No one knew what Kuzan had said to Loa last night. But anyone who knew Loa knew that when he looked that serious, whatever the reason, he was in a terrible mood.
So when Vice Admirals Haisoken and Dalmatian met Loa at Port, they exchanged a glance and spoke in low voices.
"What's wrong with him?"
"No idea. And I don't want to know."
Loa was notorious among the Marines for being unpredictable. With their own limits in mind, the two silently agreed that some questions were better left unasked.
But it was nearly time to leave. Whatever Loa's mood, they had to set out.
The waters where Moria had been spotted were not too far from Marine Headquarters, but he was moving fast. If they wanted to investigate, the sooner they left, the better.
Haisoken shook off his thoughts and called loudly for the Marines to prepare for departure.
As the warships slowly left Port, Kuzan leaned against the wall of the Port watchtower and breathed out a faint puff of cold air. "I've told you everything I should. So what will you do now, Loa?"
Days at sea were always the same: monotonous and repetitive. Time slipped away easily. It seemed they had only blinked, and it was already time for dinner again.
Fortunately, unlike their usual days adrift, they had found an island today. They could anchor the Warships on its sheltered side and cook a meal in peace.
They were Marines, but not having to eat aboard a swaying Warship was still a welcome change.
Loa jumped down from Pipi Shrimp's back, pressed his feet into the soft golden sand, and stretched with a contented sigh.
"Ah, this place is perfect for camping!"
He lowered his arms and listened. Suddenly, his eyes lit up.
"I hear