Kuraigana Island, a desolate and eerie island.
Most of the time, the island was shrouded in mist.
Through the mist, one could vaguely make out the ruins left behind after years of war, along with the remains of various rust-covered weapons.
A relatively intact-looking castle stood amid the ruins, exceptionally conspicuous.
All around it, enormous, luxuriant vines hung in midair like octopus tentacles. Set against the mist, they gave off an unsettling feeling.
In terms of atmosphere alone, this place was quite similar to Thriller Bark, which had once been located in the Thriller Bark.
This was the residence of the Shichibukai, Hawk Eyes Mihawk.
As the world's greatest swordsman, he also possessed the identity of a pirate, but he had always acted alone.
Such a style was uncommon among pirates.
After all, a ship that wanted to sail across the sea could not go anywhere with only one person aboard.
Inside the castle's dining room.
Hawk Eyes sat at the head of the long dining table, holding up a glass of red wine.
On the table before him lay an opened envelope.
"..."
Hawk Eyes lowered his head and read the letter without saying a word.
The enormous dining room was so quiet that the only sound was the faint clinking produced when Hawk Eyes swirled his wineglass.
The letter did not state the reason for the emergency summons.
But his instincts told Hawk Eyes that this summons might have something to do with Maud.
Although he usually kept to himself, he was always attentive to the situation.
He never missed a newspaper that reported any major event.
And lately, nearly every newspaper report had been related to Maud.
"Hmm..."
Hawk Eyes set down his wineglass and rested his cheek on his hand instead.
If he refused to respond