A thick fog blanketed the sea, and through the mist they could just make out the silhouette of something enormous ahead.
“Is…
that an island?
It’s huge!” As they drew closer, the Straw Hat Pirates finally got a clear look at Warship Island.
The island was shaped like a gigantic anchor planted firmly in the sea.
Nami guided the Going Merry into the harbor.
Zoro and the others lowered the gangplank, and the crew stepped onto the dock.
Waiting for them were dozens of villagers armed with spears and other weapons.
“I’m home!” Apis cheerfully waved.
“Apis?!” The villagers stared at her in astonishment.
Luffy’s expression suddenly turned serious.
“Hey!
You people—” The villagers tightened their grips on their weapons and swallowed nervously.
“W-What is it?” “Do you have a barbecue restaurant?” Luffy scratched the back of his head with a grin.
“…” The villagers collectively collapsed in exasperation.
“So…
what’s going on here?” One of the villagers stepped forward and looked at Apis in confusion.
Seeing the wary looks everyone was giving the Straw Hat Pirates—and the Jolly Roger flying from the Going Merry—Apis hurried to explain.
“Don’t be afraid!
They’re kind pirates!
They’re the ones who saved me and brought me home!” “Kind pirates?
As if those exist!” Another villager immediately objected.
“Besides, weren’t you captured by the Marines?” “They do!” Apis protested.
“After I escaped from the Marines, Luffy and the others rescued me and even brought me all the way home!” The villagers exchanged uncertain looks.
None of them knew whether they should trust pirates.
Even Luffy’s crewmates looked speechless at his earlier “barbecue restaurant” question.
“Apis…” A concerned villager sighed.
“What kind of trouble did you get yourself into?
The Marines have been searching for you everywhere.
You shouldn’t come back home.” “W-What should I do?” Apis looked flustered.
“We’d like to help…” The villager glanced uneasily at the Straw Hats.
“But they’re pirates.” “I keep telling you—we’re the nice kind!” Usopp complained.
“Apis!” An elderly voice called out.
A white-haired old man slowly approached with the aid of a cane.
“Come to my house.” “Grandpa Gordan!” Apis happily ran over and hugged him.
“Who?” “No idea.” Luffy and the others looked equally confused.
Grandpa Gordan smiled warmly as he hugged Apis.
“Thank goodness you’re safe.” He then turned toward the Straw Hat Pirates.
“Would you all care to come to my house?
I don’t have much to offer, but I’d like to prepare a welcoming feast for you.” “Do you run a barbecue restaurant?” Luffy still hadn’t given up on that question.
Apis giggled.
“Grandpa Gordan doesn’t own a barbecue restaurant, but his pork buns are delicious.” “Awesome!” Luffy cheered.
“Let’s go!” The group followed Grandpa Gordan into the village.
As Dazai brought up the rear, he casually glanced back.
Hidden behind the rocky cliffs, he caught sight of the faint outline of a Marine ship.
So they’ve already found us…
“Dazai!
Hurry up!” Nami called back.
“Coming!” Dazai replied with a smile.
While Grandpa Gordan placed baskets of pork buns into the steamer, everyone gathered in the living room.
Nami spoke first.
“Grandpa Gordan, why are the Marines after Apis?” “No idea.” Apis answered immediately.
“I don’t know anything.” “I thought you said there was a reason.” “I lied.” “If Apis says there isn’t one, then there isn’t.” Grandpa Gordan nodded in agreement.
“Though…” “There is one old legend.” “A legend?” “It’s said that the people living on this island are descendants of an ancient kingdom that sank beneath the sea thousands of years ago.” “The legend also says that Millennial Dragons live here.” “And their bones are said to be the secret to eternal life.” “I see…” Sanji frowned.
“But the Marines wouldn’t mobilize over nothing more than an old legend.” “Exactly.” “It’s only a legend.” “Why would the Marines care?” Everyone began discussing the story.
Dazai quietly glanced at the necklace hanging around Apis’s neck.
It appeared to be carved from the bone of some unknown animal.
Thoughtfully, he said, “Unless…” “The Marines have already found proof that the Millennial Dragons really exist.” Apis, who had been on the verge of yawning from boredom, suddenly froze.
She quickly pretended nothing had happened and sat perfectly still.
“Speaking of legends…” Grandpa Gordan lit an oil lamp before returning to his seat.
“It all began with the first ruler of the lost kingdom—” Apis buried her face in her hands.
“Here he goes again…” As Grandpa Gordan’s lengthy tale continued, even the energetic Straw Hat Pirates gradually lost steam.
Seeing that no one was paying attention to her anymore, Apis quietly slipped out of the room.
Dazai noticed immediately.
Without saying a word, he stood up and silently followed after her.
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