As the Revolutionary Army made urgent preparations, an inconspicuous small boat quietly approached from beyond the storm barrier. Seemingly unaffected by the raging winds and lightning, it sailed straight toward the Floating Island.
At the bow stood a young man in a straw hat. Looking up at the Floating Island appearing and disappearing among the clouds, he broke into a brilliant smile.
"Found you, Sabo," the young man said softly. "I'm here to help you."
On the deck of the Moby Dick, Marco handed the final mission orders to the commanders. Moonlight fell across his weary face, while blue phoenix flames occasionally flickered from his shoulders, as if sensing the unease in his heart.
"The route has been confirmed." He put away the chart and swept his gaze across every commander present. "Remember, no matter what happens, stay in contact. Do not act alone."
Vista inspected his blade and nodded. "The Marines cannot be allowed to learn that Pops is meeting the astrologer alone."
"The Marines have probably already noticed," Jozu said, clenching his diamond-glittering fists. "We need to speed up the operation to rendezvous with Ace."
Marco gave them one final look, a trace of worry flashing through his eyes. "Proceed according to plan. May the Sea God watch over every one of us."
The commanders departed with their respective crews. Before long, only Marco's First Division and Jozu's Third Division remained around the Moby Dick. The two divisions boarded their ships and went their separate ways in the darkness before dawn.
Standing at the bow, Marco watched Jozu's ship sail away until it vanished completely beyond the horizon. Then he turned to the assembled crew. "Fish-Man Island. Full speed ahead."
Jozu's ship sped through the dangerous waters of the New World. An unusual thick fog blanketed the