Meanwhile, off the coast of Shimotsuki Village, a small boat slowly approached the massive Marine Headquarters warship anchored in deep water.
Kuina sat at the edge of the boat, gripping the straps of her luggage tightly, the backs of her hands taut from the effort.
She raised her head and looked at the enormous vessel looming over the sea like a steel beast, her breathing involuntarily quickening.
Huge black cannon barrels protruded from the gunports, reflecting a cold gleam in the sunlight.
Towering masts pierced the sky, and blue-and-white Marine flags snapped in the wind.
"So this is... a Marine Headquarters warship?"
Kuina murmured to herself, undisguised awe in her voice.
She had only ever seen wooden civilian boats and battered pirate ships in the East Blue. Never had she seen such an imposing machine of war.
"That's right. This will be our home from now on, and the starting point for your journey into the world."
Standing at the bow of the boat, Ethan turned and gave Kuina a gentle smile.
"Don't be nervous, young lady. Everyone aboard may look stern, but they're all good people."
Lorne stood to one side with his arms folded, his posture as straight as a pine.
The sea breeze stirred his short black hair, making his beast ears twitch slightly as well.
"Get aboard. Don't dawdle down here."
His voice was quiet, yet it carried with particular clarity over the sound of the waves.
The boat came steadily alongside the rope ladder hanging from the warship's side. Two Marines quickly secured the lines, then saluted Lorne.
"Sir, welcome back aboard!"
Lorne nodded.
He pushed off, springing up like an agile leopard and landing lightly on the deck more than ten meters above.
Kuina took a deep breath, shouldered her bundle, and gripped the