CHAPTER 24
The sun dipped toward the horizon, spilling warm light across the deck of the warship as the Pride Pirates settled into a rare moment of calm. The sea was quiet—yet Ren's mind wandered far from it.
Sophia waved a hand in front of his face.
"Hey. Are you even listening?"
"Huh?" Ren blinked back to reality.
"You spaced out," she said, eyes narrowing.
"Just thinking about old things," Ren replied. A faint shadow crossed his expression. At least those memories remind me I'm still myself… still human, even in this world.
Sophia exhaled. "Well… for taking down that old man, I owe you one."
Then she crossed her arms. "Anyway, where exactly are all of you heading?"
"The South Blue," Ren answered.
She raised a brow. "Where's your navigator?"
Ren and Kris exchanged a perfectly synchronized look.
"We don't have one," Kris said.
Sophia froze. "Wait—WHAT? You set sail… without a navigator?!"
"Yes," Kris replied calmly. "Pretty much."
"Then how were you planning to reach your destination?!"
Ren shrugged. "Simple. Recruit a navigator at the next island."
"Unbelievable," she muttered.
Ren ignored her disbelief and grew thoughtful again. "Since I want to begin my real journey in the South Blue—properly, without skipping anything—Kris, have you ever been there? Even once?"
"No. Don't think so," Kris answered.
Ren tapped his chin. "But your Gate-Gate Fruit… If I give you precise coordinates, could you open a portal straight there?"
Kris hesitated. "I… think I could."
"Good. Then when we restock at the next island, we go straight to the South Blue," Ren declared. "Umi! How's the food?"
"Almost done! Just finishing Brocky's portion!" Umi called back, brushing spices onto a massive piece of meat.
"Rahahahaha! I'm starving already!" Brocky roared, saliva practically dripping.
Sophia watched the chaos around her, stunned.
"Is no one concerned," she whispered, "that there's no navigator… and no helmsman steering this ship? What kind of crew did I get mixed up with…"
Kris pointed at Ross. "At least we have a shipwright, a cook… and that useless swordsman who was supposed to be our chore boy."
The crew all turned. Ross was dozing while holding his sword tight leaning on the ship rail.
Ren sighed. "Do you know how to navigate?" he said turning to Sophia
"Yes."
"Great. Then it's settled," Ren said.
"What's settled?"
"What do You think about being the navigator."
Sophia nearly stumbled. "Just like that?! And everyone is fine with this?"
The crew shrugged.
"He's the captain," Kris said simply. "He decides."
Sophia looked around at the relaxed—almost reckless—faces of the crew.
If I refuse, they'll probably force me in and show their true colors… should not even think of joining them. I still have to save my brother…
She took a breath. "I'll think about it."
Ren grinned. "Take your time."
"Umi! Bring out the banquet!" Ren called.
"Right away, captain!" Umi replied, carrying out trays piled high with freshly skewed meat.
The sun finally slipped beneath the waves, leaving the deck glowing with lamplight, laughter, and the scent of a well-earned meal.
The Pride Pirates' evening feast began.