The shipbuilding site lay only a short distance from the coast.
After the completion of the vessel and Rowan and Robin's inspection, Old Fitz wasted no time. He directed several shipwrights and laborers to secure thick towropes to the hull, preparing to drag the newly built ship toward the shoreline.
"Pull! Steady now!"
The workers strained in unison, muscles taut, feet digging into the sand. The massive hull creaked faintly as it shifted inch by inch.
But progress was slow.
Painfully slow.
Rowan stood to the side, watching for a moment before shaking his head.
"This is inefficient."
Without another word, he walked toward the stern. Placing one hand against the hull, he exhaled lightly
and pushed.
Hum!
The reaction was immediate.
The ship, which dozens of men had struggled to move, slid forward across the sand as if freed from its weight.
"W-Wait !"
"It's moving! It's moving on its own!"
The workers at the front panicked, stumbling out of the way as the ship surged forward. Some nearly fell as they scrambled aside, staring in disbelief.
When they turned back and saw Rowan calmly pushing the entire vessel with one hand, their expressions froze.
"Is he even human?!"
"That's not normal strength… even giants don't casually do this!"
Most of them had only heard vague rumors of the battle near the north shore. To them, it had been nothing more than a distant clash between pirates and Marines.
They had no idea
that the man before them was the one who had crushed a Marine fleet.
Splash!
Rowan increased his force.
The ship surged forward, cutting through the last stretch of sand before reaching the shoreline. Then, placing both hands against the stern, he gave one final push.
The vessel slid cleanly into the sea, its hull parting the water with a smooth, powerful entry.
Once afloat, Old Fitz boarded immediately, heading below deck to inspect the structure.
After a thorough check, he returned to shore and gave a satisfied nod.
"No issues. She's seaworthy."
The next few hours were filled with activity.
Porters and crew moved supplies from the old ship to the new one barrels of fresh water, preserved food, navigational tools, rope, and various essentials for long voyages.
By noon
everything was complete.
The sails were raised.
The wind caught them.
The ship began to move.
"Safe travels!"
Old Fitz stood at the harbor pier, raising a hand as the vessel slowly drifted away.
For a brief moment, a trace of emotion flickered in his aged eyes.
This…
…would likely be the last ship he ever built.
On the deck, Rowan stood facing the shore.
He watched silently as the harbor grew smaller in the distance, then turned toward the open sea.
A faint smile curved at his lips.
"Well then…"
"The fastest sailing ship in the world sets sail."
His gaze sharpened, carrying a quiet, dangerous confidence.
"World Government. Marines."
"And all of you who thought I was just another pirate to erase…"
"…I wonder if you're ready for what comes next."
Half a month later.
West Blue an unnamed island.
At the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea, Robin stepped forward without hesitation.
Below, the Ghost Ship rested quietly on the water.
She leaped.
As she fell, countless arms blossomed from her body, forming wing-like structures that slowed her descent.
With a gentle landing
she touched down on the deck.
"I'm back."
Rowan sat at a table nearby, one leg slightly tensed before relaxing as he confirmed her safe return.
"Welcome back."
Robin walked toward him, a faint smile on her lips.
"I had some luck this time."
"I've obtained both pieces of information."
Rowan straightened slightly, interest flickering in his eyes.
"Good."
"Your efforts will be rewarded."
Robin tilted her head, amused.
"Oh? There's a reward?"
Rowan snapped his fingers lightly.
"Next time we dock, I'll fill your study with books."
Robin's smile softened.
"Then I'll thank the Captain in advance."
Her expression then shifted, becoming more serious.
"About the Two-Sword Pirates…"
Rowan's gaze sharpened.
"Go on."
"A major incident occurred yesterday in the Stuart Sea," Robin said. "They defeated a Marine branch fleet stationed at Base T-6."
Rowan's eyes narrowed slightly.
"To defeat a Marine base in the West Blue… they're stronger than expected."
But Robin shook her head.
"It's not just strength."
Her tone grew heavier.
"There's more."
Rowan leaned back slightly.
"I'm listening."
Robin continued:
"The captain known as 'Two-Sword,' with a bounty of 59 million Berries…"
"…is not the real leader."
A brief pause.
"There is someone else behind them."
Rowan's interest deepened.
"Now that is interesting."
Robin met his gaze.
"The true leader is a pirate from the Grand Line."
"The former captain of the Ghost Sword Pirates."
"Ghost Sword."
The name hung in the air.
"Three years ago, the Ghost Sword Pirates were supposedly annihilated in a Marine operation. But in reality…"
"…their captain survived."
"He fled the Grand Line, returned to the West Blue, and has been operating in secret ever since using the Two-Sword Pirates as a front."
She paused briefly before adding:
"His previous bounty was 98 million Berries."
Silence lingered for a moment.
Robin studied Rowan carefully.
"Should we reconsider?"
"A pirate who escaped a Marine encirclement and rebuilt power in secrecy…"
"…he's not someone to underestimate."
Rowan chuckled softly.
"Change targets?"
He shook his head.
"If I start avoiding enemies like that…"
"…then I have no business going to the Grand Line."
His tone was calm.
Decisive.
"That's just a defeated remnant trying to start over."
"We proceed as planned."
Robin wasn't surprised.
Instead, she smiled faintly.
"In that case, there's more good news."
Rowan gestured for her to continue.
"The second piece of information."
"About the man you're looking for "
"Devil Sheriff Lafitte."
Rowan's eyes flickered slightly.
Robin continued:
"He was once a law officer in a certain kingdom. Expelled for excessive brutality and abuse of power."
"After that… he vanished."
She paused.
"However he has recently been sighted."
Rowan leaned forward slightly.
"Where?"
Robin smiled faintly.
"In the same region as the Two-Sword Pirates."
A brief silence.
Then
Rowan stood.
"…Perfect."
He walked over to a nearby table, spreading out a sea chart.
"Two targets. One destination."
He picked up a compass, quickly calculating direction and distance.
"The Watergold Sea."
Robin nodded.
"Yes."
Rowan traced the route with his finger.
"Not far."
"With this ship's speed…"
"…five days at most."
He rolled up the chart.
Then looked forward toward the horizon.
His voice was calm, but filled with intent.
"Helm."
"Adjust course."
"Sails full."
The wind began to swell.
The Ghost Ship shifted.
"Set a course for the Watergold Sea."
And just like that
Ghost Hand Rowan advanced toward his next hunt.