Before announcing their decision, Kutcher and Priora revealed a secret conversation they had with Sailou a while back.
After hearing Sailou's final wishes, Tuziku could not help but drown even further into the depths of despair.
"Tuziku..."
"I'm sure you understand what the Captain is expecting of you now..." said Kutcher. He wore a stone-cold expression.
Tuziku lowered his head in silence.
Priora slowly approached him.
"Tuziku..."
"Please stop making that expression...!" she whispered.
"...Huh...?" he mumbled.
"Your face..."
"I can tell from the look on your face that you're blaming yourself for everything that has happened."
Priora took another step forward.
"...Enough of your bullshit!" she snapped.
"Do you think the world revolves around you?!"
She pointed at him.
"You didn't intentionally kill Sailou, and it's not your fault that the Captain chose to protect the crew, even at the cost of his own life!"
Tears streamed down her face.
As soon as Tuziku saw Priora's pitiful expression, he felt utterly disappointed in himself.
"...This isn't your fault...!"
"It's FADA and their military that's to blame..." she mumbled.
Priora wiped away her tears and stood proudly.
"If you really want to blame yourself that badly—then blame yourself for not being able to protect your Captain!"
...
Kutcher stepped forward.
"Get up...!"
"The Captain still has high expectations of you, even in death..."
"...Show me... show me what you're capable of becoming, Tuziku!" Kutcher shouted.
Tuziku broke down in tears as he lifted his head toward the sky.
Sailou...!
He clenched his fist.
...They're both right!
I should be blaming myself for being so weak that I allowed my own Abyssal ability to consume me!
And...
I should be blaming the Fuyu organization...
FADA!
That's right...
If only they hadn't shown up!
Tuziku slowly rose to his feet—
This time, with a look of courage and determination.
"...I don't know what the Captain is expecting of me..."
"But..."
"What I am going to do... is change this cruel and messed-up world that never favours the lives of people like us!"
Tuziku clenched his fists as he gritted his teeth passionately.
"I'm tired of people like us always getting the short end of the stick..."
"I... will make this world a place where everyone has a chance to live happily!"
"Tuziku..." Mika whispered emotionally.
Priora smiled brightly.
Captain...
Is this what you wanted to happen...?
Suddenly—
"Well said, Tuziku!"
"It seems like you've finally decided what you're going to do now," said Juzio.
"Yeah!" Tuziku replied confidently.
"Kutcher... Priora..."
He silently gazed at them for a brief moment.
"...I have no right to lead you two."
"But..."
"In order to achieve my current goal... I would be grateful for your strength if you wish to follow me!"
Tuziku bowed his head.
"N-no need to bow your head, Tuziku!" said Priora.
"I... decided to follow you ever since the Captain asked me to," she blushed.
"...I'm eternally grateful."
Tuziku bowed once more.
"Kutcher..."
Kutcher shrugged.
"...All right...!"
He folded his arms.
"I'll follow you, Tuziku."
Kutcher let out an ominous grin.
"But—"
"Know this—"
"If I determine the Captain was mistaken about you, and you're not capable of being a leader..."
"I will personally cut you down..."
"For both killing Sailou and bringing dishonour upon the faith he had in you!"
Tuziku remained silent.
To be honest... I don't think I'm deserving of leading a team and pursuing such a huge ambition.
But—
I will give this everything that I've got!
"Very well..."
"I accept your terms," said Tuziku.
Everyone's gaze focused on him.
Kutcher nodded.
...
KAW!
KAW!
A crow flew overhead.
Suddenly—
Juzio approached and patted Tuziku on the back.
"I'm actually surprised, Tuziku!"
"These sudden turn of events have been quite interesting..." he chuckled.
"However..."
His expression hardened.
"What do you intend to do about your powers?"
Tuziku hesitated.
"I've already made up my mind."
"I will no longer rely on my Abyssal ability."
"...I see," Juzio responded.
"You can't possibly hope to chase after such an absurd dream without being able to fight, Tuziku!" Kutcher explained.
"He's right!" Mika agreed.
"How do you plan on defending your crew?"
Tuziku lowered his head.
"I..."
"I don't know..." he replied.
The entire deck remained silent as the waves splashed against the ship's hull.
Priora stepped forward.
"Then..."
"How about learning the Hakashi Technique?" Priora asked.
"Huh?" Tuziku responded.
Hakashi... Technique...
"It's the technique that I use to protect myself and the people I care about."
"It allows the user to manipulate the wind," she explained.
"So... your power comes from a technique and not an Abyssal ability?" Tuziku questioned.
"That's right!" Priora replied.
"Just a moment, Priora."
Mika interrupted.
"I thought only members of your clan could use the Hakashi Technique?"
She wore a confused expression.
"Not necessarily," said Priora.
"It's a technique that has been passed down in my clan for over a century..."
"But that doesn't mean it's impossible for an outsider to learn it."
"...So that's the case..."
"My bad then," Mika apologized.
Priora smiled at her.
"So what do you say, Tuziku...?"
He thought to himself.
The ability to manipulate the wind...
I never imagined her ability came from a technique...!
"...All right!"
"I'll give the Hakashi Technique a try!"
His face filled with determination.
"Mhm!" Priora smiled.
"I guess it's decided then," said Kutcher.
Juzio nodded in approval.
"Then..."
"I guess we should prepare to leave as soon as possible!" said Priora.
Tuziku looked at her in confusion.
"Where are we going?"
Priora glanced at him.
"Didn't I tell you...?"
"I'm still a beginner, and I'm not competent enough to teach you the Hakashi Technique!"
"We've got to visit my village and find you a teacher..."
"...I see," Tuziku responded.
She's still a beginner?!
Even though she's so strong...
Kutcher walked toward the bow of the ship.
"So far, our crew only has three members..."
"Priora, myself, and you, Tuziku."
He lifted his head toward the sky.
"From this moment forward..."
"Every single decision you make will decide the fate of our very lives."
He turned to face Tuziku.
"...After you've fully accepted that responsibility..."
"Let's set out on our journey, Tuziku!"
Kutcher smiled with determination.
CHAPTER 31 END