chapter 4

The vast ocean stretched endlessly, the rhythmic waves crashing against the hull of Admiral Logan Wells' flagship. The scent of salt filled the air as the ship cut through the waters, leading a fleet of three vessels toward the Kingdom of Rose. The crew moved efficiently, adjusting sails and keeping watch, but Logan stood still, leaning against the ship's railing, lost in thought.

His expression was unusually serious. The earlier ambush had left no major damage, and his crew had fended off the attacker easily. But that wasn't what concerned him. No, the real problem was why it had happened.

"That sudden attack gave me a shock. Although the intruder didn't cause much damage, I feel like something's wrong..."

The attack hadn't been random. It was too precise, too deliberate. The moment replayed in his mind—the swift movements, the unnatural fox-like agility, and the blue flames flickering in the darkness. There was no doubt.

It was a Kitsune.

A marine officer approached, his sharp eyes studying the admiral's face. "I wonder what you've been thinking about for so long, Admiral Wells. You look kinda... troubled."

Logan exhaled sharply, rubbing his chin. "This was surely connected to the Rip Crew... I wonder if it's..." His voice trailed off as a disturbing thought entered his mind.

The Challenge.

A chill ran through him. If this was truly the beginning of Rip Indra's move, then the seas were about to become a nightmare.

"That's why after all this time... they decided to take action." He muttered under his breath, his mind racing.

Then, suddenly, like a bolt of lightning, everything clicked.

"YEAH, THAT'S WHAT IT IS!" he shouted, his voice booming across the deck.

The marine officer flinched, nearly dropping the logbook he was holding. "Sir! You ought to give me a heart attack or what?!"

Logan snapped back to reality and burst into laughter, slapping the officer on the back. "My bad! Just tell the crew to start moving faster. We must reach the Kingdom of Rose ASAP."

The marine officer saluted and rushed to relay the orders.

As the ship picked up speed, Logan leaned against the railing once more. His mind lingered on the Kitsunes.

If he had been attacked, then... did that mean the other Admirals had been as well?

A storm was brewing. And this time, it wasn't one of nature—it was one of war.

The air inside the Marine Headquarters' dungeon was damp and thick with the scent of salt and old stone. Flickering torchlight cast eerie shadows on the walls as Vice Admiral Leon stood outside a cell, arms crossed, his sharp gaze fixed on the prisoner before him.

A Kitsune user.

The man with three fox like tails sat on the cold stone floor, his arms bound in Sea-Prism Chains, yet his face remained eerily calm. His golden eyes flickered with unreadable emotions, his body eerily still, as if conserving energy.

Leon stepped forward, his boots clicking against the stone. "You work for the Rip Crew, don't you?, whats the message you got for us from your captain?"

The Kitsune user said nothing.

Leon exhaled slowly, his patience already thinning. "You think keeping your mouth shut will help? I've dealt with pirates, spies, and bounty hunters. You're nothing new."

Still, no response.

Leon's fist clenched, but he forced himself to remain calm. "Alright. Let's see how long you last."

With a sharp nod, he signaled the guard. "Bring the irons."

The marine hesitated. "Sir… he heals too."

Leon's gaze darkened. So that's the trick.

He turned back to the prisoner. "Your body regenerates, huh? I bet it hurts every time, though." He cracked his knuckles. "Let's test the limits of that healing."

The next hour was brutal. Leon tried everything—fire, electricity, even Seastone-infused weapons. Each time, the Kitsune winced, his wounds deep and raw, but within minutes, they closed up as if nothing happened.

Leon exhaled, stepping back, wiping sweat from his brow. "You're not an ordinary blox Fruit user. Whatever this is… it's dangerous."

Before he could press further, a marine rushed in. "Vice Admiral Leon! The Hot and Cold Marines have arrived."

Leon turned, giving one last glance at the Kitsune. "I'll deal with you later."

Then he strode out, leaving the prisoner alone in the flickering torchlight, his golden eyes watching his every move.