On an unnamed island in the first half of the New World.
"Purururu~~"
As Tsugikuni Yoriichi and the Marines left Fish-Man Island, a Den Den Mushi in some part of the island suddenly rang. Not long after, a hand pressed down on the receiver and slowly lifted it to an ear.
"They've already left?"
"Where are they headed? How is that possible?"
"Mm! Understood. I'll tell Pops."
A short while later, the receiver was set back onto the Den Den Mushi's shell. A figure opened the door and left the room.
Along the island's coast.
Vivid coral reefs could faintly be seen beneath the blue water beside the beach. As the waves rippled, seawater washed over the sand along the shore.
In the woods nearby, sunlight streamed through gaps in the leaves. The sea breeze rustled the branches, carrying the soft swishing of leaves across the coastline. Beneath the shadows of the trees, a group had set up camp and was grilling food by the shore. As cups clinked together, the scent of liquor mingled with the aroma of roasting meat and drifted far into the distance.
Edward Newgate sat cross-legged atop a camping mat, smiling broadly as he leaned against a massive coconut tree. Surrounded by his sons, he happily drank away.
At the gathering, young Lacroix danced some incomprehensible dance around the bonfire to his companions' cheers. There was nothing graceful about his twisting body, yet it still drew waves of applause from those around him.
Watching his children happily drink and eat meat, Whitebeard let out a "Gurararara!" laugh, then lifted his cup and downed several gulps.
Malt beer paired with the fruitwood-charred meat Satch had carefully prepared created an indescribably wonderful flavor.
The lively atmosphere of the feast brought an unusual tranquility to Whitebeard's heart.
This