Leaving the Sky Island ruins where time flowed abnormally, the Thousand Sunny continued its voyage across the vast Blue Sea. Having experienced the ethereal songs of the Sea of Mist and the eternal silence of the Cloud Ruins, the return to the sea breeze and sunshine of the normal world brought a sense of inexplicable comfort to everyone.
A few days later, Usopp on the lookout tower let out an excited shout:
"Islands! I see islands! Wow—so green!"
Everyone gathered at the bow of the ship to look out. There, on the horizon, lay an island—or rather, a colossal green gem floating on the sea. The entire island was completely covered in lush, diverse vegetation, with almost no exposed rocks or soil visible. Towering trees, twining vines, enormous, brightly colored flowers, ferns and shrubs of various shapes and sizes... layer upon layer, creating a vibrant, verdant world. A rich aroma, a blend of floral, fruity, and botanical scents, wafted on the breeze.
The Log Pose steadily points to this lush green island.
"Wow... so many plants!" Chopper, being a doctor, had a natural interest in plants, and his eyes sparkled.
"There seem to be many medicinal herbs I've never seen before!"
Nami looked at the nautical chart, somewhat uncertain. "According to the chart markings, this should be ' Ambra Island,' known as 'a botanist's paradise,' but it also says 'not fully explored, unknown risks exist.'"
Luffy excitedly stretched out his arms and grabbed the ship's railing. "Plant paradise? There must be lots of strange fruits to eat! Adventure, adventure!"
Usopp, however, was somewhat worried. "Unknown risks? Could there be some man-eating plants or walking trees?"
Zoro yawned. "As long as I don't get lost again." (He set a classic flag.)
Sanji has already started imagining making new dishes for the ladies using the island's fresh herbs and fruits.
Robin is very interested in the possibility of an ancient plant civilization existing on the island.
Franky is considering whether wood and plant fibers can be used for ship conversion.
Brook thought it would be wonderful to hold a concert in such a vibrant place.
Feeling the vibrant life force emanating from the place, Ace smiled and said, "Finally, this is a place full of energy."
Allen's senses spread like mercury, and his brow furrowed slightly. The vitality of this island... was abnormally abundant. It wasn't just the quantity, but also the activity and complexity of its "life magnetic field" far surpassed that of ordinary forests, as if every plant possessed an excessive vitality, even... carrying a subtle, almost imperceptible, "Aggressiveness."
The Thousand Sunny slowly approached Ambra Island. The harbor was very primitive, as if it were naturally woven from huge, living tree roots and vines, full of wild beauty. There weren't many ships moored at the dock, and most of them looked like research or exploration vessels.
They had just reached the shore and hadn't had time to observe carefully when the bushes beside them rustled, and a figure nimbly leaped out. It was a girl who looked to be in her teens, with healthy wheat-colored skin, wearing simple clothes woven from leaves and fibers, barefoot, and her short, bright green hair adorned with a few small flowers. Her large eyes were full of curiosity and liveliness. In her hand, she held a simple sickle that looked like it was made from the bone of some kind of large animal.
"Who are you?" The girl's voice was clear and crisp, tinged with wariness, but even more so with curiosity. "Are you new researchers? Or... pirates?" She noticed the pirate flag on the Thousand Sunny.
"We are the Straw Hat Pirates!" Luffy declared proudly, hands on his hips, "We're here for an adventure!"
"Pirates?!" The girl was startled and took a step back, raising her bone scythe, but there was little fear in her eyes; rather, it seemed as if she was assessing the situation.
"We mean no harm," Nami quickly stepped forward, offering a friendly smile. "We just followed the Log Pose here to replenish our fresh water and food supplies, and... well, explore this beautiful island a bit."
Chopper nodded quickly, "I'm a doctor, and I'm very interested in the medicinal herbs on the island!"
The girl sized them up, her gaze sweeping over the seemingly goofy Luffy, the beautiful Nami and Robin, the adorable Chopper, and... When her gaze fell on Allen, she paused slightly, as if sensing some indescribable aura, a subtle resonance with nature. The wariness in her eyes eased slightly.
"My name is Flora, and I'm an apprentice 'Forest Guardian' on Ambra Island." The girl put down her bone scythe. "You don't look like... bad pirates. But remember to follow the rules on Ambra Island!"
"Rule?"
"Yes!" Flora nodded seriously. "First, don't harm the plants here, especially those that glow, move, or look particularly beautiful! Second, don't venture into the ' Mother Tree's' territory! Third, if you hear strange singing or whispering, don't respond, leave that area immediately!"
The strange rules only fueled the Straw Hat Pirates's curiosity. This seemingly peaceful and serene green paradise appeared to be hiding some unknown secret.