The first half of the Grand Line, west of Jaya Island, Mock Town.
The wooden buildings on either side of the street leaned precariously, their walls riddled with bullet holes and blade marks, crudely decorated by pirates with skull flags, wanted posters, and graffiti.
Vicious-looking pirates were everywhere. Some bared tattoo-covered chests, while others wore gleaming cutlasses at their waists. They slammed bags of Beli onto gambling tables or openly traded slaves and illegal drugs at market stalls, their raucous laughter and angry roars rising in waves.
This was a lawless haven beyond any government's control. For reasons unknown, the Marines had never wiped it out, instead leaving it to grow unchecked like a malignant tumor.
Amid the chaotic crowds, two figures slipped quietly along, rendered invisible by the Transparent Ring.
An invisible barrier seemed to separate them from the surrounding depravity and noise. Neither paid it any attention as they headed straight for their destination.
"Is it really all right to leave the others behind and come out alone with me?"
Robin's voice sounded in Lucas's mind as she surveyed their surroundings with interest, her fingers curling slightly without her noticing.
"This is something I promised you. Of course I'm going to keep my word."
"Oh my, I never knew I was so important to you. I'm quite flattered."
Robin chuckled, her teasing tone growing more pronounced. Then she changed the subject, her gaze sweeping over the dilapidated streets and vulgar pirates before them.
"That said, this hardly looks like a place with ancient ruins."
"Our destination is in the sky."
Lucas answered briefly, sidestepping a drunken pirate who was waving a liquor bottle.
"Before we go there, we need to make one stop."
The two chatted intermittently in the Mindscape as they walked. With senses far beyond those