Werther landed steadily and surveyed the island beneath his feet.
Vast stretches of black rock filled his view. Their surfaces looked scorched by intense heat. The volcano on the island must have erupted not long ago.
Because this Endpoint was an active volcano, the Marines had built their base at the island's edge to avoid its eruptions.
Judging by the base's blackened walls, it hadn't helped much.
The sharp smell of sulfur hit him alongside a wave of dry heat.
Werther undid the buttons of his Dragon Hide Coat and let out a long breath. Sweat had already appeared on his face.
"So hot. I'd better find the Dyna Stone quickly."
Werther had no intention of staying here long.
The Marines were surely on their way, and Akainu would be coming too. Werther had arrived first only because of the Heavenly Dragon King's flight speed.
Destroying the three Endpoints at random would not cause the dormant volcanoes underground to erupt. They had to be destroyed in a particular order.
The sun stood directly overhead, making the already sweltering heat even harder to bear.
Werther walked toward the Marine Branch. Before long, he came upon three Marines patrolling the island.
"Who are you? Stop! This is a Marine Base. Outsiders aren't allowed. Leave the island at once."
The three Marines raised their guns slightly when they spotted Werther, their expressions turning stern.
If this had been one of the Four Seas or the first half of the Grand Line, they would already have aimed their guns at him.
But this was the New World, not Marine territory. Instinctively, they held back.
What was most common in the New World? Great Pirates—powerful Great Pirates.
"That's..."
"You've got to be kidding. What's he doing here?"
The three Marines recognized Werther at once, and