On the Grand Line, on an unnamed deserted island three hundred nautical miles east of Long Ring Long Land.
Zhang Fei sat cross-legged beneath a sheltered cliff, a campfire burning before him. Suspended above the flames on a rough branch was the leg of an unknown sea beast, half as tall as he was, sizzling with fat and spreading its aroma everywhere. He turned the branch while tearing off chunks of golden-brown, dripping meat and chewing them in great mouthfuls. Every so often, he picked up a wooden keg the size of a wine jar beside him, tipped his head back, and gulped down a few mouthfuls. The keg held not water, but strong liquor he had "picked up" from a tavern cellar when he passed through a town.
"Pah! Meat from the sea always tastes fishy! Land beasts have more kick!" Zhang Fei spat out several thick bones and wiped his curly beard, smeared with grease and liquor. His bell-sized eyes watched the dancing flames, looking rather bored. "That fight with Ice Boy loosened me up a bit, but neither of us died. Not satisfying enough! This sea is so damn dull. Even finding a decent opponent is hard!"
He smacked his lips, took another long swig, and looked toward the dark sea beyond the firelight. Although he had gained a slight advantage against Aokiji and forced him back, the battle had taken an immense toll on him as well. In particular, he had drawn upon the Earth Vein Magma at the end, only to have Aokiji's extreme cold invade his body. He needed time to slowly expel it with Haki and his Devil Fruit ability and recuperate. He looked carefree now, but his internal energy was circulating slowly. Dark red magma energy flowed like a docile stream through