The sea rocked gently beneath the stolen boat, its rhythm steady, almost soothing—like a heartbeat beneath the tension.

It had been hours since Senku’s group took Dr. Xeno hostage.

The decision had been brutal. Necessary. A fracture in the team that left friends behind in America, hearts heavy with sacrifice. But science demanded progress, and Senku had never been one to hesitate when the future was at stake.

Now, two groups moved forward on parallel paths.

One remained behind, building Corn City from the ashes of conflict. They worked alongside Xeno’s former allies, extracting alcohol from cultivated corn to create the mass depetrification fluid that could revive a million souls.

The other—your group—sailed toward South America.

Toward the origin of the petrification.

Toward answers.

Inside the cramped booth of the boat, you sat on a worn sofa beside Senku and Xeno. You’d only meant to bring them water. Just a small gesture. But then the conversation began—and you couldn’t leave.

The air buzzed with energy.

Formulas spilled from their mouths like poetry. Theorems. Hypotheses. Calculations so complex they seemed to shimmer in the air, invisible threads weaving between them. Senku’s voice was sharp, fast, electric. Xeno’s was colder, more deliberate, but no less brilliant.

You tried to follow.

You really did.

But somewhere between quantum resonance and magnetic field decay, you lost the thread.

And so you sat quietly, watching them.

Two minds—disciple and master—locked in a dance of intellect. The tension between them was palpable, but so was the respect. They spoke in a language few could understand, and yet… it was beautiful.

Outside, the ocean stretched endlessly.

Behind you, Stanley Snyder chased with fury and precision.

Ahead, the truth waited in the heart of South America.

And here, in this small booth, you watched the future take shape—not with weapons or war, but with words, numbers, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.

You didn’t speak.

You didn’t need to.

Because in this moment, you were part of something bigger than yourself.

And that was enough.