The desert's vast sea of sand stretched endlessly in every direction beneath the blazing sun.
The air was thick with waves of heat and the scent of dust.
In the distance, golden dunes rose and fell like surging waves.
Yet before them stood a grand ancient city of yellow earth, weathered yet steadfast amid the howling sandstorm.
This was deep within the western sea of sand in Alabasta.
There was no sign of human habitation for a thousand miles around.
At the same time, the World Government had designated this place a medium-risk restricted zone.
Because this was the exclusive territory of One-Tail Shukaku.
As one's gaze passed over the city walls, past the scattered towers and buildings along the way—
Then through the walls and into the upper levels of the main hall, strange, noisy sounds could be heard.
They contained roars, impacts, shouts, and the rapid clattering of buttons.
Then came the unusual aroma of grilled meat—not pork, nor beef.
"Watch your back, they're coming at us again!"
"Then deal with them! I'm dueling this 'Skill Taker' over here!"
"Damn, there are too many! I can't hold them back!"
Crocodile and the miniaturized Shukaku were sitting on a fluffy carpet.
They stared intently at the LCD television screen, constantly pressing the controllers in their hands.
They occasionally shouted at one another, creating an extremely tense atmosphere.
That's right, they were playing a co-op game.
A Muso-style console game called Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress.
Looking around at the surroundings—
Though the space was quite expansive, it contained every kind of furniture and appliance, with cozy details everywhere.
At the same time—
Several small cat-like beastmen, with long pointed ears and standing only about a meter tall, walked upright.
Some were grilling Banana Crocodile thigh meat in the kitchen,