PART TWO

The moonlight cast a silvery glow over the tranquil sea, its reflection rippling gently across the water. On the top deck of the Gold Tiger, a slender figure stood motionless, her gaze fixed on the shimmering surface below.

The night air was crisp, carrying with it the faint scent of salt and the creaking whispers of the ship.

Misaki Haruichi's delicate frame seemed to blend into the serenity of the scene. Her pale lavender eyes, wide and reflective, held an otherworldly softness. Her golden-brown hair, cut into a layered bob with side-swept bangs, caught the moonlight, brushing just above her shoulders.

She radiated an air of quiet elegance, her demeanor as unassuming as the gentle waves below.

Lost in thought, Misaki barely registered the sound of approaching footsteps until a deep, commanding voice shattered the stillness.

"Katsuo mentioned you've been longing for a walk," came the low rumble of Daizen Haruichi, known to most as Toni.

Misaki turned slowly to face him, her calm composure meeting his towering presence. Toni was an imposing figure—a mountain of strength wrapped in sharp edges. His golden-brown hair, cut short and spiked, seemed to defy gravity, while his piercing blue eyes burned with unwavering intensity.

He wore a sleeveless golden-and-white vest that exposed his powerful arms, each defined muscle speaking of countless battles. Fingerless gloves stretched up to his elbows, while his lower half was clad in ripped white jeans that revealed the chiseled strength of his legs. Sturdy brown boots, their tips reinforced with gold plates, completed the look. He was the embodiment of raw power and authority, a man whose reputation as a leader of Japan's deadliest fighters preceded him.

"I hope I didn't offend you with such a foolish desire," Misaki said softly, her voice barely rising above the gentle rustling of the sea breeze.

Toni's lips curled into a reassuring smile, his usual hard edges softening. "You didn't offend me," he said, leaning casually against the ship's rail, his gaze sweeping across the distant lights of Sakai Port Village. "I simply think it's better to wait. Let them wonder who we are a little longer."

His voice carried a note of mischief, but his posture radiated calculated confidence. Misaki followed his gaze, her pale eyes scanning the familiar outline of the village she hadn't seen in years.

"Home once again," Toni said, his tone quiet but charged with meaning.

Misaki tilted her head slightly, her expression wistful. "It hasn't changed at all," she murmured, her words tinged with both nostalgia and sadness.

Toni nodded, a knowing look crossing his face. "I've had someone watching over it, even before we arrived. They'll be meeting us soon."

The corners of his mouth lifted into a faint smile before he inhaled deeply, savoring the moment. He pushed away from the rail with an air of finality, his broad shoulders casting long shadows under the moonlight.

"Get some rest, Misaki," Toni said, his tone a mix of warmth and command. "Tomorrow, we make our presence known."

With that, he turned and strode away, his heavy boots thudding rhythmically against the wooden deck.

Misaki stayed where she was, her gaze lingering on the village lights that shimmered in the distance. Memories flooded her mind, unbidden and bittersweet, as the night enveloped her in its quiet embrace.