Hunter and Prey

Somewhere in the Grand Line.

The setting sun dyed the sky into a tapestry of orange-red and deep purple, while the sea glittered as though strewn with shattered gold.

In these waters stood an unusual island—it was not covered in jungles or mountains like ordinary islands, but filled with exquisite buildings and ornate lanterns.

This was the Pleasure District, a gray area tacitly permitted by the World Government, a soft paradise where desire and money intertwined.

Outside a pleasure house, Dawn stopped. Standing before the ornate wooden doors, his expression was strange.

Naturally, he had not come here for such worldly desires. His purpose was to find someone—the scientist he had nearly forgotten, Caesar Clown.

The renovations on Egghead Island had been completed, and Vegapunk had entered a frenzied state of research at his request.

Everything had been progressing smoothly until three days ago, when Dawn suddenly remembered that he still had another scientist under his hand.

After making some inquiries, he learned a piece of news that left him both amused and exasperated:

On the very day he took Vegapunk to Elbaf, Stussy, who had been handling the follow-up matters, had temporarily settled Caesar in the Pleasure District.

By now, Caesar had been alone in the Pleasure District for several months.

"I hope that guy had some restraint."

Dawn rubbed his temples.

"If he died here, that would be one hell of a joke."

With some unease in his heart, he pushed open the pleasure house's wooden doors.

The moment he entered, warm lighting, cloying fragrance, and the gentle notes of a shamisen enveloped him.

Several courtesans dressed in vivid kimonos approached with smiling faces, swaying their graceful figures as they surrounded Dawn.

"This guest has quite an unfamiliar face~"

"Would you like someone to drink with you?"

"I'm