'Boom!'
A deafening explosion erupted directly from the werewolf pirate group's ship.
A massive surge of lightning tore through the hull, engulfing the vessel in a spectacular burst of thunder and flame it exploded violently, sending debris flying into the air. The impact was so intense that many residents in Water 7, even from a distance, caught sight of the electric arc illuminating the sky and began discussing it with surprise and unease.
It didn't take long.
Anilu casually returned to the Pandora Pirates' ship, flicking his wrist toward Rin. "All taken care of, boss."
"Hmm." Rin nodded with a slight smile, then turned to Casa. "Let's move. Full speed ahead."
"Understood." Casa acknowledged and accelerated the ship. The sleek vessel cut through the water and quickly approached the coast of Water 7.
Thanks to Rin's official status as one of the Shichibukai a privateer recognized by the World Government his crew could dock openly without fear of being pursued or detained by the Marines. It was one of the more pragmatic advantages of being a Warlord of the Sea.
As the ship docked at one of the bustling ports…
A sizable crowd had already gathered near the shore.
There was a specific reason for that: Iceburg, the esteemed mayor and president of Galley-La Company, was personally waiting at the docks to receive Rin.
The reason was obvious.
As a political figure and shipwright, Iceburg was well aware of the Shichibukai's sanctioned privileges the right to engage in piracy under government contract. He had no desire to see Water 7 plundered, especially not by someone who had just obliterated another pirate crew before reaching shore. The column of smoke at sea had not gone unnoticed.
That power could only belong to the Pandora Pirates.
With no other choice, Iceburg had come to offer greetings personally. A show of hospitality was preferable to provocation.
As Rin and his core group disembarked and stepped onto the docks
Iceburg approached with a composed expression and a forced smile. "Mr. Rin, welcome. I am Iceburg, the chief of this city. It's an honor to host a Shichibukai."
"Haha, no need for the formalities, Mr. Iceburg," Rin replied, matching the tone while understanding Iceburg's anxiety. "We've only come to have our ship modified nothing more."
Rin smiled knowingly and added, "Don't worry, we won't overstay our welcome. Once the ship's upgrades are done, we'll be gone."
"Of course, of course," Iceburg replied, visibly more relaxed.
Inwardly, he exhaled in relief.
He motioned for the group to follow.
Rin walked beside Iceburg, though his gaze occasionally drifted to several figures nearby, all blending in too well with the Galley-La employees.
They were, of course, CP9 Cipher Pol Number 9. At this time in the canon, CP9 agents such as Rob Lucci, Kaku, and Kalifa had successfully infiltrated Galley-La Company under Iceburg's trust, secretly searching for the Pluton blueprints.
"Interesting." Rin smirked to himself, recognizing their postures and silent mannerisms. He said nothing further.
As for the ancient weapon Pluton allegedly a battleship of unmatched destructive power, rumored to have been designed right here in Water 7 800 years ago Rin had little interest.
Unlike Spandam or the World Government, he wasn't obsessed with lost weapons. He wasn't naïve enough to believe in altruism, nor foolish enough to aid someone without gain. Interfering might earn the attention of the World Government, and Rin had no desire to be marked by them unnecessarily.
He didn't do charity.
Shortly after, the four of them were brought deeper into the city. Iceburg personally arranged for the best shipwrights from Galley-La to begin modifying the Pandora Pirates' ship seeking to expedite their departure as politely and swiftly as possible.
Rin, as expected, watched quietly from the sidelines, neither interfering nor commenting.
If this meant the modifications would be done faster, he was more than satisfied.
…
After exchanging pleasantries with Iceburg for some time, the mayor eventually excused himself. Even so, several observers remained discreetly posted around the hotel.
Among them was Rob Lucci CP9's strongest assassin.
Time passed quickly.
That evening, the four gathered for a late dinner.
Artoria took a sip of water, her golden hair catching the light, and glanced at Rin with a smile. "That Iceburg-san seems a bit nervous around us."
"Well, wouldn't you be?" Rin chuckled. "He's afraid we'll ransack the place. After all, we're legally allowed to plunder under Shichibukai privileges."
"True enough," Artoria nodded thoughtfully. Though the idea of robbing innocent civilians was distasteful to her, she understood Rin's nature well by now. He wasn't some mindless butcher.
He had his own code.
He wouldn't senselessly harm the innocent, nor did he crave needless destruction.
Their dinner was simple but warm.
However, just as they finished their meal, a knock suddenly echoed through the hotel room.
All four looked up, puzzled.
Casa stood and approached the door cautiously.
Opening it revealed three figures men Rin had seen before.
Rob Lucci, Kaku, and Blueno all members of CP9.
The trio walked in without hesitation, their presence calm but assertive.
Lucci stopped in front of Rin, his expression blank and tone flat. "Mr. Rin, I'm Rob Lucci of CP9, an agent working under the World Government. We are currently conducting a top-secret mission here in Water 7. For the sake of that mission, we formally request that you leave the island by tomorrow."
"Oh?"
Rin raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly. A glint of mockery flashed through his gaze, though he remained seated.
Anilu, Casa, and Artoria didn't move either, but their eyes subtly sharpened.
Rin leisurely took another bite of his food, chewing slowly before replying. "And what if I choose not to comply?"
Lucci's eyes narrowed coldly. "Then we will remove you by force even if you are one of the Shichibukai."
That statement alone sent a chill through the air.
Rin's expression darkened. "Ridiculous."
He raised his right hand, waving it slightly. The message was clear.
Casa and Anilu moved instantly.
With a 'whoosh', Casa vanished from his spot, using the Mad Bull Fruit's amplified physical speed to appear directly behind Kaku.
Without hesitation, he launched a vicious blow to Kaku's spine.
Sensing the attack just in time, Kaku growled, "Tekkai!"
But the iron-hard body technique, a core part of CP9's Rokushiki, could not fully absorb the immense strength from Casa whose strength was enhanced tenfold by his Zoan Devil Fruit.
'Boom!'
Kaku was sent flying, crashing into the floor with a sickening crunch. Blood sprayed from his mouth on impact.
Bruno's eyes widened in alarm. With a shout, he launched a Shigan aimed at Casa's skull.
But before he could strike
Artoria's calm voice rang out like a blade of ice.
"I'd suggest you not move any further."
Bruno froze.
A cold sensation crept across his neck Artoria had silently drawn her sword, its edge resting against his throat.
It was real.
And in that moment, Bruno understood.
She could kill him before he blinked.
————–_
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