Night fell, waves rolling endlessly.
In the cabin, Kyle sprawled in his hammock, faint bruises still on his face and bandages wrapped around his body—but a grin tugged at the corners of his mouth.
In his dream, he stood atop a palace of gold, wielding a black-and-gold naginata, ripples of power flowing along its blade. Before him stretched endless Marine fleets, a stern-faced admiral at their head. With a single swing, the sea itself tore apart like cloth. Ships were swallowed by towering waves. Treasure and beauties rushed toward him as he sat on a golden throne, accepting the loyalty of countless warriors…
"Hehehehehe…"
An eerie laugh escaped Kyle's lips.
Rayleigh, polishing his sword by the door, paused and pinched the bridge of his nose. Even in his sleep, this kid was noisy. He quietly stepped outside, leaving Kyle to his dreams.
Moonlight bathed the deck. Roger sat at the bow, drinking rum.
"Did he wake you?" Roger asked without turning.
"Just that kid laughing in his sleep," Rayleigh replied.
Roger chuckled. "Must be a good dream."
Rayleigh glanced toward the cabin. "You noticed it too, didn't you?"
Roger's grin widened. "Yeah. Observation Haki. It's starting to sprout."
"He doesn't even realize it yet."
"Even better!" Roger laughed.
Inside the cabin, Kyle suddenly fell out of his hammock.
"Damn it, Captain! I was at the good part!"
Roger's laughter echoed across the sea.
Life on the ship was… uneventful.
Weeks passed with nothing but training, ocean, and the occasional Sea King that Roger casually knocked out with one swing.
"This is boring!" Kyle groaned.
He flicked his finger, creating a tiny gust of wind that messed up Rayleigh's hair.
Rayleigh gave him a look.
Kyle smiled awkwardly and stopped.
Despite the boredom, he was growing stronger—faster, tougher, and more precise with his Ripple powers.
He was ready.
"Something exciting, please!" Kyle shouted at the sky.
Rayleigh closed his book.
"Three o'clock. Northeast. Pirate ship. Fast."
Roger cracked his knuckles.
Kyle's golden eyes lit up.
Finally.