The back mountain of Battleship Island was covered by large areas of vines, and the mountain walls were full of moss, hiding a secret cave.
At the mouth of the cave was a giant banyan tree, its roots entwined on the rock wall, like a natural barrier, protecting the cave entrance tightly.
"Is this the place?" Zoro stood in front of the cave entrance, frowning slightly, "It doesn't look like there would be anything big here."
Apis nodded gently and whispered, "It's inside."
Everyone followed Apis into the cave, where the light gradually dimmed, and a scent of ancientness permeated the damp air.
The further they went, the wider the cave became. Crystal clear water droplets hung on the surrounding rock walls, dripping onto the ground, echoing with crisp sounds.
When they finally reached the depths of the cave, Luffy couldn't help but widen his eyes.
"Wow! So big!"
It was a giant Millennium Dragon, lying quietly in the center of the cave, its massive body almost occupying the entire space.
Its scales and feathers were dark green, with a metallic sheen at the edges. Although it already looked somewhat dim, its former majesty was still discernible.
Its huge wings hung on the ground, the wing membranes severely damaged, as if they had endured countless storms and battles.
Its eyes were half-open, with a deep and weary look in its golden pupils. It was about to die of old age.
"Is this the Millennium Dragon?" Nami whispered, a hint of shock in her tone, "It really exists..."
Zoro tightened his grip on the Dao at his waist, a bit of vigilance in his eyes: "It's so big; if it goes crazy, it would be terrifying."
"Don't worry." Apis stepped forward, gently stroking the Millennium Dragon's wing, and whispered, "It's already very old; it can't even fly anymore."
"What a big fellow." Sanji leaned against the cave wall, lit a cigarette, a hint of emotion in his tone, "But, it also looks quite pitiful."
The Millennium Dragon slowly raised its head, its gaze sweeping over everyone, emitting a low sound from its throat.
Although they couldn't understand what it was saying, a hint of moisture flashed in Apis's eyes.
"It's saying thank you," Apis turned her head, looking at Kai with pleading eyes,
"I know this is a lot of trouble, but please help it find the Dragon's Lair. It wants to return to Lost Island to end its life there."
Kai looked at the Millennium Dragon, silent for a moment, and finally nodded gently: "Since we're already here, let's see it through."
Luffy waved his hand excitedly upon hearing this: "Alright! An adventure to find the Dragon's Lair sounds really interesting!"
Zoro and Sanji didn't speak, but both tacitly stood aside, clearly ready.
The Millennium Dragon closed its eyes, its body slightly curled, looking as if it had finally let go of a burden in its heart.
Kai stood in the center of the cave, looking up at the giant Millennium Dragon before him.
Its massive body rose and fell slightly, its breathing low and long, carrying an indescribable ancient rhythm.
The Millennium Dragon's golden eyes showed weariness and vicissitude, as if telling of its long years.
Kai's gaze narrowed slightly, and a red glow appeared in his pupils.
Kai activated his Observation Haki. Ever since Kai learned Observation Haki, not only has Kai's ability to foresee the past become much stronger.
He can even control its activation freely. Kai can automatically filter out minor threats that don't pose a danger to him, which is much more convenient.
In an instant, images of the Millennium Dragon's past flooded Kai's mind.
Scene after scene flashed by, unfolding before his eyes like yellowed scrolls.
Kai saw the Millennium Dragon in its youth, soaring high in the sky, nesting with its companions on a vast island.
That island was surrounded by azure sea water, and next to it was another island, which was Battleship Island.
However, according to later images, only the high-altitude Battleship Island remained standing there.
Kai slowly opened his eyes, his gaze deep and calm. He looked at everyone and said, "I know where the Dragon's Lair is."
"Really?!" Apis's eyes were full of anticipation. She rushed to Kai, "Brother Kai, where is the Dragon's Lair?"
"It's on Battleship Island," Kai said calmly, his gaze turning to the old Dragon, "To be precise, it's east of Battleship Island. The Dragon's Lair has long been submerged by the sea, hidden beneath the seabed."
"Seabed..." Nami repeated softly, a hint of shock flashing in her eyes, "No wonder Lost Island hasn't been found for so many years; it turns out it's not on land at all."
The old Dragon slowly raised its head, a glimmer of light in its golden eyes.
It let out a low sound from its throat, and Apis translated: "It says it also recalled some images, and Kai is right."
Everyone was silent for a while, only Luffy showed an excited expression: "Great! We found the Dragon's Lair! Let's go now!"
"Not so fast." Kai glanced at Luffy, "The old Dragon is too old to fly. We need to build a large raft for it and take it to the surface above the Dragon's Lair.
After it dies of old age, we will sink its body into the Dragon's Lair on the seabed."
Upon hearing this, Apis could no longer hold back. She covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face.
She rushed to the old Dragon's side, hugging it tightly, sobbing uncontrollably: "Why... why do you have to leave..."
The old Dragon gently nuzzled Apis with its head, its golden eyes filled with tenderness and reluctance.
Just then, a harsh laugh came from outside the cave.
"Hahaha, what a touching scene! Too bad, none of you will leave here alive today."
Everyone turned to look, and a thin man in a blue suit slowly walked into the cave.
His steps were light, a mocking smile hung on his lips, and his narrow eyes were full of contempt.
"Who are you?" Luffy asked loudly.
"Me?" The man let out a strange laugh, raised his head, revealing a set of white teeth,
"I am Whirlwind Erik, who ate the Scythe-Scythe Fruit! To be honest with you, this Millennium Dragon is my prey. You'd better be sensible and get out of here.
Otherwise, I wouldn't mind taking two heads worth 100 million Berries each!"
"Your arrogance is laughable." Kai crossed his arms, a slight smirk on his lips, "Do you think no one here can deal with you?"
Zoro stepped forward, a grin on his face, and said coldly, "Talk big after you can take one of my slashes."
"Hmph, you dare to provoke me?" Erik shrieked, flicking his finger, "Scythe Wind Blade!"
A transparent wind blade shot out from Erik's fingertip, accompanied by a sharp whistling sound, heading straight for Zoro.
However, Zoro merely raised his hand lightly, his hand covered in black Armament Haki, and casually deflected it.
"Bang!"
The wind blade instantly veered off course, hitting the cave wall and leaving a deep cut.
"What?!" Erik's eyes widened, his face filled with disbelief, "You... you actually have Armament Haki?!"
"Less talk." Zoro spat out these three words coldly, his feet moved, and his figure instantly disappeared from his original spot.
Before Erik could react, Zoro's figure had already appeared behind him, and the wado ichimonji slowly slid into its sheath in his hand.
"One Sword Style: Iai." Zoro said in a low voice, his tone as cold as a blade.
"Hiss—"
A huge gash suddenly appeared on Erik's chest, blood gushing out like a fountain.
His body stiffened for a second, then he fell to the ground weakly, his eyes rolling back, completely losing consciousness.
Zoro turned around, sheathed his wado ichimonji, glanced coldly at the fallen Erik, and said faintly, "Next time, don't be so arrogant."
The cave was silent, with only the low breathing of the Millennium Dragon echoing.
Luffy scratched his head and grinned, "Zoro is amazing! That guy couldn't even say another word!"
"Tch, such a minor character is not worth wasting time on." Zoro said indifferently, his gaze turning to the Millennium Dragon, "Alright, what's next?"
"Build a raft and send it to the sea surface above the Dragon's Lair." Kai said, a hint of seriousness in his eyes.