On the morning sea, two ships were slowly separating. Golden sunlight pierced through the thin mist, scattering shimmering specks of light across the rippling water. A gentle sea breeze, carrying the salty, damp air, dispersed the last traces of morning haze.
Kaidou's towering figure leaned against the ship's railing, his metal flask gleaming coldly in the morning light. He narrowed his wild eyes, watching the distant mist gradually fade, a meaningful smile curling at the corners of his mouth.
The deck echoed with intermittent shouts. Queen's bulky frame was doing push-ups, sweat soaking through his floral shirt, making it glisten in the sunlight; Urouge was practicing punches against a steel stake, each strike cutting through the air with a sharp sound.
"Urouge, sink your waist lower! Queen, don't you dare slack off!" Kaidou's gruff voice reverberated across the sea breeze, startling a few circling seagulls. Urouge's sweat dripped continuously onto the sun-scorched deck, each drop leaving a dark mark on the wood before being carried away by the rising heat.
At the stern, Sebastian and Gavin were engaged in a sparring match. Gavin's long blade sliced through the air with a sharp whistle; Sebastian's hammer met it with a dull whoosh. The crisp clang of metal against metal was particularly jarring on the tranquil sea, startling nearby fish into leaping out of the water, tracing silver arcs in the sunlight.
Enel ran steadily along the edge of the deck, carrying dozens of pounds of weights on his back. His golden pupils shone with determination, sweat streaming down his cheeks and leaving a trail of wet footprints on the deck.
On the other ship not far away, the atmosphere was noticeably more subdued.
King's slender figure stood inside the cabin, his gloved fingers moving slowly across a yellowed parchment nautical chart, occasionally making marks with a quill. Sunlight streamed through the porthole, casting mottled patterns on the floor. Bullet stood like a statue at the bow, his bronze muscles glowing healthily in the sunlight, his sharp gaze piercing through the morning mist to fix on the distant horizon. Young pirates chanted as they adjusted the sails, the ship cutting through the calm sea and leaving a straight white wake on the azure waters.
As the sun rose higher, the last remnants of mist completely dissipated. The two ships sailed toward their respective destinations, their sails billowing in the wind with a flapping sound.
The distance between the ships gradually widened until they became two small black dots on the horizon, eventually disappearing from each other's view entirely. Only the two white wakes briefly recorded their shared journey on the vast sea before being smoothed away by the waves.
By noon, the ship carrying Kaidou could clearly see the outline of their destination island.
Lush vegetation covered the entire island, displaying varying shades of green in the sunlight. The distant mountain peaks wavered slightly in the heat haze, while seabirds circled above the masts, emitting clear, crisp cries.
"Muhahaha, is this the little island? Doesn't look special at all?!" Queen chewed on his thick cigar, squinting at the distant coastline, his fleshy chin trembling with laughter. He wiped sweat from his forehead, his floral shirt already completely soaked and clinging to his obese frame.
Enel leaped onto the bow in one swift movement, his golden pupils contracting slightly with excitement: "Finally, the first battle is about to begin." His voice carried barely suppressed fighting spirit, his fingers unconsciously tightening around the weapon at his waist—a steel staff specially commissioned from Kaidou. Sunlight reflected off his golden pupils, casting strange glimmers.
"Wororororo, kid, you're still far from ready for the battlefield," Kaidou laughed before taking a swig of alcohol and patting Enel on the shoulder.
"Ah!?" Enel immediately looked at Kaidou with distress.
"Stay put on the ship for me!" Kaidou stated bluntly.
The other crew members also set down their tasks, gathering on the deck. Some were polishing weapons, metal glinting coldly in the sunlight; others were cracking their wrist joints with audible pops; while some inspected ammunition, ensuring every bullet was in optimal condition.
All eyes burned with intensity as they focused on the approaching coastline, the air thick with tension and excitement.
The crew members simultaneously tightened their grips on their weapons, identical sparks flashing in their eyes. The distant island drew nearer, revealing coastal rocks and swaying coconut trees along the shore.
...
At bright noon, the central area of this mysterious island buzzed with fervent activity.
Dozens of harvesters in coarse cloth garments carefully climbed the peculiarly shaped trees. Their movements were light and practiced, as if they had merged with these ancient trees.
These unique plants, locally called "Hundred Pistil Trees," featured elegantly spiraling branches with bark adorned in silver-white patterns that shimmered faintly in the sunlight.
The fruits being harvested appeared crystalline with enchanting pink hues, refracting gem-like brilliance under the sun's rays.
A uniquely sweet fragrance permeated the air—both fresh and rich—that lifted spirits with just a whiff.
"Stay absolutely focused!" a middle-aged man in luxurious clothing barked from the shade. Carel Hines stood with hands behind his back, his sharp gaze sweeping over each harvester like a hawk's. As the Celestial Dragon's steward, his mission was ensuring this precious batch of Hundred Pistil Fruits reached Mary Geoise on schedule and in full quantity.
"These are Hundred Pistil Fruits specifically requested by Saint Florence Manmayer! Damage even one, and you'll repay your debt through slavery!" His voice carried undeniable authority that made everyone present instinctively tense. Behind Carel, five or six CP agents in white uniforms stood as motionless as statues, their presence intensifying the solemn atmosphere.
"Rest assured, Lord Karel," a man with a meticulously groomed mustache stepped forward briskly, his face adorned with an ingratiating smile. Nix Guerrero, the crown prince of the Credea Kingdom, was currently carefully entertaining this distinguished guest from Mary Geoise. "These are all our nation's most skilled harvest workers, each with over a decade of harvesting experience."
As he spoke, Nix cast a meaningful glance behind him. Several attendants promptly brought over an exquisitely carved rosewood table and two chairs with soft cushions, swiftly setting down two glasses of chilled specialty drinks. The mustached man respectfully offered one: "This is our locally crafted refreshing beverage, made with the island's unique Ice Crystal Flower. We would be honored if you would grace us by trying it."
Karel snorted coldly, reluctantly accepting the crystal cup engraved with intricate patterns, though his gaze never left the harvest workers busily laboring at the heights. He took a small sip of the drink, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly. The cloyingly sweet taste reminded him of the nauseating banquets back in Mary Geoise, but for now he had to maintain a facade of composure.