Brassfall changed at dusk.
The constant hammering of metal didn't stop, but it softened—like the island itself was winding down just enough to let more dangerous things move quietly. Smoke hung low across the rooftops, catching the last orange glow of the sinking sun and turning the entire harbor into a haze of iron and shadow.
Ryu, Kenji, and Aira moved through the outer edge of town without drawing attention.
Or rather—they moved in a way that didn't invite immediate confrontation.
Workers were finishing shifts. Guards rotated. Pirates gathered in taverns or near docks, preparing for departures or night deals. No one wanted unnecessary fights before business concluded.
That worked in their favor.
The path toward the northern ridge began just beyond the main port road, winding upward along jagged rock and sparse pine trees that clung stubbornly to the cliffside. The air grew cooler as they climbed, the smell of smoke giving way to sharper wind and the faint scent of the open sea.
Kenji walked slightly ahead, hands in his pockets but eyes alert.
Aira followed close behind, boots careful on uneven stone.
Ryu brought up the rear, scanning the surroundings quietly.
After a few minutes of climbing, Kenji spoke.
"…You think he'll actually be there?"
"Yes," Ryu replied.
"Confident," Kenji muttered.
"He doesn't waste motion," Ryu said simply. "Or words."
Aira adjusted her grip on the strap across her shoulder. "He feels… precise."
Kenji smirked. "You like him."
"I like competent people," Aira shot back.
Kenji laughed softly.
They reached the top of the ridge just as the sun dipped below the horizon completely.
The sky turned deep violet, then darkened into night.
Below them, the northern docks of Brassfall spread out like a dimly lit map. Lanterns flickered along wooden piers. Ships moved slowly into position for departure. Crates were loaded under guarded watch. The water reflected scattered light like broken glass.
And there—
On a high rock overlooking it all—
Soren Vale sat with one knee raised, rifle resting across it, gaze fixed on the harbor below.
He didn't turn when they approached.
He already knew they were there.
Kenji stopped a few steps away and folded his arms. "…You picked a nice spot."
Soren spoke without looking back. "Clear line of sight. Limited blind angles. Good wind."
Aira stepped closer to the edge and looked down at the docks. From this height, everything was visible. The convoy had begun organizing itself.
Two large cargo ships.
One escort vessel.
Armed figures moved across their decks with discipline. Lanterns illuminated stacks of crates being secured with heavy chains. The escort ship positioned itself slightly forward and to the side, cannons angled outward toward open sea.
Ryu stepped up beside Soren.
"They're well organized," he said.
"Yes," Soren replied.
Now he glanced back briefly.
"You still intend to intercept?"
Kenji grinned. "Of course."
Aira folded her arms. "We didn't climb a cliff for sightseeing."
Soren gave a small nod and returned his attention to the harbor.
For a moment, the four of them simply watched.
The sounds of the port drifted upward faintly — shouted orders, creaking ropes, the slap of waves against hulls. The night air cooled further as darkness settled fully across Brassfall.
Soren adjusted his rifle slightly and spoke.
"Escort crew is disciplined," he said. "Not standard pirates. Likely hired professionals."
Ryu nodded. "How many on the main escort ship?"
"Approximately twenty visible," Soren answered. "More below deck."
Kenji leaned forward slightly, studying the formation. "Cargo ships lightly armed?"
"Yes," Soren said. "Their priority is transport, not combat. But expect resistance."
Aira's gaze remained fixed on the convoy.
"How do you usually approach something like this?" she asked.
Soren considered briefly. "From distance. Disable key fighters first. Then isolate the escort."
Kenji smirked. "You shoot. We board."
"Efficient," Soren agreed.
Ryu remained quiet.
His eyes moved slowly across the ships below, mapping positions, angles, movement patterns. Observation Haki brushed outward in a subtle pulse, testing the atmosphere. He could feel scattered presences — guards, workers, fighters — but nothing overwhelming.
No one here felt like Morrow.
Good.
"We intercept after they leave harbor," Ryu said finally. "Less civilian interference."
Aira nodded immediately. "Open water gives us room to maneuver."
Kenji stretched his shoulders. "And room to fight properly."
Soren adjusted his stance slightly, resting the rifle against his shoulder. "I'll disable their lookout first. Then the helmsman."
Ryu glanced at him. "You've done this before."
"Yes."
Kenji grinned sideways. "Definitely joining us after this."
Soren didn't respond to that.
Below them, a horn sounded low across the water.
The convoy began to move.
First the escort vessel, sliding away from the dock with controlled momentum. Then the two cargo ships followed, ropes cast off and sails adjusted to catch the night wind. Lanterns flickered along their sides as they slowly cleared the harbor mouth.
Aira inhaled slowly.
"Here we go."
The ships moved northward, leaving Brassfall behind.
Out into darker water.
Into open sea.
Ryu stepped back from the ridge edge and turned toward the path leading down to where their own ship waited hidden along a quieter stretch of coastline.
"We move," he said calmly.
Kenji followed immediately.
Aira gave the convoy one last look before turning as well.
Soren rose from his perch without a word and fell into step beside them.
No formal agreement had been spoken.
None was needed.
Below, the weapons convoy sailed into the night.
Above, four hunters descended the ridge.
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