Black clouds shrouded the sky, but the sea was unusually calm, without the slightest sign of wind or rain.
Two warships cut through the waves. Under Maud and the others' watchful eyes, they slowly approached the shore of Thunder God Island.
Maud narrowed his eyes slightly and looked toward the bows of the warships, where he saw two familiar faces—
Hina and Smoker.
Based on the conditions Maud had proposed, the Marines could send no one above the rank of rear admiral.
And Hina and Smoker were probably among the strongest of the rear admirals.
Thinking about it carefully, seeing Hina and Smoker here was actually the most normal outcome.
As Maud surveyed the situation aboard the warships, he released his Observation Haki and carefully scanned them from end to end.
Only after confirming that there was no one with a powerful presence aboard did he withdraw his Observation Haki.
Aboard the warships.
The Marines watched the bolts of lightning furiously striking the island from the clouds, wariness filling their eyes.
Reflected in Hina and Smoker's pupils were flashes of lightning, and their faces held unprecedentedly solemn expressions.
"They actually chose such a dangerous island as the exchange site."
"Hina thinks Maud is more dangerous than this island."
"..."
As if tacitly agreeing, Smoker fell silent for a moment.
After a while, Smoker did not want to discuss it further. He raised a hand and signaled his subordinates to begin moving.
The Marines promptly lowered a gangplank onto the shore.
"Bring them out."
Smoker was the first to walk down the gangplank, ordering his subordinates to bring Bepo and the others out.
"Yes, sir!"
The Marines worked with remarkable efficiency. In less than ten seconds, they had brought out Bepo and the others, all shackled in chains.
Hina glanced at