The Partition

Timothy used the whistle to call upon Etuna, and she emerged through a singular thunder, striking the vessel. She opened her eyes and locked them onto Timothy.

"I didn't expect you to call me so soon, Timothy," Etuna stated, seeing Timothy's crew and some new allies. Sweat trickled down her face in puzzlement and became wordless.

Some crew members welcomed Etuna, meeting her for the first time after two years. Many were happy to see her. Others were confused to witness another divine emperor standing before them.

"I... see, you've got some new friends." She exchanged eyes with Chiaki, becoming delighted to meet her in person. She glanced around, greeting the allies she hadn't met until today.

"I've got a question for ya, Burnsy. Do you just drive 'round and befriend godheads? What's your secret?"

Timothy looked over his shoulder, maintaining a preserved and peaceful expression. He shrugged his shoulders and hesitated not to explain the situation.

"Some of us met Etuna on Winterpeak Island. Something corroded her mind, so I needed to step in with Kyora. Etuna spoke to me at Winterpeak Island after we rallied together. She offered me her whistle to call for help whenever I needed it."

Etuna nodded, leaning her arm beneath her chest, expressing gratitude. "Indeed, I'm grateful for your assistance. That's why I would like you to state your reason for calling me."

Timothy folded his arms, talking to Etuna without needing to be obedient or polite. He pointed his thumb at Aurora, the one who found the whistle. "I would like you to take Kate and me to the Uncanny Nexus and act as our caretaker. We need someone's permission to explore it."

Etuna blinked in astonishment and required time to respond without sounding rude and over-governed. She threw looks between Aurora's befuddled face and Timothy's cheerful smile.

"You want to go to the Uncanny Nexus? I don't doubt your words, but that land happened to be conquered by deities that fought in warfare. You would certainly be permitted to explore the island with me as your escort, but its isolation ruined the glorious lakes and mountains. Only beasts remain there, and no mortal lives. What could you possibly be searching for?"

Timothy beamed in anticipation and wobbled his feet, stretching without answering. "Okay! Thanks, Etuna! As for you guys, I want you to do something while we're gone. Phalris needs to return to Geyser Island. I want some of you to sail in that direction using our ship. And I need the other group to sail toward Armagh Jungle with the pirate ship we found. Shanya knows what you need to do."

The others trusted him, but nobody understood the method behind Timothy's orders. "Would it be possible if one group sails toward Bloomsque Hazard? I would like to speak to the scientist who assembled me. It's the nearest island to the bubble island. Please, my friend."

Timothy exchanged eyes with Joker and had no objections. He agreed and assembled the groups. Yumiki..." he earned Yumiko's attention and snapped with his fingers, "I need you to use the pirate ship and sail toward Bloomsque Hazard with Joker, Tarot, Elliott, and Kyora. You're in charge. The rest of you use our ship to reach Geyser Island. I'm declaring Ralphie to be in charge."

Nobody complained and listened to Timothy's commands. He gazed at Shanya and tilted his finger sideways, pointing at her. "I hope you don't mind spending a little longer with us, Shanya. Once everything's safe and sound, we'll visit Armagh Jungle. I'll meet with everyone on Geyser Island."

Timothy glanced at Ralphie, keeping calm and reserved. He revealed courage and eagerness.

"If you find trouble, I'll trust you to take care of them, Ralphie. The same goes for Yumiko and the others. I'll do my best to find you quickly. I have a strange feeling that Onnamon might have something up his sleeves..."

The crew's loyal demeanor toward their captain left Etuna speechless. They did not fear and had no hesitations. They agreed the minute he provided orders.

She consented and appreciated such cooperation and believed the new generation of pirates would reach a possible endpoint. The dreams and beliefs everyone searched for.

"I ain't a crew member, but I feel ya. I don't mind if we go off course a little. Besides, I've been urging to find a group of people whom I could trust. Consider us pals, Burnsy."

Shanya stated as Timothy smiled in return. Joker bowed and expressed gratitude. He radiated with joy and nodded, "If everything goes according to plan near the Bloomsque Island, I promise to join your crew, Timothy."

"Perfect!" Timothy snapped with his fingers and bounced off the ship's railing. "Hurry up, Kate. We're about to head out." Timothy announced and neared Etuna. Aurora seemed speechless and didn't comprehend what was happening. However, she complied and, in befuddlement, approached them.

Behind wishing luck to everyone, the journey continued.

To be continued in the SECOND PART of GINKEN; Sea Storm!