This was a rather lovely riverside spot. A mountain stream flowed nearby, its gentle murmur refreshing to the soul. Low shrubs lined the bank, dotted with a few nameless wildflowers. Beyond stretched vast woodlands… where birdsong occasionally drifted through the air…

A soft breeze brushed across Sasha’s still-dazed face. Heaven only knew what horrors this child had endured. A wounded heart couldn’t heal overnight—and neither could her body…

*No. If I take her back to the ship now, could she even withstand the biting sea wind?* Even gear enchanted to shield against harsh weather pulsed with energy strong enough to kill her instantly. She was far too frail. Her body needed careful mending first.

Pipe kept trying to help Sasha recover bit by bit… but… he’d never raised a child before. He’d just been a single otaku back then. Never even had a girlfriend. Damn it… what to do?

Villagers had already washed her body for a handful of gold coins. Bai had used healing magic to tend her wounds—though Pipe had wanted to use a Healing Scroll. Bai stopped him. People here in the Kingdom rarely encountered magic. Their bodies simply couldn’t handle its intensity. An Imperial magic scroll might kill her with its power surge before it could heal her.

He’d cut away her matted hair. Now dressed in simple, clean cloth bought from the village, Sasha sat quietly. Aside from her sunken cheeks and vacant stare, she resembled her sister Sally—eight parts alike. Chestnut-brown hair, delicate features, slightly large ears (which longer hair would soon hide). She’d grow into a beauty, especially with those sapphire-blue eyes. Though dull now, Pipe was determined to make them shine with laughter again.

Rustling. Someone emerged from the bushes—Bai.

He walked over and pulled items from his spatial storage. *Such a convenient skill…*

Roasted meat. Grilled fish. Plump, fragrant fruits. Rice balls. Delicate pastries… He arranged them on a white cloth like a picnic spread. Yet… Sasha only stared at the food. Though it smelled delicious, she didn’t reach for anything. She just gazed blankly at the dishes, occasionally glancing at Pipe and Bai with confusion.

"Sasha, come… this tastes good… you need nourishment… eat…"

Pipe held out a piece of roasted meat. Sasha flinched, scrambling backward.

"Strong as you are… you lack basic sense."

Bai crossed his arms, watching.

"Then… how do I get her to eat?"

"Give meat to someone who’s never tasted it? Of course she’ll fear it’s poison."

"......"

Bai removed his face covering. Beneath lay a strikingly handsome face—sharp features marked with mysterious tattoos. Religious symbols? Runes? They trailed from his cheeks down his neck. *So that’s why he always wore a mask…* Pipe bit back his curiosity. Those tattoos clearly pained him. Why else hide them?

Bai approached, gently tearing the meat into small pieces. He ate one slowly in front of Sasha.

"Mmm! Delicious…"

He ate a few more pieces—his voice grating, his acting stiff—but he tried earnestly. Pipe felt a swell of gratitude.

After demonstrating, Bai placed a few meat shreds on a small plate and slid it toward Sasha. He met her eyes, encouraging her.

Sasha’s dull gaze flickered. She reached out a tiny hand, snatching a piece while watching their reactions—bracing for the whip or rough hands she expected. But no punishment came. Only their steady gazes… and a strange, unfamiliar warmth. After testing the air a few times, she lifted a piece to her eyes… then looked up at Bai and Pipe again.

Pipe had never waited so intently for anything. Slowly… Sasha placed the meat in her mouth. Chewed. Took another piece. And another… Her pace quickened. Then another… until she was wolfing it down—choking.

"Easy… easy now…"

Pipe patted her back, placing a cup of purple juice before her.

Two days passed. Trust began to form. Bai guided her through meals and washing, weaving healing magic into her body without chants—white motes fluttering like birds into her skin. When Sasha grew tired, Pipe told stories until she slept. A week later, her frail frame showed new vitality.

"How do we make her speak?"

"She swallowed alchemical potions fused with curses. My magic mends wounds, not this. Hey… where are you going?"

"I’ll drag an alchemist back here. Force him to make the antidote."

"Foolish. Do you think they’d create antidotes for children like her? Or that she even *needs* one?"

"Damn it…"

Days later, Sasha’s sunken cheeks plumped with rosy health. Her pale skin glowed with warmth. Though her eyes still held shadows, they now flickered with simple human reactions—pointing at a butterfly, a chirping bird… then looking at Pipe with pleading eyes.

He couldn’t resist that gaze. In a flash, he’d catch whatever she wanted—a rabbit, a squirrel, a flower—and place it in her hands. Then… he received her first smile. Just a crinkle at the corners of her eyes, a faint tremble of her lips. But Pipe knew it was a smile. Unable to answer with words, he’d gently pat her head. Surprisingly, this silent language worked. Half a month slipped by in these quiet exchanges.

Next came training. Trips to nearby villages and towns. At first, Sasha would panic, clutching Pipe’s leg and hiding in his crimson coat. He’d crouch, stroke her hair… then take her small hand and shape it into a fist. He’d make his own fist and press it to his chest.

"Be brave… I’ll give you the noblest lineage. That was your sister’s wish… so stay strong."

"......"

Bai watched the pair, shaking his head. Then he blinked in surprise as Sasha stepped out from Pipe’s coat. Fear and tension warred in her eyes—but she took that first step forward. Bai’s eyes narrowed, then softened. He gave a small nod and followed.

Villagers stared at the odd trio: a small girl leading the way, trailed by a white-robed, masked swordsman (his white longsword at his hip gave him away), and a stern, crimson-coated man who looked every inch a ship captain. In this theocracy, nobles kept low profiles—so whispers swirled about the girl’s identity.

Curiosity drew some. Fools drew others.

Like the fat, haughty priest in ornate robes who strode up to scold their "ostentatious" behavior—asserting his local authority. At the sight of his robes, Sasha burst into terrified sobs. The two men behind her moved as one: one drawing a longsword… the other a curved blade…

Minutes later, a dozen brutish lackeys lay crippled. The priest—now pig-headed and stripped to a tattered loincloth—was strung up on the city’s highest spire in a crucified pose.

"Kind of… martyr-like, isn’t it?"

"Back home, a god named Jesus died like that. They say he sacrificed himself to save humanity."

"...No god would die for insignificant humans. Lies."

"Maybe. But priests back home weren’t this repulsive."

Bai’s eyes burned with old hatred—until Sasha tugged his sleeve. His fury vanished. He knelt, lifting her onto his shoulder.

Days flew by. Sasha and Bai grew brighter. Their bond deepened… so when Bai’s restlessness surfaced, Pipe and Sasha understood. He would leave. By silent agreement, no one spoke of parting. They kept wandering, laughing… and Pipe’s own stress from this strange world eased.

"...What now? Take her back to your homeland?"

"Home? I don’t even know how to return… But I’ll fulfill her sister’s wish. I’ll make her someone of the highest standing."

This joyful wandering lasted a month—until Bai announced his departure.

"Won’t you come with us?"

"No… I have unfinished business. Something that must end."

Sasha tugged his sleeve again. This time, he didn’t yield. Guilt flickered in his eyes. From his storage, he pulled a delicate bracelet and fastened it around her wrist.

"Sasha… when my task is done, I’ll find you. This is our promise…"

"...Ah… ah ah…"

She threw her arms around his neck. A tight, wordless hug. Then she pulled back—reluctant but obedient—and returned to Pipe’s side. He comforted her with a soft pat on the head.

They parted there. Bai turned away without looking back. His figure vanished into the trees…

Only Pipe and Sasha remained. The tall man and the small girl stood for a long, long time. Finally, Pipe squeezed her shoulder, lifting her onto his own shoulder.

"Let’s go home."

"Ah… ah ah…"

---

Off the Kingdom’s outer coast, a fog-shrouded sea held a monstrous Ghost Ship. Eerie spirits and skeletons scurried across its decks…

Beneath the waves, merrow patrols glided. In the abyss, colossal tentacled leviathans and Sirens lurked—driving even large fish far from these waters.

Above, skeletal seagulls—bones glowing with ghostly fire—flapped onto the towering masts.

"It’s been days! Where is that Pipe Captain?!"

Captain Pipe still hasn't returned! No, I must go find him!"

Greenland grabbed his sniper rifle to leave, but Faglas blocked his path.

"Sir Greenland... Captain Pipe ordered us to stay here."

"But I can't wait any longer! What if the Captain's in trouble while we lounge around safe and sound? How can I—how can I bear this?"

"I can't take it either..."

Silver Lock stepped beside Greenland.

"Though it may seem like disobeying orders... I believe we must send someone to search for the Captain."

"H-He'll be fine... I believe in Captain Pipe..."

Golden Key stammered timidly.

"Tch... I trust someone as formidable as the Captain wouldn't fall to mere humans. But still—"

"Greenland. Stay put."

Purames spoke from his chair.

"Tch..."

Lil V and Del Sira watched the elders, utterly lost.

Suddenly—a powerful, familiar presence washed over them all. Heads snapped upward as a shadow descended.

Captain Pipe stood before them, his skull face restored... with a little girl perched bravely on his shoulder. She stared shyly at these strange beings, unafraid. She knew the mighty one beneath her would protect her. Clinging to Pipe's skull, she faced the unfamiliar crowd with quiet courage.

"Your subordinates welcome your return, Captain!"

"Welcome back, Captain!"

All dropped to their knees.

"Hmm... Good work. Rise."

"Yes, sir!"

Pipe set Sasha down and led her to his chair on the deck, keeping her close at his side.

Purames stole a glance at Sasha. She wore a miniature version of Pipe's outfit: a smaller crimson coat, a tiny peaked cap, a crisp white shirt beneath a short skirt and thigh-high boots. Her light chestnut hair framed a delicate face. His eyes narrowed at the trinkets adorning her small hands—

The Seasonless Ring, shielding against bitter cold and scorching heat...

The Fatigue-Relieving Charm (originally for slaves, yet perfect for humans)...

The Guardian's Ring, deflecting mortal blows...

The Courage Band, steeling the spirit...

Priceless treasures to mortals. Useless to Pipe's undead crew.

"Well then, my crew... Your captain—I, Pipe—have returned."

Relief flooded every loyal face.

"Now, I have announcements."

Pipe gestured to Sasha.

"This is Sasha, Sally's younger sister. I grant her sanctuary under Reaper's Scythe. Her protection is now our highest priority."

"Your will be done, Captain!"

"Hmm... I appoint Sasha as our External Affairs Director. Purames—send Scarface and his lieutenants to pledge loyalty to their new master later."

"At once, sir!"

"No rush. Lil V, Del Sira—you two guard Sasha. Should harm come to her—"

The pair knelt before Pipe, one knee bent.

"We will not fail... Hail Princess Sasha."

*Princess?* Gulping, they accepted the title.

"Faglas—you handle Sasha's meals and daily needs. Silver Lock, Golden Key—teach her human customs and essential knowledge."

"Understood, Captain. You have my word."

"Yes, sir!"

Faglas and the cannon twins bowed.

"Purames—you'll instruct Sasha in governance. Equip her to lead our external operations. I expect great things for Reaper's Scythe through her."

Purames bowed deeply, eyes gleaming strangely.

"I understand your vision perfectly, sir... I'll raise her as my own daughter. You won't be disappointed."

"Ahem... Excellent. That concludes this matter. Reports?"

Purames presented a sea chart and documents.

"Intelligence shows the three nations' clashes this past month..."

Duke Kein's White Dragon Fleet drove the Kingdom's navy back into ducal waters with crushing force. But army blunders forced naval troops to withdraw for land support. Now both sides are deadlocked. Her Majesty the Empress, exhausted, lies gravely ill. Imperial ministers bicker over naming a successor. Meanwhile, Archduke Fire Eagle collapsed from war stress.

"...Both rulers falling ill simultaneously? No coincidence."

"Indeed. We're investigating. But all three nations still muster vast armies—and secretly gather hidden forces..."

"...Hidden forces?"

"Humans with special abilities. A perfect opportunity. Let them cripple each other. Then we eliminate the remnants. With your power, sir, we could raise the fallen soldiers as undead. If half of a million become our army..." Purames' eyes burned with ambition. "We'd sweep across these lands, purge resisters, and unify the continent. Then—breed humans as livestock. Their endless births fuel endless undead legions. We'll devour neighboring nations. World domination is inevitable."

*Flawless plan... but reckless.* Pipe knew as a novelist-turned-pirate: such moves would expose him. The world held unknown threats—humans who could slay gods. Take Bai, for instance. Pipe still couldn't gauge his strength. Without Sasha's bond, he might have challenged or eliminated that threat. But camaraderie had grown. *One step at a time...*

"Purames, your plan has merit. But... deeper thought is needed. Breeding humans *is* efficient. Yet it declares war on the world. Our strength crushes any foe today... but what I seek is—"

*How to explain?* Admit he wanted coexistence? His non-human crew would misunderstand. But Purames' path would draw heroes to slay him. *Even ants can kill an elephant... and not all are ants.*

"Sir... forgive my blindness. I finally grasp your vision..."

"Hmm... You understand. Dismissed. Sasha—let me show you your new home."

Grabbing Sasha's hand, Pipe activated his teleport ring and vanished into the cabin. *Phew... Whatever happens, happens.*

"Purames, what did Captain Pipe mean? Your plan was perfect! Humans deserve that fate!"

"Greenland... we were fools. The Captain's wisdom... his ambition..." Purames gazed dreamily at Pipe's empty chair, cheeks flushed. "He seeks... *all under heaven*."

"*All under heaven?!*"

"*All under heaven...*"

"...Fitting for his stature."

"How incredible... to serve such a master!"