"Hee hee, co chase ."
"Stop running, I am coming."
Beneath a sky veiled in soft pink mist, petals drifted lazily through the air. A seven colored rainbow arched downward, casting a dreamlike glow over the island. In the distance, a heart shaped sun dipped toward a warm rose colored sea, as if offering a shy farewell kiss to the figures laughing along the golden shoreline.
Laughter echoed beneath the pink twilight.
"Sisters, look. A Marine ship is approaching."
The cheerful atmosphere shifted slightly as one of the girls pointed toward the horizon.
"It really is the Marines. How surprising."
"Oh no, there are so many n staring this way. How embarrassing."
"Quickly, hide. We do not know if they are friend or foe."
Bare feet slipped silently into the nearby forest of dense pink trees. Ankles vanished among the trunks as shy faces peeked out, eyes glimring with curiosity and playful timidity.
Out at sea, the Thunder Serpent warship gradually slowed and ca to a stop near the dock.
"What a sweet scent. Is this the legendary Amazon Lily?"
Several Marines leaned over the railing, gazing at the dreamy forest.
"We are lucky to serve under Admiral Cero. To think we would reach an island spoken of only in legends."
"If only we could step ashore, et a beautiful woman, and…"
A few of them exchanged knowing smirks.
One Marine, still clinging to logic, frowned.
"Wait. Amazon Lily should not be in this region of the Grand Line."
His reasonable concern was quickly drowned out by excited whispers.
"I saw them. So many beautiful won."
" too. Their figures…"
Another Marine leaned dangerously far over the railing.
"Their clothing looks so light from a distance. They seem shy, hiding among the trees."
"I see a blonde girl behind that tree. She keeps glancing this way. I think I have fallen in love."
The deck buzzed with restless anticipation.
"Are you all that excited?"
Vice Admiral Dore stepped out onto the deck, her expression unreadable as she observed her subordinates.
"Report, Vice Admiral. We are simply surveying the island for threats."
"Yes, preparing for potential enemy engagent."
Their awkward composure did little to mask their flushed faces.
"Is that so?"
She sighed faintly.
"I hope none of you regret this enthusiasm."
The Marines exchanged confused looks.
Regret what?
The cabin door opened once more. Admiral Cero stepped out calmly, two veiled won following behind him. A new adjutant wearing a round hood mask walked silently at his side.
Shirogai scanned the deck, noticing the unmistakable excitent written across his n's faces.
"Everyone seems energetic."
He smiled faintly.
"It is said that mbers of the Straw Hat Pirates may be hiding on this island. That makes it dangerous. Who wishes to accompany
ashore?"
The Marines imdiately straightened.
"Admiral Cero, I volunteer. For justice, I fear nothing."
"I will eliminate the criminals without hesitation."
"If the Straw Hat Pirates are truly here, we must act at once."
Their righteous declarations rang loudly across the deck.
"Very well."
Shirogai folded his arms.
"Automatic selection. The first ten will accompany . The rest remain aboard."
He began counting calmly.
"Three."
The deck tensed instantly.
"Two."
Marines subtly shifted their stances, eyeing one another with growing intensity.
"One."
Chaos erupted.
A wild scramble broke out across the deck as Marines shoved and grappled, each determined to secure a place in the top ten. Pride, desperation, and misplaced ambition collided in a flurry of limbs and bruised egos.
Vice Admiral Dore closed her eyes briefly.
As expected.
Monts later, ten battered yet triumphant Marines stood upright, bruised but victorious.
"I made it."
"I endured that for nothing less."
They attempted to stand proudly despite obvious injuries.
Under the fading pink sunset, a small ergency boat was lowered.
"Heave. Heave."
The ten Marines rowed eagerly, carrying Admiral Cero and the two veiled won toward the enchanting island.
From the warship behind them, envious groans echoed.
"Just a little more and I would have made it."
"This is unbearable."
Vice Admiral Dore turned to the remaining crew.
"Do you know where we actually are?"
The Marines responded confidently.
"Is this not the Land of Won?"
"The kingdom ruled by Boa Hancock, the Shichibukai and most beautiful woman in the world?"
"An island filled entirely with won."
She shook her head.
"This is nowhere near Amazon Lily. Not even in the sa direction."
Silence fell.
"This is the Kamabakka Kingdom. It is known as the Second Daughter Island."
A heavy pause followed.
Realization struck all at once.
"The Kamabakka Kingdom?"
Their faces drained of color.
"The place designated by Marine headquarters as a forbidden zone."
Vice Admiral Dore nodded once.
Cold sweat covered the deck as the remaining Marines dropped to their knees.
"That was close."
"We nearly boarded that island willingly."
They looked toward the small boat in the distance, their forr envy replaced with sympathy and dread.
The pink island lood ahead.
And for the ten enthusiastic volunteers, paradise was about to reveal its true nature.
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