Half a month later.
South Blue.
A thick, strange mass of clouds moved at an unnatural speed, concealing the outline of a medium-sized sailing ship within.
It was a modified Slave Ship. The shackles and bloodshed had long since vanished from its deck, replaced by an oddly tranquil atmosphere.
By the railing, three girls of different ages and temperaments leaned over the side, peering out curiously.
At the bow, Dawn sat cross-legged with his eyes closed.
His Observation Haki spread continuously in all directions from himself like spilled mercury. To him, it was both vigilance and training.
Incorporating the use of Observation Haki into daily life until it became as natural as breathing was a clumsy method of improving Haki, but it was also one of the most effective ways to build a solid foundation.
Yesterday, he had introduced the voluntarily recruited Hawkins to Lafitte and had Lafitte take him along for some experience, while he himself set off on the return journey with the three girls.
Suddenly, an unusual disturbance entered the range of Dawn's Observation Haki. He abruptly opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing through them.
It was a powerful aura he had never felt before, like a colossal beast lurking in the deep sea. Even deliberately restrained, its overwhelming nature could not be concealed.
The owner of that aura seemed relaxed, but even so, its intensity far surpassed any opponent he had encountered before.
Following the direction of his senses, Dawn's gaze pierced through a gap in the clouds and saw the scene below.
Five official ships flying the World Government's flag sailed in a protective formation. On the deck of the largest ship at the center, a tall man wearing a black sleep mask and sporting fluffy curls lounged lazily in a deck chair, apparently