Guided by Iwaso's oden boat, the Going Merry sighted an island after about two hours. Uninhabited but sizable.
Through a telescope, notable features stood out.
A barren, rocky mountain in the north, devoid of greenery.
A large whale statue near the island's center.
A castle visible due east from the center.
An unusual island.
Usopp, peering from the mainmast, descended to the deck as they neared land. A sandy beach allowed docking, though the Merry's hull grazed the shore, meaning wet feet for landing. The ship prepared to anchor.
Iwaso's boat, small enough to beach, rested nearby.
The Merry halted, preparations complete.
Usopp, stopping his work, addressed the crew. Luffy, grinning, responded first.
"Found most of the map's features. Figured out the whale," Usopp said.
"Really, Usopp!?" Luffy exclaimed.
"Huge statue on a high spot. Spotted it right away," Usopp replied.
He took an old map from Luffy, unfolding it. Given by Iwaso, it was worn but clear.
A note caught attention: The treasure sleeps. From the southern hill, if the whale faces west, its tail—
The end was faded, illegible. Clearly a treasure map. Why did Iwaso, an oden vendor, have it? After confirming the island's features, Usopp tilted his head.
"Why's that old man got this? It's a treasure map. He's no pirate," Usopp said.
"Maybe a pirate customer left it," Silk suggested, folding sails. "He said he serves pirates."
No one doubted Iwaso wasn't a pirate. Dedicated to his oden trade, he lacked interest or hostility toward pirates. He'd serve them if they wanted oden but kept his distance.
His stern face belied an upright character, not scorning pirates.
The map's origin intrigued them, but Kiri spoke, easing doubts.
"Even if he's not a pirate, he might know one," Kiri said. "His face changed talking about Woonan."
"Know one?" Usopp asked.
"Like, he knew Woonan?" Silk added.
"Probably. Why else offer free oden to use us?" Kiri said.
"You're obsessed with free oden," Nami snapped. "It's not that great a reward."
Nami's complaint was brushed off with a smile. Kiri gazed at the island, spotting the west-facing whale statue.
The map was valuable, its origin vaguely explained: delivered by a pirate, likely Woonan or his crew. Iwaso knowing a pirate seemed plausible, confirmed by his own words.
"He's got a reason to search so hard," Kiri said. "Maybe Woonan's dead. Rumors say so."
"No way!" Luffy shouted. "Don't assume that."
"Touch a nerve, Luffy?" Kiri teased.
"What's adventure for? To find out if he's alive or dead. If one person believes he's alive, he might be. Assuming before adventuring's no good," Luffy said.
"Fair point," Kiri agreed.
"Adventure's for that. Not knowing's more fun," Luffy added.
Luffy's grin made Kiri shrug and laugh. Unwavering, easy to deal with, but unchanging. His freedom was consistent since they met.
They'd reached the destination.
Now to decide how to act on the island.
Kiri, smiling, scanned the crew and pulled papers from his pocket.
"Let's split up. Three per team: escort for Iwaso and Tobio, and pirate hunters. Whoever finds the enemy takes them down," Kiri said.
"Sounds good," Luffy agreed.
"Wait!" Usopp interrupted. "We're only six! We won last time, but taking on a pirate crew with so few? Splitting's crazy."
Usopp's objection halted the discussion. Panic replaced his earlier confidence.
He'd called himself timid and negative. He seemed uneasy about the plan or fighting.
Desperately, he pleaded.
"No boast, but I'm useless against pirates. I can support, but…" Usopp said.
"You've got strong allies. Support's enough," Kiri replied.
"But the numbers! Pirates won't be fewer than ten. Six splitting in half's insane, right?" Usopp pressed.
"Strength per person matters. We're counting on you, Captain," Kiri said.
"I didn't mention, but I've got a disease—can't-set-foot-on-islands disease…" Usopp stammered.
"Got it. Shall we draw lots?" Kiri asked.
"Wait! Let's talk more!" Usopp pleaded.
His cries were ignored. Kiri held rolled papers, and each touched one. Usopp, hesitant, did too, looking uneasy.
"Red's escort team. Blank's pirate hunters. Objections?" Kiri asked.
"I'm objecting!" Usopp shouted. "No point splitting!"
"Information's key before fighting. We need to find Woonan's treasure. 'If the whale faces west, its tail—' needs checking," Kiri said.
"Tail's east. Whale's west, so tail's east," Usopp argued.
"Maybe the text's erased to mislead. We've got manpower, so investigate. Not just fighting pirates," Kiri countered.
"Manpower's not enough! Sticking together's safer!" Usopp insisted.
"No cheating. On three, draw. One, two, three!" Kiri called.
Ignoring Usopp again, they drew.
Teams were set.
Red papers went to Luffy, Usopp, and Nami.
Luffy was carefree, but Usopp and Nami looked worried.
"Shishishi, we're with the old man," Luffy said.
"No way!" Usopp cried. "I'm not strong! I've got a can't-fight-except-support disease! Redraw!"
"I'm not fighting either," Nami said.
"It'll work out," Luffy said.
Luffy's carefree words sparked Usopp's frantic protests, shaking him. But Luffy, adventure ignited, just laughed. Nami, sharing Usopp's unease, sighed and calmed.
The blank papers went to Kiri, Zoro, and Silk—Luffy's earlier crew, bonded by trust, more stable than Usopp or Nami.
They might have complaints, but less than Usopp's fear.
"Just checking, no preference for either team, right?" Zoro asked.
"Nope. Meeting pirates is luck," Kiri replied.
"Fair enough," Zoro said.
"What about Usopp?" Silk asked.
"He'll be fine. He steps up when it counts," Kiri said.
No one stopped the noisy Usopp, used to his antics.
Ignoring Luffy and Usopp's debate, Nami turned to the others. Kiri outlined the plan, bypassing Luffy, who might ignore it. Nami's presence was invaluable.
"We'll land first, check the whale," Kiri said. "If Usopp's right, east tail simplifies things."
"Not that simple?" Nami asked.
"Too easy. That statue suggests a trick," Kiri replied.
Looking at the island, Kiri pulled something from his pocket.
"Here's how we'll stay in touch," he said, handing Nami a small Den Den Mushi.
Their only communication tool. Kiri held another.
"Baby Den Den Mushi? When'd you get this?" Nami asked.
"During downtime. Regular one's on the ship. Didn't notice?" Kiri said.
"Knew about that, but these? You're thorough," Nami said.
"Makes splitting easier. Keep an eye on Luffy," Kiri warned.
"Yeah, yeah. He's trouble if lost. I get it," Nami said.
"Checking the whale should reveal the treasure's spot. I'll call when we know," Kiri said.
Smiling, Kiri headed to the bow, glancing at Zoro and Silk.
Usopp noticed. "Zoro, Silk, let's go. Don't get lost."
"Shut up," Zoro snapped.
"I'm fine," Silk said.
"Wait, Kiri! No ship guard? Leaving the Merry's risky!" Usopp shouted.
"You stay alone then? Risky if attacked," Kiri teased.
"Right, support's key. Luffy, I'll back you up perfectly," Usopp said, releasing Luffy's shirt, flashing a thumbs-up.
"Nice, Usopp. Countin' on ya," Luffy grinned.
Usopp's quick shift amused Luffy. Their odd exchange drew Kiri's wry smile.
Kiri kicked the railing, leaping high. His paper-light body floated, landing on the beach without falling into the sea.
The distance was notable, but wind-aided, he moved strongly, no playfulness today.
Zoro and Silk followed, wading through shallow water, lacking Kiri's flair.
Silk suddenly spoke. "Could my wind ability let me fly? Not Logia, but seeing Kiri, maybe I can jump high."
"Your power's for attacking, right?" Zoro asked.
"But it doesn't cut me. I've practiced around my fingers," Silk said.
"I'm no Devil Fruit user, so I dunno. Try it," Zoro suggested.
"Yeah, good idea," Silk agreed.
"Not now. You'll splash seawater," Zoro warned.
"Oh, right," Silk said, blushing and scratching her cheek.
Zoro sighed. "Since getting that power, you're distracted. Too absorbed."
"Hehe, it's getting fun," Silk admitted.
"Training's good, but focus elsewhere. You're acting like them," Zoro said.
"Am I? Don't think so," Silk replied.
Reaching the beach, Kiri smiled, looking at the Merry.
Luffy leaned over, waving. Kiri waved back lightly.
"We're going ahead. Be careful," Kiri said.
"Yeah, see ya!" Luffy called.
The trio entered the forest beyond the beach, moving confidently, unafraid, knowing their goal.
Kiri led, Zoro and Silk followed, through the quiet forest.
"Hey, Kiri, could my ability help me jump high?" Silk asked.
"For movement? Probably. I don't know Kama Kama, but it's possible," Kiri said.
"Irresponsible answer," Zoro muttered.
"Growth depends on the user. Outsiders' advice isn't always good. Try it, Silk," Kiri said.
"Got it. Gotta try," Silk agreed.
Seeing the trio leave calmly, Usopp couldn't hide his unease.
They seemed fearless, despite the unknown. He clutched his chest, heart racing.
This was real adventure—more))^ more tense than he'd imagined.
"Phew, I'm shaking…" Usopp muttered. "Pirates on this island?"
"No worries. I'm strong," Luffy said.
"Not the time to relax," Nami said, pointing.
Iwaso and Tobio had landed, heading toward the mountain without a word. Iwaso, holding a small pot, stared at it, ignoring Luffy's group.
An ominous air lingered.
Luffy hopped onto the railing, crouching, and called to Iwaso.
"Hey, where ya going? Kiri's group's scouting. Can ya wait?"
"No, I've got a hunch," Iwaso said. "It's gotta be there."
"Huh?" Luffy asked.
"He always hid treasure high up," Iwaso said. "Bet he's there."
Iwaso's cryptic words carried weight.
Nami and Tobio voiced questions.
"You know something," Nami said. "That map wasn't random."
"Grandpa, you knew Woonan? Why didn't you say?" Tobio asked.
"Yeah… I knew him," Iwaso murmured, eyes closed. "Woonan was my childhood friend. Grew up in the same village…"
Opening his eyes, he gazed at the mountain, as if seeing his friend.
"I've got a feeling Luffy's here!" Garp declared, nearing the island.
He wanted to see his grandson. No proof Luffy was here—just a hunch. No pirate ships in sight.
A likely mistake.
Yet the warship bustled with landing preparations. Garp, arms crossed, stood proudly.
Bogard sighed, exasperated. "Why this island? I don't buy it."
"Grandpa's love!" Garp laughed.
"No evidence," Bogard said.
"Not far from Warship Island," Garp reasoned.
"Weak reasoning," Bogard muttered. "Pointless to argue."
Another sigh. Bogard adjusted his hat, resigned.
"Sengoku called," Bogard said.
"Tell him I'll call back," Garp said.
"Already did. When'll we return to headquarters?"
"After I see Luffy. I'll bring him," Garp said.
"The branches are struggling. You drop in for supplies without warning," Bogard said.
"Warn them next time," Garp said.
"I'm saying stop," Bogard said. "Keep this up, and Kong'll intervene. Court-martial's next."
"Hmph, fine," Garp grumbled.
The talk settled, but Coby and Helmeppo tensed.
Luffy was Coby's savior. Helmeppo's feelings were mixed, no longer hateful.
Meeting Garp here could crush Luffy's dreams. As subordinates, they hoped to avoid it.
They wished Luffy wasn't here.
Coby hesitated, then spoke. "Garp, sir, Luffy's my savior. I know it's shameful as a Marine, but I want to support his dream…"
"Coby, stop!" Helmeppo hissed.
"Coby, I'm glad Luffy helped you," Garp said. "But this is family business."
"I know, but…" Coby trailed off.
"He's been reckless since I looked away," Garp said. "We need a talk."
"You're one to talk, ignoring Sengoku," Bogard said.
Garp ignored him, focused on the island.
Coby and Helmeppo exchanged anxious glances.
Garp's and Bogard's overwhelming strength was clear from daily training. They'd seen Luffy's crew, but Garp was unbeatable.
Despite their friendship, they were Marines and pirates. They wanted Luffy to keep going but couldn't stop Garp, his grandfather, whose stubbornness matched Luffy's.
Even Bogard struggled with him.
They were helpless.
"If this island's a bust, we return to headquarters," Bogard said.
"And if he's here?" Garp asked.
"We bring him back," Bogard said.
"Deal," Garp agreed.
"But if he escapes, we're done," Bogard added. "Back to Marineford, no matter what. Agreed?"
"Can't agree," Garp said.
"My final concession," Bogard said. "Keep searching, and it's court-martial. No more family excuses."
"Fine," Garp relented.
Coby and Helmeppo felt uneasy.
Their savior and mentor might clash. Family or not, both were reckless fighters. A peaceful resolution seemed unlikely.
"I hope Luffy's not here," Coby whispered.
"They humiliated me, but I feel bad with Garp after them," Helmeppo said.
"No proof they're here," Coby said.
"Just Garp's whim," Helmeppo agreed.
"Right. Nothing'll happen," Coby said.
"Still feels weird," Helmeppo said. "Part of me wants them to suffer a bit."
"You said you let that go," Coby replied.
Their perspective shifted, easing tension. They joked, bonded by shared grunt work.
Garp's whim was likely baseless.
They relaxed.
Garp turned, grinning. "Coby, Helmeppo, come along. Others, rest."
"Aye, aye," they replied.
"I'm coming," Bogard said. "No stalling."
"I won't. If he's not here, we leave," Garp said.
"You said that before," Bogard noted.
The warship docked by the island's cliff, near an ancient castle.
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