Year 1510
The Shinobi Continent was a mysterious land, isolated from the world's great sea routes and separated from the rest of the world by a colossal natural barrier known as the Red Line. The great powers of the seas—pirates, kingdoms, and even the World Government—knew of its existence, but very few had ever truly set foot on its shores.
The continent was home to several nations, among them the Five Great Shinobi Countries: the Land of Fire, the Land of Earth, the Land of Wind, the Land of Water, and the Land of Lightning. Each nation was ruled by a daimyō, but the true military strength of these lands lay within the hidden ninja villages: Konoha, Suna, Kumo, Iwa, and Kiri. Each village was led by a Kage, the most powerful ninja of their respective nation.
However, one kingdom stood apart from the others.
The Land of the Moon.
Situated on a large crescent-shaped island, the kingdom was ruled by a monarch and maintained open trade with the outside world. Its ports welcomed merchant ships, travelers, adventurers—and occasionally pirates. This made the kingdom wealthy and prosperous… but also highly coveted.
***
Land of the Moon
Royal Castle
At the center of the island stood the royal castle, overlooking the bustling port city below. Its white stone walls, red carpets, and marble statues reflected the kingdom's wealth and prestige.
Inside, the castle's private lounge was bathed in soft afternoon light streaming through large windows that overlooked the bay. Sunlight glimmered across marble statues and gilded frames holding portraits of former rulers. The air was calm, almost eerily quiet, disturbed only by the gentle rustling of silk curtains swaying in the wind.
Seated in an ornate armchair decorated with gold and velvet, King Michiru carefully studied the man standing before him. His expression remained calm, but the quiet tapping of his fingers against the armrest betrayed a hint of unease.
"Good morning, Commodore Jenfétro," the king said at last in a composed voice. "I must admit, your visit is rather unexpected. We do not often receive officers of the Marine without prior notice."
He tilted his head slightly, studying his guest.
"I assume there is a particular reason for your visit today."
The man bowed politely before straightening with a confident smile. His white Marine coat rested over his shoulders like a cape.
"Your Majesty, allow me first to thank you for receiving me. I am well aware that a king's responsibilities rarely allow time for unexpected visits."
The king gestured toward the couch placed opposite him.
"In that case, please sit. An important conversation deserves a comfortable setting."
Jenfétro nodded and sat down calmly. For a moment, his gaze wandered around the room with visible curiosity. His eyes drifted over the marble statues, the richly patterned carpets, and the silk curtains framing the windows.
"I must say, Your Majesty, your castle is quite impressive. I have visited many kingdoms during my career, yet few display such refinement. The architecture, the artwork, the decorations… everything speaks of a prosperous and powerful nation."
The king offered a polite smile.
"We simply do our best to preserve the legacy of our ancestors. The Land of the Moon has always been a place of commerce and hospitality. It is only natural that our capital reflects that prosperity."
His expression then grew more serious.
"However, I doubt you traveled all this way simply to admire the decorations."
Jenfétro chuckled softly.
"You are absolutely right, Your Majesty. Although I must admit the visit is quite pleasant."
He folded his hands together.
"The true reason for my visit concerns the Marine base stationed on your island."
The king leaned forward slightly.
"I'm listening."
"As of today, I have been assigned as the new officer in command of the Marine base here."
A brief silence settled in the room.
The king studied him carefully before responding.
"That is… unexpected. Until now, we have maintained good relations with your predecessor. I received no notice regarding his replacement."
Jenfétro sighed lightly.
"Unfortunately, the situation changed recently. Your former commodore was attacked by a group of pirates several weeks ago. His injuries were serious enough that he had to be sent back to headquarters for treatment."
The king slowly nodded.
"I see… but in that case, why were we not informed? If pirates truly attacked a Marine officer near our kingdom, that would certainly concern the safety of my country."
Jenfétro gave a slightly awkward smile.
"To be completely honest with you, Your Majesty… your former commodore was not particularly effective in his duties. Some important information was simply never properly transmitted."
The king frowned slightly.
"What exactly do you mean?"
Jenfétro slowly rose to his feet.
"Allow me to show you something."
He gestured toward the door.
"Bring the map
A few moments later, a soldier entered the room carrying a large rolled-up map. He carefully spread it across the table between the king and the Marine officer.
Jenfétro stepped closer and placed a finger on the map.
"Take a close look, Your Majesty," he said calmly. "Here we have the port. This is where merchant ships arrive, along with foreign businesses and the offices of the international newspapers."
His finger moved slowly across the map.
"Here is the city center, where the majority of your citizens live."
He then pointed toward another section.
"And here are the quarters of your royal guards."
Finally, his finger stopped on a zone that had been marked in red.
Jenfétro slowly raised his eyes toward the king.
"But what interests me today… is this area."
The king leaned forward slightly to look more closely.
"The tourist district?"
Jenfétro nodded.
"Exactly. Hotels, bars, casinos… everything that attracts travelers from all over the world."
He paused briefly.
"And unfortunately… everything that also attracts pirates."
The king straightened in his chair, clearly alarmed.
"Pirates?! How is that possible? According to our agreement with the Marines, your forces were supposed to prevent pirates from entering our kingdom!"
Jenfétro simply shrugged.
"As I mentioned earlier, Your Majesty… your former commodore was not particularly competent. Several suspicious ships managed to enter the port without proper inspection."
The king clenched his fists slightly.
"And you are certain of this?"
Jenfétro met his gaze without hesitation.
"Absolutely."
He calmly placed his hat back on his head.
"But there is no need to worry. I fully intend to correct this situation. Security in the city will be reinforced… and most importantly, around your castle."
The king immediately shook his head.
"That will not be necessary. My royal guards are perfectly capable of ensuring my protection."
Jenfétro remained silent for a few seconds.
Then a strange smile slowly appeared on his face.
"Hm… if you say so."
He turned and began walking toward the door.
"In that case… I wish you the best of luck, Your Majesty."
The door closed quietly behind him.
The king remained motionless for several seconds, staring at the now-empty doorway.
A heavy feeling settled in his chest.
Something about that conversation felt wrong.
And deep down, he had the strange impression that the man had not told him the whole truth.