The Strongest Lunarian in One Piece

"Crrrk... crrrk..."

A few days later, in the Castelló Sea deep within the New World, a massive naval fleet composed of ships of varying sizes stretched across the water. Reinforcements from the G-10, G-11, and G-12 naval branch fortresses had joined the formation, and the fleet—brimming with unstoppable momentum—advanced straight toward the pirate stronghold of Hachinosu Island, also known as Beehive Island.

"Admiral Kong, we are approximately half a day's journey from Hachinosu Island!"

On the lead ship, which belonged to Admiral Kong himself, Vice Admiral Sengoku stood with a grave expression as he reported, "But so far, we haven't spotted a single pirate ship."

"Those pirates are cunning. They're definitely plotting something. Make sure the entire fleet remains on high alert!"

The towering Admiral Kong stood firmly, arms crossed as he gazed at the vast, seemingly empty sea ahead. "By the way, has Zephyr adapted to the powers of the Ice-Ice Fruit?" Kong turned his sharp gaze toward Sengoku. His tone was heavy. "His abilities will be critical in this operation. We can't afford for him to falter at a crucial moment!"

"Rest assured," Sengoku replied without hesitation, "Over the past few days, Zephyr has thoroughly familiarized himself with the Ice-Ice Fruit's abilities."

Sengoku knew his former academy mate well. Although Zephyr's idealistic and overly benevolent nature had once been frustrating, recent years had changed him. He was still kind-hearted, but he no longer hesitated to act decisively against pirates. This transformation made him a stronger and more reliable soldier.

"Admiral Kong! We've spotted something unusual ahead!"

A lookout suddenly shouted from the crow's nest. "There's a ship approaching from the sky, but it's stopped at a distance and hasn't come closer!"

"What?"

"Could it be Golden Lion Shiki?"

Both Kong and Sengoku's expressions darkened.

"Just one ship?"

Using his spyglass, Kong observed the distant vessel hovering over the sea. He wasted no time and barked an order: "Maintain course and speed! All ships, switch to first-level alert!"

"Yes, sir!"

The blaring sound of horns echoed through the fleet. Through the loudspeakers connected to the transponder snails, Kong's commands reverberated across the ships. In moments, marines began assembling with precision and haste, ready for battle.

"Heh heh, that's quite an intimidating force you've mustered there…"

Far off on the sea, a pirate ship hovered briefly in the air before descending onto the water. Golden Lion Shiki, cigar clenched between his teeth, sneered as he surveyed the vast naval fleet from the bow of his ship. Turning to Whitebeard Edward Newgate, who was seated nearby, he grinned maliciously.

"The next move is yours, Newgate!"

"Gurarararara! Alright, let's give them something to think about."

Whitebeard stood, his massive frame towering at the ship's bow. Planting his enormous naginata, Murakumogiri, firmly, he took a wide stance. Veins bulged across his muscular arms as he slammed both fists into the air.

Boom!

Boom!

The atmosphere itself cracked under the immense force of his blows. Spiderweb-like fissures spread outward, splitting the very air. The sea on either side of the pirate ship began to distort violently, churning in unnatural patterns. Then, like the ebb of an enormous tide, the water receded into the distance.

"Gurarararara! Let's let them stew for a moment."

Whitebeard grinned, resting his naginata casually on his shoulder, as if the spectacle were merely a trivial display. The once-turbulent waves became eerily calm, leaving the sea unnaturally tranquil.

"Something feels… off."

On the lead navy ship, Kong frowned as he surveyed the unsettling stillness of the ocean.

"Looks like they're trying to send us a message," Sengoku muttered grimly, his voice heavy with foreboding. He had faced Whitebeard before and understood the devastating power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit all too well.

On a nearby large battleship, several figures were seated, each occupying their own space.

"Heh, only sending a single ship to provoke us?"

Chewing on his words, "The Drill" Chinjao—one of the Shichibukai—sneered as he slapped his bald, newly restored drill-shaped head. Staring at the distant pirate ship, he mocked, "Are those fools in the Rocks Pirates so scared they've lost their nerve?"

Surprisingly, the drill-shaped head Chinjao had lost long ago was now miraculously restored.

"Don't kid yourself. If they were cowards, they wouldn't have had the guts to mess with the Heavenly Tribute!"

"Iron Hammer" Naguri countered from his seat.

"Hmph, it's just one ship. A single cannon shot would be enough to blow them to bits!"

A burly youth with a rough appearance, clad in a helmet, crossed his arms and scoffed. He had reluctantly accepted the invitation to become a Shichibukai after his elder brother Byojack and their crew were captured by the navy. Though he was proud, the promise of freedom for his brother and comrades had swayed him. Unlike him, Byojack was weak and frail—sickly, even—unable to fend off children, and most of their crew members weren't much stronger.

While the youth himself didn't fear the navy, his loyalty to his comrades had forced his hand. This arrangement spared them from the navy's relentless pursuit, letting them roam the seas freely once again.

"Hey, you've been quiet ever since boarding this ship," Chinjao grumbled as he walked over to another figure seated near the ship's edge.

It was a well-dressed, proud-looking man holding a wine glass. He sat aloof, admiring the vast ocean scenery as though no one else was there.

"You're one of us now—a Shichibukai. Even if we're not comrades, shouldn't you at least greet us?"

The man turned his head, his demeanor icy and arrogant. Draped in a pristine red cloak, his refined appearance contrasted sharply with the others.

"Comrades?"

His cold, cutting tone silenced Chinjao.

"Don't misunderstand. You're not worthy of that title. The only reason I agreed to join the Shichibukai and answer the World Government's call was to cross blades with the strongest fighters on the seas."

"Crrrk... You're awfully full of yourself!"

Turning toward him, World bared a sly grin, his eyes filled with provocation.

"You bastard…"

Chinjao's expression darkened. In a flash, he lunged, his razor-sharp drill-shaped head aimed straight at the arrogant man.

Clang!

Sparks flew as a sleek black scorpion-handled umbrella intercepted Chinjao's attack with pinpoint accuracy. The tip of the umbrella met Chinjao's drill head, holding firm against the impact.

"Hmph..."

The clash generated a shockwave, making the battleship groan and sway under the intense force.

"Hey, hey…"

A booming voice emerged from below deck. A hulking, dark-skinned figure—nearly four or five meters tall and built like a black bear—stepped onto the deck, laughing heartily at the commotion.

"You Shichibukai sure are something. The battle hasn't even started, and you're already fighting among yourselves?"

"Heh, I was just testing his strength to see if he deserves to be so cocky!"

Chinjao withdrew with a grin, slapping his head as he laughed. The Red Count, Redfield, however, remained composed. With one hand gripping his umbrella and the other holding his wine glass, he appeared utterly indifferent—almost as though the scuffle had never happened.

After giving Chinjao and the towering Admiral Black Bear a brief, dismissive glance, Redfield folded his umbrella, swirled the deep-red liquid in his glass, and resumed gazing out at the ocean. His demeanor, unshaken, gave no sign that anything had occurred.

~~~

Patreon(.)com/Bleam

— Currently You can Read 70 Chapters Ahead of Others!