Chapter 53: Moving Forward
A gentle sea breeze swept across the deck, and silence fell over everyone present.
"What just happened?!"
"Ain was defeated instantly!"
Everyone, especially the members of the Pirate Guerrillas, rubbed their eyes as if they couldn't believe what they had just witnessed.
Among the Pirate Guerrillas, Ain was a true leader and one of the strongest fighters. Only Shuzo and Binz could rival her abilities.
Combined with her exceptional beauty and graceful figure, she was extremely well-known within Marine Headquarters. Her reputation was so high that even Momousagi's personal guards had heard of her.
"Brother Rhodes is incredibly powerful! No wonder he could defeat Eleanor."
"I thought he was just handsome, but I didn't expect him to be so strong. Ah, I'm smitten."
"Back off! Brother Rhodes is mine!"
The personal guards whispered among themselves, giggling and making playful comments.
"How did Miss Ain lose... was it just carelessness?"
Binz looked confused.
He was the user of the Mosa Mosa no Mi, which allowed him to accelerate plant growth and control vegetation in combat. The ability was somewhat similar to Wood Release techniques, but far less powerful, and he was often scolded by Ain for his shortcomings.
"No, this young man is simply too strong!"
Shuzo's expression grew serious. As a master of Taijutsu with exceptional observational skills, he had seen more than Binz during the brief exchange.
In that lightning-fast confrontation, Ain had been completely unable to keep up and was instantly defeated and restrained. While carelessness certainly played a role, in a real battle, she likely wouldn't have lasted more than a few exchanges.
On the upper deck, Zephyr and Momousagi had appeared at some point and observed the entire confrontation below.
"It seems you have an exceptional student."
Zephyr's eyes were profound, as if recalling distant memories.
A hint of satisfaction flickered in Momousagi's eyes, but she replied nonchalantly, "He's still far from reaching his potential."
"Impressive! Even Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Borsalino were only about this level back then, perhaps even slightly weaker. Of course, those three possessed incredibly powerful Logia-type Devil Fruits."
Zephyr shook his head slightly. His discerning eye was truly remarkable—considered unparalleled in the pirate world for cultivating and discovering new talent. He could easily assess a person's potential and future from the smallest details.
"Without becoming a Great Swordsman, without taking that crucial step, no matter how great his current potential appears, it's still limited." Momousagi's insight ran deep.
During this Great Age of Piracy, every year brought forth exceptionally gifted Supernovas—powerful Devil Fruit users, masters of dual-type Haki, and countless skilled swordsmen.
However, among these individuals, those who ultimately achieved anything approaching the pinnacle, let alone reaching it, were extraordinarily rare—even reaching the level below the peak, like Heavenly Yaksha Doflamingo, was uncommon.
Zephyr remained silent, because Momousagi was absolutely right.
Those who reach the pinnacle of power become legends remembered by the seas, and only a select few appear in each era.
...
With two massive warships at their disposal, as long as they didn't forcibly enter Yonko territories, they were as stable as fortresses.
Sailing at full speed, they soon reached the waters near their target.
The pirate crew Rhodes and his companions were targeting was known as the Devil Pirates.
Captain Spark had been a Supernova ten years ago, causing chaos throughout the New World with a series of incidents and earning a bounty of 340 million berries.
Later, due to unknown circumstances, he ceased his pirating activities and instead established a criminal empire in the lawless zones on the fringes of Yonko territories, engaging in drug trafficking, slave trading, and arms dealing.
Through various intelligence sources, Zephyr had discovered Spark's stronghold and decided to launch an assault to eliminate them. Fearing potential casualties among his men, he had requested Momousagi's assistance.
At that moment, aboard the warship, Rhodes and his companions looked ahead and could already make out the outline of an island in the distance.
"After the warship docks, Ain, you and Rhodes will quickly storm the island and eliminate the enemy leadership. The remaining Marines, led by Adjutant Eleanor, will advance steadily and eliminate any stragglers."
"Vice Admiral Momousagi and I will move ahead to deal with Spark directly."
"Your primary targets include Harmon, the second-in-command of the Devil Pirates, along with several other officers. They all carry bounties exceeding 100 million berries, with some over 200 million. Many years have passed, so their strength may have changed significantly. This will serve as a trial for all of you."
Zephyr solemnly outlined the battle plan and assigned everyone's roles.
"Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir!"
Ain and the others responded with fierce determination.
Off to the side, Momousagi appeared nonchalant—a laid-back warrior who simply cut down enemies as needed.
If Zephyr hadn't been leading this operation, Momousagi would have done what she always did: head to the island alone, devastate the opposition, then call in her subordinates to clean up the aftermath.
"Be careful out there," Momousagi said to Rhodes before departing.
Combat was unpredictable, and accidents could happen at any moment. She had finally found a precious student and didn't want to lose him here.
Rhodes' eyes glinted as he smiled confidently. "Don't worry. There are few people on this island who could threaten me."
Momousagi nodded gently, then followed Zephyr using Geppo, attacking Spark's position from above.
Simultaneously, the warships steamed toward the island at full speed.
There were lookouts stationed on the island, and the sentries' faces paled when they spotted the two massive warships approaching.
"Marine vessels are approaching!"
"Are they just passing through, or..."
"Doesn't matter—notify everyone immediately!"
The sentries, each wearing nervous expressions, hurriedly reported the news.
On the island stood an entertainment complex.
While the establishment appeared luxurious and resplendent on the surface, beneath it lay a vast underground prison holding countless slaves: Fish-men, Merfolk, Dwarfs, Long-arm Tribe members, and others.
These slaves displayed numbness, terror, or despair. None dared protest or cry out, for anyone who did would face beatings worse than death itself.
Meanwhile, in a room on the top floor of the complex, Harmon—the island's apparent leader and second-in-command—sat across from a bald elderly man.
"Boss Spark is very pleased with this transaction. He asked me to send his regards to Doffy."
"Understood. I'll pass along the message."
The bald man's expression remained calm, with a subtle hint of pride.
Harmon didn't take offense. While the power their Devil Pirates had built over the past decade was impressive, it depended on the comparison. Donquixote Doflamingo, the Heavenly Yaksha, dominated the underworld while publicly serving as a Shichibukai. He was a major player in both legitimate and criminal circles, with power and connections the Devil Pirates couldn't match.
Even Rao G, a regular Donquixote Family executive, was formidable—his strength easily rivaled that of Harmon himself.
Suddenly, Harmon frowned and pulled a Den Den Mushi from his pocket.
"What's the situation?"
"Boss Harmon, we're under Marine attack!"
"What?"
Harmon's eyes narrowed, but he remained composed despite his shock. Just as he was about to inquire about details, he heard continuous roaring in the distance—like hundreds of cannons firing simultaneously.
"This firepower...!"
Lao G's expression suddenly changed dramatically.
(End of Chapter)
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