February, Sea Circle Calendar 1492.
The harbor at Marine Headquarters.
After more than a month at sea, Sakazuki's warship, under Carol's command,
finally returned to headquarters.
Standing at the bow, Carol stretched.
After taking a deep breath:
"Phew-"
He turned and told everyone:
"All right, everyone, take a day off."
"You're free to do as you please."
The soldiers cheered:
"Yes, sir!!!"
A faint smile crossed Carol's face as he disembarked first.
He headed toward Sakazuki's home.
Sakazuki's home.
The study.
Several open books lay scattered across the desk.
Sakazuki sat at the center of the desk, writing something.
It was a battered little booklet.
Its orange cover had faded in places, making it look several years old.
The pen Sakazuki used was also specially made.
The words it produced had none of the brightness of fresh ink.
Instead, they were unusually dull.
As though they had been written long ago.
The instant Carol reached the door, Sakazuki sensed him.
Before Carol could knock,
Sakazuki's voice drifted through the second-floor window:
"Come straight to the study on the second floor."
Carol glanced at the window.
With a light push off the ground, he leaped straight up to the second-floor window.
He flipped inside.
Sakazuki was still writing:
"Give me a moment."
Carol replied:
"Sure, sure~"
Then he looked around, finding nothing new or unusual.
Watching Sakazuki write furiously, he grew curious:
"What are you writing, Vice Admiral Sakazuki?"
Sakazuki chuckled:
"Something that can change the world."
Carol's interest was piqued:
"Oh?"
Then he walked toward Sakazuki.
Just then, Sakazuki finished the final word.
He set down his pen.
The contents of the last page appeared before Carol.
"..."
"We organize ourselves. We uncover the truth."
"We teach the people of the world what equality and freedom mean."
"Even if