At the edge of Totto Land's waters.
The Marine fleet sped through the waves.
Warships formed a wedge formation, their bows tearing through the sea as white spray exploded wildly on both sides.
Marine flags snapped fiercely atop the masts.
Bullet stood at the foremost bow with his arms folded, a savage grin on his face.
Gion stood on the other side, her blade drawn half an inch from its sheath.
Kaji had a cigarette clenched between his lips and his hands in his pockets, still looking listless as ever.
Yet his gaze never left the direction of Whole Cake Island. The eyes that usually held a hint of laziness were frighteningly grave now.
At their side, Kuma withdrew his outstretched palm.
Three transparent paw-shaped air bubbles flashed through the air and flew toward Totto Land.
Kuma looked at the three of them, his voice steady.
"I'll go on ahead."
"I'll leave the rest to you."
Bullet grinned.
"Just don't scare that old woman away."
Gion nodded lightly.
"Leave it to us."
Kaji exhaled a puff of smoke.
"Don't worry."
Kuma said nothing more. He raised his palm and gently patted himself.
Smack.
The air trembled slightly.
The next instant, he vanished from the bow.
Bullet looked toward Whole Cake Island, his grin becoming even more savage.
"I can't wait to see that old woman's terrified expression..."
Gion tightened her grip on her sword hilt. Kaji crushed his cigarette beneath his foot, and the Marine fleet continued onward.
Beyond Totto Land's waters, the wind and waves abruptly rose.
—Whole Cake Island, Totto Land, before the battle at Onigashima.
Charlotte Linlin sat on her throne, a massive Den Den Mushi placed before her.
The Den Den Mushi's eyes were shut tight, its mouth utterly still. Its deathly silence was unsettling.