The Crew Sat in front of the railing. The Cement walls against the captains back as he munched down on a small snack consisting of some fruit, cheese , bread, and sliced meat.
Sea King meat, it tastes universally the same. Even when Sea Kings have mutations such as fur, tentacles, or any other non serpentine characteristics, taste like Steam Coated in Salt like prosciutto and laced with soy sauce but was tender like Salmon or Tuna when cooked tender, but when uncooked, it was tough and chewy like a medium well steak
"Wow…" Leroy chewed with his mouth open "I didn't expect Sea King to taste like this"
"Chew with your mouth closed." Kirk scowled, as he daintily chewed on his own snack of the same. "The Urchin over there cut some of these far too thin or left them too thick." Noir jeered, The First Mate shot the chef a glare back to him
"I think it's fine!" Jeanne chewed "Yeah! I really like it, Noir!" Dezzi nibbled on the bread.
"Yes Very good. I think it's a nice refresher." Eddie said, putting a piece of bread in his mouth.
"E-Eddie?" Leroy asked with a small stammer "Yes?"
"You can eat?!" He leaned forward. "In a certain way. I can taste what I put in my mouth. I think my soul tears it apart and absorbs it. But it doesn't do anything for me."
"I can still feel hunger, perhaps a hold over from me being alive. But it is a nice indulgence from time to time." He chewed harshly on the Sea King meat
"Hmm. I'll keep that in mind. What kind of food do you enjoy, Eddie?" Noir asked
"My taste can be quite a– Spectrum. I enjoy Salty and Meaty flavors." He tapped his chin "Oh me too!" Leroy piped up "When I was alive I enjoyed very indulgent foods. Fatty, Oily. The Like."
"Ah, Junk Food and indulgence. I enjoy making that." The Chef popped a final piece in his mouth and put a cigarette in between his lips
With a wipe of his hands, Leroy stood up. "I think we should get going. Barbary is waiting for each of us now."
Noir stood as well, pulling out the pocket ashtray, a silver pocket watch like object that was attached to a chain on Noir hip. Usually it was hidden beneath his suit jacket, but now it was clear in view. The metal was etched with the image of a flower with thorns across it
"Alright Cap. Your call. Do we stick together or split up?" He tapped the ash into the hollow tray
Leroy scratched his chin. "If those twins were right, and what Deckard Just proved to us…This Gauntlet is going to wear us down. Not by brute strength of individuals but by the utter amount of Opponents. Even if we chose to go right for Barbary right now–"
"Those opponents on the Island would show up. We stick together and fight them together, we expend energy and waste time and Barbary comes for us. We split up and fight, we save time and can get rid of the other opponents before going after what ever barbary wants to hit us with himself"
Kale scowled. "What's the point of saving time again?" He'd….Forgot. But it was a good thing to ask to restate.
"Well, I'm guessing that those pirates on the coast are coming for us or going to try and push us forward" This was true. As they spoke the entire fleet that wasn't with Barbary directly was pushing up from the back to attempt to push them into the preverbal slicer like a wood block
Eddie confirmed this. "Yes. I can see a large 'cloud' of presence that way from where we came and it seems to be approaching. Marching."
Leroy continued "Even if we don't really have to worry about time, and won't suddenly be surrounded and then Barbary launches the plan then, and having any and all remaining opponents pounce on us."
"Good point." Kale said, pushing himself up on the bottom of his sword "I guess splitting up it is."
"Now the only question is who goes where now that we have proper time to think about it." Kirk stood as well, resting his hand on his hip and putting his weight on one leg
"There's nine of us. So it could be three each way." Leroy said counting heads. "And I think Kale and Noir should be in each of the groups."
"Agreed." They both said in unison. "And then if you're split up more from there…" He began to mutter under his breath "Knowing how this island has been…"
"It still means that those that need to be taken care of will be."
Leroy then pointed to where the volcano sat on the horizon. "I'll head that way."
"If one of the others will be with our dear short term memory Swordsman, I'll come with you cap." Kirk said
"I'll head that way." Kale said, immediately walking to the left. "Yeah, uh Imm gonna make sure he doesn't get lost." Cali rushed after the first mate
A 'chill' went down Eddie's spine. "I-...I feel something that way. I can see it. I think that way…Is where my crew will be…"
Leroy nodded to him "Okay. I guess that leaves–"
"Me, Jeanne and Dezzi." Noir added. "We'll go to the right."
"Okay!" Dezzo said, giving a quick skip over to the Chef.
The Crew was now all split up. Kale, Cali and Eddie heading to the Left where unbeknownst to them, Members of the Motor Heads were waiting along with The Tools, Motley Crew and In Chained. As well as an individual whose eagerly awaiting The Swordsman's arrival…
Noir's team on the other hand, were going to be heading to a strange environment where their battles will be forced into strangeness.
As for Leroy? Kirk and Raven were going to be met with history far from the past and beasts that no one would have thought could exist, Had it not been in the Grand Line…Where anything can happen.
Barbary was Waiting. Patiently. His prey were walking directly into the traps he had set. But little did he know, they were ready.