"Attention all units! Three ships spotted at one o'clock, approximately three kilometers out. Skull insignia on the sails—suspected pirate vessels!"
"Helmsman, adjust course to one o'clock. Full speed ahead!"
"All hands, prepare for combat! Enemy fleet at one o'clock—three pirate ships!"
The moment the lookout stationed at the top of the mast made the report, the War Pirates' ten-ship fleet reacted instantly. Orders were relayed through loudspeakers and Den Den Mushi installed on every vessel.
There was no hesitation.
Each ship's commander immediately began issuing instructions. The fleet shifted into combat formation and accelerated toward the target at maximum speed.
Since Kaito Arisawa had established the strategy of "using war to sustain war," it had become a core principle of the Sword Gang ' operations.
Not just gangs—any ship encountered during their voyage was fair game.
If the opposing side did not resist, they would be stripped of most of their valuables.
If they resisted, even better.
That would serve as live training for the crew.
That was exactly the situation now.
The moment the lookout spotted a suspected pirate fleet in the distance, the entire War Pirates formation shifted into high-speed pursuit without Kaito needing to personally intervene.
Naturally, as the fleet moved, Kaito also sensed the disturbance.
He had already completed his physical training for the day and was now inside the ship's training room, seated in sword meditation. The commotion outside interrupted his practice, and he slowly opened his eyes.
"Another pirate encounter?"
He exhaled lightly.
"I wonder if there's a real master this time."
Being interrupted did not annoy him.
After all, this was the direct result of the strategy he had personally set. Such encounters were inevitable.
More importantly—
He looked forward to them.
Training alone could become monotonous. Only through actual combat could true progress be made.
Yet as his strength continued to grow, a subtle frustration followed.
Even without entering a talent-concentration state, very few so-called "strong fighters" could pose a real threat to him anymore.
They could not pressure him.
That was both gratifying—and disappointing.
Growing stronger was undeniably a good thing.
But without a worthy opponent, improvement lacked intensity.
Because of that, Kaito had developed a habit of anticipating every battle.
A faint red glint flashed through his eyes as he activated Observation Haki, extending his perception toward the approaching direction of the fleet.
Even without entering the concentrated state of his Observation talent, his Haki had already developed considerable range and sharpness.
His current perception radius stretched nearly one kilometer.
Within that range, he could sense the strength of others through the intensity of their aura.
Unless someone possessed stronger Observation Haki than his own, he could roughly judge their level simply by feeling their presence.
As the War Pirates fleet rapidly closed the distance, the three pirate ships soon entered his perception field.
Instantly, feedback flooded in.
"These must be today's prey…"
"Their auras are average at best."
"…There's one slightly stronger presence inside one of the cabins."
"But at that level, Mangu and Robin can handle it. No need for me to step in."
The anticipation in his eyes faded.
Disappointment flickered briefly before he withdrew his perception and closed his eyes once more, returning to sword meditation.
Outside—
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Cannon fire roared across the sea.
Flames erupted from both sides as artillery shells shot through the air.
The barrage did not come solely from the War Pirates. The opposing pirate fleet had also opened fire.
When the three-ship fleet realized that the ten-ship formation of the War Pirates was closing in, they initially attempted to avoid confrontation. After all, ten ships against three left little room for confidence.
But as escape became impossible, they shifted into combat mode.
In terms of firepower, the advantage was overwhelmingly on the side of the War Pirates.
Most incoming enemy shells were intercepted midair by the War Pirates' concentrated artillery, detonating harmlessly above the sea.
Still, a handful of shells managed to slip through.
Some plunged into the surrounding waters, sending up towering columns of spray.
Others arced toward the hulls of the War Pirates' ships.
"Dazzling Hundred Blossoms: Net!"
Kaito did not move—but that did not mean others stood idle.
As the incoming shells approached, a woven network of arms suddenly materialized over the targeted ships.
The net formed instantly, composed of countless sprouting limbs.
The arms caught the shells precisely—and with elastic force, flung them back into the sea.
Explosions erupted once more over the water's surface, but the War Pirates' vessels remained completely unscathed.
Robin stood on deck, arms crossed before her chest, eyes sharp as blades.
"Repairing ships costs money," she said coolly. "I won't let you damage them so carelessly."
"Dazzling Hundred Blossoms: Hanging!"
Within her line of sight, her Devil Fruit ability activated again.
On the enemy ships, arms suddenly burst from the bodies of the gunners preparing to reload.
"Ah—!"
Necks twisted violently under joint locks.
The screams cut off abruptly.
Of course, Robin's intervention was only part of the counterattack.
The War Pirates' artillery intensified.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Unlike their enemies, the War Pirates' gunners were highly trained.
Even while consciously limiting destructive firepower—since they intended to capture both personnel and treasure—they targeted with precision.
Enemy masts shattered.
Turrets exploded.
Rigging snapped.
In rapid succession, the three pirate ships lost both mobility and long-range counterattack capability.
The sea battle had shifted decisively.
And the War Pirates were advancing.
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