The sea ahead felt heavier than usual.
Not from storms.
From intent.
Kevin stood at the bow, unmoving.
"…They are close."
Carina sighed.
"…Of course they are. They never send postcards, only problems."
Kuina's grip tightened slightly on her sword.
"…Stronger than before."
Tashigi looked forward.
"…I can feel it too."
Far on the horizon—
A Marine ship appeared.
But this one was different.
Stronger hull.
Stricter formation.
Three smaller escort vessels behind it.
Carina frowned.
"…Okay, that's not a patrol ship anymore."
Kevin nodded once.
"…Retrieval unit."
A loudspeaker echoed across the sea.
"…Unidentified vessel confirmed."
"…Tashigi, you are ordered to surrender immediately."
Tashigi's expression tightened.
"…So they really sent a unit for me…"
Kuina stepped forward slightly.
"…They value you."
Tashigi shook her head.
"…They classify me."
Silence.
Carina muttered.
"…That sounds worse than valuing…"
On the Marine flagship—
A man stood on the deck.
Calm posture.
White coat over Marine uniform.
Sword at his side.
An officer nearby spoke.
"…Captain Roderic. Target vessel confirmed."
The man—Captain Roderic—looked forward.
"…So she refused."
He closed his eyes briefly.
Then opened them.
"…Bring her back."
Back on Kevin's ship—
Kevin's gaze narrowed slightly.
"…Captain-level presence."
Kuina replied immediately.
"…Strong."
Tashigi looked at them both.
"…I can't fight him alone."
Carina raised a hand.
"…I'm just saying, I also can't fight him, so we're aligned there."
The Marine ships began advancing.
Structured.
Coordinated.
No chaos.
Captain Roderic stepped forward on his deck.
"…Tashigi."
His voice carried clearly.
"…You were trained under Marine principles."
"…Return. You are not lost yet."
Tashigi froze slightly.
Kuina watched her.
"…Your answer."
Silence stretched.
Then Tashigi stepped forward.
"…I am not your property."
Carina blinked.
"…Okay. That was clean."
Roderic's expression didn't change.
"…Then you are an enemy."
He drew his sword.
Kevin stepped forward slightly.
"…Engagement confirmed."
Kuina lifted her sword.
"…Finally."
Carina groaned.
"…Why does she sound happy about that…"
The Marine ships fired first.
Cannon volleys.
Controlled.
Synchronized.
Kuina moved instantly—
Deflecting one.
Redirecting another.
Tashigi joined immediately.
Blocking the third.
Carina ran back.
"…I HATE NAVAL COMBAT!"
Kevin moved through the gaps between attacks.
Calm.
Precise.
One Marine who boarded was already unconscious before landing properly.
Carina muttered.
"…I still don't see him move properly…"
Captain Roderic stepped onto the battlefield himself.
Landing on the sea surface edge of their ship.
Stable stance.
Sword drawn.
"…Tashigi."
Tashigi stepped forward.
Her grip tightened.
Kuina moved slightly beside her.
Roderic noticed.
"…Two swordswomen."
"…Interesting."
Kuina spoke quietly.
"…We handle him together."
Tashigi nodded.
"…Yes."
Carina blinked.
"…Wait, since when are you two a team?!"
Kevin answered calmly.
"…Adaptation."
Roderic moved first.
Fast.
Sharp.
Military precision.
Kuina blocked.
Tashigi countered immediately.
But the force—
Was heavier than before.
Carina gasped.
"…Okay THAT one is on a different level…"
Kuina stepped in fully.
Now both she and Tashigi engaged in rhythm.
Not identical.
But coordinated.
Roderic narrowed his eyes slightly.
"…You've adjusted quickly."
Tashigi replied.
"…I am not alone anymore."
Kevin watched closely.
"…Synchronization achieved."
Final clash—
Kuina and Tashigi combined pressure.
Roderic was forced back half a step.
Silence.
Carina froze.
"…Did they just push a captain back…?"
Roderic exhaled slowly.
Then smiled slightly.
"…Good."
He raised his sword again.
"…Now I understand why you are priority."
Tashigi tightened her grip.
And for the first time—
The battle was no longer just survival.
It was recognition.