Across the sea, the Taiyo sailed through the waves.
Wave after wave slapped against the hull, yet they could not drown out the oppressive silence.
The entire ship seemed to be weighed down by something. No one laughed and chatted loudly as they had before.
Even the usually boisterous fish-men spoke only in low voices.
That conversation had been too heavy, like a blade driven into everyone's hearts.
Although that figure was no longer aboard, the pressure he had left behind lingered in the air like the remnants of thunder—impossible to shake off.
On one side of the deck.
Jinbe stood there for a while before walking toward the bow, where Tiger was still standing.
With his back to everyone, he watched the horizon.
The wind stirred his headscarf, but it could not disperse his silence.
"Brother Tiger..."
Jinbe spoke, his voice much lower than usual.
He paused for a moment.
"What... should we do next?"
Tiger did not answer immediately, but his shoulders tensed almost imperceptibly.
After a long silence, he raised a hand and waved it.
"Not that right now."
"Our top priority."
His gaze slowly shifted toward the cabin.
"Is getting Koala safely home."
Jinbe froze for a moment, then nodded.
"...Understood."
The wind passed over them once more as Tiger looked into the distance.
"As for Vice Admiral Rock's proposal..."
His voice was soft, as though he were speaking to himself.
"Perhaps we really can consider it..."
One week later.
At the end of the sea, the outline of an island slowly emerged.
Foosha Island.
"We're here."
Tiger stood at the front of the deck, his gaze sweeping across the ship.
"Anchor offshore. I'll take her ashore alone."
A small boat was lowered, sending ripples across the water.
"Splash—"
Koala sat at the bow, clutching the