[@Pacifista] [H2][CENTRE][color=fff200][b][ARC 2][/b][/color][/CENTRE][/H2] [H2][CENTRE][color=fff200][b]KUROZUMI HAKU[/b][/color][/CENTRE][/H2] As Peppermint held up her fists, expression focused, Burnet’s jaw dropped. Unable to perceive Haku’s haki, he feared that the prior test hadn’t quite established Peppermints upper limits. Even aside from their skirmishes, he’d seen the door to Tacet City that she’d deflected on her own. Worse yet, Burnet had been teaching Peppermint proper punching form, and while she was still a novice, she wasn’t without experience either. Without an ounce of malice behind it, her fist launched forward. [color=fff200][i]Here it comes.[/i][/color] Haku readied, and adjusted his balance to one side out of habit in taking hits. And outright felt his hand blasted to the sides so fast from impact that he rolled backwards into the ground twice to bleed off the momentum before rolling back to his feet. Burnet had shot up, and the onlookers gaped while Peppermint held up her hands, fearful. Haku’s eyes wide and shocked as he looked at Peppermint. Testing his hands by rapidly clutching and unclutching it revealed it was numb. He shared a glance to Burnet and realized just how strong she was. [color=fff200]“Apologies, I took it lightly.”[/color] Dropping all previously held notions, he took it much more seriously as he took a lower stance and hands raised, haki coating his arms fully. [color=fff200]“Please, continue.”[/color] Haku quietly said, much more prepared this time. Peppermint raised her fists, but they trembled lightly, but then she met Haku’s eyes, taking in his resolve and gaining her own. Planting her feet, she gave another blow. This time, he shifted in tandem at the point of blow. Absorbing all the blow and dispersing it. Yet he can still feel the impact down to his bones, experience and intuition allowing him to start taking most blows. On and on, he took it until he finally called it. [color=fff200]“Alright, I understand now.”[/color] He shook both hands, feeling slightly numb in his arms. Feeling sweat falling down his forehead. [color=fff200]“I can see the potential, she’s certainly above average.”[/color] A look of befuddlement crossed Burnet’s face before fading. For Wano standards, even he wasn’t that strong at her age. If she was to become a marine, it’ll be a great way for her to reach her potential. [color=fff200]“Captain Cadog will like to see her, she might even be sent to Central and trained there.”[/color] He added, more for Burnet than Peppermint. [color=fff200]“But she’ll be going alone.”[/color] A mix of emotions passed over Peppermint’s face. Joy, anxiety, excitement, fear, sadness. As she processed, there was an outcry from the sidelines. “What?” “She’s gonna leave?” “I don’t [i]want[/i] Peppermint to leave!” Cassia began to cry but Burnet raised a hand, silencing them (mostly). Putting a hand on Peppermint’s shoulder, she started to calm down. [color=B3ADAB]“Hey! What’s happin-”[/color] came a voice from the path. Coriander stopped as she felt the gravity of the situation. “Glad to hear your opinion before we see Cadog. It’s a big decision though, so I hope you don’t mind a little wait before she makes her choice.” [color=fff200]“Of course, I understand.”[/color] He said before looking at Peppermint. [color=fff200]“I too, left my hometown behind. Far away.”[/color] [color=fff200]“It’s scary and lonely. And also asked to do things we’ll never like.”[/color] Haku continued before squatting down to Peppermint level, letting her know the reality of what she’ll face. Nevermind the rigorous training, chance of dying and immense dangers of the sea. [color=fff200]“But that’s the life of a Marine.”[/color] [color=fff200]“If you really want to become a Marine, you have time. Don’t worry, and just think on it. Mr. Burnet is more than willing to help.”[/color] He ended before patting her head gently before standing up. [color=fff200]“You’re a lot further than me at your age.”[/color] Peppermint had a pensive look, but gave a slow bow of her head. Haku gave Burnet one last nod before noticing Coriander standing there awkwardly, just the person he was looking for. [color=fff200]“Hey, Mr. Burnet wanted me to check Peppermint potential. She got plenty of it.”[/color] He laughed before showing his hand before moving alongside her. [color=fff200]“But the rest is up to her.”[/color] [color=fff200]“And…How are you?”[/color] Haku asked, this one being more personal. Coriander looked back to the others, Peppermint going back to the other kids, before turning her focus on Haku. [color=B3ADAB]“Everything’s calmed down now that the storm is gone, so I’ve been good.”[/color] Bowing her stance slightly, she bounced a few steps to the side, shifting her stance a bit so that she was facing away from everyone but Haku. A bright smile beamed from her face. She mouthed the words, but no sound came out. [color=B3ADAB]Thanks. To. You.[/color] Leaving it at that, she gave another grin before bounding off, a spring in her step. [color=fff200]“...Very well.”[/color] Haku said with his own bow. [color=fff200]“We’ll be departing soon.”[/color] He looked at Coriander for a long moment, feeling a slight tug on his heart. A moment of hesitation came as he dragged his feet but continued onwards away. His eyes also lingered on Peppermint and patted her head before leaving. Hands waving at the children without turning his back. [color=fff200]“Do your best.”[/color] So that’s how people with childhood friends are. His mind searched back for someone liked that before reaching a blank. Right, he was the direct family and heir. Only servants and warriors was assigned to look after him. Back then, he was fine with it but now… [color=fff200][i]It was so precious.[/i][/color] He shared one last look with Mr. Burnet and nodded. [color=fff200]“Stay safe and thank you.”[/color] The journey back didn’t take long, and after passing the items to the quartermaster alongside all requested item. Their ship, Kirin, unfurl itself and readied for its sail. “Alright you sea dogs! Set course and full speed!” “Aye captain!” As one, the crew roared as Haku moved along everyone to catch the wind in their sails. A pleasant after the storm passed. Even as he held down everything in place. His eyes went to look at the Island, hoping to catch her once more. [color=fff200][i]For everything. [/i][/color] The Kirin cut through the seas, sending the waves splashing back as its crew moved to the next destination.