The sea finally calmed after the storm.
Blue stretched endlessly in every direction again.
Carina lay on the deck, exhausted.
"…I miss the dojo already…"
Kuina stood at the bow, scanning ahead.
"…Island."
Kevin opened his eyes slightly.
"…Yes."
In the distance—
A small island silhouette appeared.
Not large.
Not famous.
Just a trading stop.
Carina sat up quickly.
"…Food. Please. We need food."
The ship slowly approached the island harbor.
Wooden docks.
Small boats.
A few traders moving crates.
No Marines.
No warships.
Just civilians.
Carina exhaled.
"…Finally. Normal people."
Kuina stepped off the ship first.
Balanced.
Alert.
Kevin followed.
Then Carina.
The island town was simple.
Markets lined the streets.
Fish.
Fruit.
Water barrels.
Basic supplies.
Carina immediately rushed toward food stalls.
"…I'm buying everything edible."
Kuina stayed close, watching surroundings.
Kevin walked slower.
Observing.
Something felt slightly off—but not dangerous yet.
At a corner stall—
A merchant spoke quietly to another.
"…You heard about the sword girl?"
"…The one traveling alone?"
"…Yeah. Some say she's heading toward Marine-controlled waters."
Kevin's eyes shifted slightly.
Kuina noticed.
"…What."
Kevin replied.
"…Nothing yet."
Carina returned carrying food.
"…Okay, I got supplies. We're good."
Kuina looked at her.
"…Efficient."
Carina smiled.
"…Finally, appreciation."
As they prepared to leave the town—
A poster on a wall caught Kevin's attention.
A Marine recruitment notice.
And beneath it—
A sketch of a young girl holding a sword.
Kevin paused.
Kuina followed his gaze.
"…Who is that."
Kevin answered quietly.
"…A swordsman."
Carina looked at it.
"…She looks serious."
Kevin nodded once.
"…She will be important."
Kuina narrowed her eyes slightly.
"…Another swordsman."
Kevin replied.
"…Yes."
A short silence followed.
Then they returned to the ship.
The ship set sail again from the island.
Food stocked.
Water secured.
Route adjusted.
Carina leaned back.
"…Okay, I prefer islands over storms."
Kuina remained silent.
Thinking.
Kevin stood at the center of the deck.
Looking forward.
The sea was no longer empty.
Somewhere ahead—
People were beginning to gather.
Paths were crossing.
And one of them—
Was already moving closer.