The Straw Hat Pirates docked at Ryūhachi Island, a small, serene island surrounded by towering mountains. The town nestled at its base had a lively energy, but every conversation seemed to circle back to one figure—the guardian of the island.

“She lives at the peak,” an elderly man said, gesturing toward the mist-covered summit. “She’s the reincarnation of the Japanese war god and the dragon sea god. She protects this island, though we rarely see her.”

“She’s a good person,” added a young woman, her voice filled with admiration. “But she keeps to herself in her cave. Her power is unmatched.”

Hearing this, Luffy’s grin stretched wide. “A war god and a dragon god? She sounds awesome! Let’s go recruit her!”

“Of course,” Nami muttered, crossing her arms. “You’d want to bring a literal god on board.”

Zoro eyed the mountain. “Doesn’t look like an easy climb.”

“Nothing we can’t handle!” Luffy declared, already marching toward the path leading to the summit.

Reluctantly, the crew followed. The climb was steep and the terrain unforgiving. Rocks jutted out at odd angles, and mist shrouded the path, making it hard to see more than a few feet ahead.

“Why does she live all the way up here?” Usopp whined, panting as he scrambled over another boulder.

“Probably doesn’t want to deal with people like you,” Zoro muttered, earning a glare.

“Focus,” Robin said calmly, her eyes scanning the area. “We’re close.”

After hours of climbing, they reached the summit. The mist cleared slightly, revealing the entrance to a large cave embedded in the mountain. The opening glowed faintly, crystals in the rock reflecting the light of the setting sun. The air was heavy, charged with an energy that made even the fearless Zoro pause.

Usopp shivered. “It’s creepy alive.”

“Relax,” Sanji said, though his gaze darted around cautiously.

Luffy, unfazed by the eerie atmosphere, stepped toward the entrance with his signature grin. “Oi! Are you in there? We’ve come to talk!”