The nights on Montlust Island were vibrant. Pirates, hunters, civilians, and even so Marines had gathered to witness the rare fireworks festival.
People in bizarre costus road the streets—so out of curiosity, others in festive spirit, and so hiding their identities.
The island was celebrating both the fireworks festival and a food carnival, attracting a large crowd. Due to the presence of a Marine base, most pirates kept a low profile.
Rosen distorted half of his face with sand, making it look like a severe burn scar. The group sampled a variety of street foods as they strolled through the busy streets.
"I heard this island is under Admiral Aokiji's jurisdiction, so it's relatively peaceful. Even the pirates seem restrained," Rosen said, enjoying a snack. Natalie jumped up occasionally to steal a bite with her hand.
They were eating grilled at skewers made from a Sea King—tender, juicy, and surprisingly moist despite being roasted.
"Hm." At the ntion of Aokiji, Robin looked a bit uncomfortable.
Seeing Rosen in full vacation mode—sandals, beach shorts, breezy shirt—she wondered, isn't he cold? Do Logia users not feel cold?
She debated whether to remind him they were on a Marine-controlled island. Was it really okay to be this relaxed?
"So many people… it's so lively. I wish everyone could be here," Natalie said, eyes wide with amazent. It was her first ti witnessing such a scene.
Unfortunately, there were too many Lantis people. In small groups, they might go unnoticed, but in large numbers, they were bound to attract attention.
"I'm telling you, Crocodile is a demon dozens of ters tall—I saw it myself! He swallowed dozens of Lantis people whole. You better not ss with him when you're out at sea…" bragged a thug at a booth, wildly exaggerating.
Flickering lanterns cast shadows as he gestured animatedly, drawing in a group of children. Most were orphans—children of pirates or Marines, many of whom had died. Not all orphans received proper care.
So of the children believed him, others didn't.
"Hey, old man, what are you selling? This shell's so small—how can it make sound? It records whatever I say?" Rosen suddenly overheard sothing intriguing as they passed a stall.
"Of course! This is a rare treasure I found today on Giant God Peak on Flower Basket Island. These are the only ones I have. I'll give you a deal—just a million Berries!"
"A million?! Even if it's special, that's too expensive."
"You can't say that. Everyone knows how dangerous Flower Basket Island is. You never know if you'll make it back alive. My price is fair."
"Lower it a bit…"
The closer Rosen got, the more clearly he heard. When he saw what the burly stall owner was selling, his eyes lit up—it was a Sky Island specialty: various functional shells.
"BOSS, you know these?" Robin asked, ready to buy them since she had promised to cover today's expenses.
"I do. No need to buy. Sir, where did you find these?" Rosen handed the man so Berries as he spoke.
The stall owner grinned and took the money. "Found them on Giant God Peak on Flower Basket Island. But I wouldn't recomnd ordinary folks going there. It's a land of beasts—very dangerous."
"Got it." Rosen, having heard what he needed, moved on.
"Do you know where Giant God Peak is? Got the map?" he asked Robin.
"Yes. What were those things?"
"Sky Island specialties. Looks like the path to Sky Island is on that peak. We'll check it out when we return. But to avoid another trip, let's gather more rumors while we're here."
"Sky Island specialties?" Robin was surprised—those odd shells?
"The fireworks are starting!" soone shouted in the crowd.
A mont later, the sky exploded into a brilliant display of color and light. The pitch-black night lit up as fireworks bood endlessly, bursting in perfect circular patterns.
The whole island seed to pause. Everyone looked skyward. Such beauty was rare on the Grand Line—there just weren't many well-developed islands.
While Rosen and his group wandered, Queen Hathaway and her team encountered trouble elsewhere.
"What did I say that's wrong? The Lantis Kingdom was destroyed by the forr Shichibukai, right? That's what the news said. You got a problem with that?" A group of pirates glared at two won who dared to question them.
"Crocodile's not just a demon—he's a coward. Bet he's being hunted like a dog by Admiral Akainu. He'll be dead soon. If it weren't for him, the Marines wouldn't be raiding this area. Woman, if you're not a Marine, don't cause trouble," a bald pirate sneered.
These pirates were strong, each with bounties in the tens of millions. If provoked, they could kill a few people and escape the island without issue.
"Captain, these two won have great figures. They're masked, but I can tell—they're top-tier. Worth a fortune. Should we…?" One pirate eyed Hathaway and Alice and whispered suggestively.
Whether for personal use or to sell to traffickers, they'd fetch a high price. Truly a lucky find.
"Not yet. Too many people around. Wouldn't want the Marines catching wind," the captain replied quietly, examining the won more closely.
They assud Hathaway couldn't hear them, but her Haki was refined to a masterful level—she heard every word. Thɪs chapter is updated by Nove1Fire
"You're dead." Hathaway drew a plain substitute longsword from her waist. With a flash, the pirates froze mid-motion. She and Alice disappeared into the crowd without looking back.
Their good mood vanished. They hadn't planned on intervening—they were here to drink—but the pirates' insults toward that man had gone too far.
It annoyed Hathaway and Alice deeply. That man had saved the Lantis people. Now, they were calling him a destroyer.
"Huh? What's wrong with them? Why aren't they moving?" The drink stall owner noticed the once-loud pirates were suddenly still.
Then ca a faint sound. Blood spurted from each pirate's chest. One by one, they collapsed onto the tables, lifeless.
Hathaway's sword was so fast the pirates didn't even register being killed.
"K-k-killed?!" The stall owner froze, then shouted in shock. But he quickly composed himself and sent his n to summon the Marines.
Not that it mattered—on this island, conflict and death were common. Nothing unusual.
"Alice, once we've finished shopping, we'll return to Flower Basket Island for an ergency eting. Also, be ready—you may have to lead the people for a while," Hathaway said, watching the fireworks, reflecting on recent events and inner turmoil.
"Your Majesty—what do you an?!" Alice looked at her, shocked. Was Hathaway planning to leave the Lantis people? That was unthinkable!
(End of Chapter)
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