lily, Wei Na, and Regina. "Take this stack of parchment and make a rubbing of the Poneglyph."
The three exchanged glances before Lily asked, "Why do we need a copy of this?"
"It might come in handy later," Caesar replied vaguely.
They didn't question him further, used to his cryptic behavior. Working together, they carefully pressed the parchment against the stone, ensuring every glyph was copied.
After a while, Yakexi patted the bell as a final souvenir.
"Shall we ring it before we leave?" Brad asked. "Let the island hear its song again?"
Caesar gazed at the bell thoughtfully before shaking his head.
"Not yet."
With that, he once again enveloped the crew in his thought power and guided them back down the Giant Jack, returning to Upper Yard.
"For now, everyone can go explore freely," Caesar announced.
The crew eagerly dispersed, excited to continue their adventure across Angel Island and Upper Yard.
Meanwhile, Caesar wandered off alone to train. He frowned slightly, focusing his abilities. The objects around him floated chaotically, his Haki-infused telekinesis still needing refinement.
Just then, Gan Fall approached. Seeing Caesar immersed in practice, he waited patiently until the pirate captain noticed him.
Caesar withdrew his power and looked up.
"Caesar, I've had my people gather the Dial shells you requested," Gan Fall informed him.
Caesar's expression brightened.
"Oh? That fast?"
He had only mentioned it yesterday, expecting it to take longer—especially since some types of Dials were incredibly rare, even extinct.
But Gan Fall's efficiency exceeded his expectations.
"This is going to be interesting," Caesar muttered with a grin.
Subscribe to Patreon.com/Akeyno to get 30+ chapters