The Eclipse sailed through a narrow stretch of Cloud River, and the view ahead suddenly opened up.
Unlike the soft, cloud-made islands outside, what appeared before them was a vast expanse of land covered in towering trees, made of real earth and rock. Huge vines stretched into the sky, and the roars of unknown beasts occasionally echoed from deep within the forest.
The Eclipse's figurehead bumped against the shore, and the crew dropped anchor.
Ace was the first to leap over the railing, landing on the hard earth of Upper Yard.
He surveyed the dense forest around him and casually snapped off a thick branch blocking his way.
"Carina, take your bird and find me a map of this island, along with the location of the gold." Ace gave his orders. "Sabo, Jeno, Leona, you're free to do as you please. If anything gets in your way, whether it's a beast or one of these so-called 'priests,' just crush it."
"What about this great and mighty me?" Buggy poked his head out.
"You stay on the ship." Ace shot him a glance. "If anyone dares approach the Eclipse, blast them down to the Blue Sea with your bombs."
"Leave it to me! Guarding the ship is an extremely important defensive assignment, and I'm the best at it!" Hearing that he wouldn't have to enter the gloomy forest, Buggy immediately thumped his chest with a resounding smack.
"Caw! Red Nose is a coward! Caw!"
The macaw Beli flapped down from the mast, circled arrogantly above Buggy's head, and mocked him in a perfectly clear voice.
"You rotten bird! I'll roast you alive!" Buggy roared, reaching out to grab it.
Beli made an agile turn in midair. Instead of flying back to Carina's shoulder, it landed directly on Ace's right shoulder.
Its