As the Breaking Sky slowly docked at Lungan, the largest port in Peach Garden, Rolan led Issho and the others carefully off the ship.
Originally, Rolan had intended to show Issho around Peach Garden personally, but Issho insisted he wanted to experience the world with his own senses. Rolan did not object. He understood that Issho wished to observe Peach Garden objectively, to truly experience life across the territory.
With a nod and a subtle smile, Rolan parted from them, taking the women along as he left.
Issho stepped onto the bustling streets, his eyelids flicking ever so slightly. Using his Observation Haki, he sensed the vibrant life around him — merchants calling out, townsfolk going about their errands, the hum of a city in full swing. Though he could not see with his eyes, he could feel the energy of Peach Garden.
Tap-tap, tap-tap.
Issho's sword, serving as a cane, tapped the pavement rhythmically as he walked slowly, absorbing every detail of the city.
"Hello, sir, is there anything I can help you with?" A guard's voice reached him through his Haki, filled with concern.
Issho froze briefly. People rarely approached him this way. Most ignored him, treated him as a passerby. On many islands, he had even been met with disdain for appearing blind. This consideration was unusual.
"I see," Issho murmured, recalling his experiences traveling through countless islands. "I can find my way, young man. Do not worry."
The guard nodded, accepting his answer. "Then please be careful, sir. If you need anything, just ask."
Issho smiled faintly, continuing onward. After a short while, he noticed something curious — the streets were strangely devoid of children.
Before he could ponder further, a lively group of schoolchildren appeared, rushing through a large gate as if engaged in a special event.
"Oh my!"
A little girl carrying a schoolbag accidentally bumped into Issho's leg. "I'm sorry, sir! Are you alright?"
Issho smiled softly. "I'm fine. Did I hurt you?"
The girl looked up, her brow furrowed in concern as she noticed his scarred eyes. "Sir, are your eyes injured? Where are you headed? Let me help."
Soon, other children approached, eager to assist. "Yes, sir, let us help you. Where are you going? It would be difficult if you can't see, so we'll guide you."
Curious about their activity, Issho allowed them to lead him. "Then I'll trouble you. I'd like to go to the nearest noodle shop."
A boy on his right took his hand, while another walked ahead, alerting him to every step. "Slow down, there are steps here," one warned. "Be careful here," another added.
Issho felt warmth in those small hands, a rare sensation in his life. Children had typically kept their distance from him, never daring to approach.
"By the way," he asked gently to the little girl, "were you all doing some kind of group activity?"
The girl tilted her head, smiling. "Don't you know? This is just the time we get out of school."
"Get out of school?" Issho repeated. The phrase was unfamiliar to him, yet the way the children spoke suggested it was common knowledge among them.
"How does it work?" he asked.
"We all go to school," the girl replied. "Everyone here starts at four years old."
Issho's brow furrowed. "And what do you learn?"
"Many things," the girl explained. "History, literature, art, combat skills, and more. All of it is guided by King Rolan's rules."
Issho paused, impressed. This Rolan was orchestrating a grand vision indeed. With such careful planning, Peach Garden's prosperity was guaranteed. Surpassing the World Government seemed not only possible but inevitable.
"Here we are, sir. Be careful with the steps," the girl said, leading him to a small noodle shop.
"Thank you, little friends," Issho said as they helped him to a seat.
"Goodbye, sir!" the children called as they departed.
Issho turned his head, trying to catch a glimpse of them. His Haki subtly revealed their presence, and a faint smile touched his lips.
"Hello, what would you like to eat?" A middle-aged woman's voice came from the counter.
Issho focused his senses. "A bowl of ramen, please."
"Right away," she replied, disappearing into the kitchen.
"Old Wang, make a ramen with plenty of ingredients," a man's voice called from the back.
"Got it, Jinlian. How is our daughter at school?"
"She'll return tomorrow for vacation. You just focus on your work. School is the safest place in Peach Garden," Jinlian replied casually.
The conversation drifted into Issho's awareness, unnoticed by the couple. Though not eavesdropping, he absorbed the harmony of their lives. A peaceful, ordinary scene — one he had rarely experienced.
The woman soon placed a steaming bowl of ramen before him. "Your ramen, sir."
Issho blinked, refocusing. "Thank you," he said.
After finishing, Issho stepped back onto the street. Sunlight bathed him warmly as he watched a guard assist an elderly woman across a section of road under construction.
"Thank you so much, young man," the woman said, smiling gratefully.
"It's nothing, ma'am. It's what we should do," the guard replied.
For the first time in a long while, Issho felt the simple warmth of everyday life. The city, alive with people looking out for one another, filled him with an unfamiliar comfort.
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Milestone
100 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter
200 Power Stones = 3 Bonus Chapters