On the morning sea, two ships slowly separated. Golden sunlight pierced through the thin mist, scattering fragmented light across the shimmering waves. A sea breeze blew gently, carrying the salty, damp scent and dispersing the last traces of hazy morning fog.
Kaido's towering figure leaned against the ship's railing, the metal gourd in his hand gleaming coldly in the dawn light. He narrowed his wild eyes, gazing at the dissipating morning fog in the distance, a meaningful smile curling his lips.
On deck, intermittent shouts and grunts could be heard. Queen's portly frame was doing push-ups, sweat soaking through his floral shirt, glistening in the sun; Urouge was training his punches on a steel post, each strike carrying a whooshing sound through the air.
"Urouge, sink your waist lower! Queen, don't you dare slack off!" Kaido's rough voice echoed on the sea wind, startling a few circling seagulls. Urouge's sweat dripped continuously onto the sun-scorched deck planks, each drop leaving a dark stain that was soon taken away by the rising steam.
At the ship's stern, Sebastian and Gavin were engaged in a sparring match. Gavin's long sword sliced through the air with a sharp whistle; Sebastian's hammer met it with a dull, heavy whoosh. The crisp clang of metal colliding was especially jarring on the tranquil sea, startling nearby fish into leaping from the water, tracing silver arcs in the sunlight.
Enel ran steadily along the edge of the deck by himself, bearing dozens of pounds of weight. His golden pupils shone with a resolute light, sweat sliding down his cheeks and leaving a trail of damp footprints on the wood.
On the other ship not far away, the atmosphere was more subdued.
King's slender figure stood inside the cabin, his black-gloved fingers moving slowly over a yellowed parchment nautical chart, occasionally making marks with a quill. Sunlight streamed through the porthole, casting dappled shadows on the floor. Bullet stood like a sculpture at the bow, his bronze muscles gleaming healthily in the sun, his sharp gaze piercing through the morning mist, fixed on the distant horizon. Young pirates called out in rhythm as they adjusted the sails, the ship's hull slicing through the calm sea, leaving a straight white wake on the blue expanse.
As the sun rose higher, the last wisp of fog vanished completely. The two ships proceeded toward their respective destinations, their sails billowing in the wind with a flapping sound.
The distance between the ships gradually widened. Soon, they became two small black dots on the line where sea met sky, eventually disappearing completely from each other's view. Only the two white wakes briefly recorded their shared path on the vast ocean before being smoothed away by the waves.
By noon, the ship carrying Kaido could clearly make out the outline of its destination island.
Lush vegetation covered the entire island, displaying varying shades of green under the sun. Distant mountains shimmered slightly in the heat haze; seabirds circled above the masts, emitting clear, sharp cries.
"Mmmahahaha, is this the little island? Doesn't look special at all!" Queen puffed on a thick cigar, squinting as he examined the distant coastline, his fleshy chin quivering with his laughter. He wiped sweat from his brow; his floral shirt was completely soaked, clinging to his portly frame.
Enel bounded up to the bow in one leap, his golden pupils contracting slightly with excitement. "Finally, our first real battle is about to begin!" His voice held a barely suppressed fighting spirit, his fingers unconsciously tightening around the weapon at his waist—a steel staff he had specifically asked Kaido to make for him. Sunlight reflected in his golden pupils, refracting a peculiar light.
"Wororororo, kid, you're still far from ready for the battlefield," Kaido laughed, taking a swig of liquor before patting Enel on the head.
"Ah?!" Enel immediately looked crestfallen at Kaido.
"Stay on the ship and behave!" Kaido said directly.
The other crew members also set down their tasks and gathered on deck. Some polished their weapons, metal glinting coldly in the sun; others flexed their wrists and joints, producing cracking sounds; still others checked their ammunition, ensuring every bullet was in perfect condition.
Everyone's gaze burned toward the increasingly close shoreline. The air was thick with a tense, excited atmosphere.
The crew members all gripped their weapons tighter, the same light shining in their eyes. The distant island drew nearer; they could now make out the rocks along the shore and the swaying coconut trees.
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In the bright midday sun, the central area of this mysterious island was a scene of bustling activity.
Dozens of pickers in coarse clothing climbed carefully among strangely shaped trees. Their movements were light and practiced, as if they were one with these ancient plants.
These peculiar trees, called "Hyaku-Rui Trees" by the locals, had elegantly spiraling branches. Their bark was covered in silvery-white veins that shimmered faintly in the sunlight.
The workers were picking fruits that were crystal clear in appearance, displaying an alluring pink hue that refracted gem-like brilliance under the sun's rays.
The air was filled with the unique, sweet fragrance these fruits emitted—a scent both fresh and rich, soothing to the spirit upon inhaling.
"All of you, stay absolutely focused!" a middle-aged man in luxurious clothing barked sharply from the shade of a tree. Karel Heins stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his sharp gaze scanning every picker like a hawk's. As the butler of a Celestial Dragon, his mission was to ensure this precious batch of Hyaku-Rui Fruit was transported to Mary Geoise on time and in full quantity.
"These are the Hyaku-Rui Fruit personally requested by Saint M'amaya Florence! If even one is damaged, you will atone for it by becoming slaves!" His words carried an air of unquestionable authority, making everyone present tense up instinctively. Behind Karel, five or six CP agents in white uniforms stood as still as statues, their presence adding to the heavy atmosphere.
"You need not worry, Lord Karel," a man with a finely groomed mustache hurried forward, his face wreathed in an ingratiating smile. Nix Guerra, the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Cridia, was currently taking great care to host this distinguished guest from Mary Geoise. "These are our kingdom's most skilled pickers, each with over ten years of harvesting experience."
As he spoke, Nix shot a glance behind him. Several attendants immediately brought over an ornately carved redwood table and two chairs with soft cushions, deftly placing two glasses of a chilled, local specialty drink on the table. The mustached man respectfully offered a glass. "This is our locally crafted cooling beverage, made with the island's unique Ice Crystal Flower. Please, do us the honor of trying it."
Karel snorted coldly, reluctantly accepting the intricately carved crystal glass, though his eyes never left the busy pickers up in the trees. He took a small sip of the drink, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly. This cloyingly sweet taste reminded him of the nauseating banquets in Mary Geoise, but for now, he had to maintain a façade of calm.