New World.
The sea breeze surged.
Waves churned.
A colossal vessel steadily cut through the waves.
Its rounded white whale head cleaved the sea, while its blue-and-brown hull gleamed with a solemn luster beneath the sun.
Three masts of white sails hung high, billowing in the wind.
The cannon ports lined neatly along its sides resembled the fangs of a giant beast.
—It was the Whitebeard Pirates' flagship, the Moby Dick.
A banquet was in full swing on deck.
Barrels rolled about.
The scent of roasted meat filled the air.
"HAHAHAHA—!!!"
"Pin him! Pin him!!!"
In the open space at the center, two enormous figures were locked in a contest of strength!
Marshall D. Teach grinned widely, revealing his trademark gap-toothed smile.
His arms clamped around his opponent like iron pincers, muscles bulging.
Opposite him, Jozu had veins popping all over his body as he stubbornly held his ground, fine cracks spreading across the deck beneath his feet!
"Don't lose, Jozu!"
"Teach! Crush him!!"
"Whoever loses buys the drinks tonight!!!"
Around them, Vista, Thatch, Blamenco, and the others formed a circle, placing bets and egging them on amid endless laughter.
Some raised barrels and shouted, while others sat directly on the deck, slapping their thighs with wild laughter. The entire deck was lively beyond measure.
A short distance away, someone leaned against a barrel.
Marco lazily watched it all, tipped back his head, and gulped down a mouthful of beer, his Adam's apple bobbing.
"Whew—"
He let out a breath, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.
"A bunch of overgrown kids..."
His tone was helpless, yet amused.
Then, his movements abruptly stopped.
In the distant sky, a News Coo flew toward them against the sea wind, its feathers blown into disarray.
"Hm?"
Marco raised a hand and beckoned.
"Over