Chapter 200 — The Three Leaders Depart
S.C. 1512 — Early Summer
Hidden Island — Meridian Dockyard
The sea breeze swept across the newly built dockyard, carrying the smell of oil, timber, and warm sunlight. Three large merchant ships floated beside the docks—Meridian's first true fleet.
New Dawn.
Silver Moon.
And the stealth vessel for future Crimson Hand operations.
For the first time, all three division leaders stood side by side on the dock:
Kiro, sharp-eyed, confident, dressed in the dark blue coat of New Dawn's Commander.
Mira, calm and composed, silver half-cape fluttering over her left shoulder—the official mark of Silver Moon Leader.
Leo, recently enhanced, bright-eyed, carrying maps and signal tools, serving as Ren's field analyst for coordination.
Hundreds of refugees and workers watched from the shore.
Ren stepped forward.
Zemo at his feet.
Bram at Mira's side.
Mira's new wolf aura almost visible in the way she stood—focused, calculating, predatory.
Kiro carried the posture of a rising commander, coat draped over one shoulder.
The moment was symbolic.
For the first time since the island was built—
Meridian Group was splitting into multiple missions at once.
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1. Ren's Final Instructions
Ren looked at the three leaders.
"You all know your routes. You know the risks. You know your responsibilities."
Kiro smirked slightly.
"You're worrying too much."
Ren ignored him.
"Mira. Your team is the backbone of our economic expansion.
Secure fruit contracts, salt routes, and industrial distribution. If a village struggles, help quietly."
Mira nodded with absolute calm.
"I will bring back long-term partners."
Ren turned to Kiro.
"Kiro. New Dawn isn't just selling wine and luxury goods.
You must judge the nobles, the wealthy buyers… and the enemies who smile too much."
Kiro placed a hand over his heart.
"Our division oath stands.
Bright sails, sharp minds, clean hands."
Ren allowed a breath of approval.
He then looked at Leo.
"Leonard."
Leo straightened instantly.
"You'll coordinate communication between divisions from the sea.
Your vision is now too valuable. Only send urgent intelligence."
Leo saluted.
"Yes, Boss."
Ren scanned their faces.
"Your combined choices in the next months will shape the entire East Blue.
Move smart.
Trade fairly.
And never underestimate quiet threats."
Zemo barked once in agreement.
---
2. Blessing of the Island
Makino approached holding a basket of small cloth pouches.
"What are these?" Leo asked.
"Protective charms," Makino said. "Made by the kids. For safety and luck."
Kiro blinked.
"Charms?"
Mira accepted hers first, bowing slightly.
"We'll carry them."
Leo smiled warmly.
"Makino… thank you."
Makino looked at Ren.
"You take care too. Don't overwork yourself while they're away."
Ren raised an eyebrow.
"I don't overwork."
"Ren," Makino said sternly.
"...Sometimes," he corrected.
Zemo barked in betrayal.
Mira smirked.
Kiro snorted.
---
3. Last-Minute Adjustments
Bram rushed over carrying crates.
"Boss! Extra ammunition, spare tools, dried meat, and the new smoke signal flares."
Mira inspected the crates.
"Well-prepared."
Kiro tossed one flare into the air and caught it.
"These burn bright enough for ships ten kilometers away to see?"
"Yes," Ren said. "Tested yesterday."
Kiro grinned.
"Perfect."
Leo secured the navigation tools onto his belt.
Mira tightened her gloves.
Kiro crackled his knuckles.
The dock grew silent.
Everyone ready.
---
4. Departure
Ren stepped back.
"Go."
Mira boarded Silver Moon first.
Her people moved with disciplined precision—ropes tightened, sails opened, anchors lifted.
Kiro hopped aboard New Dawn with theatrical flair, coat sweeping behind him.
"Set the sails! Let's show East Blue what a real merchant fleet looks like!"
Leo joined the coordination ship last, setting his maps on the table and adjusting his falcon-enhanced vision to scan the horizon.
The horns sounded—deep, resonant.
HOOOOON—
Workers cheered.
Children waved cloth ribbons.
Makino watched with worried but proud eyes.
Ren stood still, hand resting on Zemo's head.
Three ships began pulling away from the dock.
Sails rising.
Crew shouting.
Waves breaking around their hulls.
Meridian Group…
was no longer just a hidden project.
It was now a force moving across the sea.
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5. Ren's Quiet Reaction
As the ships shrank toward the horizon, Zemo rubbed his head against Ren's hand.
Ren whispered:
"Grow strong out there.
Make allies.
Make connections.
Return safely."
His eyes sharpened.
"And bring me information."
Zemo wagged his tail.
Ren turned back toward the island.
Factories to expand.
Schools to build.
More animals to modify.
A future to prepare.
And though he didn't know it yet…
Somewhere far across the sea—
someone with red hair was drinking and laughing on a ship bound toward East Blue.
But that news was still far away…
fifteen chapters away.
For now—
Meridian Group had officially begun its march into the world.
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End of Chapter 200