The night was unnaturally quiet. The kind of silence that wasn't peaceful, but rather, a harbinger of something ominous. Kaizen sat near the dying embers of the fire, staring at the worn parchment given to him by the old man. The faded ink carried words he couldn't yet decipher, symbols ancient and unfamiliar. But even without understanding, he could feel the weight they carried—a truth that had been buried for centuries.
Rei sat beside him, resting her arms on her knees. "You've been staring at that thing for hours."
Kaizen didn't look up. "It feels… important. Like a piece of something much bigger."
She sighed, rubbing her temples. "And what are we supposed to do with it? We don't even know where to start."
He finally glanced at her, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "You're getting impatient."
"I don't like waiting for the storm to hit. I'd rather meet it head-on."
Kaizen let out a low chuckle. "That's fair." He rolled up the parchment and secured it in his pack. "We won't find answers sitting here. We need to move."
Rei stood up, stretching her arms. "So, where to?"
Kaizen's gaze drifted towards the horizon. "We head west. Towards the Grand Line."
The journey was treacherous, but Kaizen had expected that. Every step closer to the Grand Line meant dealing with stronger foes, unpredictable weather, and an ever-present sense of being watched. The presence of the World Government loomed over them like a shadow, and Kaizen knew it was only a matter of time before they made their move.
Their latest stop had brought them to a small port town—a place that reeked of desperation and hidden dangers. It was the kind of place where people asked no questions and expected none in return.
As they walked through the dimly lit streets, Rei kept her hand close to her weapon. "I don't like this place."
Kaizen scanned the surroundings, his senses on high alert. "Neither do I. But we need supplies."
They entered a rundown tavern, the air thick with smoke and tension. Conversations halted as they stepped inside, wary eyes following their every move. Kaizen ignored them and made his way to the counter, ordering food and drinks.
As they ate in silence, a man slid into the seat across from them. He was tall, lean, with sharp eyes that gleamed with curiosity. "You two don't belong here."
Kaizen barely spared him a glance. "Neither do you."
The man chuckled. "Fair enough. Name's Dorian."
Rei tensed. "And what do you want, Dorian?"
His smile didn't fade. "Information. I hear whispers of a certain traveler causing ripples in places that should remain still." His eyes locked onto Kaizen. "That wouldn't happen to be you, would it?"
Kaizen met his gaze, unfazed. "Depends on who's asking."
Dorian leaned back, nodding in approval. "You're careful. That's good. Because there are people out there who'd rather see you disappear than let you keep digging."
Kaizen exhaled slowly. "And you're here to warn me?"
Dorian's grin widened. "I'm here to offer a deal. I have information that might help you. But it comes at a price."
Rei narrowed her eyes. "What kind of price?"
Dorian's expression darkened. "Help me steal something. Something that's locked away deep within the grasp of the World Government."
Kaizen exchanged a glance with Rei. This was dangerous. The World Government didn't take kindly to thieves, especially when it came to their secrets.
But Kaizen wasn't one to back down from a challenge.
He leaned forward. "Tell me more."