Laboon (┬┬﹏┬┬)

On the upside-down mountain, there are a total of five waterways, among which four of them flow from bottom to top, surging towards the mountaintop, creating a spectacular sight when viewed from afar.

These four immense waterways connect to four different seas: the East Sea, the West Sea, the South Sea, and the North Sea.

Originating from these four seas and converging at the mountaintop of the upside-down mountain, they eventually merge into one massive waterway that flows into the Grand Line.

To enter the Grand Line, ships must pass through the upside-down mountain, as it serves as the entry point into the Grand Line.

The upside-down mountain marks both the starting point and the endpoint of the Grand Line.

This location is also where Brook made his pact with Laboon.

At the exit of the waterway flowing into the Grand Line lies the Twin Capes.

Situated at the end of the current sea routes, atop the twin capes on both the left and right sides, stand identical lighthouse buildings.

Hence, this area is known as the Twin Capes.

However, the significance of the lighthouses here is minimal, as ships entering the Grand Line from the four seas only have one route forward.

At this moment, beneath one of the lighthouses, on the rocky ground, sits a small round table and a deck chair.

A middle-aged man with glasses, a bandana wrapped around his forehead, and wearing a floral shirt sits in the deck chair with his eyes closed, seemingly dozing off. Beside him on the table are a glass of cold water and a folded newspaper.

A sharp harpoon lying at his feet signifies that this man is not to be trifled with.

This middle-aged man's name is Crocus, who would later become the ship doctor of the Roger Pirates, but currently serves as the lighthouse keeper of the Twin Capes.

He also serves as the caretaker of the whale Laboon.

Crocus opens his eyes and gazes towards the distance of the Grand Line.

"Even though it's a clear day today, why do I hear thunder getting closer..."

Quietly using his Observation Haki, Crocus swiftly peers towards the direction where the thunderous sound is coming from.

Though the long-distance Observation Haki has its limitations, it proves to be quite useful for early detection.

"What in the world!"

Just as Crocus attempts to use his Observation Haki to investigate, an even stronger Observation Haki suddenly rushes from afar, feeling like a gentle breeze encountering a hurricane.

"Looks like there's someone extraordinary coming."

Crocus remarks softly, feeling the overwhelming presence.

"Woahhhhh!"

Suddenly, a massive shadow appears on the nearby sea surface, followed by the emergence of a gigantic scarred whale, Laboon, who roars towards the direction of the distant thunder.

"Laboon, do you sense something?"

Hearing the whale's voice, Crocus turns to look at Laboon, silently contemplating.

Having spent such a long time with Laboon, Crocus has become able to understand the general meaning behind Laboon's calls.

Undoubtedly, Laboon's recent call conveyed a sense of joy.

Soon, Crocus finally catches sight of the source of the commotion in the distance: a massive dark cloud with occasional lightning flashes. Atop the cloud sails a colossal ship, seemingly defying the laws of nature.

In no time, it seems the awe-inspiring ship also notices Crocus, gradually approaching the direction of the lighthouse.

Observing this movement, Crocus realizes that the ship's arrival may be significant. As the lighthouse keeper stationed at the Twin Capes, he encounters numerous pirates entering the Grand Line from the four seas each year, some of whom are quite formidable.

With the ship getting closer, Crocus also notices figures aboard.

"That lad... seems familiar."

Crocus ponders for a moment, casting a glance at the folded newspaper on the table.

"Ah, yes! I remember now. I read about this lad, Albert Nicholas, in the newspaper some time ago."

"Brook sent me" He said before Crocus could say anything

Feeling relieved that the person aboard seems to know Brook's name and shows no hostility, Crocus relaxes his stance, indicating that the newcomer is likely not an enemy.

Placing the harpoon aside, Crocus speaks up, "Of course, I know him. That lad left quite an impression on me. If it weren't for our agreement, I might have made a name for myself already."

The intimidating aura diminishes.

A few minutes later.

Another cup and a plate of smoked fish, a specialty of the Twin Capes, appear on the round table.

"I never expected that the Rumbar Pirates would meet their end in the devil's Triangle."

Crocus, holding a water glass, gazes at the box of bones on the side with a sigh.

Meanwhile, in the nearby sea, the massive whale, Laboon, seemingly understanding that Nicholas brought a box of bones, the companions Laboon had awaited for over a decade, emits a mournful whale song, tears streaming from its huge eyes.

"However, it's incredible that Brook could come back to life after death, thanks to the power of the Yomi-Yomi Fruit, even though he turned into a skeleton. It's truly astonishing."

Upon learning that Brook returned from death using the powers of the Yomi-Yomi Fruit, although transformed into a skeleton, Crocus feels a sense of disbelief.

"Well, it's indeed quite incredible. By the way, Brook asked me to inquire about the whereabouts of Captain Yorki and the other crew members of the Rumbar Pirates."

"Unfortunately, I haven't seen any members of the Rumbar Pirates since they left the Twin Capes. Apart from Laboon, of course."

"Is that so? It seems they still haven't successfully crossed the Calm Belt."

As Nicholas converses with Crocus, suddenly a pirate ship approaches from the upside-down mountain, sailing along the waterway towards the Twin Capes.

Seemingly alarmed by Laboon below, the pirate crew hastily begins firing cannons upon sighting the massive whale, infuriating Laboon, who, amidst a long roar, crushes the pirate ship almost instantly upon its entry into the Grand Line.

As the enraged whale wreaks havoc, a familiar melody drifts from the direction of the lighthouse.

"Yo-ho-ho-ho-ho! Laboon, I promise to meet you again as agreed! Trust me."