Flames danced in the night, and a bonfire lit up the beach beneath the dark sky. Shadows swayed and mingled across the soft sand, while laughter echoed overhead.
The Straw Hat Crew, the Whitebeard Pirates, the Giant Soldier Pirates, Vegapunk and his people, Sentomaru, Aokiji, Hancock, and Bonney.
The banquet was lively to the extreme. After a life-or-death battle, everyone let loose and cast aside their inhibitions.
There was plenty of food and drink, along with all kinds of antics from Luffy and the others. Their classic chopstick-in-the-nostrils dance even caught on with the Whitebeard Pirates and the Giant Soldier Pirates.
The revelry continued until the middle of the night, when the noise finally began to die down.
The fierce battle had already drained most of everyone's energy, so the banquet didn't last long.
After their brief indulgence, exhaustion swept over them, and Luffy and the others simply fell asleep where they were.
The starry sky was still and quiet. Gentle silver moonlight spilled across the rippling sea, flickering before slowly fading into the deepening night.
"Looks like everyone's worn out."
Looking at the people sprawled all over the beach, Marco chuckled softly. Holding two bottles of rum, he got up and slowly made his way to a rock standing on the sand.
Lina sat on the rock. Below, Nami and Robin were wrapped in a blanket and leaning against it, seemingly already asleep.
"You must have collected three Road Poneglyphs by now, right?"
Marco spoke casually. He tossed a bottle of wine to Lina, then sat cross-legged on the sand.
"Whole Cake Island, Wano Country, and the one from the Mink Tribe."
"Only the last one left."
Marco sighed softly and took a swig of wine. He glanced back at Lina.
"Any idea where it is?"
"Not really."
Thunk—