The total defeat of the Kid Pirates was an accident; misfortune simply followed them the moment they crossed paths with Aeridar.
Aeridar had already intended to use his Float-Float Fruit powers to quickly transport the injured officers back to their base. It was a mere twist of fate that Kid's crew bumped into them during that small window of time. Talk about bad luck.
After the battle, the core members of the Kid Pirates were fished out of the sea. While Wire died from injuries too severe to treat, Kid, Killer, and Heat were pulled out alive, though they were promptly taken prisoner.
Of course, being at sea meant Kid hadn't been able to fight at his full potential. Regardless, the swift and decisive nature of the clash demonstrated the true power of a Great Pirate of the New World. A single man had dismantled the entire Kid Pirates with crushing force, a brutal lesson for these arrogant brats that "monsters" can only be countered by monsters of the same caliber!
KABOOM—!
A massive bolt of lightning descended from the heavens. Accompanied by a blinding flash, the Kid Pirates' second ship, already heavily damaged, was struck dead center and snapped in half.
Soon, this vessel followed the first, slowly disappearing beneath the waves.
Immediately after, a pirate ship and a merchant ship rose into the sky, flying away from the area.
…
The Dirdina Sea.
A fleet of eight Marine warships sailed across the ocean, cutting through the waves in a magnificent display of military might.
Slurp— Slurp— Slurp~
On the deck of the Marine Super-class battleship, Issho sat beneath the main mast with a bowl of ramen, eating with gusto. Broth splashed as he slurped, a look of pure satisfaction on his face.
"Issho-san, are we..." Bastille stood nearby, leaning on his Shark Cleaver blade. He hesitated before asking, "Are we really going to take action against Zephyr-sensei?"
Hearing this, Issho's movements paused. His satisfied expression shifted into one of helplessness.
"Sigh… There is no other way," Issho said, setting his bowl down. "This is no longer just an order from Marine Headquarters. It involves the World Government and the Celestial Dragons."
Ever since Zephyr joined the Chris Pirates, Sakazuki had ordered Fujitora Issho to lead a fleet on patrol near the Clifford Kingdom. With the cooperation of Marine Intelligence, they were to move in and eliminate Zephyr the moment he stepped outside the kingdom's boundaries.
In truth, Issho was reluctant. Many of the current Marine officers were Zephyr's former students; killing him would likely breed deep resentment toward Issho within the ranks.
Issho had been stalling for time, but it seemed he could stall no longer. With Marine Headquarters and the World Government issuing simultaneous orders, even an Admiral like himself could not remain idle.
"Why would he provoke the Celestial Dragons?" Bastille asked, confused.
"I am not entirely clear on the details. It is said that Zephyr-san assisted the Chris Pirates in sabotaging a Cipher Pol operation, something involving a very important item," Issho explained in a low voice. "The orders are simply for us to intercept and kill Zephyr-san. The rest will be handled by the Cipher Pol agents."
Issho gestured toward the ship's superstructure. A group of agents in black suits stood there. At their head was a tall, burly man wearing a white suit and a white feathered coat. He wore a red-and-black Demon Mask and stood nearly three meters tall.
"Dammit, those Celestial Dragons..." Bastille hissed through gritted teeth.
The Marines were an army meant to uphold "Justice," yet the Celestial Dragons were the greatest insult to that very concept. Still, they were forced to obey and protect them, even to the point of calling slave auctions "employment offices."
Within the Marines, almost no one held any genuine affection for the "World Nobles."
"That is enough."
Issho cut Bastille off before he could say more.
Bastille snapped his mouth shut, realizing his mistake. There were World Government agents on board, even CP0 members who reported directly to the Celestial Dragons. If they were overheard, the consequences would be dire.
"Three ships flying the Chris Pirates' flag detected approximately one nautical mile to the starboard!"
"Three ships flying the Chris Pirates' flag detected approximately one nautical mile to the starboard!"
The broadcast from the crow's nest suddenly blared across the ship.
Issho's brow twitched. Bastille, looking shocked, grabbed a high-powered telescope and rushed to the starboard railing.
Sure enough, three black ships with massive axe-blade prows were visible in the distance. A flag featuring a Golden Ring behind a skull and cross-swords fluttered from their masts.
The largest among them was Zephyr's flagship, the Marine Vengeance!
The other two smaller vessels were its escorts.
"Sigh~"
Issho let out a deep sigh and put away his ramen bowl.
He stood up, his expression turning solemn as he barked an order: "All ships, prepare for battle!"
Weeeng— Weeeng— Weeeng—
The piercing alarm rang out. Marine soldiers across the eight ships scrambled into action with practiced discipline, gunners manned the cannons, and officers took their command posts.
…
The Marine Vengeance.
On the forward deck, Zephyr and Ain had already spotted the Marine fleet closing in.
"One Admiral's Super-class battleship, two first-class warships, and five second-class warships... The Marines are certainly going to great lengths to take down Sensei," Ain remarked, observing the fleet with a hint of surprise.
"Hmph. If they put this much effort into fighting pirates, they wouldn't need the Seven Warlords to balance the seas!" Zephyr snorted, his voice thick with resentment.
"Sensei, you still seem to hold quite a grudge," Ain said with a light chuckle, looking at him.
Zephyr looked a bit embarrassed but didn't respond, pretending he hadn't heard her.
However, he quickly regained his composure and said gravely, "To lock onto our position in this sea so quickly... Cipher Pol must have put in significant effort."
"Furthermore, if I'm not mistaken, the one leading them is Fujitora Issho. With eight ships against us, we don't have the advantage in a naval battle. Notify Shuzo, turn the ship immediately. We need to lose the Marines as quickly as possible!"
Zephyr analyzed the situation and immediately ordered a retreat.
He understood Fujitora Issho well. During the 'World Military Draft,' Zephyr hadn't yet left the Marines, so he knew much about the rookie Admiral who had been fast-tracked to the top.
A monster with terrifying strength and the power of the Paramecia-type Press-Press Fruit. Issho possessed extreme anti-army capabilities; engaging such a powerhouse when their ships and manpower were at a disadvantage was unwise.
"Understood!"
Ain's expression turned serious as she turned to relay the orders.
"Fujitora Issho, eh... perhaps I can test my new ability after all," Zephyr muttered, a smirk playing on his lips as he squeezed his fist.
As he spoke, a faint, barely visible shimmer of light flickered across his body.