The vast, turbulent sea stretched endlessly, and a lone Navy warship cut through the waves like a solitary beast, navigating the boundless expanse. Renji, Toki, and Kuzan stood quietly on the deck, gazing at the horizon where the sea met the sky, facing the unknown fate that lay ahead.
A gentle breeze brushed past, tousling their hair. Renji looked back at the distant island they had left behind, knowing that each team carried a different mission. Theirs, however, was destined to be a solitary journey.
Everything around them served as a reminder that, compared to the other teams who had already reached their destinations, their mission was far more uncertain and isolated.
"They've all arrived at their destinations," Toki sighed, her voice tinged with a subtle loneliness.
Renji turned to look at her, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions. "Our path has always been one we must walk alone."
Kuzan leaned against the railing, his gaze fixed on the sea. "The ship will take us to Water 7, a city known for housing the world's finest shipwrights. It's also a favorite haunt for pirates."
"But as far as I know, our target has never been there..."
Water 7, with its skilled shipwrights, was a magnet for pirates. After all, sailing the seas, everyone wanted a sturdy ship—it was a matter of life and death. The city was a melting pot of people from all corners of the world, making it an ideal place to gather information.
Renji gently patted Toki's shoulder. They all understood the uncertainty of their mission. Every decision, every action, could determine the success or failure of their task—and whether they would return safely.
"Because we lack precise information, that's exactly why we need to go there. The headquarters' decision can't be wrong."
Renji's gaze finally settled on the winding, unpredictable course ahead. Even if the future was filled with uncertainty, they would see it through to the end.
...
Time passed slowly as they sailed across the sea. Eventually, the outline of Water 7 came into view. In the deep blue waters, a vibrant island gradually emerged on the horizon. The warship sailed steadily, and the Navy recruits stood on the deck, their eyes filled with joy at the prospect of finally reaching land.
Water 7 stood there like a fantastical island from an ancient nautical chart, a sight both majestic and awe-inspiring. At its center, a towering water column rose into the sky, shrouded in mist, resembling a bridge between heaven and earth. Near the entrance, numerous ports were bustling with ships in need of supplies.
"So this is Water 7," Renji murmured softly, his eyes reflecting the island's silhouette.
Beside him, Toki and Kuzan leaned forward, unable to hide their amazement. Seven massive waterways extended from the heart of the island, like seven dragons silently guarding the city's peace and tranquility. Boats glided along the waterways, their movements light and lively, weaving through the sea like wings. It was a magical way to travel.
Renji and his teammates exchanged smiles, realizing how different this was from their usual rough voyages on the warship. Here, the boats moved with ease, and travel was no longer a chase but a pleasure.
They couldn't help but imagine themselves gliding through the waterways, soaking in the city's unique charm and tranquility.
"Our mission is about to begin. Let's hope we can navigate it as smoothly as these boats," Kuzan said after a long silence, his voice carrying a hint of anticipation.
"Alright, let's disembark..." Renji leaped off the ship, landing lightly on the port.
Water 7 was renowned across the seas, and its ports were always bustling with activity. Occasionally, they even spotted pirate ships leaving the harbor. The city was a melting pot of all kinds of people, making it the perfect place for them to begin their mission.
Unfortunately, the sea train had yet to be built, and Renji couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. He had been curious to experience it.
Instead of entering the island through the grand waterways, Renji led his team in another direction.
"..."
On the outskirts of the island, in a place known as the Scrap Island, three figures moved swiftly through the shadows.
Renji, Toki, and Kuzan's footsteps echoed loudly in the shipyard, which was littered with sand and gravel. At first glance, the place seemed like a dumping ground for abandoned ships, but as they ventured deeper, they discovered it was far more than that.
Contrary to Renji's expectations, the Scrap Island was bustling with activity. People moved about constantly, though most wore expressions of disappointment as they left a nondescript building.
This was the largest shipyard in Water 7—Tom's Workshop.
Tom, the shipwright who had built the legendary Oro Jackson for Gol D. Roger, had been exiled to this junkyard by the city's authorities. Yet, despite his exile, people still flocked to him in droves.
This was also Renji's primary destination for investigation.
"This place is surprisingly lively," Renji remarked as they walked.
The air was filled with the sounds of old shipwrights chatting in corners, the scraping of wood being planed, and the rhythmic clanging of hammers in the distance. The atmosphere was vibrant and full of life.
As they approached the shipyard, a woman with yellow hair approached them, her eyes wary.
"Who are you? If you're here to commission a ship, you'll need to make an appointment."
Kokoro, Tom's assistant, had dealt with all sorts of people. Though the trio before her wore civilian clothes, their demeanor set them apart.
"We're not here to commission a ship. We came to see Mr. Tom," Renji said, looking directly at her.
"He's not here," Kokoro replied curtly, her guard still up. It was her job to shield Tom from suspicious individuals.
Renji understood her concerns and smiled. "We're not here to cause trouble. We just need Mr. Tom's help with something."
Kokoro remained skeptical. After all, troublemakers never announced their intentions outright.
Just as Renji was about to explain further, a large figure appeared behind Kokoro.
"What brings you three here?"
Renji's eyes lit up as he saw the man.
The man was portly, wearing a dark blue coat, and his face bore a constant smile, giving off a friendly and approachable vibe.
"Tom, why did you come out?" Kokoro asked, clearly worried. She hadn't expected Tom to show himself.
"I am the great Tom, the man of the hour! If you have something to say, speak plainly. But I have work to do, so make it quick."
Tom wiped his dusty hands on his coat and extended a hand to Renji, shaking it politely.
...