A certain sea area in the New World.
On an island that was once the site of a ruined kingdom.
Along the beach, a girl wearing headphones was humming a tune as she strolled leisurely across the sand. Suddenly, she stopped, turning toward the distant horizon as if she had heard something.
The once calm surface of the sea erupted, sending up massive, foaming white waves as a gigantic monster fish burst through the surface and shot up into the sky.
The girl froze, stunned by the sight. For a moment, she thought she saw something fly out from the creature's gaping mouth.
High above in the sky—
"Finally! We made it out!"
"We're alive! Hooray!"
"We finally escaped that damned place!"
As the Gale burst free, everyone aboard erupted into cheers, rushing to the railings to take in the view around them.
Blue skies, white clouds, and the enormous anglerfish still floating helplessly in the air.
Supported by the three island-masses inside its stomach, the colossal creature thrashed violently, confused about how it had ended up flying when it had been swimming peacefully moments before.
At the bow, Leno looked up at the anglerfish and asked casually,
"Carmen, does this thing taste good?"
"Huh?!!"
Everyone was stunned by Leno's sudden question. 'Good heavens, is he that petty?'
They had just escaped from the creature's belly—and now he wanted to eat it?
"This big one's a type of anglerfish among the lanternfish species. Its meat is very tender and delicious—firm, springy, and more flavorful than normal fish."
"And not only that," Carmen continued seriously, "its liver is a rare delicacy, and even the other parts are worth savoring. In short, this fish is a treasure from head to tail~"
"..."
Once food was mentioned, Carmen became uncharacteristically earnest, explaining the creature's culinary value like a professional chef.
Acier and his daughter exchanged speechless looks. You're really reviewing it now? How would they even kill something this huge?
Chopper, Yamato, and the others listened intently to Carmen's explanation, all of them staring at the anglerfish ahead. Their throats instinctively gulped, and even Yamato's hands were itching to try.
"Good. This big guy will feed us for a while!"
With that, Leno drew his long blade. A crimson gleam flashed.
A fine red line appeared across the anglerfish's massive head, trailing backward—its struggling ceased instantly.
"I told you, there's no way Lord Lantern would go down so easi—"
Boom!
Before Olga could finish her comforting words, the enormous creature split cleanly in two before her eyes.
"Eh?!!!"
Olga's eyes and teeth nearly popped out, her tongue stiffening as her entire body froze. Acier mirrored her expression perfectly—like father, like daughter.
Leno didn't pause. In just a few swift motions, he carved apart the anglerfish with precise cuts, then with a wave of his hand, stored everything away neatly.
When all was done, he finally turned to the still-stunned Olga.
"What were you saying just now?"
"N-nothing..."
Olga trembled as she answered. Gone was the casual tone she'd used when they first met. Now, her gaze was full of fear, her posture stiff and cautious.
Acier noticed his daughter's reaction and patted her shoulder comfortingly. Truth be told, even he was quietly reminding himself to be careful how he spoke to Leno from now on.
"To think Mr. Leno is that powerful... truly astonishing..."
"Huh~ this is nothing! You'll eventually realize just how incredibly powerful Captain Leno is!"
Veteran Chopper didn't look too impressed—he'd witnessed far scarier scenes before.
"Leno-sama, you must be tired~"
Hancock immediately rushed over, her tone sweet and caring, doing her best to shower him with affection.
Running a hand through her silky black hair, Leno sighed and glanced at the three islands still floating in the air.
"So... what should we do with these islands? We can't just toss them anywhere."
"Why not hold them up with your power for now?" Yamato suggested, her big clear eyes glinting. "Those islands have plenty of resources anyway. When we pass by Skypiea later, we can drop them there!"
She looked extremely pleased with herself—her expression practically screamed 'Aren't I clever?'
Leno considered it and nodded approvingly.
"Not bad, Yamato. You're learning to bring the good stuff home!"
"Of course! I—hey! Wait, are you complimenting me or teasing me?!"
Her brief pride quickly turned into indignation as she glared at him. Does this guy even know how to praise someone properly?
"Nami, have you figured out where we are?"
After floating the islands higher into the sky and scanning their surroundings, Leno turned to ask Nami.
They hadn't spent that long inside the fish's stomach, so hopefully, it hadn't drifted too far.
"No idea. But I can confirm one thing—we're definitely not in the North Blue anymore."
Nami sighed helplessly. The Log Pose wasn't functioning, and the compass had lost its magnetic memory. All they could rely on were ocean currents and weather patterns.
"I see. Then let's check out that island in the distance. Maybe we'll find something there."
"That's our best option for now~"
It wasn't much of a plan, but it was better than wandering aimlessly. Fortunately, there was at least one island nearby.
Leno turned the Gale toward it, and soon they descended onto its shores.
But what awaited them were only ruins—crumbling structures that had clearly been abandoned for a long time.
"There's someone over there!"
Not long after they landed, the ever-alert Kuina spotted a figure watching them from afar.
At her warning, everyone's eyes shifted in the same direction.
Realizing she'd been seen, the figure stepped out from behind a broken building, standing cautiously as she stared back at them.
It was a slender, beautiful young woman. She had red-and-white asymmetrical hair, wore headphones, a short white skirt with a cute cartoon design, and trendy ankle boots—a modern, girlish look.
Seeing that signature hairstyle and the ruined scenery around them, Leno immediately recognized her. The invincible female "Boss"—Uta!
So this must be the former Music Kingdom, Elegia! His curiosity instantly spiked.
They tried to approach, but Uta quickly stepped back, wary eyes fixed on them.
"Who are you people? Pirates?"
"Don't get the wrong idea! We're not pirates—we're adventurers traveling around the world! Look, you can check our flag!"
Nami quickly stepped forward and pointed toward the Gale.
Seeing that they weren't pirates, Uta relaxed slightly—until Nami continued,
"We were carried here by a giant fish and got lost. We just want to know where we are..."
"So the ones who flew out of that fish's mouth earlier... were you guys?!!"
...