The island came into view by midday.
Larger than the last.
More structured.
Stone docks instead of wood.
Carina leaned forward.
"…Finally. A proper island. No floating death traps this time."
Kuina stood at the bow.
Silent.
Watching the shoreline.
Kevin's gaze narrowed slightly.
"…Stronger presence here."
Tashigi stepped beside them.
"…This island feels… organized."
Kevin nodded once.
"…Trade hub."
As the ship docked—
Workers on the harbor watched them arrive.
Some curious.
Some cautious.
No Marines visible immediately.
But order was present.
Carina stretched.
"…I like this. Feels safer."
Kuina stepped off first.
Tashigi followed.
Kevin last.
The town of Saltwind was busy.
Merchants.
Blacksmith stalls.
Weapon traders.
Sailors.
Carina immediately headed toward food stalls.
"…Priority: survival via eating."
Kuina walked slowly through the street.
Observing weapon shops.
Swords displayed everywhere.
Tashigi's eyes stayed alert.
"…Many swords here…"
Kevin looked around quietly.
"…This island produces weapons."
As they moved through town—
Whispers began among locals.
"…That's the sword girl from the sea rumor…"
"…I heard she survived a pirate attack…"
Tashigi noticed.
"…They're talking about me."
Carina sighed.
"…Great. Famous already."
Kuina didn't react.
But her eyes shifted slightly.
At a weapon stall—
An old blacksmith looked at Kuina and Tashigi closely.
Then spoke.
"…Strange. Two blades, same face."
Carina froze.
"…Okay, I'm not the only one seeing it."
Tashigi glanced at Kuina.
"…It is still unsettling."
Kuina replied calmly.
"…Ignore it."
Kevin stepped closer to the stall.
His eyes fixed on something specific—
A worn sword blade with unusual markings.
"…This metal."
The blacksmith raised an eyebrow.
"…You recognize it?"
Kevin replied.
"…Rare forging pattern."
The blacksmith nodded slowly.
"…Good eye. Not from this island."
Tashigi looked between them.
Then quietly asked.
"…Where are we going next?"
Kevin answered.
"…We gather supplies. Then continue east."
Carina groaned.
"…Of course. Always east."
Kuina added.
"…Stronger opponents are that direction."
Tashigi nodded slightly.
"…Then I will follow."
As they walked deeper into the town—
A notice board came into view.
Wanted posters.
Reports.
Sea patrol alerts.
Kevin stopped briefly.
Carina tilted her head.
"…What is it?"
Kevin's eyes stayed on the board.
"…Movement of Marines."
Tashigi turned immediately.
"…Marines?"
Kevin nodded once.
"…Active in this region."
Kuina's hand moved slightly toward her sword.
"…Then we may encounter them."
Kevin replied calmly.
"…Possible."
Tashigi looked at the posters carefully.
Noticing structure.
Organization.
Order.
"…So this is their influence…"
Carina sighed.
"…Why does everything sound like it's getting more serious again…"
From across the street—
A Marine patrol ship was visible near the outer docks.
Still distant.
But present.
Kevin noticed it.
"…They are here."
Kuina narrowed her eyes slightly.
"…Finally."
Tashigi stared.
Longer than the others.
Something shifting internally.
"…So Marines are like this…"
Carina looked between them.
"…Okay, I don't like that tone…"
The wind moved through Saltwind.
And for the first time since leaving the dojo—
The world felt structured again.
Not training.
Not survival.
Something larger.
And somewhere in that structure—
The path toward Tashigi's future was slowly forming.