Oboard

At early sunrise, Gojo found himself in a line of people boarding the ship, Lady Olson, bound for Dolle Harbour. The docks were bustling with activity as the early morning sun cast a golden glow over the scene. Seagulls cawed overhead, and the salty sea breeze mingled with the scent of freshly baked bread from nearby stalls. Passengers milled about, and their excited chatter added to the lively atmosphere.

As Gojo stepped towards the gangplank, his mind wandered to the differences between this world's luminosity energy and his familiar cursed energy. While cursed energy was inherently negative, luminosity seemed to have a positive attribute but also...

'Cursed energy is born from negative emotions and thrives in pain, and reverse cursed technique is colliding this negative energy to create positive energy' he mused, stepping onto the gangplank. 'But this luminosity... it has the properties of both negative and positive. To harness it, I might need to recreate my techniques from the ground up, and they will be fundamentally different from my old ones.'

He pondered on the implications of this difference, realizing that he would have to rebuild his technique arsenal from scratch to suit this new form of energy. 'It's like learning to walk again - No - It's like I am an alien who crash-landed on earth and is now trying to rebuild and repair its craft with unfamiliar technology.'

As he stood in line, lost in thought, a rough-looking man behind him attempted to push past him, aiming to cut in line. Without breaking his train of thought, Gojo instinctively grabbed the man's arm and tossed him into the water with a taijutsu throw. The man yelped as he was lifted off his feet and sent tumbling into the water with a loud splash.

The surrounding borders turned to look, murmuring among themselves. The early morning light glinted off the water's surface as the man splashed around, struggling to regain his footing. Gojo on his walk, remained unfazed, still deep in contemplation.

'If only I could manipulate this energy as effectively as I did with cursed energy,' he continued. 'Also with how abundant this stuff is, it's unlikely that people of this world haven't tried to study and harness it. This world from the stories I have heard from the inn is full of strangeness, like the existence of magic is commonly accepted here, hiding the truth of luminosity will be like hiding a tree in a forest.'

He stepped forward as the line moved, his focus unwavering, already considering the next steps in adapting his abilities to harness this new energy. The ship's horn sounded a deep, resonant call that echoed across the harbour, signalling the imminent departure.

Gojo finally snapped out of his reverie, glancing back to see the drenched man clambering out of the water with a furious expression. He laughed slightly and continued boarding the Lady Olson. Gojo leaned against the railing, his gaze sweeping over the bustling scene on the deck. As he observed, his mind automatically began cataloguing the details of every passenger and crew member.

There were 54 passengers with him in total, all aspiring Hunters. Gojo took note of their distinct features: the muscular man with tribal tattoos near the bow, the woman with the intense gaze and twin swords strapped to her back, the young man with a binoculars visor scanning the area, the group of four who seemed to be a team.

One particular passenger stood out to Gojo. A blonde boy with striking green eyes, the same one who had dispatched the spider with such precision in the inn. His expression was calm, almost bored, as he observed the other passengers.

Among the other passengers, there was a man in a dark cloak with an intricate silver emblem, possibly a sign of some secretive organization. A girl with striking green eyes and a large, ornate scythe stood apart, her demeanour calm and composed. Nearby, a burly man with a scar across his left cheek laughed with his companions, exuding confidence. A slender figure in a hooded cloak remained in the shadows, only the glint of keen eyes visible.

He turned his attention to the cargo, which seemed to be all normal, engine, engine parts and some not out of place chemicals used by mechanics, some substances were dangerous sure, but nothing out of the ordinary.

Then there were the 14 crew members, each busy with their tasks. Gojo noted the first mate, a stern-looking man with a no-nonsense attitude, efficiently directing the loading of supplies. The bosun, a burly man with a booming voice, supervised the rigging and sails. The deckhands moved swiftly, their practised movements ensuring everything was in place for departure.

Finally, there was Captain Olson. A short figure with a neatly trimmed beard and sharp eyes that missed nothing. He wore a weathered tricorn hat and a dark navy coat adorned with brass buttons. His presence commanded respect and he moved with the confidence of someone who had spent a lifetime at sea.

As Gojo observed Captain Olson, he noticed the subtle signs of a seasoned sailor—the slight sway in his stance, the way his eyes constantly scanned the horizon, and the authoritative way he issued orders. Even the captain's attire spoke volumes: the worn edges of his coat, the polished brass of his buttons, and the well-maintained leather of his boots.

Six Eyes worked like a camera, capturing every nuance. The captain's measured steps, the crew's efficient movements, and the passengers' varied reactions to the bustling activity on deck. Every detail was stored, ready to be recalled at a moment's notice.

'Fifty-four passengers, fourteen crewmen, and the captain.'

As the last of the cargo was secured and the crew finished their preparations, Captain Olson made his way to a small raised platform near the centre of the deck. His presence commanded immediate attention, and the bustling activity quieted as passengers and crew alike turned to listen.

With a voice that carried authority and years of experience, Captain Olson addressed the assembled crowd. "Alright, listen up, all of you," he began, his tone gruff yet clear. "We're about to set sail for Dolle Island. This journey won't be a pleasure cruise. The seas can be unpredictable, and the dangers are real. If you want to reach the island in one piece, you will follow my orders to the letter."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "You may be skilled, strong, or weak, famous, this or that, but on this ship, my word is law. If any of you cause trouble, you'll find yourselves swimming with the fish. Understood?"

A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd, some nodding while others stood silently, their expressions serious.

Captain Olson's sharp blue eyes scanned the faces before him, lingering briefly on Gojo, then on the blonde boy with green eyes, and a few others who stood out. "Remember," he continued, "the sea shows no mercy. Neither will I. Stick to your tasks, respect my crew, and we'll reach Dolle Island safely. Now, prepare yourselves. We set sail immediately."

With that, he stepped down from the platform, the crew springing into action as the ship's horn sounded a deep, resonant call. The gangplank was pulled up, the sails unfurled, and Lady Olson began to move away from the dock, cutting through the calm waters of the harbour.

As Lady Olson began to pull away from the dock, a commotion erupted behind them. Gojo turned to see the tall man from the arm-wrestling contest and the green-haired boy, sprinting towards the ship, shouting frantically for it to stop.

"Wait! Stop the ship!" The boy yelled, his voice carrying over the increasing distance.

Captain Olson, already at the helm, looked back at the pair with a stern expression. "Too late, kids! We're already on our way!"

Determined, the boy glanced at the tall man, then sprinted towards a cliff the ship would soon pass. The tall man followed, matching his pace

The passengers on the deck watched in astonishment as the boy and the tall man reached the edge of the cliff. As the ship moved past, the boy took a deep breath, swinging his fishing rod in a wide arc. The line whizzed through the air, the hook catching perfectly onto one of the ship's poles.

With a powerful tug, the boy launched himself off the cliff, the fishing line taut and secure. The tall man, grabbed hold of the boy's belt just as they swung out over the water. The wind rushed past them as they arced through the air, the ship growing larger in their vision.

With a final, coordinated effort, the boy and the tall man swung onto the deck of the Lady Olson, landing with a thud. The passengers and crew stared in stunned silence, the daring manoeuvre leaving everyone speechless.

Gon looked up, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Made it!" he declared triumphantly.

The tall man, slightly winded but otherwise composed, nodded in agreement. "Good timing huh..," he said gasping.

Captain Olson, recovering from his initial surprise, shook his head in disbelief. "You two have guts, I'll give you that," he muttered, a grudging respect in his voice. "Welcome aboard. Just try not to pull any more stunts like that."

The boy and the tall man stood up, brushing themselves off as the crew returned to their tasks. The other passengers, now recovering from their shock, murmured among themselves, impressed by the display of skill.

'Interesting,' Gojo thought. 'This journey just got a lot more entertaining.'

As the ship continued on its course, the sun rising higher in the sky, the passengers settled into their routine, each one preparing for the challenges that awaited them on Dolle Island. The green-haired boy sat at an edge fishing, the tall man spent his time sleeping, and as far as Gojo, he leaned against the railing, enjoying the gentle sea breeze. His mind studied the strange new energy he had encountered.

The blonde boy from the inn was among the passengers, he was still giving Gojo that strange look and after some minutes passing, he finally approached him. The blonde boy, with his striking green eyes and calm demeanour, walked up to Gojo with an air of curiosity.

"Hey," the boy began, his voice steady. "I saw what you did back at the inn. How did you know that man had a military background and that he had a ring in his pocket?"

Gojo turned to face the boy, his glasses hiding his eyes but not the amused smile on his face. "Curious, aren't you?" he replied. "What's your name?"

"Kurapika. My name is Kurapika," the boy answered. "And you?"

"Satoru Gojo," he said, still lying there.

"Now," Gojo continued, "let me tell you how I figured it out. It's all about observation and deduction."

He paused for a moment. "First, his military background. When he walked into the inn, his posture was stiff and upright, like someone who's used to standing at attention. His movements were precise and economical, not a single wasted motion, which is typical of someone with combat training. He also had a small, barely noticeable scar just below his ear—likely from a close shave with a blade. Soldiers often end up with scars like that from training or battles."

Kurapika nodded, absorbing the information. "And the ring?"

Gojo smiled. "Ah, the ring. When he sat down, he kept his hand near his pocket almost reflexively, as if guarding something valuable. When he ordered his drink, he used his left hand, which was unusual since most people are right-handed. This indicated he wanted to keep his right hand close to his pocket. The pocket itself was slightly bulged, indicating a small object inside. I deduced it was a ring based on the shape of the bulge and the way he fiddled with something inside his pocket absentmindedly."

Kurapika's eyes widened slightly. "You noticed all that in such a short time?"

Gojo shrugged nonchalantly. "It's all about training your mind to pick up on the smallest details. It's a skill that can be developed with practice and a keen eye."

'Except I didn't need practice because I was born with the Six Eyes.'

Kurapika seemed thoughtful for a moment. "I've been trained to observe details too, but you take it to a whole new level."

Gojo chuckled. "By the way, your stance and the way you handled that spider at the inn - you're not just an ordinary guy, well trained I guess. You also really hate spiders, don't you? And your eyes changed colour back then. Does that when you feel intense emotions?"

Kurapika paused with a faint frown. "You're observant, but some things are best kept secret."

Tension rose in the air between them.

Gojo sighed. "Fair enough. Secrets make life more interesting by uncovering them. But you see, Kurapika, by analyzing the signs of the present, you can uncover the past and even predict the future. For instance, I can tell you that someone among the passengers is going to try to kill the captain."

Kurapika's eyes widened. "Wh-What?"

Gojo tilted his head, still smiling. "The signs are all there. People can be predictable if you know what to look for. But I won't spoil the surprise just yet. Let's wait and see."

Kurapika looked around nervously, his mind racing as he tried to figure out who among the passengers could be the potential assassin. The atmosphere on the deck seemed calm, but he couldn't shake off the feeling of tension.

Gojo leaned back. 'Truth is that I am keeping track of the biometrics of everyone here, the captain's ordering around has pissed off many here, and one is on the verge of snapping.'

Moments later, as the ship continued its journey, Captain Olson was giving orders to his crew from his usual spot on the raised platform. Suddenly, a glint of metal caught Gojo's eye. Without missing a beat, he nudged Kurapika and pointed subtly.

A passenger near the back of the crowd, the man with the dark cloak and silver emblem, drew a knife and hurled it straight at the captain. The knife spun through the air, aimed with deadly precision. But before it could reach its target, a crewman with lightning-fast reflexes stepped in and caught the knife by the blade, stopping it inches from the captain's back.

The crowd gasped, and a tense silence fell over the deck. The would-be assassin's eyes widened in disbelief, realizing his plan had failed.

Gojo said softly, "Well, well, well. It seems my prediction was right on the mark. Nice catch."

The moment the knife was caught by the burly sailor, the would-be assassin's eyes widened in shock. But instead of cowering, he quickly drew another blade from his cloak and lunged at the sailor with a snarl.

The sailor charged, already having anticipated the attack, sidestepped and deflected the knife strike with his forearm, the blade grazing harmlessly off his tough leather bracer. He responded with a powerful right hook, but the knife thrower ducked and slashed at the sailor's midsection, but the sailor dodged just in the knock of time.

The crew and passengers formed a wide circle around the two combatants, murmuring in excitement and concern. Gojo, standing beside Kurapika, watched with his eyes analyzing every move.

The knife thrower darted in, aiming quick slashes. The sailor blocked and parried with practised ease, his strikes powerful.

"You're not bad," the sailor grunted, catching the knife thrower's wrist mid-slash and twisting it painfully. The knife clattered to the deck, but the assassin quickly drew another from a hidden sheath, stabbing upwards towards the sailor's neck.

The sailor grabbed the man's wrist just in time, their arms locked in a struggle. With a roar, the sailor used his superior strength to slam the assassin against the ship's railing. The knife thrower kicked out, catching the sailor in the knee and momentarily throwing him off balance.

Taking advantage of the opening, the assassin delivered a flurry of quick jabs to the sailor's ribs. The sailor winced but responded with a headbutt, dazing the knife thrower. He followed up with a powerful uppercut, sending the assassin sprawling onto the deck.

As the assassin scrambled to his feet, the sailor kicked his remaining knife away and grabbed him by the collar, lifting him off the ground. "I've had enough of you," the sailor growled, throwing the man to the deck with a thud.

The assassin, realizing he was outmatched, looked around desperately for an escape, but the circle of onlookers gave him no room. In a final act of defiance, he lunged at the sailor with a hidden dagger, aiming for his heart.

The sailor caught the assassin's wrist mid-air and twisted it, forcing the knife out of his hand. With a swift motion, he slammed the man to the deck, pinning him down with a knee to the back.

Captain Olson, having watched the entire fight with a stern expression, stepped forward. "That's enough," he said, his voice carrying authority. "Restraint him."

The sailor nodded and secured the assassin's hands behind his back.

Gojo, still leaning casually against the railing, glanced at Kurapika. "See what I mean? Predictable. And that, my stranger, is why analyzing the present can give you insights into the future just like the past."

Kurapika, still processing the events, nodded slowly. "You were right. It's incredible."

As the tied-up assassin was dragged towards the edge of the ship, Captain Olson addressed the crew and passengers. "Remember what I said. Toss him overboard."

The sailor who had fought him complied, lifting the struggling assassin and hurling him into the sea. The splash was followed by silence as the crew and passengers watched the man disappear beneath the waves. Unknown whether he would live or die.

Gojo turned back to Kurapika, a satisfied smile on his face. "Now, where were we?"

Kurapika, still shocked by Gojo's perceptiveness and the sailor's combat skills, responded, "I'll definitely keep your words in mind. Thank you."

The ship continued its journey towards Dolle Harbour, the tension from the attempted assassination gradually fading. Gojo, ever relaxed, ever vigilant, leaned back against the railing.