The three-day journey in Syrup Village had come to an end. Even after receiving 500 Travel Points, Kairo D. Arashi didn't leave immediately.
Because—
When Kaya's father learned that Kairo D. Arashi was about to depart for his next destination, he secretly funded the purchase of a large ship for him!
The ship had already been docked at Syrup Village's harbor. But since little Kaya thought it looked ugly, her father mobilized the entire village to renovate it.
After two days of work, the ship was completely transformed. It was fully equipped with all kinds of living supplies.
To show their gratitude, nearly every villager quietly placed their finest food and wine into the ship's storage hold—without Kairo D. Arashi even knowing!
Finally, they gave the ship a name—
Traveler.
With the ship completed, it was time for Kairo D. Arashi to leave.
After bidding farewell to each villager and making a small promise with Kaya, Kairo D. Arashi boarded the newly renovated ship.
"Mr. Kairo D. Arashi, have a safe journey!"
"Take care, Mr. Kairo D. Arashi! We'll miss you!"
"Mr. Kairo D. Arashi…"
As Kairo D. Arashi appeared on the deck, the villagers at the dock waved tearfully, reluctant to see him go.
Though they didn't want him to leave, they all understood—
A man who could even refuse a Vice Admiral's invitation would never stay in Syrup Village forever.
So the only thing they could do was give him the best possible ship—so he could rest comfortably when tired, and enjoy fine food and wine during his travels.
"Alright, everyone—go back!"
Standing on the deck, Kairo D. Arashi waved to the villagers. "This journey in Syrup Village has made me very happy. If fate allows, we'll meet again!"
After a brief pause, his gaze settled on Kaya at the front of the crowd. Smiling, he said, "Kaya, don't forget our promise!"
"Mhm!"
Tears shimmered in Kaya's eyes as she nodded firmly. "I won't forget, Mr. Kairo D. Arashi!"
Forcing a smile, she waved her small hand. "Goodbye, Mr. Kairo D. Arashi!"
"Mm. Goodbye."
Kairo D. Arashi nodded, then turned around decisively—
And set sail!
A true traveler must be able to leave without hesitation.
Indecision had never been part of his nature.
If it had been, he wouldn't have built a massive shared-economy empire from scratch in his previous life—nor would he have withdrawn at the peak and set off on a global journey.
Of course, what he didn't know was—
After he cashed out and left, the shared economy worldwide quickly declined, with countless companies collapsing one after another…
But that was no longer his concern.
Though he hadn't completed his global journey in his previous life, now—reborn in the world of pirates with a Traveler System—
His new adventure had truly begun.
...
Half a day later—
After enjoying the warmth and hospitality of Syrup Village, Kairo D. Arashi suddenly felt a bit… unaccustomed.
Traveling alone, no matter the world, was always lonely.
And Kairo D. Arashi was no exception.
"Let's find something fun to do."
He left the deck and entered the cabin. Seeing a wine cabinet filled with all kinds of fine wines and champagne, he paused for a moment—then smiled.
Pouring himself a glass of red wine, Kairo D. Arashi returned to the deck.
A few minutes later, he stood before the storage hold.
Looking at the neatly arranged food, wine, and water, he decided not to leave. Sitting on a crate, he casually opened one of the boxes.
Inside—
More carefully stored bottles of fine wine.
"Honestly… you all went too far with this."
Suddenly—
Kairo D. Arashi shifted his gaze toward a corner of the storage hold. A few fishing rods were neatly placed there.
His eyes lit up.
"Now this is thoughtful!"
Grabbing a fishing rod, he smiled. "Alright—today's activity is fishing!"
With that, Kairo D. Arashi walked back onto the deck and cast his line into the sea.
Splash…
Just as he finished casting—
A faint sound of something landing echoed behind him.
A figure had appeared on the deck.
"Hm?"
Kairo D. Arashi's eyes narrowed slightly.
He quickly scanned the surrounding sea—but there were no ships in sight.
No ships?
Did this guy… sneak aboard from Syrup Village?
Thinking this, Kairo D. Arashi didn't react immediately. He simply moved his chair to the edge of the deck and focused on fishing.
Then—
A small boat drifted into view, quietly floating beside the Traveler.
"I see…"
Now he understood.
At that moment—
A weak voice came from behind him.
"H-help… me…"
Before Kairo D. Arashi could respond—
The man collapsed onto the deck with a dull thud.