Looking around, all they could see were towering mushroom-like plants. From afar, they had mistaken them for massive trees.
But upon closer inspection, they were all giant fungi—enormous shiitake mushrooms, straw mushrooms, tea tree mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, silver ear fungus, wood ear mushrooms, lingzhi, and many other unidentified varieties.
The entire island was devoid of other plants or vegetation. Some of the mushrooms were even fully ripened, steaming with heat. The storm could not extinguish them, as many massive lingzhi mushrooms had opened their umbrella-like caps, shielding the ground from the rain.
Small rabbits and wild pheasants nibbled on the ripened fungi growing from the ground. Upon noticing the intruders, they scurried away in a panic.
"Some of these look like valuable medicinal herbs. And look at the size of these wild lingzhi—if we take some back and sell them, they'd fetch a good price," one crew member remarked.
Although the environment of this island was quite different from most, such bizarre phenomena were common in the Grand Line.
After all, Usopp had trained on an island where everything was edible—meat, noodles, and more. Not to mention places like Whole Cake Island.
Science alone could not explain these wonders. While this world had scientific advancements, it was also home to countless mysterious islands.
This was clearly one of them.
Rosen was inwardly astonished, though he did not show it. He had never seen anything like this before. Witnessing such a place firsthand and stepping onto it was a completely different experience.
Islands like this were not uncommon in the Grand Line, but encountering one was rare. Most islands were relatively "normal."
The crew, having just set foot on this nameless island, were equally surprised.
"Some of these mushrooms might be highly toxic. Until we figure it out, don't touch anything. Let's first find a place to set up camp, then see if there's a town on the island. If there is, spending the night in an inn would be ideal," Robin cautioned.
Many fungi were poisonous. Although the animals had been eating the ripened mushrooms without issue, the unripe ones remained a mystery.
"Valentine, Mr. 5, take binoculars and scout for a town from a high vantage point. Bring a Den Den Mushi and report back if you find anything. Meanwhile, we'll set up camp around here. The rocky terrain looks decent, and it provides a good view of the sea," Rosen instructed.
In this weather, Valentine couldn't risk floating into the sky. Without the protection of the massive mushroom caps, the strong winds could carry her weightless body to who-knows-where.
"Understood."
Mr. 5 nodded, while Robin began directing the crew to unload necessary supplies. Daz Bones, still lying on a stretcher, was sheltered under a sturdy, high-quality umbrella to shield him from the wind and rain.
"Sands of decay, sand reconstruction…"
Rosen approached a rocky mound and activated his power, carving out a simple cave.
He refrained from turning all the rock into sand, as the rain would wash it away. Instead, he mixed some stone into the structure for stability.
The shelter faced the beach and stood about five to six meters tall. Even with Rosen's height, it did not feel cramped. The curved sand-rock cave could easily accommodate fifty to sixty people.
"The ground is surprisingly dry and warm. I thought fungi thrived in damp environments," Rosen noted after manipulating the nearby sand and rocks.
"The Boss hasn't forgotten we're in the Grand Line, right? Some islands are just like this. But I have to say, Logia-type users really have it easy," Robin remarked.
Although the environment of this nameless island was peculiar, Robin had seen far too many strange places. What surprised her more was Rosen's curiosity.
"If I get my hands on an extra Logia-type Devil Fruit in the future, I'll give it to you," Rosen mused.
Robin needed better combat abilities. Intelligence gathering was useful, but if she were easily defeated by a powerful enemy, it would be a waste.
"I'm already a Devil Fruit user. I can't consume another one," Robin replied with a light smile, not taking his words seriously.
"There's always a way. But that's for the future…"
Rosen didn't elaborate.
Under Migs' direction, the crew had already set up tents. Rosen's tent, in particular, was noticeably spacious.
If he recalled correctly, the only inconveniently large item they had brought from the ship—a soft mattress—was placed inside his tent.
They also lit charcoal fires and began preparing dinner. Some crew members went hunting. After eating preserved and dried meat for so long, they occasionally craved fresh game.
Based on what they had seen earlier, the island had no shortage of small animals.
Rosen did not stop them, as long as they didn't wander too far. For now, the island seemed relatively safe.
The bustling activity gave the place a cozy, holiday-like atmosphere.
Even though the rain had not stopped, the massive mushroom caps provided ample cover. The only downside was the overcast sky, which dampened the mood. A sunny day would have made the experience even better.
Before long, a rich aroma filled the air.
Robin confirmed and tested that the non-self-cooked mushrooms were non-toxic, so she gathered some and added them to a stew with freshly caught wild pheasants.
A pot of mushroom and pheasant stew, made with over a dozen different fungi, was soon simmering. With the chef's skill, the delicious scent quickly whetted everyone's appetite.
On a stormy night in the wilderness, having a hot pot of mushroom stew was a rare comfort.
"You two should eat as well," Rosen said, noticing the two maids still standing attentively beside him.
They had been waiting on him, but with the food so close, he saw no need to trouble them further.
"Understood, Boss," they responded in unison.
"Where did you even find them?"
As the two maids walked away, Rosen turned to Robin. She was enjoying a bowl of stew but still looked over when she heard his question.
"Do you want the truth?"
Robin could have made up an excuse, but it seemed unnecessary.
"Are you implying you have a different story prepared?" Rosen asked, amused. He suspected Robin had a habit of having two versions of events, much like when she worked for Crocodile in Alabasta.
"Alright, I'll be honest. I just picked them up along the way. They were starving to death, so I figured since you'd need people to handle your meals and daily necessities, I might as well recruit them."
"Well, you certainly found a treasure. They're surprisingly good at what they do," Rosen admitted.
Even if Robin's decision had been casual, there was no denying that these two maids were quite valuable.
"Boss actually gives compliments? That's rare. Don't tell me you've taken a liking to them?"
Robin's remark nearly made Rosen spit out his soup.
He never expected this kind of comment from Robin.
Before he could respond, an unfamiliar voice suddenly interrupted.
"This seems like quite the lively gathering. Mind if we join you to take shelter from the rain?"
The voice came before the person appeared.
The crew tensed immediately. Having spent so much time together, they all knew each other's voices well. This was someone unfamiliar.
Clang.
In an instant, swords, guns, axes, and various weapons were drawn.
They were pirates, and to outsiders, they were considered outlaws. Staying alert at all times was a necessity.
A towering figure emerged from the shadows, leading a group of soaking-wet subordinates.
Rosen recognized the man immediately.
Urouge, the Mad Monk.
A future Supernova, one of the so-called Worst Generation, and captain of the Fallen Monk Pirates.
(End of Chapter)
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