200 years into the future.
In the turbulent southern waters, a pirate ship cuts through the stormy seas with bravery, defying the fury of the elements. Among rugged sailors and faces weathered by life at sea, a familiar figure stands out: Ishida Namikaze.
Now 16 years old, Ishida's appearance reflects the life of a sailor. He wears a worn-out tank top and torn shorts, their colors faded by the relentless sun and sea breeze. His long, dark-blue hair—still blonde at the top—sways in the wind, while his bright blue eyes, as intense as the ocean itself, gleam with enthusiasm.
Amid the hard labor, Ishida radiates a cheerful spirit. He laughs and jokes with the crew as he handles ropes and tends to the deck, his strikingly handsome face showing kindness and camaraderie. His hands, though calloused from toil, move with the agility of someone accustomed to adapting and surviving.
Even in the hostile environment of the pirate seas, his presence exudes an aura of peace and justice, quickly making him the crew's favorite.
Life at sea is full of challenges, but for Ishida, each day is a new adventure, a step toward an unknown future.
The scent of salt and wood filled the air as Ishida worked hard, unloading crates and barrels at the bustling Port of the Underworld. The sailors around him toiled under the scorching sun, but Ishida, determined to keep spirits high, laughed and bantered with his coworkers to ease the fatigue.
However, the monotonous routine was abruptly interrupted by growing commotion echoing across the docks. Curious, Ishida set aside his tasks and ran to investigate.
At the center of the chaos, his eyes widened at the sight of a majestic pirate ship cutting through the waves with predatory elegance. The crowd around him cheered, marveling at the spectacle unfolding before them.
Intrigued, I asked: "Who are they? What's happening?"
A grumpy-looking man with a disdainful glare—his face etched with the wear of better days—replied in a sour tone: "Kid, you're clueless! That's the ship of the Emperor of the Seas, a true ocean monster! His crew is known for their ferocity and bravery. You really know nothing, huh?"
With a smile and a sparkle in my eyes, I said: "So they're famous?"
The man shot me a scornful look, as if I were an idiot. "Kid, these are the powers of these regions. They say their ships carry beings so strong even kingdoms tremble."
"Ohhh," I exclaimed with mild interest. "Seems like things'll get fun around here."
The crowd continued cheering as the ship drew closer. I couldn't help feeling a surge of excitement. I craved more adventures, challenges, and chances to prove myself in this world.
'The idea of being part of something bigger drew me in. My lonely past on the Divine Continent felt distant, and the promise of new people and a future full of possibilities now seemed within reach.'
At the Port of the Underworld
As I marveled at the grand pirate ship docking, a familiar voice suddenly called my name. A burly crewmate with a sharp gaze waved impatiently at me. I knew I couldn't linger.
The sailor shouted with a mocking grin: "What're you standing around for, kid? Daydreaming instead of working? Get back to work before I find a way to motivate you."
With a sigh, I stole one last glance at the ship, its image lingering in my mind. Despite the sailor's taunts, I felt undeterred.
But he wasn't done. Noticing my distracted look, he added in a friendlier tone:
"Relax, brat. After your shift, I'll take you to explore the taverns and… pleasures of the Underworld. HAHAHAHA!"
His offer forced a nervous smile from me—a mix of anxiety and anticipation.
I thought: 'Taverns? Underworld pleasures? This should be interesting…'
As I walked away, I returned to work with renewed determination. I needed to finish quickly—I was eager to join Jack in exploring the Underworld.
At the Tavern of the Underworld
After hours of labor, I finally stepped into the tavern.
The atmosphere buzzed with laughter, chatter, and the clatter of wooden mugs. The warmth and camaraderie made me feel oddly at home amidst the chaos.
As Jack and I ventured deeper inside, the sight of people celebrating felt almost magical.
We reached the bar, where a stern woman with cascading brown hair smoked a cigarette. Her calm eyes surveyed the tavern with a quiet strength that intrigued me.
I approached the counter to order the famed Swamp Flower Wine Jack had raved about all afternoon. Suddenly, Jack boomed beside me with his usual flair:
"Two Swamp Flower Wines, extra cold! And make it quick! Tonight's a party night! HAHAHA!"
The tavern's noise swelled around us. The bartender, unimpressed, shot him a tired glare but began preparing the drinks.
As I waited, excitement mingled with unease. I glanced around, wondering what else the night might bring.
Later, I returned to the bar for another round. The air reeked of ale and smoke. But as I ordered, I noticed a woman beside me—her face hidden under a pirate hat—silently drinking. Her plain clothes didn't faze me; everyone has a story.
However, two shady men approached her. Their smirks oozed malice.
A bald, burly man gripped her shoulders and leered: "Hey sweetheart, why not have some real fun with us? We'll show you a better time than that drink…"
A scrawny, ugly man chuckled: "Don't be scared. We don't bite… unless you want us to."
I debated intervening. I'm no hero, but their intentions were clear.
As I hesitated, one man reached for her. Adrenaline spiked—but before I could act, the scene shifted violently.
In a blink, both men lay unconscious on the floor. The pink-haired woman stood calmly, sipping her drink as if nothing happened.
Stunned, I asked: "You… took them down alone?"
The tavern fell silent. The woman turned to me with an enigmatic smile.
Suddenly, a voice cut through the air:
"Sis! How many times must I tell you to behave?!"
I turned to see a younger woman approaching—serious and tired, hands on her hips. She scolded the pink-haired woman: "I leave you alone for a minute, and people are already collapsing! Can't you have fun without fighting?!"
The pink-haired woman shrugged. "They started it. I finished it."
The younger one sighed: "You're impossible…"
As they bickered affectionately, my gaze kept drifting to the younger sister.
Her gestures, though impatient, had a charming grace. Her voice, even when annoyed, soothed like a breeze. But her eyes captivated me most—mysterious, pulling me in.
"What a wonderful woman," I mused, forcing myself to look away.
Suddenly, the older sister noticed me. A mischievous glint flashed in her eyes. Before I could react, she shoved her sister toward me.
We stumbled into each other. Time froze.
Her eyes—bright and curious—met mine. My ears burned; her cheeks flushed. She looked away, shy.
Trying to salvage my dignity, I mustered a timid smile.
The older sister teased: "Well, well! You should buy this boy a drink. He almost helped, y'know?"
The younger sister blinked, studying me. Softly, she murmured: "Mortal…?"
Confusion struck. Mortal? Why that word?
The older sister laughed. "C'mon, he's cute! Just thank him already."
Flustered, the younger sister fumbled with coins. I awkwardly smiled, but "mortal" echoed in my mind.
The younger girl spoke again, curious: "I'm amazed you're a mortal. The Qi gathered around you is impressive. You could withstand a low-level cultivator's strike."
Blushing, I asked: "Qi? Cultivators have that, right?"
She nodded eagerly. "Yes! It's vital energy. Cultivators manipulate it to enhance their power. Even mortals like you can accumulate it."
Perplexed, I asked: "So… I could become a cultivator?"
She giggled. "Yes! With training, you might go far."
"I'd love to learn!" I said, excitement rising.
"I'll help!" she offered. "But next time, be quicker to act."
I laughed nervously. "I'll be faster."
As we talked, I grew fascinated by her—and this new world of Qi and cultivators.
Later, walking to the inn she recommended, my mind raced with three words: cultivator, mortal, Qi. Becoming a cultivator felt tangible now. Was this the path of those mighty pirates?
Then it hit me—tomorrow, I'd meet her at the beach. My face burned.
Jack's words haunted me: "Beach meetings are romantic, Ishida! Perfect for impressing girls!"
Panicking, I muttered: "Wait… a beach meeting?!"
"It's just training talk. Normal, right?" I reassured myself aloud, drawing odd looks from passersby.
"No, no! It's just cultivation practice!" I insisted, my voice trembling.