The night dragged long, but I stayed seated against the mast, calm while their eyes dissected every inch of me. Lantern-light revealed them properly this time—not just shadows, but legends with prices on their heads.
Paul Phoenix, age forty-eight, stood like a storm carved into flesh. Captain of the Phoenix Pirates. Bounty: 500 million berries. His stare alone felt heavier than chains.
Nezuka Yakuza leaned against the railing, silver hair brushing her cheek. Thirty-three. Former Captain of the Yakuza Pirates. Vice-Captain now. Bounty: 200 million. Her gaze cut like poison.
Rinnegan Yakuza rested one hand on his blade. Twenty-eight. Former Yakuza pirate. Swordsman of the Phoenix crew. Bounty: 100 million. His silence was sharper than steel.
Kami crouched near a crate, fingers twitching from old habits. Twenty-nine. Once a burglar. Now a loyal crew member. Bounty: 80 million.
Ayesha Phoenix stood closest to me, calm and observant. Twenty-five. Member of Phoenix Pirates. Bounty: 20 million.
Then there was me—Phoenix, age twenty-six. No bounty, no past, no story I intended to share.
Paul crossed his arms. "Last time—what are you hiding?"
I exhaled slowly. "Captain… I'm hiding nothing."
Nezuka smirked. "Your heartbeat didn't change. That's impressive."
Rinnegan's eyes narrowed. "Too impressive."
I shrugged. "Some people panic. I don't."
Kami leaned closer. "Are you running from someone?"
"No."
Ayesha asked softly, "Then where did you come from?"
"Far," I answered.
Paul's jaw tightened. "You keep slipping around the truth."
"That's funny," I said, letting a faint smile rise. "Because I'm giving you exactly what you asked for."
Nezuka stepped closer. "You're calm for a man surrounded by killers."
"I've seen worse," I replied.
A brief silence fell—the kind that tastes like a storm gathering.
Paul turned away. "Fine. Until we learn more… you stay under watch. This ship moves into danger soon."
I looked out over the black ocean.
Danger didn't bother me.
Danger was familiar.
Adventure—and something darker—waited just beyond the horizon.