The sea was too still.
Even for the New World, even for the Thousand Sunny’s hardened crew, the moment the ship slid into a sudden calm patch, everyone felt something prick at their skin.
“Oi… this is weird,” Zoro muttered, looking around. “No wind. No waves. No monsters.”
“That’s what makes it MORE suspicious!” Usopp whimpered.
But Sanji pointed ahead. “Suspicious or not… there’s land.”
It wasn’t a big island—just a leafy mass drifting silently across the glossy sea, almost like it wasn’t anchored to the ocean floor at all.
Arrival
The moment the ship docked, villagers rushed to the shore.
Dozens of them. All smiling. All too cheerful. All too calm.
“WELCOME, TRAVELERS!” they chimed in perfect harmony.
Luffy grinned. “WOOOAH! They’re so nice!”
“They’re creepy,” Nami whispered under her breath as a woman offered her a flower crown.
Robin tilted her head. “Their heart rates are steady… remarkably steady. No fear, no excitement. Fascinating.”
The villagers bowed. “Our beloved leader has told us to always welcome guests warmly. Please—come to our Town Hall. Let us feed you.”
Sanji practically burst into tears. “Such hospitality… such beauty… such kindness—!”
Zoro elbowed him. “You’re buying this?”
“No,” Sanji whispered, eyes narrowed now. “Something’s off.”
But they followed anyway.
Town Hall Feast
The Town Hall was enormous—far too large for such a small drifting island. Carved wooden pillars, a long banquet table, and soft lanterns made the place feel warm.
Too warm.
Villagers brought out steaming plates of food: golden meats, fruit, pastries, bowls of rice, and soups that smelled almost hypnotic.
“Dig in!” they said, all smiling in unison.
Luffy didn’t hesitate. Sanji reluctantly kept watch while Luffy inhaled half the table.
Usopp took one shaky bite. “This is… really good, actually.”
Nami leaned in toward Robin. “Are we being fattened up?”
“Perhaps,” Robin said softly, taking a polite sip of tea.
Franky scanned the room. “Everyone’s movements are synchronized. SUPER weird.”
Brook, adjusting his cravat, whispered, “They haven’t stopped smiling since we arrived. Yohoho… I hope their faces don’t cramp!”
Chopper’s ears flicked. “Their heartbeats are so… steady. Like they’re all the same.”
And yet…
That wasn’t the strangest part.
It was the whispers.
Soft, breathy murmurs passing from villager to villager, thinking the Straw Hats couldn’t hear.
“Do you think they’re ready?” “Should we let them see the Leader?” “They’ll be so happy to meet them…” “The Leader will be pleased.” “Such lively bodies…” “Strong crew… perfect choices…”
Robin’s eyebrow twitched.
Nami slowly set her fork down.
Zoro’s hand slid to the hilt of Wado Ichimonji.
Even Luffy paused with food stuffed in his cheek.
The Village Elder Speaks
A small old woman with clouded eyes stepped forward.
Her smile was gentle—too gentle.
“We rarely receive visitors,” she said softly. “But you… you were guided here. Our Leader has been waiting for travelers like you.”
“Waiting?” Nami repeated. “For us specifically?”
“Mm,” the woman hummed. “For strong souls. Vibrant wills. Hearts filled with fire.”
Robin leaned forward, resting her chin in her palm. “And what does your Leader intend to do with such… qualities?”
The woman clasped her hands together.
“To welcome you,” she said. “To embrace you.” “To show you the true purpose of this drifting island.”
The doors at the far end of the hall creaked open.
Villagers whispered excitedly.
“They can see the Leader now…” “It’s time…” “Oh, they will be pleased…”
Sanji stepped in front of Nami and Robin.
Zoro rose, body tense.
Even Luffy's grin faded into a sharper, almost predatory smile.
“Your Leader, huh?” he said, cracking his knuckles. “Alright. Let’s meet ’em.”