Rae chuckled softly, her voice teasing yet filled with trust.
"You got it, idiot."
Orimo gave her one last smile before turning away, his silhouette slowly fading into the crowd as he left.
{Scene shifts — Navy Headquarters}
Lights flashed. Music thundered. The hall pulsed with energy as voices clashed and laughter echoed through the grand chamber.
An announcer's voice boomed over the noise, sharp and commanding.
"ATTENTION!"
The music cut.
Silence fell.
"By the authority of the Navy—today we honor a soldier who has earned the trust of the people themselves."
The crowd leaned forward.
"Otone Jerome—navy soldier who has repelled pirates countless times, protector of civilians, bearer of unwavering resolve."
Cheers erupted.
Claps thundered.
"He is known across the seas as—The Hero of the People."
Otone stood still, fists clenched at his sides.
"From this moment forth—Otone Jerome shall ascend to the rank of Captain."
The hall exploded.
Applause. Shouts. Pride written across the faces of his comrades. His friends stood tall, grinning wider than ever.
Otone stepped forward.
His chest felt heavy.
I'm still far from enough…
I still have a long way to go.
Yet he accepted the rank—eyes steady, spine straight.
He was granted his own ship.
And with it—
His crew.
Touka Hibuko — a sharp-eyed swordswoman, blade always ready.
Bern — calm, calculating navigator with flawless charts.
Lucas Drex, "Vulture Eye" — sniper whose gaze never misses.
Umi Kaze — fearless helmswoman, one with the sea itself.
Rita Seraph — shipwright, capable in combat through Mantra mastery.
Evan Clay — chef, keeping the crew alive in more ways than one.
Otone looked at them.
Not as subordinates.
But as the beginning of something new.
A captain had risen.
And with him—
A future yet unwritten.