A Telepathic Rush to the Battlefield

"Since last night, I've had the feeling that this sea has changed." Doris stood on the deck of the Golden Hind, shielding her eyes from the sunlight shining in from the east with one hand, her tone carrying a trace of gravity.

"Did you notice something?" Lawrence stood not far from her. The two of them formed a refined picture, and Hijikata Toshizo was practically staring himself blind. If he hadn't been afraid of waking Fou, who was asleep on top of him, he might have risked his life to go strike up a conversation.

Fou has sealed me away, damn it!

"Yo, you two big—ladies are up early." Drake caught herself halfway through, then looked at Lawrence with a smile.

"Good day, ladies." Lawrence had no issue extending Drake the proper courtesy.

"Good morning, Drake. Did you sleep well last night?" Ever since seeing her son, Doris had been in much better spirits. She smiled no matter who she spoke to.

Aside from Drake, the others aboard the ship gradually woke up as well.

"It feels as though this sea has suddenly gained a violent aura," Doris answered Lawrence's question. "It is an aura I have never felt before."

"I can clearly sense that it is a kind of pollution—a pollution that did not exist in the age when I was still enjoying life." Doris sighed. "It is pollution brought about by ships, humans, and malice."

"Are there any other characteristics?" Fujimaru Ritsuka asked. He had vaguely sensed something.

Doris thought for a moment, then pointed at the Golden Hind beneath their feet. "The scent of this pollution is similar to this ship we are standing on."

Drake's mouth twitched. "Are you counting me as part of the pollution too?"

Doris nodded and looked sternly at Drake. "Please do