A New Horizon

Chapter 4: A New Horizon

The waters of the Grand Line stretched endlessly before Kael as he stood on the deck of his newly acquired ship, the *Eclipser*. The sleek, dark vessel had been a reward from a merchant he saved during his escape from Lumeria. It was designed for speed and stealth—the perfect companion for a prince in exile.

Kael turned his gaze to the horizon, the wind carrying the salty tang of the sea. The cries of seagulls overhead mixed with the sound of waves crashing against the hull. He felt a deep sense of resolve. His mother and sister were safe within the Space Stone, and Maren was rallying loyalists back home. For now, Kael's focus had to be on growing stronger and preparing for the challenges ahead.

---

**System Update:**

[New Region Unlocked: The First Half of the Grand Line]

[Mission Alert: Establish a Base of Operations. Sub-objective: Recruit Allies and Gather Resources.]

Kael frowned slightly as he reviewed the system's latest directive. The Grand Line was no place for the weak, and even vice admirals patrolled these waters. If he wanted to avoid attracting unnecessary attention, he would need to tread carefully.

"Time to chart a course," he muttered, unrolling a map of the Grand Line he had acquired from the merchant. His Sharingan scanned the intricate markings, instantly memorizing the details. A cluster of islands marked as "Neutral Territory" caught his attention.

"Neutral doesn't mean safe, but it's a start."

Kael set his sights on the nearest island, Crescent Cove, known for its bustling trade ports and reputation as a haven for mercenaries. If he was going to recruit allies, this was the place to begin.

---

The *Eclipser* docked quietly at Crescent Cove, its shadowy silhouette blending with the bustling port. Kael pulled his hood over his head, masking his distinctive features. The marketplace was alive with activity, merchants peddling exotic goods, bounty hunters exchanging information, and adventurers boasting of their exploits.

Kael's Sharingan flickered beneath his hood as he scanned the crowd, noting potential threats and allies. A hulking man with an axe strapped to his back stood at a weapons stall, his demeanor calm but alert. A woman with a rifle slung over her shoulder haggled with a merchant, her eyes sharp and calculating. Kael made a mental note of their locations before slipping into a nearby tavern.

Inside, the air was thick with the smell of alcohol and the sound of raucous laughter. Kael approached the bar, ordering a drink to blend in while observing the patrons. A group of pirates crowded a corner table, their conversation loud and brazen.

"Did you hear about that Cipher Pol mess in Lumeria?" one of them said, slamming his mug on the table. "Heard some rebel prince wiped out their commander. Damn impressive."

Kael kept his expression neutral, though his mind raced. News of his actions had already spread, albeit in fragmented rumors. He would need to be even more careful moving forward.

A commotion near the entrance drew his attention. The hulking man from the marketplace had entered, his axe gleaming under the dim tavern lights. He scanned the room before his eyes locked on Kael. The man's lips curled into a smirk as he approached.

"You've got the look of someone with a purpose," the man said, his voice a low rumble. "Name's Draven. Mercenary. You hiring?"

Kael studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Depends on your skills."

Draven chuckled, pulling a dagger from his belt and twirling it effortlessly. "Skills aren't the problem. The question is, can you afford me?"

Before Kael could respond, the woman from the marketplace joined them, her rifle resting casually on her shoulder. "If you're hiring him, you're hiring me too. Name's Lyra. Best sharpshooter in these parts."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "And why should I trust either of you?"

Draven shrugged. "Trust's a luxury in this line of work. But you've got an air about you—like someone planning to shake up the world. We want in."

Kael's Sharingan glimmered briefly, enough to let them know he wasn't ordinary. Both mercenaries stiffened but didn't back down. He smirked.

"Fine. Consider yourselves hired. But you'll follow my orders, and if either of you betrays me, you won't live to regret it."

Lyra grinned. "Fair enough. Where to, boss?"

Kael leaned in, his voice low. "For now, we're laying low. But soon, we'll be building something bigger than you can imagine."

---

As night fell over Crescent Cove, Kael returned to the *Eclipser* with Draven and Lyra in tow. He briefed them on his plan, carefully omitting details about his lineage and the Space Stone. Trust would have to be earned over time.

Before departing, Kael addressed Draven and Lyra. "Wait for me here at Crescent Cove. I have another mission to undertake before we proceed."

Draven raised an eyebrow. "And where exactly are you going?"

Kael's lips curled into a faint smile. "To the sky. There's a treasure waiting for me that will fund our future."

Without elaborating further, Kael stepped onto the *Eclipser* and set sail, leaving the mercenaries to secure their position in the bustling port.

---

Kael entered the Space Stone once more to address his followers. Inside, the pocket dimension thrived with the refugees and loyalists he had saved. His mother and sister were resting in a safe chamber, while others worked diligently to adapt to their new environment. Maren, his prime minister, stood at the forefront of the gathered group.

Kael's voice rang clear. "My friends, our fight against the World Government is not one we can win through strength alone. Wars are won with resources, strategy, and alliances. To that end, I must ask: who among you has knowledge or skills in trade and commerce?"

A few hands went up, and Kael's Sharingan scanned their faces, noting their earnest expressions. He pointed to a middle-aged man with a confident demeanor. "What's your name?"

"Ronan, Your Highness," the man replied. "I was a merchant back in Lumeria, managing trade routes and negotiating deals."

Kael nodded. "Good. I'll need your expertise. We're heading to East Blue, one of the quieter seas. I plan to establish a business there to fund our cause. You will help me design a trade network that can grow into a powerful economic force."

Ronan bowed. "It would be an honor."

Kael turned to the rest of the group. "For those of you with families, I've not forgotten you. This space is our sanctuary for now, but it will become more than that. I will ensure that your children have opportunities to learn and grow, so they can one day fight alongside us if they choose."

Maren stepped forward. "Your Highness, the loyalists back home are waiting for your signal. Shall I continue gathering troops?"

Kael placed a hand on Maren's shoulder. "Yes. But for now, tell them to remain hidden. Our time will come, but we must strike only when we're ready. The World Government cannot suspect our movements."

As Kael prepared to leave the Space Stone, he glanced back at his followers. Their eyes were filled with hope and determination. It was a heavy burden, but one he would carry for their sake.

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