The sky was clear, and strong sunlight shone straight onto the deep blue sea. A breeze blew as a Marine warship flying a seagull flag cut slowly through the waves.
A figure stood at the front of the deck, his body covered in thick cloth. The Marines aboard kept glancing his way, worry flashing in their eyes.
Strangely, though he stood in the sunlight, he cast no shadow on the deck.
Wuli stood on the deck and looked up. A few silken white clouds floated in the blue sky, while waves rolled across the boundless sea.
In the distance, sea and sky blended into one. White sails dotted the water, mirroring the clouds above, and the occasional seagull sped past. Several more danced on the wind, their flight graceful.
A streak of light crossed the sky and appeared beside Wuli. Shangyang looked at him and warned, "Sword Master, you can't stay exposed to the sun for too long. Something could happen."
"Mm. I know. I'll be careful."
Wuli felt a heaviness in his chest. Gecko Moria had cut away his shadow, leaving him unable to face even the sunlight. He could only hide in the dark and gaze out at the light.
But the sunlight was gentle today. After so long in the darkness, Wuli couldn't resist coming out for a walk, just as he used to before his shadow was taken.
Sss—
A faint sizzling sounded, and a wisp of smoke rose from Wuli's body. Even his thick clothing could not completely block the sunlight.
"Sword Master."
Wuli sighed inwardly. The warm sunlight burned where it touched him. The soft breeze was hard to give up, as was everything before his eyes...
Reluctant as he was, Wuli left the deck and returned to the specially prepared room, so dark