South Blue.
The sea shimmered with rippling light.
A massive merchant ship sailed steadily onward.
It was an armed merchant vessel flying the flag of the Tulip Trading Company.
Captain Bard leaned against the helm, a thick cigar clenched between his teeth.
He blew out a ring of smoke, looking more relaxed than he had ever been.
Several wealthy merchants gathered on deck with glasses of red wine, chatting and laughing.
"This route has gone so smoothly, it's hard to believe."
A fat merchant swirled his wineglass, his face flushed red.
"Isn't that the truth?"
"Last month, our ship would've been targeted by Pirates at least three times!"
"In the past, going to sea meant risking our necks."
Another tall, thin merchant chimed in, his voice full of relief.
Bard removed his cigar and flicked away the ash.
"Those useless Marines!"
"When they ran into Pirates, they ran faster than anyone."
"Things are better now. The sea's so clean, it looks like it's been scrubbed."
The fat merchant leaned closer and lowered his voice.
"I heard that force calling itself the Empire stepped in."
"They took over the West Blue, and now they've spread into our South Blue."
Bard grinned, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth.
"Who cares whether it's the Empire or the World Government?"
"Whoever lets us do business in peace is the boss!"
"The Empire's rules are simple. Don't rob civilians, and don't impose heavy taxes."
"If they run into Pirates, the Empire's people don't waste words. They either kill them or capture them!"
"That's far tougher than the Marines' style."
The merchants all nodded.
They were deeply grateful to this mysterious rising power.
Just then.
The sailor in the crow's nest suddenly let out a shrill scream.
"Captain!"
"Pirate ship spotted at one o'clock!"
The atmosphere