The sloop moved forward with an uneven rhythm, as if it too felt the accumulated fatigue.
The confrontation was behind them, but not without consequences.
Above, Nami didn't leave the helm. Her eyes scanned the horizon over and over again, as if expecting the fog to part once more and reveal the silhouette of Mad Treasure's ship. The wind had shifted—softer now, but deceptive.
Below, inside the cabin, the atmosphere was more contained.
Caelum sat leaning forward, his forearms resting on his knees. He was no longer bleeding, but his breathing was still heavy. The exhaustion wasn't just physical; it ran deeper, as if something inside him hadn't fully settled after the strain.
Carina stood in front of him, leaning against the wooden wall, watching him without hiding it.
Not mockery this time.
Interest.
—You didn't pass out —she said finally.
Caelum barely lifted his gaze.
—I tried not to.
—It showed —she replied, crossing her arms—. Most people in your condition wouldn't even be awake.
Caelum let out a short breath.
—Most people don't have to deal with this —he muttered, looking at his hand, where traces of faint static still lingered.
Carina followed the gesture.
She stayed silent for a second… then took a step closer.
—Even so —she added, her tone softer—. You didn't run.
Caelum looked up.
—There wasn't a choice.
—There's always a choice —she replied—. You chose to stay.
The comment hung in the air.
It wasn't a joke. It was an evaluation.
Caelum didn't answer immediately. Not because he had nothing to say, but because he wasn't used to someone analyzing him in return.
Carina tilted her head slightly, studying his reaction.
—You're strange —she said.
—I've been told that before —he replied, unbothered.
A faint smile appeared on her lips.
—I didn't mean it as an insult.
She stepped a little closer. Not invading his space, but enough to make the distance feel… intentional.
—A guy like you… —she continued— doesn't usually get involved in problems that aren't his.
Caelum frowned slightly.
—I don't usually travel with two thieves either.
There was a pause.
Carina looked at him.
And then… her gaze sharpened, heavier, more dangerous.
—Does it bother you?
Caelum held her gaze for a second… then looked away slightly.
—It's… unconventional.
That was all he said.
But it was enough.
Carina let out a soft, amused breath through her nose.
—What an elegant way to say yes.
She leaned against the table, a little closer now, lowering her voice just a bit.
—Relax, Caelum… we're not going to rob you while you sleep.
He looked at her again.
—That doesn't reassure me.
—It should —she replied—. It means we'd only do it if it was worth it.
Silence.
Caelum blinked once.
Clearly, he hadn't expected that answer.
He opened his mouth to say something… but couldn't find the words.
Carina held his gaze for a few more seconds… evaluating, measuring…
Then she stepped back naturally, as if nothing had happened.
—Relax —she said at last—. It was a test.
Caelum exhaled through his nose, leaning back slightly against the wall.
—Did I pass?
Carina shrugged.
—You're still here. That says enough.
At that moment, the hatch opened.
Nami came down with firm steps, looking first at one, then the other.
Evaluating.
—Alright, that's enough resting —she said—. We've got land in sight.
That changed everything.
They went up to the deck.
The island wasn't large, but it was alive. A wooden dock, a few small vessels, low buildings… smoke rising from chimneys. Nothing flashy, but not abandoned either.
A functional port.
—Doesn't look like a troublesome place —Caelum commented.
Nami didn't answer right away.
—That doesn't exist —she said finally—. There are only places where problems haven't started yet.
Carina leaned against the railing, watching carefully.
—Low control… few visible Marines… active trade… —she murmured—. I like it.
Caelum crossed his arms.
—We need real food. Water. And rest.
—And money —Nami added.
—Always money —Carina said with a smile.
Caelum looked at the port… then the ship… then at them.
And for the first time since leaving the island…
He didn't feel like he was surviving alone.
—We go in, get what we need, and leave —he said—. No drawing attention.
Nami and Carina exchanged a look.
One of those silent looks.
Complicit.
—Of course —said Nami.
—Totally —added Carina.
Caelum narrowed his eyes.
—I don't trust that "of course."
Carina smirked.
—You should start.
—No —he replied without hesitation—. I should prepare.
Nami let out a small laugh.
—That works too.
The sloop slowly approached the dock.
The ropes tightened. The wood creaked softly.
Solid ground.
But in the East Blue… that never meant safety.
Only the beginning of another problem.