At the edge of the New World's Calm Belt, a barren island formed by an extinct volcano stood in the tranquil sea.
Gray-black volcanic ash covered the entire island, and no birds passed anywhere nearby.
Inside a vast reef cave on the island's shaded side, the badly damaged wreck of the Moby Dick rested quietly beside a pool.
The hull's planks were broken and incomplete, and half the mainmast had snapped off.
The members of the Whitebeard Pirates were all slumped on dry rocks.
Many wore bloodstained white bandages, and the bitter scent of herbs and seawater drifted through the air.
Although Ace had been successfully rescued, every face was still filled with exhaustion and vigilance.
The taut atmosphere of survivors of a disaster hung throughout the cavern.
A piercing bird cry suddenly rang out overhead.
Blue-white flame tore through the thick sea fog blanketing the water.
Marco folded his wings and landed steadily on a jutting black rock.
"Everyone, stay sharp!"
Marco shouted at the top of his lungs.
"A single-masted warship flying no flag has passed through the outer fog bank! It's heading toward our reef!"
Vista the Flower Sword, who was distributing fresh water to the men, abruptly tightened his grip on the two swords at his waist.
"A warship?"
Vista raised his head, his curled mustache twitching twice.
"The Marines are moving far too fast. Half of Marineford collapsed, and they can still send pursuers?"
The massive Diamond Jozu snorted and rose from the ground.
"Who cares who sent them!"
"If they dare come all the way here alone, they aren't leaving alive!"
More than ten Division Commanders grabbed their weapons.
The sounds of blades leaving their sheaths echoed one after another through the empty cavern, and killing intent spread outward through the cracks in the