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But what drew the most attention was the enormous rock at the island's highest point-it had been shaped, by nature or human hands, into a skull, embedded flat against the mountaintop like some clumsy totem.
Its rough, earthy texture stripped away any terror, lending it a strangely comical air instead.
But appearances did not matter.
Rossi's perception swept across the entire island. Countless unconcealed presences flickered as vividly as bonfires in the night.
Two among them were especially dazzling, proclaiming their existence as brazenly as the midday sun.
"They're both here... Charlotte Linlin, and Ochoku."
Doflamingo raised a hand to adjust his sunglasses, then turned his head.
"If we faced two 'legends' at once, what do you think our chances would be?"
"Stop dreaming."
Rossi glanced at him, undisguised exasperation in his voice.
"If it came to that, we'd be calculating how many of us could get out alive."
This was Ochoku's stronghold, and there was no shortage of formidable fighters under his command.
As for the Charlotte Family, besides the Queen herself, her second son, who could glimpse the future, was here too. Together with her other children, they were hardly opponents to be brushed aside.
Future Sight alone would be enough to put more than half the Family's officers on the back foot.
Still, the Donquixote Family had come out in almost full force this time. Even if a conflict did break out, they would have room to maneuver.
"Let's go ashore."
Thousands had gathered here to trade-pirates, merchants, and even representatives of certain powers, packed together in a dark mass.
If they all swarmed onto the island, there would probably be nowhere left to stand.
Thus, only captains whose strength had been acknowledged were qualified to set foot on Hachinosu.
On the waters near Hachinosu, several