Chapter 6: Frost Moon Village
The sails of the Pandaghost swelled with the ocean breeze, cutting a graceful path across the waves. The sun glistened off the sea's surface like scattered jewels. Jessie stood at the helm, hands confidently gripping the wheel, eyes sharp as they charted a course toward the fabled East Blue — often mocked as the weakest of the four seas.
Behind him, Uta twirled on the deck, her voice light and curious. "Captain," she called out, "why are we going to East Blue of all places? Isn't that... you know... the weakest sea?"
Jessie chuckled, his eyes never leaving the horizon. "That may be true. But even in the calmest seas, hidden treasures lie beneath. Our second crew member is there — a swordsman of legendary spirit."
Uta blinked. "Ohh~ mysterious." She folded her arms behind her back and hummed. "As long as they're strong and cool, I'm fine with it!"
With that, she climbed onto the railing, balancing effortlessly as the wind lifted her hair and scarf. She closed her eyes and began to sing — a haunting melody, rich with emotion and power. Her voice carried across the waves, calming the wind, even making the clouds above slow their drift.
Hours passed peacefully, with the sun beginning its descent.
That peace, however, was not destined to last.
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Far ahead, sails appeared. A rough-looking pirate ship with a jagged skull emblem and mismatched sails was bearing toward them fast. Cannons lined its side, and rowdy shouting could be heard over the waves.
Jessie narrowed his eyes. "Looks like we've got company."
The pirate crew aboard the approaching ship were already loading their cannons. Their captain, a brutish man with a horned helmet and missing teeth, pointed at the Pandaghost and shouted, "A ship with a panda face!? They're mocking us! Blast them outta the water!"