Seven in the evening.
The heat on Whiskey Peak Island was gradually soothed by the sea breeze.
The open-air izakaya Tidecall, located in a secluded bay, welcomed the most pleasant time of its day.
The owner was a quiet middle-aged man.
With a clean dark-blue Japanese apron tied around his waist, he worked intently before a grill wreathed in charcoal smoke.
Chicken and scallion skewers, plump Pacific saury, huge tiger prawns, and meats of indiscernible origin sizzled beneath the licking flames.
Every so often, fat dripped into the coals, releasing an enticing aroma before the sea breeze carried it away.
Small log tables were casually arranged outside the establishment, with customers seated around them in groups of two or three.
Some had just finished their assessments, while others were contestants still waiting for their turn.
Others were local residents or tourists who had come to sightsee.
The various drinks in their glasses glimmered invitingly.
Their fragrance mingled soothingly with the charred aroma of the food on the grill and the sound of waves striking the shore.
A Projection Den Den Mushi beneath the eaves projected a virtual screen.
It, too, was airing tonight's World News Broadcast.
Host Stella's gentle, clear voice flowed like a cool stream through the diners' laughter and conversation.
"It has been reported that the first day of auditions for the Sea Star Myriad Worlds Top 100 Combat Power Tournament has proceeded in good order at all major venues."
"The World Government's Full-Army Combat Power Assessment has concluded successfully. The following personnel changes have been made among the military's upper ranks."
"Wano Island's Fire Festival Night, which lasts two months, will connect the realms of the living and the dead for the first time."
"Post-disaster reconstruction in Hero World is progressing smoothly. It has been reported that