"Splash! Splash!"
On the sea, a small boat sped forward, dragged by a massive sea beast covered in lumps and bruises—clearly beaten into obedience.
Perched on its head was a tiny winged dragon, waving its claws as if directing the beast's path. Its little nose twitched constantly, sniffing for some scent, its chosen course seemingly guided by it.
On deck, Creed and Ain were roasting a large fish over a grill. Creed's cooking skills were exceptional, the fragrance of seared flesh making mouths water.
Still, Ain worried. "Commander, if we keep going, we'll enter Big Mom's territory."
After Creed's defeat of Doflamingo, Sengoku had privately urged Ain to convince Creed to return to headquarters and stop wandering. But seeing how determined Creed was, she swallowed her words. Between Sengoku and Creed, her loyalty was clear.
"We're just passing through, sightseeing. Don't worry. Here, eat some fish." Creed handed her a piece.
The flavor overwhelmed her. "Commander, this is amazing!"
"Of course. This is Makino's family recipe from Windmill Village. I spent a long time mastering it as a kid. Aside from her and Luffy, you're the first to taste it."
Ain blushed, then whispered, "Then… I'll eat more."
"Eee! Eee!"
Suddenly, the little dragon chirped excitedly, pointing ahead.
A lush green island appeared, its fragrance of herbs and plants carrying for miles.
"What a refreshing smell," Ain sighed dreamily.
Creed inhaled and nodded. "This must be Vanilla Island."
Their battered boat needed repair, so they agreed to stop. The dragon, drooling, tugged Creed's hand eagerly.
"You eat meat, not grass. Don't tell me you want to eat plants now," Creed chuckled.
At the port, their arrival caused a stir. Few ships were pulled by giant beasts, and this one's battered head told a violent story. When Creed and Ain stepped ashore in casual clothes, eyes widened at the striking pair.
Yet the island was rife with cruelty. Slaves in rags labored under whips, making Ain frown. New World islands ruled by pirates were rarely kind.
Led by the dragon, they followed the scent to a grand shop: Vanilla Cake. Long lines of pirates and civilians alike stretched outside.
"This cake is divine. I can't go a day without it."
"Same. I eat before every raid."
"If I don't have it, I feel sick!"
Creed frowned. "Addictive cake? Maybe we shouldn't…"
A shop girl noticed. "First time on Vanilla Island? Come, special treatment for newcomers—no waiting. And don't worry. Our cakes are tribute to the Empress herself."
Reluctantly, Creed accepted. Soon they carried several portions out.
The dragon snatched one immediately, scarfing it down on Creed's shoulder. But before Creed or Ain could try theirs—
"Blegh!"
The little dragon vomited violently.
(End of Chapter)
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