The Forgotten Tide: Rebirth Before the Pirate Era

The days following Kaizen's confrontation with the pirate felt different. The village, once a quiet haven, now buzzed with cautious whispers. Though the people remained friendly, Kaizen sensed the change—a shift in the way eyes lingered a little longer on him, how conversations paused when he walked by.

Lio remained oblivious, his carefree nature undeterred. "You know, you could probably become a famous warrior or something," he joked one evening, tossing a pebble into the surf. "With moves like that, you'd be unstoppable."

Kaizen forced a smile, staring out at the horizon where the sun melted into the sea. "That's not what I want."

But fate had its own plans.

Rumors of the mysterious boy with unnatural strength spread beyond the village, reaching ears Kaizen wished had stayed deaf. One morning, as the mist still clung to the coastline, unfamiliar ships anchored offshore—sleek, black-hulled vessels marked with insignias Kaizen didn't recognize.

A detachment of men disembarked, clad in dark uniforms with crimson emblems stitched over their hearts. Their leader, a tall figure with cold, sharp eyes, approached the village square, flanked by soldiers.

"We seek the boy known as Kaizen," he announced, his voice carrying authority and menace. "By order of the Celestial Directorate, he is to come with us."

The villagers exchanged nervous glances. Lio stepped forward, defiant. "What do you want with him? He's just a kid!"

The man regarded Lio with thinly veiled disdain. "That is not your concern."

Kaizen stepped forward, heart pounding but face calm. "I am Kaizen."

The man's lips curled into a faint, cold smile. "You will come quietly, or we will take you by force."

Kaizen knew he couldn't endanger the village. "If I go, you leave them alone?"

The leader nodded. "Of course."

Lio grabbed Kaizen's arm. "Don't be stupid. You don't have to do this."

Kaizen met his friend's eyes. "I do."

Without another word, Kaizen followed the soldiers to their ship. The vessel was unlike any he had seen, its interior filled with strange machinery and cold, sterile corridors. They led him to a dimly lit chamber where the leader finally spoke.

"I am Commander Veyne of the Celestial Directorate. We know what you are."

Kaizen's fists clenched. "And what's that?"

Veyne studied him, eyes like daggers. "An anomaly. A relic of a forgotten time. Your power is unnatural, and we intend to understand it."

Kaizen didn't respond. There was no point.

Days passed in confinement, under constant observation. But they underestimated him. One night, when the guards grew complacent, Kaizen made his move. His strength, sharpened by resolve and fury, shattered his restraints. He fought his way through the vessel, his abilities surging with an intensity even he didn't expect.

The ship erupted in chaos, alarms blaring. Kaizen made it to the deck, the open sea calling to him. Without hesitation, he dove into the dark waters, disappearing beneath the waves.

He drifted for hours, the current carrying him until exhaustion took over. When he awoke, he found himself aboard a small, weathered boat manned by an old sailor with a face carved by time and eyes that held stories untold.

"You've got the look of someone running from shadows," the man said, offering Kaizen water.

Kaizen accepted, his voice hoarse. "Maybe I am."

The old man chuckled softly. "The thing about shadows, lad… they only exist when there's light."

Kaizen gazed at the horizon, the sun rising anew, casting long shadows over the endless sea.

No more running, he thought. If my past won't leave me, then I'll face it head-on.