The sea stretched without end.
A Marine warship cut steadily through the waves, trailing a long ribbon of white foam behind it.
The weather was clear. The sky was bright.
Calm. Peaceful.
On the bow, Raifeng stood with his hands relaxed at his sides, gaze fixed on the distant horizon. His expression didn't change—
—but his eyes stayed sharp.
After the last test, this was his first official mission again.
Destination—
Water Seven.
The world-famous shipbuilding city.
A place praised across the seas…
…and a place where hidden currents never truly stopped moving.
Footsteps approached from behind.
Raifeng didn't turn.
He already knew who it was.
"Arriving soon," Bogard said.
Raifeng nodded lightly. "I know."
Bogard walked up beside him and looked forward as well.
"The situation at Water Seven is… special."
Raifeng waited without interrupting.
Bogard continued, voice steady.
"There are many shipwrights there. Many factions, too."
"Not just pirates."
"But underground organizations as well."
Raifeng listened quietly.
Water Seven was often treated like neutral ground.
The World Government didn't openly "rule" it the way it ruled other places—
—but its importance couldn't be ignored.
Bogard's eyes shifted toward him.
"This time, Vice Admiral Garp personally requested you."
Raifeng's gaze moved slightly.
"Garp?"
Bogard nodded.
"He wants you to see more."
"Not just strength…"
"But how the world works."
Raifeng understood.
Combat alone wasn't enough.
If he wanted to stand higher—
he had to understand what lay beneath the surface.
The warship continued forward.
Gradually, the outline of a city surfaced on the horizon.
Tall buildings.
Waterways cutting through the streets like veins.
Ships coming and going.
A busy port packed with noise and motion.
Water Seven.
It finally appeared.
Around the deck, Marines grew visibly more alert.
Some adjusted their gear.
Some scanned the shoreline.
Some instinctively lowered their voices, as if the city itself demanded caution.
"This is Water Seven…" Raifeng murmured.
Bogard nodded once.
"At first glance, it looks peaceful."
"But don't be fooled."
Raifeng didn't answer.
His gaze swept across the port—docks, canals, crowds, the constant movement of people and cargo.
Lively.
Normal.
And yet—
there was something else mixed into the air.
A faint tension, hidden beneath the surface like a blade under cloth.
The warship entered the harbor slowly.
Ropes tightened.
Wood creaked.
Sailors on the docks glanced over—curious at first.
Then they saw the Marine flag.
Some looked away immediately.
Others leaned close and whispered.
The gangplank lowered with a heavy thud.
Bogard's voice rang out.
"Disembark."
The Marines moved quickly and in formation.
Raifeng followed near the back.
The moment his foot touched the dock—
he felt it clearly.
This place was different.
The air was heavier.
Not because of the sea.
Not because of the crowds.
But because something here was waiting to happen.
Bogard stopped beside him.
"From now on," he said quietly, "be careful."
Raifeng nodded. "I will."
Bogard stared at him for a moment longer.
"Water Seven…"
"Isn't as simple as it looks."
Raifeng's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Good."
"That means it'll be interesting."
Bogard paused—
then, just for a moment, the corner of his mouth lifted into the faintest hint of a smile.
The Marine group moved forward into the city.
Behind them, the ocean continued to roll.
Ahead—
Water Seven awaited.
New encounters.
New dangers.
And new opportunities.
Raifeng stepped forward without hesitation.
His journey…
had entered a new stage.
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