Today, We Only Talked Bouy Dreams

"I feel like there's something more wonderful than the One Piece... but it's just out of reach," Buggy said, staring at the wine in his bottle, lost in thought.

The night crept in like a soft embrace, draping its quiet shadows over the world. The full moon hung in the sky, so luminous it seemed it might tumble down.

"What a breathtaking night sky," Kaizen muttered, arms resting behind his head as he gazed at the stars. His tone was low, almost meditative.

"Yeah, another cursed night," Buggy grumbled, clutching his bottle close as though it were his last treasure, his voice tinged with sarcasm and melancholy.

"Only those who carry burdens in their hearts struggle through the night," Fujitora-san said, leaning against the base of a sturdy tree. His sword rested in his lap, his figure enveloped in shadow. His face was unreadable, the darkness obscuring his expression.

"Bakayaro (バカ野郎)!" Buggy snapped, his words slurring slightly from the alcohol. "I'm not carrying anything! All I care about is money, wealth, and becoming the richest man alive! Don't accuse me of being frustrated..."

His words trailed off, overtaken by the wine in his system. Buggy's head bobbed slightly, the alcohol clearly winning the battle.

"Goodnight, everyone," Kaizen said with a satisfied sigh, closing his eyes.

"Good... night?" Buggy muttered, confused by the unfamiliar phrase. His expression twisted as he tried to understand its meaning, but no one answered him.

---

The Next Day

The same sunlight. The same salty breeze. The same hangovers. But three very different men.

"Set sail, you lot!" Buggy called out, standing triumphantly at the bow of the ship, his arms stretched wide as though he were addressing a grand audience. His energy was infectious, almost childlike in its enthusiasm.

Kaizen and Fujitora-san ignored his theatrics, leaning against the railing and gazing out at the endless expanse of ocean. The gentle rocking of the ship and the soft murmur of waves filled the air.

The vessel—a modest ship by pirate standards—glided gracefully across the sea. The conditions were perfect: the sun beamed down warmly, the breeze was fresh, and the ocean sparkled like a field of jewels.

Days like this made sailing feel like freedom incarnate.

---

Dreams at Sea

"We're heading straight for the New World! That's where Gol D. Roger's treasure awaits, and I'll be the one to claim it! Wahahaha!" Buggy declared, laughing confidently as though the treasure were already in his grasp.

Kaizen glanced at the eccentric pirate but said nothing. Instead, he leaned back, crossing his arms as he spoke. "My dream? To find a quiet island someday... a place where I can fish, bask in the sun, drink sake, and live out the rest of my days in peace."

"Hah?! You don't care about treasure or wealth?! What kind of pathetic dream is that?" Buggy exclaimed, looking genuinely appalled. "You're scum, Kaizen!"

Kaizen chuckled, brushing off the insult. "Everyone's dreams are their own. There's no rank or value to them. Whether it's gold, peace, or justice, each dream has its own meaning."

Fujitora-san nodded in agreement. "Indeed. As for me, my dream is to uphold a simple but steadfast justice. I wish to rid the world of oppression, so that freedom may blossom in every corner of this earth."

Buggy blinked, momentarily stunned by Fujitora's declaration. "Justice? That sounds absurd. But... I guess every dream deserves some respect, no matter how ridiculous it is."

"That's surprisingly mature of you, Buggy-san," Kaizen said with a smirk.

"Shut up!" Buggy snapped, pointing a finger at him. "Don't get used to it. You two are lucky I tolerate you on my ship!"

Kaizen and Fujitora exchanged knowing looks but remained silent.

---

A Sudden Stillness

After hours of sailing, the wind began to die down. The once-playful breeze faded into a dead calm, leaving the sails slack and the ship eerily quiet.

Kaizen was the first to notice. His gaze sharpened as he stared at the horizon. "This silence feels... unnatural."

Fujitora-san's hand instinctively tightened around his sword. Though blind, his heightened senses picked up something ominous. "It's as though we've disturbed something we shouldn't have," he murmured, his deep voice carrying an unsettling weight.

Buggy, still lounging at the bow, looked over his shoulder. "Oi, oi... You two are acting weird. What's going on?"

Before anyone could answer, the sea began to ripple. The stillness shattered as the water shifted unnaturally, sending silent waves across the surface.

"Looks like we've woken up a few big players," Kaizen said calmly, though his hand moved to the hilt of his blade.

Fujitora stood up, drawing his cane sword with a deliberate, fluid motion. The metallic sound of the blade cutting through the air sent shivers down Buggy's spine. Though shrouded in darkness, Fujitora's presence radiated a powerful, almost divine authority.

As the ripples turned into waves, something massive began to stir beneath the surface.

"Get ready," Fujitora-san said simply, his tone as steady as his grip.

---

The tension hung thick in the air as the three men prepared to face whatever awaited them in the depths.