The roaring sound of the uphill current reached a deafening crescendo as the boat shot out of the canal and into the open air. For a split second, they were flying.
"Brace yourselves!" Silas shouted.
The boat slammed back into the water with a massive splash. But as the mist cleared, a wall of dark, leathery skin rose before them, blocking the entire horizon.
[Warning: Massive Soul Presence detected!]
[Target: Laboon the Island Whale.]
[Soul Quality: Oceanic (Immense).]
"What... is that?" Kai whispered, his neck craning upward. It wasn't a mountain. It was a creature so large it defied logic.
Suddenly, a loud THUD echoed. A small hatch opened on the side of the whale, and a man with hair shaped like a flower stepped out onto a small wooden chair, calmly reading a newspaper.
"You're making a lot of noise," the old man said, not even looking up. "I'm trying to enjoy my tea."
[System Scan: Crocus, Doctor and Gatekeeper.]
[Soul Grade: Gold (Legendary/Retired).]
Kai stepped forward, his heart hammering against his ribs. To see a Gold-grade soul up close was overwhelming. It was like looking at a dying star—dimmed by age but still incredibly dense with power.
"We seek entry to the Grand Line, Elder," Kai said, bowing slightly.
Crocus looked over his newspaper, his eyes sharp. "The Grand Line? Many fools come here thinking it's a playground. Most end up inside Laboon's stomach. Why should you be any different?"
[New Quest: Convince the Gatekeeper.]
[System Suggestion: Do not use force. A Gold-grade soul cannot be traded by a Level 3 Trader.]
"I'm not like the others," Kai said, his eyes glowing with a faint golden light. "I don't just want fame. I'm here to collect the stories of this sea... and maybe, just maybe, help a lonely whale find what he's looking for."
Crocus froze. He lowered his paper, looking at Kai with genuine curiosity. "You can see it, can't you? The sadness in his spirit."
"I see everything," Kai replied.