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The sea was calm, the sky painted in fading gold as evening settled in.
Rael stood near the helm, arms crossed loosely as the wind brushed past him. The ship's crew—small as it was—moved around him with ease. Robin was sketching something in her notebook beside the cabin. Kaya had taken it upon herself to reorganize the medical supplies. Vivi, as always, leaned over the edge of the ship, watching the horizon with eyes that never stopped thinking.
"We should head to Long Ring Long Land," Vivi said suddenly, turning to face him.
Rael blinked. "That's a mouthful."
Vivi smirked. "I've read about it. It's strange, but peaceful. After everything that's happened… maybe we could use a breather."
Robin chimed in, not looking up from her page. "Strange place. Stretched landscapes, bizarre animals. But ungoverned and quiet. I second the idea."
Rael nodded slowly, thoughtful. "Then that's our heading."
He walked to the wheel and adjusted the course himself. No need for complicated planning. Quiet sounded good.
But he wasn't naïve enough to think they were truly alone.
Meanwhile: Cipher Pol Zero – Lucci's Private Report
Far above the sea, in the white stone interior of a Cipher Pol hideout near Enies Lobby, Rob Lucci stood with arms folded, his gaze cast down toward the floor as another agent entered.
Kaku stepped in first, removing his coat. "You met him."
Lucci didn't answer immediately.
Another agent followed—Stussy, lips curled slightly as always. "So? What's your read?"
Lucci spoke without looking at either of them. "He's not bluffing."
"You expected a fight?" Kaku asked, leaning against the far wall.
"No. I expected arrogance. He didn't show it. Just... certainty." Lucci's brow creased faintly. "He knew I was watching. Knew exactly where I stood. And instead of striking, he warned me."
Stussy raised a brow. "That's rare, coming from you."
Lucci met her eyes. "Because I've fought men stronger than me. He's not just strong. He's... composed. The kind of calm that means he's seen worse and survived it."
"So what's the verdict?" Kaku asked, arms crossed. "He's too much for us?"
"For now," Lucci said plainly. "Even if all of us moved together, the odds would still tilt in his favor. And he'd walk away alive."
Silence settled.
Then Lucci added, "We're not dealing with a pirate chasing bounties or a warlord clinging to territory. He's not even interested in titles. That's what makes him unpredictable."
Stussy narrowed her eyes. "The higher-ups won't like this report."
"I don't care," Lucci said coldly. "I was sent to observe, so I observed. And what I saw was someone giving us a final warning."
"He won't keep tolerating us."
"No," Lucci said. "He won't."
There was something heavier in his voice. Not fear—but caution. Respect, even.
Kaku sighed. "So we wait."
Lucci nodded. "And we watch. But we don't provoke him until we understand him."
Back on the sea, as the ship cut through the glowing water toward Long Ring Long Land, Rael stood at the bow, the wind lifting his coat gently.
He didn't say it aloud.
But he felt them again. Distant eyes. Prodding presences.
He didn't chase them off this time. He didn't need to.
They got the message.
---
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