140 The second awakening. (1/2)

The Earth shook under me as I ran through the thicket of the forest. Marco followed close behind as he muttered to himself, both of us sharing a grim expression.

We had agreed to check the ship before we returned, for the explosions were in the general vicinity that it had been docked in.

”Ugh, I hate this island.” Marco muttered softly as he twitched to the side, dodging a low lying branch and a projected root that looked like it had made it its sole life's goal to trip someone important.

”The terrain is like a mole field the farther away from the town, I don't even know why pops doesn't allow us to just expand into this forest..” he growled darkly as I chuckled.

Even in the serious situation that we were in, I still cracked up at his indignance.

”Eh, if the forest annoys us, then it should annoy anyone who wants to get to the town no?” I asked good spiritedly as I leaned under a suddenly very in-my-face branch.

”Ugh, aren't you even a little worried about your ship?” He asked.

”Eh, a little bit. Again, worrying isn't going to get me anywhere so what is the point? We are doing as much as we can to reach before things get too late, and anxiety is only going to get in the way. I'll funnel up the frustration now and get rid of it later.” I answered simply as I twitched.

My observation Haki pricked at my mind as I felt the vague silhouette of a ship at the very precipice of my mind.

”That way.” I called out as I swiftly changed direction, now actively leading my ally in the direction of the silent-as-night ship.

Marco nodded mutely as he followed behind.

However, as we neared the ship, I could not help but furrow my brows. There was something off about this situation.

Though I could make out the ship quite clearly now, I could not feel the presence of anyone on it. No sentry Terrick and no sleeping or eating Sorren.

”Something's not right.” I called out as I swiftly came to a halt, the explosions that had wracked the ground going silent.

My eyes immediately shot around as I attempted to look at any and all signs that I could discern from the surroundings. My eyes lighting up as I glared at the muddy ground.

”Maybe it was diversion?” Marco asked as he switched to look at me, his eyes briefly looking at my face before his serious expression stiffened further.

The explosions had started again, and where once they had sounded like small cannonballs now they sounded in succession like a waterfall.

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Borsolino grinned sadistically as he looked at the child that had fallen before him. Smoke rose from his cratered back as a barely concealed whimper sounded from the unconscious boy's mouth.

His hands were red and raw, as holes gazed back with a ferocity that caused Borsolino a certain measure of joy.

Or was it when he finally entered the academy, now scrunched up with enough credits to be recognized by an actual instructor instead of a mere ensign? In fact, Borsolino had quite a clear idea on when it was, he just wished not to acknowledge it.