Kadan Island is located on the border of the Land of Water, nearly a hundred kilometers away from the central island. Under favorable winds, it usually takes less than eight hours to reach from the central island by a three-masted ship.
However, perhaps due to the recent rain, the sea was calmer than usual. After almost ten hours at sea, Shimizu Akihiro and others finally arrived at the entrance of Kadan Island. It was nearing dusk, with the setting sun casting a warm glow on the scene. Sparse fishermen were tidying up their tools, concluding a day's work.
"Is this Kadan Island?" asked Kitano Ichiro, leading the samurai to disembark.
Shimizu Akihiro, accompanied by Vergo carrying bamboo and himself carrying the Great Grade Sword Shisui, stepped off the boat with a smile. As the newly appointed ruler of Kadan Island from the Shimizu family, they were expected to have received advance notice.
However, belonging to the original ruling family of Kadan Island, the Hoshino family, not a soul was in sight to welcome him.
"Is this a show of strength? It's quite a childish tactic..." Shimizu Akihiro shook his head, seemingly unsurprised.
Land of Water, as an archipelago nation, despite vast territories, faced inconvenient maritime transport, resulting in limited communication between its islands. It was the weakest among the Five Great Nations in terms of control over its territories.
'If not for the presence of ninja villages, exerting absolute influence over the rulers, Land of Water would likely have fallen into chaos long ago.'
Shimizu Akihiro noted the desolate harbor with a hint of amusement. As the ruler of Kadan Island, the Shimizu family should have notified the news well in advance.
"Your Highness, the carriage is ready. We should head to Icewood City," Kitano Ichiro respectfully informed.
Icewood is the largest city on the island and the main base of operation of the Hoshino family. It was the power center of Kadan Island. It was also where Shimizu Akihiro would assume control.
Shimizu Akihiro glanced at the bowed Kitano Ichiro, just as he was about to say something, suddenly a notification rang out:
[Ding! Detected island diameter exceeds ten kilometers, It meets naval base construction requirements, side mission completed!]
[Ding! Congratulations host, on obtaining following rewards
(Navy Standard Base Building x1)
(Navy Standard Light Warship x1)
(Navy Standard Naval Battle Unit x1!)]
[Ding! Naval market mechanism activated. Host can now purchase military resources by spending Ryo!]
[Ding! Naval reputation mechanism activated. Host can gain reputation by increasing naval influence, and reputation can be used to exchange for *World Conscription Orders*!]
[Ding! Naval special building mechanism activated. Host can construct various naval special buildings!]
[Ding! Triggering side mission: end the internal strife on Kadan Island, reward (Devil Fruit!)]
A series of system prompts echoed in Shimizu Akihiro's mind. He smiled, turning to look at the distant sea as a vibrant sunset bathed the horizon.
"Hmm?" Vergo, who had been silent all this time, raised his head.
Kitano Ichiro and the samurai followed Shimizu Akihiro's gaze, not particularly concerned. For the Land of Water surrounded by the sea, the appearance of a ship on the ocean was quite normal.
"Your Highness, if we don't depart for Icewood City soon, it will be dark," Kitano Ichiro hesitated, reminding his lord in a low voice.
Shimizu Akihiro waved his hand without looking back, continuing to gaze at the distant sea.
As time passed, the appearance of the ship finally caught the eyes of Shimizu Akihiro and the others. A blue-hulled warship with a fortress cannon gleaming on the bow, rows of intimidating cannons on the sides, and the distinctive symbol of the navy fluttering in the sea breeze.
Almost unnoticed, the fishermen still at the entrance were drawn to the scene. The warship nearly two hundred meters long, slowly approached the port.
The anchor dropped, and a stairway lowered from the ship. Marines in navy uniforms, armed with rifles or long swords, descended in formation, filling almost half of the alley.
Finally, a naval officer approached Shimizu Akihiro. He wore a "Justice" cloak, a helmet with a long, flowing purple plume on the top , and a long sword at his waist. He was tall with a pale and skeletal face, he resembled a zombie emerging from a grave.
"Navy Headquarters Captain, T Bone, greets Your Highness!"
T Bone knelt down on one knee, right hand holding the sword, and declared loudly.
Ding!
In a timely manner, a system panel appeared in front of Shimizu Akihiro.
Unit Type: Navy Standard Naval Battle Unit
Commander: Navy Headquarters Captain, 'Ship Cutter' T Bone
Total count: 813
Composition:
Ordinary Marines x800
Navy Ensigns x10
Navy Lieutenant Commanders x2
Navy Captain x1
Expertise: Long-range maritime operations,operations and frontal assault operations
------------------
Translator's Notes: As I'm a man of my words, we shall enjoy 2 bonus chapters today as the goal of 100 Power Stones is complete.
Within next 2 hours, I shall release the bonus chapters as well so stay tuned :)