Chapter 185: Mi Island
As they were flying the island came into view. The island, clothed in lush greenery, boasted a tapestry of colossal trees that stood proudly, their canopies reaching towards the heavens. These towering giants created a verdant blanket. Amidst this natural grandeur, Ben could see three distinct structures that punctuate the skyline. Rising above the sea of green, the tops of these buildings peek through the foliage, breaking the monotony of the tree line. The three tops were scattered on the island, each to their corner.
Ben landed on the island. Zala and Robin left his side and looked around. They were followed by Kaya who brought along Nojiko and Vivi.
"This island is much bigger," Zala said.
"Yes, I could see three buildings as we flew," Ben replied.
Kaya, Nojiko and Vivi approach them. "Though the tops of those buildings did not look well maintained," Kaya said.
"They add vines and tree roots on them," Vivi said.
"You two have some great eyesight," Nojiko said.
Ben thought that was a bit strange. Nojiko was right, he could barely see the tops of the buildings but they both could see them in detail. He thought, could be their devil fruit or something else.
"Captain, there are footprints here," Robin said,squatting down. She got close to examine the footprints.
They approached the unofficial dirt path that bore the traces of countless footsteps, a pathway shaped organically by the collective journey of human steps. It featured patches of exposed earth, trodden-down grass, and smoothed pebbles. "They are going in all directions," Kaya pointed out.
"Simon Pirates?" Vivi asked.
"I don't know," Ben replied.
"I think there are more people on this island who just came," Robin added.
"What makes you think that?" Zala asked.
"I had a look around using my eye and saw there are small wooden boats," Robin said.
"Okay, so we have company here," Ben said.
"Like those uniformed pirates," Vivi said.
"I still wonder who they were?" Nojiko questioned
As they were talking, Lexie had pulled up on the shore and opened her doors. Alvida, Mikita, Honey, Marianne, HQ and BM exited the tank.
"This island is certainly bigger than the last two," Mikita said.
"We were just talking about that and the footprints," Zala replied.
"Footprints?" Alvida asked.
"Yeah, take a look at this," Nojiko pointed out. They all walked up from the shore to see a path with multiple footsteps.
"They look recent, my lord," BM said.
"Okay, now that we are here, we should formulate a plan. They are ahead of us and we don't know who they are and their numbers, so we need to be smart and split up," Ben explained.
"Split up?" Marianne asked.
"We can cover more ground, and secure the next treasure," Ben replied.
"So what are the teams and who should go where?" Kaya asked.
Ben looked to see the three different paths. One was going left, one was going right and one was going in the centre. "We will split into three teams. Nojiko, Vivi and Kaya, HQ and BM head to the left one," Ben ordered.
"Yes Captain," Vivi replied.
Nojiko and Kaya giggled. They all nodded. Vivi looked at her friends.
"Alvida, Honey, Marianne, Mikita, head on the right part," Ben said.
"Sure my love," Alvida replied. The other girls nodded.
"Me, Zala and Robin will head on the centre path," Ben added.
"That sounds good," Zala said.
Robin looked at Marianne and said, "Just be careful of the large spiders, I heard they go after cute girls." Robin smiled through that sentence.
Marianne looked a little afraid and spoke. "Spiders," Marianne said.
"She is kidding," Ben said. Robin smiled at Ben.
"Besides, if there are any large spiders, I will stomp them out," Mikita added.
The girls laughed. "Okay let's head out and be careful," Ben said.
"A kiss for good luck?" Honey asked.
"Sure," Ben replied. Ben approached Honey and kissed her forehead. Honey smiled back. Her eyes closed and widening again.
"Pervert," Kaya said.
"I want one as well," Marianne said. Ben nodded and kissed Marianne's forehead.
"Me as well my love," Alvida added.
"I want one too," Mikita added.
"Okay, you all get kisses," Ben said. He smiled. He kissed Alvida and Mikita on the forehead. Alvida smiled back and kissed Ben on the cheek. Mikita saw the kiss and joined her and kissed Ben on the other cheek. Ben thought, getting kissed by two girls. They let go.
He approached Nojiko who put her head forward. Ben smiled and kissed her forehead.
Vivi looked eager. He approached Vivi who was twiddling her thumbs. He held her hands and kissed her forehead. Vivi smiled widely at being kissed again.
"I don't need a kiss," Kaya said.
Nojiko pushed Kaya into Ben`s arms. "It's for luck," Nojiko said. Ben caught here. He whispered in her ear," You are always feisty but I like that about you." He kissed her forehead and let her go. Kaya smiled.
Ben then kissed BM and HQ on the forehead. They both nodded.
He approached Zala and kissed her forehead. "I could have used my spike there," Zala giggled.
Ben then hugged her. "I trust you, you will never hurt me," Ben said. Zala smiled.
He let go and approached Robin. "Captain has to treat his crew equally," Robin said.
He kissed Robin on the forehead and replied,"Yes he does."
He turned around, "Okay let's head out and take our treasure. Remember one thing, be careful. I don't care if you lose something, you are important to me and I love you all," Ben declared. The girls nodded.
"Master, what about Lexie?" HQ asked.
"Take it with you, HQ, her fire power could be useful," Ben replied.
HQ nodded back. BM, HQ, Nojiko, Vivi and Kaya headed to Lexie. They got in and closed the door and headed on the left path.
Alvida waved and took her group on the right path.
"Let's move," Ben said. Zala and Robin nodded. They walked down the path.