Argus squinted at the ragged map as sea wind tugged at his coat. "You sure this is the place?"
Newgate didn't hesitate. "It's here." His deep voice rumbled with certainty. "Pineapple Island."
Argus stared at the landmass rising from the waves. "Seriously?"
"Mm-hm~~"
What stood before them defied sanity. A colossal pineapple—gargantuan, continent-sized, and grotesquely alive—towered from the sea.
Argus lowered the map. "The sword's supposed to be at the summit. Top of that freakish crown."
"We climbing it?"
"We came this far. We're climbing."
---
A Few Hours Earlier
Back aboard the Moby Pup, Argus sat with the map stretched over a barrel, eyes sharp.
"It's time we tested this thing. The Supreme Sword—it's worth the risk," he said.
Newgate cracked his knuckles. "Then we GO!."
Orders rippled down the decks. Weapons cleaned, gear loaded, rations packed.
Serena walked beside Argus as the preparations began. She wore a deep burgundy cloak over polished armor, her presence regal as ever.
"Another journey?" she asked lightly.
Argus nodded. "If the map's fake, we lose time. If it's real…"
"Then your legend grows."
He chuckled. "So does my list of injuries."
Behind them, Sally and Shella followed at a measured distance.
"Huband" Sally said, clutching a fur-lined shawl for drama, "is it always this chaotic before a treasure hunt?"
Shella rolled her serpent-eyes. "You mean organized, not chaotic."
Argus half-turned. "You two settling in?"
Sally offered a half-smile. "Still learning the ropes."
Shella shrugged. "We're not household furniture. Don't expect overnight loyalty."
"I don't," Argus said, "but I expect contribution. Earn your place."
Serena smiled at that, subtle and approving.
---
Below Decks
Newgate sat with Doma and Hiroshi, a barrel between them holding bread and spiced rum.
"The raid went clean," Doma reported. "Island militia folded after the first barrage. We only lost one man. Three injured. Non-critical."
Newgate nodded. "Good. Minimal damage. Minimal fuss."
Hiroshi leaned in. "There's something else. Doma and I—been talking."
"Oh?"
"We want to visit Drum Island. Old contacts say there's a doctor there, better. One that might be able to help the sick kids we rescued."
Newgate stroked his chin. "We're not a ferry, Hiroshi."
Doma spoke up. "We know. But this one matters. One of the orphans we saved—he's tough. Carried the others through a forest crawling with wolves. Fought off two brigands. Besides, wouldn't it be better to have The Best Doctors abroad the ship"
"Name?"
"Jozu."
Newgate's brow lifted. "That little brute with the silver tooth?"
Hiroshi grinned. "That's him. Heart like iron. Made us stop to bury his dead dog."
"…I'll consider it," Newgate finally said. "And keep an eye on the boy. Kids like that either become monsters… or heroes."
---
Now—Back to the Present
The Ship reached the island. The men disembarked with blades sharpened and spirits high. Forty went ashore. Twelve stayed to guard the ship.
The second their boots hit the pineapple's spongey skin, the scent of rotting fruit invaded their nostrils.
Argus tried a chunk. Regretted it instantly.
"It's not pineapple. It's the idea of pineapple," he spat.
"Gurararara!" Newgate roared. "Exactly!"
They pressed on. No animals. No life. Just silence and sticky ground.
Ahead, the green leafy crown rose like a fortress.
Argus stopped. "Movement."
His Observation Haki flared.
Newgate's grip tightened on his Naginata. "They're strong."
From the mist came footfalls. Then, a monster in man's flesh—Ochoku. Towering. Armed. Smiling like death.
Behind him, forty pirates stood at the ready.
Argus and Ochoku locked eyes.
"This your turf now?" Argus asked.
"You come for the blade too?" Ochoku countered.
Two crews. Equal. A prize that could not be shared.
Then—
BOOM.
Conqueror's Haki exploded like thunder.
Leaves shook. Men staggered.
This was no race.
It was war.
---
(CHAPTER END)