South Blue, Sorbet Kingdom — Port
Sorbet Kingdom was a fractured land.
Half of its territory belonged to a World Government–affiliated nation—noble estates, luxury, banners fluttering proudly in the wind.
The other half, however, lay beyond the law—poverty and chaos intertwined, a place so forgotten that even the World Government couldn't be bothered to extend its grasp.
Gern arrived aboard a Marine vessel from the East Blue branch, naturally disembarking at the port controlled by the allied side.
The local officials were unfazed.
Marine ships stopping briefly for supplies was nothing unusual. As long as they didn't interfere in domestic affairs, everyone preferred to look the other way.
"Captain Gern, we'll be heading back now."
The petty officer saluted Gern, who was dressed in plain black civilian clothes.
"Go ahead," Gern replied with a smile, waving casually.
"When I leave later, I'll contact the South Blue branch directly."
Watching the warship slowly depart, Gern took a deep breath, feeling the humid heat unique to the South Blue.
He pulled his cap lower, obscuring half his face, and walked toward the inner city.
Four years ago, amid the chaos of God Valley, the young Bartholomew Kuma and Ginny had escaped and returned to Kuma's homeland—Sorbet Kingdom.
According to Gern's vague memories, they should be hiding in some abandoned church.
"Four years…"
"Fourteen-year-old Kuma, seventeen-year-old Ginny… I wonder how they're doing now."
The lawless district of Sorbet Kingdom was even more desolate than expected.
Crumbling houses. Cracked earth. Ragged civilians.
It felt like a place the world had chosen to forget.
Unsure which church it was, Gern asked around until an elderly fruit vendor finally gave him a clue.
"There is a young man and woman staying in a ruined church nearby," she said thoughtfully.
"The boy's very tall—his hands are strange, like a bear's paws. The girl's always smiling, lively as can be."
"Thank you," Gern said sincerely.
Following her directions, he crossed several muddy paths and arrived before a half-collapsed church.
Outside, a few elderly people rested beneath a tree.
A tall少年 crouched on the ground, carefully bandaging an old woman's injured knee.
That少年 was—Bartholomew Kuma.
Though only fourteen, he already stood nearly two meters tall.
The distinctive bear-like features of the Buccaneer race rose from his head, and his massive build, broad shoulders, and paw-like hands were unmistakable.
Yet his movements were gentle—so careful it was as if he feared hurting her.
His eyes were warm, completely at odds with someone who had survived God Valley and slavery.
"Thank you, Kuma…" the old woman smiled kindly.
"You're welcome," Kuma replied softly.
"Don't let it get wet after this. If you need help with farm work, come find me."
Gern stood quietly in the distance.
"Just like I remember…"
"Too gentle for this world."
He stepped forward.
Kuma sensed him and looked up.
The man wore black clothes, a cap pulled low, a sword wrapped in white cloth at his waist.
"Hello. Can I help you?" Kuma asked, standing.
His towering figure cast a shadow over Gern—but the warmth in his voice felt like a spring breeze.
Gern paused, then smiled casually.
"I heard there's a doctor here who can take away people's pain. Thought I'd come take a look."
Kuma blinked, then smiled sincerely.
"Yes… though you don't look sick."
Gern claimed to be a traveler.
Kuma believed him easily, speaking openly and even guiding him into the church.
Inside were herbs, bandages, worn medical books.
Children's crude drawings on the walls—all smiling depictions of Kuma.
"You live here alone?" Gern asked.
"No," Kuma shook his head.
"This used to be an abandoned church… later, we took in people with nowhere else to go."
Gern understood.
This was Kuma's true home.
"You absorb their pain every day?"
"Yes. As much as I can."
"Doesn't it tire you?"
Kuma smiled gently.
"Compared to their suffering, my fatigue is nothing."
"…That's a stupid answer," Gern muttered.
Kuma looked confused, not offended.
"Do you know me, Mister Gern?"
Gern didn't answer. He turned to the window.
Outside, children chased a lame stray dog through the mud.
"You ever think about leaving?" Gern asked suddenly.
"Leaving?" Kuma hesitated.
"But… the people here need me."
Gern felt his chest tighten.
A boy who endured hell—and still chose kindness.
"You save them," Gern said quietly.
"But the world keeps hurting them. Hunger. Disease. Oppression. Can you absorb all of that?"
Kuma's fingers curled slightly—then relaxed.
"Maybe not," he said calmly.
"But as long as I can… I will."
Sunlight gilded his face.
A man who could repel everything—yet chose to shoulder pain.
"Kuma," Gern interrupted softly,
"If you could travel… where would you want to go?"
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