The Marine battleship maintained a steady course.
This ship passed near the island simply because the route led there.
Vice Admiral Tsuru stood on deck, reading a thin folder.
"Large-scale movement observed inland," she read aloud. "Repeated disturbances. No confirmed human presence."
She closed the folder and looked toward the island.
Dense jungle covered it entirely. No smoke. structures. visible signs of settlement. From a distance, it looked no different from dozens of other uninhabited islands.
Yet the report remained.
"Vice Admiral," an officer said quietly, "this island was mentioned several times over the past months. Each report described significant activity. Not near the coast. Deeper inside."
Tsuru nodded.
"Someone noticed," she replied. "That alone makes it worth a glance."
She did not issue orders to slow the ship.
Did not prepare a landing party. Simply remained at the railing, eyes following the tree line as the ship passed nearby.
"I want to see it," said calmly. "Nothing more."
Far inland, Rei completed another sequence.
His blade moved in controlled arcs, cutting through air with precise intent. Each motion followed breath. Breath followed rhythm refined through repetition.
The clearing around him showed signs of use. Broken branches. Trampled ground. Faded marks where heavy bodies had fallen before being dragged away by scavengers.
Rei wiped sweat from his brow and allowed his breathing to settle.
He felt something faint.
Distance.
Human presence at sea.
Rei turned his head slightly toward where the coast lay beyond trees and terrain. The sensation carried no hostility. Intent. Just observation.
He returned to training.
On the ship, Tsuru studied the island in silence.
She saw no movement. No sign of activity from this distance. That did not surprise her.
"If someone fights inland," she said quietly, "they would choose places like this."
The officer beside her hesitated. "Vice Admiral, should we investigate more closely?"
Tsuru shook her head.
"Not today," she replied. "Curiosity does not require interference."
She leaned on the railing briefly, letting the ship carry her forward.
"Whatever caused those reports," she added, "it does not seek attention."
The ship continued its course.
The island slid past slowly, jungle fading into distance. Tsuru watched until it no longer occupied her full view.
Made no notes. Issued no follow-up.
Some things belonged to observation alone.
Deep within the jungle, Rei sheathed his blade and sat beneath the canopy.
The sensation from the sea had already faded.
Training resumed.