A full month had passed since Ryu set sail from Shimotsuki Village, leaving its quiet shores behind.
Out on the open sea, where the waves roared and the winds howled without restraint, Ryu devoted every waking moment to his training. Day after day, beneath the blazing sun and the endless sky, he swung his sabre relentlessly—again and again, without pause.
His palms grew calloused, his muscles screamed in protest, yet his grip never faltered.
Whether it was dawn, noon, or the dead of night, the sound of steel cutting through the air echoed across the deck. He practiced until sweat drenched his clothes, until his arms trembled from exhaustion… and even then, he pushed further.
In the past, when Musashi drilled Ryu in the Miyamoto style—or even when he demonstrated his own personal techniques—Ryu only needed a single glance. Like a spark catching dry tinder, every movement, every nuance of the blade etched itself into his mind instantly. Swordsmanship had come to him as naturally as breathing.
But now… things were different.
The sea wind howled as Ryu stood firm on the deck, gripping his new blade. Sweat rolled down his brow, his arms trembling ever so slightly as he swung again—and again—and again.
This Sabre wasn't something he could simply understand at a glance.
It resisted him.
Every strike felt heavier. Every motion demanded precision. It was as if the blade itself was testing his resolve… or rejecting him outright.
Ryu clicked his tongue, tightening his grip.
"...So you're not gonna make this easy, huh?"
His eyes sharpened, a fierce grin slowly forming.
"Good."
With a powerful step forward, he slashed through the air once more—faster, sharper, more deliberate than before.
"This just means… I'll have to conquer you the hard way!"
The deck echoed with the sound of steel cutting through the wind, over and over, as Ryu pushed himself beyond his limits—no shortcuts, no talent to lean on.
After riding the towering current of the Red Line's elevator—its gears groaning like a Sea King awakening—the merchant ship burst free from the iron gates with a thunderous splash.
"WEST BLUE AHEAD!!!"
Salt wind roared across the deck as gulls cried overhead, and the vast ocean stretched endlessly before them. Ryu steadied himself, .his eyes wide with excitement—because beyond this point wasn't just another sea… it was a whole new world.
With sails snapping proudly in the wind, the merchant ship cut through the waves as it continued sailing forward.
Ryu sat cross-legged on the deck, the sea breeze tugging at his clothes as the ship gently rocked beneath him. Resting across his lap was Chi Hime, its blade gleaming faintly under the sun, as if it had a will of its own.
His eyes were calm… but sharp—like a swordsman always ready to draw.
The ship's captain strolled over to him as his boots thudding against the wooden planks.
"Ryu-kun… we will be arriving at Bing Town shortly," the ship's captain said with a faint grin, the salty wind whipping around him as the silhouette of Bing Town grew on the horizon. "Once we dock… you're on your own."
Ryu looked up and gave him a nod while smiling.
"Thank you captain I understand."
After an hour, the ship finally slammed into the dock with a heavy thud, ropes flying as the crew secured it in place.
Ryu exhaled softly, his hand resting on the hilt of Chi Hime for just a moment—then click—he slid the blade back into its sheath with practiced ease.
Without a word, a faint grin tugged at his lips.
"SWISH!"
He kicked off the deck and soared through the air, his kimono fluttering wildly behind him like a flag, before landing smoothly on the port below.
Dust scattered beneath his feet as he straightened up, eyes sharp and full of anticipation.
Ryu threw one last carefree wave over his shoulder, a grin tugging at his lips as the salty wind danced through his hair.
"Take care, everyone!" he called out lazily, already turning away.
________
With Ryu
Ryu's gaze swept across the quiet streets of Bing Town, his sharp eyes taking in every detail—the modest shops, the sparse crowd, the stillness in the air.
"Hah… this place is way smaller than Logue Town," he muttered under his breath, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
Compared to the chaotic energy and towering presence of Logue Town, Bing Town felt so cozy.
He rested a hand on the hilt of Chi Hime, the familiar weight grounding him as a breeze drifted past.
"First things first…" he muttered, a faint grin tugging at his lips. "I need a boat."
His eyes gleamed as he looked out toward the horizon.
"A sturdy one… with a proper kitchen big enough to keep me fed—and enough space to train with Chi Hime without slicing the whole thing in half."
"For now, I've got enough beli to cover this… but that won't last forever. Sooner or later, I'll be sailing out to hunt down some bounties!"
Ryu drifted through the streets without a destination, his sandals tapping lazily against the worn stone path. The salty breeze carried the scent of the sea as he wandered… until he suddenly came to a halt.
Before him stood a weathered boat shop, its wooden sign creaking softly overhead.
Out front, an old man sat slouched on a stool, a pipe hanging from his lips. Smoke curled into the air as he stared off into the distance, as if he lost in his memories.
Ryu's eyes sharpened with interest when he looked at the shop.
"...A boat shop, huh?"
Ryu strode forward with steady steps. His sharp gaze locked onto the old man as a confident grin spread across his face.
"Oi, old man!" he called out, his voice rang across the air with an easy, fearless tone.
The old man slowly lifted his gaze, the smoke from his pipe curling into the salty air as Ryu's voice reached him. His weathered eyes locked onto the approaching figure, and a faint grin tugged at his lips.
Step by step, Ryu closed the distance, his presence cutting through the air like a rising tide.
"I'm looking for a boat… not just any boat, but one sturdy enough to ride the wild waves while I hone my swordsmanship!" He paused, a confident grin spreading across his face. "It needs space—a deck wide enough for training, and below, a proper bedroom, a kitchen to keep me going, and a bath and toilet too."
Ryu's gaze sharpened as he met the old man's eyes. "So tell me… does this shop sell this kind of boat?"
The old man let out a deep, raspy chuckle. His shoulders shook as smoke curled lazily from his pipe, his eyes gleaming with a knowing light—like he'd just heard the ramblings of another reckless dreamer chasing the horizon.
"Gahahaha… of course, kid," he said, with his rough voice. "This shop's got many sturdy boats with—top-notch quality, but you need to pay for them"
Ryu scoffed in amusement.
"I've got the Beli to spare… as long as those sharks don't think they can swindle me."
The old man threw his head back and roared with laughter, his voice echoing like crashing waves against the harbor. Wiping a tear from the corner of his eye, he fixed Ryu with a gleaming gaze, his eyes dancing with mischief and amusement.
"GAHAHAHA, I like you kid, follow me."
The old man pushed himself up with a creak of bones, rising to his feet. Without a word, he turned and shuffled toward the dimly lit shop, the door creaking open and he stepped inside without hesitation.
Ryu followed close behind the old man, his footsteps steady, and his hand brushing lightly against the hilt of Chi Hime.
________
Inside the shop
As the door creaked shut behind them, Ryu's sharp eyes immediately locked onto a young man lounging behind a cluttered desk. The guy looked barely out of his teens, hunched over a spread of papers, his hand moving like a storm as he sketched out a complex blueprint.
Lines, curves, measurements—everything flowed together like it had a life of its own.
He didn't even notice them.
Not the footsteps. Not the door. Not even the old man's presence.
Ryu raised a brow, a faint grin tugging at his lips.
'He's completely lost in it…'
The scratching of pencil against paper echoed through the shop, sharp and relentless—like the rhythm of a swordsman mid-battle.
When the young man raised his head he saw Ryu and the old man standing Infront of him, he quickly stood up and bowed respectfully to the old man.
"Master, welcome back."
The old man's lips curled into a gentle smile, as he looked at the young man.
"Bob, how is your blueprint coming along?"
Bob scratched the back of his head, a sheepish grin creeping onto his face as a bead of sweat rolled down his temple. His eyes darted awkwardly before he let out a small chuckle.
"HAHAHA! Master! I've been wracking my brain trying to boost the ship's mobility without killing its speed—but no matter how I twist it, I just can't crack it yet!"
The old man let out a hearty chuckle, and looked at Bob with eyes full of amusement then gave a slow, approving nod.
"Take a break for now, Bob," the old man said with a lazy grin, exhaling a puff of smoke as his eyes shifted toward Ryu. "We've got a customer."
Bob gave a small nod, pushing himself up from his seat as if shaking off the weight of his thoughts.
Once on his feet, he straightened his posture and offered Ryu a polite smile—measured, but genuine.
"Welcome, dear customer!" Bob beamed. "We've got all kinds of boats here… but if you're eyeing anything medium to large, you'll need to place a pre-order. Ships like that don't just come ready overnight—it'll take some time before they're fully built and sea-worthy!"
Ryu smiled and nodded.
"Thanks Bob-san."
The trio slipped out through the back door of the shop, and the moment Ryu's eyes adjusted to the open air, a wide grin spread across his face.
Before him stretched a harbor lined with all manner of ships—tiny dinghies rocking gently against the docks, sturdy fishing boats creaking in the tide, and massive vessels towering like floating fortresses, their sails half-furled and rigging swaying in the sea breeze. The scent of salt and tar filled the air, and for a brief moment, it felt like the entire ocean was laid out just for him to choose from.
After carefully inspecting the boats lined up at the dock, Ryu finally settled on one.
It wasn't the biggest ship, nor the flashiest—but it had everything he needed.
A separate kitchen for proper meals.
A small but functional bedroom for rest.
A clean bathroom and even a proper toilet—luxuries for a lone traveler at sea.
"This one," Ryu said calmly, resting a hand on the railing as if confirming a decision already made in his mind.
Bob gave a short nod. "Good choice. Sturdy build. Won't fail you easily."
Without hesitation, Ryu reached into his pouch and laid down the payment—hard-earned money, stained with the weight of past battles. Berries collected from bounties he had hunted back in Logue Town, each coin a reminder of the path he had walked to get here.
The old man counted it once, then twice, before giving a satisfied grin.
"Payment received."
Ryu's hand rested lightly on the hilt at his side as a faint breeze passed through the harbor.
"Then it's mine now."
After the purchase was settled, Bob grinned and immediately stepped in to help, hoisting ropes and guiding the weight of the new boat with practiced ease.
"Leave it to me, Ryu-kun!" he said, laughing as he adjusted his grip.
Together, they hauled the freshly bought boat through the bustling dockyard, the wooden hull creaking softly as it slid forward. Seagulls cried overhead, and the sea breeze carried the scent of salt and freedom.
Ryu walked alongside it, hand resting lightly on the rail, a faint smile forming as his new vessel finally met the water it was meant for.
Ryu turned his gaze to Bob, wearing sincere smile on his face, he gave a small nod to him and spoke.
"Thanks, Bob… I owe you one."
Bob chuckled and shook his head.
"You don't need to thank me Ryu-kun you are our customer."
Ryu laughed and nodded his head.
"Bob-san," Ryu called out casually, tilting his head with an easy grin, "I need to stock up on supplies before I set sail. You wouldn't happen to know a good place around here where I can buy everything I need?"
Bob smiled and nodded to Ryu.
"I plan to buy some supplies that I need for the ship I plan to build how about we go together now Ryu-kun."
Ryu flashed a grin, tipping his head forward with a nod. Without another word, the two strode into the bustling town, its lively streets packed with merchants shouting deals and showing off the qualities of their goods.
With purpose in their steps, Ryu and Bob moved from stall to stall, gathering everything they needed.
After a few hours, Ryu finally made his way back to the dock, the salty sea breeze brushing against his face as the sun dipped lower in the sky. A confident grin spread across his lips as he stepped onto his newly bought boat, his footsteps echoing lightly against the wooden deck.
"Alright… time to get ready for my real journey," he muttered, rolling his shoulders.
With swift, practiced movements, Ryu began hauling crates and supplies aboard—food, water, tools—everything he'd need to survive the seas. He moved with purpose, like a man already chasing the horizon, each item placed carefully as if he could already see the adventures waiting beyond the waves.
With a satisfied sigh, Ryu brushed his hands together and gave his newly stocked boat one last proud look. Barrels secured, supplies neatly packed—everything was set for the journey ahead.
He then turned back toward Bob and the old man, a wide, carefree grin spreading across his face. The sea breeze tousled his long blond hair as his eyes gleamed with excitement.
"Looks like I'm all set!" he said, flashing them a confident smile—the kind that hinted at grand adventures waiting just beyond the horizon.
"You guys take care, until we meet again."
Bob broke into a friendly grin, giving Ryu a firm nod. Beside him, the old man exhaled a slow stream of smoke from his pipe, the haze curling around his weathered face. His sharp eyes flicked upward, and with a calm, seasoned tone, he spoke.
"Heh… so, kid—where exactly are you planning to sail off to?"
Ryu shrugged his shoulders and laughed loudly.
"KAHAHAHAHAHA!" Ryu threw his head back, laughter roaring like crashing waves. "No clue, old man! I'll leave it all to fate!"
Bob froze for a split second, and a sweat drop sliding down his temple as the weight of those words sank in. The old man, however, burst into a hearty laugh, his shoulders shaking with amusement as he heard Ryu's words.
And Ryu?
With a powerful kick, the vessel cut through the waves, sails catching the wind as it surged forward. The dock shrank behind him, and in mere moments, Ryu was already speeding away from Bing Town—charging headfirst into the vast, sea, guided by nothing but instinct, sheer will, and fate.
______
Three weeks later
At night
Ryu danced across the deck, his sabre flashing through the air in swift, fluid arcs. Each step was light, each strike precise—like a storm wrapped in elegance. The blade sang with every swing, cutting through the wind as if it were an extension of his very soul. To any onlooker, it wasn't just training… it was a performance.
He came to a smooth halt, the deck settling beneath his feet as the sea breeze danced around him. Slowly, he raised Chi Hime before his eyes, its blade gleaming before his eyes like a whisper of destiny. His gaze sharpened, filled with pride and unshakable resolve, as a confident grin spread across his face—like a man who knew this blade would carve his name into the seas.
"So this is what Kouzaburou-dono meant, huh? A blade with a nasty personality … I like it!"
"Listen well, little princess—don't think I'll back down just because you've got an attitude. I'll tame that edge, bend that will, and prove to you with my own strength… that I'm worthy of wielding you!"
"Just you wait and see!"
The moment Ryu slid Chi Hime back into its sheath, the air around him seemed to go still.
He stopped dead in his tracks.
His eyes widened slightly, the usual calm in them cracking as pure disbelief washed over his face.
Before him—something so unexpected, so absurdly out of place that even the sea breeze felt like it hesitated.
For a rare moment, the world itself seemed to hold its breath with him.
On the distant horizon, an island came into view—yet it was no sight of paradise.
Flames clawed hungrily at its shores, devouring forests and settlements alike, as thick smoke coiled into the sky like a dying dragon. The land itself looked as though it had been swallowed by a brutal war, its once-vibrant form now reduced to a burning scar upon the sea.
Even from afar, the heat of destruction seemed to radiate across the waves, as if the island were still screaming in silence.
"What the hell happened to this Island?"
Ryu eyes narrowed and he decided to sail towards the Island.
"There might still be survivors who needed help… I'm no saint, but I know this is the right thing to do."
________