The work of exploring the uninhabited island had progressed rather smoothly. To avoid unnecessary trouble, after being attacked by Irene, Tsugikuni Yoriichi deliberately, or perhaps unconsciously, began to radiate his presence.
There were many giant creatures on this island. Along the way, they had encountered several beasts even larger than the white ape they had met before.
Although beasts did not possess Observation Haki, their innate instincts were countless times stronger than those of humans. The presence released by Tsugikuni Yoriichi was like that of a higher-order predator, causing the giant beasts they passed to retreat.
From the coast to the foot of the volcano at the center of the island, it had taken Tsugikuni Yoriichi and the others nearly three full days on foot.
Over the past few days, the Marines had slept in the open and eaten whatever they could find. Though protected by Tsugikuni Yoriichi, they had remained highly tense throughout the journey and did not dare relax for even a moment.
Only after leaving the primeval forest did the Marines finally let out heavy sighs of relief.
The temperature at the foot of the volcano suddenly began to drop. The summit was blanketed in snow, and several rivers flowed down along the ridges toward the forest. The melting snow atop this towering volcano gathered into rivers, serving as the island's source of fresh water.
With the Marines' help, the military doctor took out containers and collected a soil sample from the foot of the mountain. With that, the group's preliminary exploration mission was declared complete.
After having his subordinates rest temporarily at the foot of the mountain, Tsugikuni Yoriichi planned to investigate the volcano's activity by himself.
Flying from the foot of the volcano to its summit took Tsugikuni Yoriichi barely more than ten seconds.
How