Chapter 52: Moon Island

"Finally found it!"

Baishi muttered, calming his excitement before asking, "How far is Moon Island from here?"

"Not far, sir. We just came from Moon Island," replied the pirate leader without hesitation.

So, even without these guys, it wouldn't have been long before I found this so-called Moon Island anyway, Baishi thought to himself.

He whispered softly, "It's true, I've already explored most of this sea. If the island really exists, I was bound to find it sooner or later."

Of course, that's assuming I didn't give up halfway, Baishi silently added.

"What's your name?" he asked, turning his attention to the pirate leader.

"Kuchiki Ichiro, sir. My name is Kuchiki Ichiro," the man replied nervously.

"Kuchiki Ichiro?"

"Yes, sir!"

Seeing the man's eagerness to cooperate, Baishi wasted no time. "Alright, lead me to Moon Island."

Hearing this, Kuchiki Ichiro hesitated briefly.

Noticing his reluctance, Baishi's expression turned cold. His voice became emotionless, carrying a chilling weight. "What's the matter? Is there a problem?"

The cold tone made Kuchiki Ichiro tremble. After a moment, he stammered, "S-Sir, may we bring the others along?"

He glanced toward the pirates struggling in the water.

Baishi followed his gaze. Of the two ships he had destroyed with Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique, only about one-third of the pirates had survived and were now floundering in the sea.

Initially, Baishi had intended to leave them to their fate. In fact, he wasn't even planning to spare the pirates aboard this ship.

But after a moment's thought, he reconsidered.

These guys could prove useful as experimental subjects for studying sealing techniques, curse marks, and other jutsu, he mused.

"Fine. Be quick about it," Baishi finally said.

"Thank you, sir!" Kuchiki Ichiro bowed repeatedly in gratitude.

As the remaining pirates scrambled to rescue their comrades, Baishi watched them indifferently. To him, these murderous criminals deserved no pity.

Half an hour later, the pirate ship set sail, heading back in the direction they had come.

Half a day later

As the sun began to set, the crimson hues of the evening sky reflected on the sea.

Standing at the bow of the ship, Baishi gazed into the distance. Before long, an island appeared on the horizon.

The sound of footsteps behind him drew his attention. Without turning around, he already knew it was Kuchiki Ichiro—the Flying Thunder God seal Baishi had left on him was proof enough.

In fact, Baishi had marked every pirate aboard the ship and even the ship itself with multiple seals.

This ensured that escape was no longer an option for them.

"Sir, up ahead is Moon Island," Kuchiki Ichiro said.

Baishi turned slightly. "You discovered it?"

"Yes." Kuchiki Ichiro nodded. "Half a year ago, we clashed with the Giant Pirates. After losing, we were pursued and fled here by accident. That's when we found this island."

Baishi wasn't interested in the pirates' feud with the Giant Pirates. What mattered to him was that the island had gone undetected by others, which explained why these pirates had managed to hide here for so long.

"And the name 'Moon Island'? You came up with it?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"You'll see when we arrive, sir," Kuchiki Ichiro replied, offering a mysterious smile.

Baishi glanced at him but didn't press further, focusing instead on the approaching island.

As they drew closer, Baishi immediately understood why the island was named Moon Island.

The island's shape resembled a crescent moon, with its ends tapering to sharp points and its center widening into a broad curve. The name was indeed fitting.

"Circle around the island," Baishi ordered.

"Understood, sir!" Kuchiki Ichiro responded promptly.

It didn't take long for the ship to complete a lap around the island.

Baishi estimated its length at around 10 kilometers, with the widest part spanning 4 kilometers. The total area was approximately 20 to 25 square kilometers—not large, but not small either.

"Dock the ship," Baishi commanded.

With that, the ship entered the crescent-shaped bay of Moon Island.

Surrounded by lush, green mountains on either side, Baishi couldn't help but think, No wonder these guys wanted to establish their base here. This place is a natural harbor and a perfect hideout.

Once docked, Baishi addressed the pirates briefly. "From now on, without my orders, no one is allowed to leave this island."

Without waiting for a response, he vanished from sight.

Moments later, a pirate whispered cautiously, "Should we make a run for it?"

Hearing this, Kuchiki Ichiro spun around in panic. Glaring at the man, he hissed, "Are you trying to get us all killed?"

Turning his back to reveal the seal on his neck, he pointed to the tree-like mark. "With this on us, that man can appear behind us at any moment. Don't even think about escaping. Obey him, and maybe we'll live a little longer."

Deep within the forest, Baishi's footsteps paused. Hearing their conversation from a distance, a smirk crept onto his lips.

"Looks like the little demonstration on the ship worked," he muttered.

When marking them with the Flying Thunder God Technique, Baishi had intentionally displayed its power to ensure they wouldn't harbor any foolish thoughts of rebellion.

However, he knew it was only a matter of time before someone tried to defy him. When that happened, a swift and brutal example would ensure their obedience.

For now, Baishi dismissed the thought. His priority was to thoroughly explore the island and ensure there were no hidden threats.

If everything checked out, his next destination would be the hot spring Kuchiki Ichiro had mentioned—a natural spring located atop the island's central peak.

Baishi was eager to experience it.

After drifting on the sea for a month, he felt like he reeked and needed a proper break.

Two hours later

Central Peak, Hot Spring

Baishi leaned back in the warm waters, feeling a deep sense of relaxation. Before he knew it, he had drifted into a peaceful sleep.

The next morning, a cool breeze swept through the area, stirring Baishi awake.

As he opened his eyes, the sight of the rising sun greeted him.

Feeling refreshed, Baishi stretched lazily and remarked to himself, "It's been a long time since I've slept so well."

Since arriving in the Shinobi World, Baishi had been on edge almost constantly, always alert to potential danger.

Last night, for the first time, he had slept soundly.

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