The massive Marine ship sliced through the waves with unwavering force.
Standing at the front, near the railing, was Gion.
Her long hair swayed with the wind as her sharp eyes remained fixed on the horizon.
In her hand…
A wanted poster.
The name printed boldly across it—
ATHARVA
She stared at it silently.
"…Atharva…"
Her fingers tightened slightly around the paper.
After dropping Monkey D. Garp on the island, she had made her decision clear.
Instead of gathering second-hand information…
She would follow his trail herself.
Because something didn't sit right with her.
Something deeper.
"…Why do I feel like I already know you…?" she whispered.
It wasn't logic.
It wasn't duty.
It was instinct.
A strange, unexplainable connection that refused to fade.
Behind her, Marines moved efficiently—adjusting sails, monitoring direction, maintaining the massive ship with discipline.
But Gion remained still.
Eyes locked on the face in the poster.
As if searching for answers hidden within it.
Far away…
Morning sunlight broke through the jungle canopy.
Soft rays fell over the campsite.
Atharva lay peacefully on the ground.
On one side—Nami.
On the other—Nojiko.
And resting gently on his chest—
Lillie… and Miko.
A quiet, almost domestic moment.
"Brother…"
A soft voice broke the silence.
Lillie stirred, her eyes slowly opening.
"Wake up… it's morning…"
Atharva's eyes fluttered open.
For a second, he looked confused—
Then he saw her.
A small smile formed instantly.
"You woke up first, huh…"
He gently raised his hand and kissed her forehead.
"Good morning."
Lillie giggled softly.
That small moment—
Was enough to wake the others.
Nami shifted slightly, blinking as she sat up. "Mm… morning already?"
Nojiko stretched. "Feels like we just slept."
Miko yawned. "I'm still sleepy…"
Atharva chuckled as he slowly sat up, carefully making sure not to disturb anyone too much.
"Come on," he said. "Didn't we plan to explore today?"
Nami stood, brushing off her clothes. "Yeah… let's see what this island has."
The group shared a few smiles.
A peaceful start…
Before whatever awaited them ahead.
Back at sea—
"Vice Admiral!"
A Marine officer's voice rang out.
Gion turned slightly.
"We've spotted an island ahead. Should we dock… or continue forward?"
She looked ahead.
In the distance—
An island slowly came into view.
Calm.
Silent.
Almost… inviting.
Gion's eyes narrowed slightly.
She opened her mouth.
"We're not stopping—"
But then—
She paused.
A sudden feeling struck her.
Sharp.
Clear.
If she went there…
She would find something.
About him.
About Atharva.
Her grip on the poster tightened again.
"…No."
The Marine officer blinked.
Gion stepped forward, her gaze fixed on the island.
"We're docking."
The order was firm.
No hesitation this time.
"Yes, Vice Admiral!"
The ship began adjusting course immediately.
As it turned toward the island—
The wind seemed to grow stronger.
As if guiding them.
Or warning them.
Two paths…
Now drawing closer than ever before.
To Be Continued… 🔥