Marines Attacking

On the sea north of Tiger Shark Island, two warships cut through the waves.

On the leading warship, a tall Marine stood at the forefront, a cigar clenched in his mouth. Thick smoke obscured his face, revealing only a pair of fierce eyes through the haze.

"Vice Captain Onigumo, we've approached Tiger Shark Island. Please give your orders!"

A Marine stepped forward and reported loudly to Onigumo, who stood before him.

"I've heard this island is a paradise for pirates."

Onigumo gazed coldly at the small island not far away and spoke.

He was the most steadfast hawk among the Marines, always adhering to the principle of "better to kill the wrong person than let a guilty one go." During missions, he executed his ruthlessness to the fullest, showing no mercy even to his own subordinates if they hindered the mission.

Although he was forced by pressure from above to assist the Honest family with their mission this time, it didn't mean he would take orders from them.

Since he was here, none of the pirates on the island would escape!

"Calling it a paradise for pirates is an exaggeration, but it's true that many pirates gather here because the island has no clear governing nation."

As Vice Captain Onigumo's subordinate for many years, Commodore Kasim Finny was also a complete hawk and instantly understood his superior's intentions.

"After we dock, you'll lead a team of elite soldiers and board the island with me. Leave no pirate alive!"

As the island drew nearer, Onigumo placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, a bloodthirsty smile curling his lips.

"It doesn't matter if we kill them all!"

"Understood!"

As they spoke, the warships gradually docked, and the soldiers on board quickly formed ranks under their officers' commands.

At the same time, not far from Onigumo's warship, on the warship belonging to the Honest family.

"After we land, you and I will split up!"

Ernest Cooler instructed his son, Ernest Neo, standing beside him.

"Although we used CP's influence to have the Marines send warships to assist us this time, I didn't expect Vice Captain Onigumo to be the one assigned."

Cooler stared at the approaching island, his face grim.

"This guy is an absolute hawk in the Marines. With his methods, he'll definitely arrest pirates on the island in droves, and he won't show any mercy."

"I'll act with them for now to prevent him from making a lethal move when he sees Nia. If he encounters other pirates, I'll go look for Nia. You take a few subordinates and find Nia as quickly as possible, bringing her back by any means necessary!"

A cold glint flashed in Cooler's eyes.

He would bring her back, even if it meant breaking her legs.

"I understand."

Neo responded in a low voice, his face, which bore an eight-tenths resemblance to Nia's, showing no change in expression.

"Prepare to act!"

As the two spoke, the warship docked at the shore.

"Vice Captain Mara Levi, you will lead your subordinates into Tiger Shark Island from the west. Major Regina Cant, you will lead your men from the east. Captain Luan Yakub, you will lead your soldiers and enter from the front with us. Major Kensha Kil, you will command the warships to patrol the sea. If any suspicious vessels attempt to leave, you may give the order to fire directly!"

After the warship docked, Onigumo leaped directly from the ship and strode forward. Kasim Finny, meanwhile, immediately began assigning tasks to the others.

The moment they docked, Onigumo released his senses. His Observation Haki told him that directly ahead, there were numerous pirates.

Moments later, Onigumo, accompanied by dozens of Marines, stepped into the northern district. The heavily armed Marines instantly drew everyone's attention.

"Marines... why are they here?"

"Didn't they say this place isn't under the jurisdiction of a World Government member nation, so the Marines wouldn't come?"

"Maybe they have other business. We don't even have bounties, so the Marines won't bother us."

"That's true..."

Bang--

The next moment, several bullets pierced the pirates who were loudly chattering. Onigumo's fierce gaze swept across the area.

"I could smell the stench of pirates from a distance!"

Onigumo waved his hand, and the soldiers behind him charged forward. The sounds of laughter and revelry that had filled the street disappeared, replaced by shouts and the sounds of fighting.

"And the most important one, the Rod Pirates, you will stay here with me."

After the extraneous individuals retreated, Onigumo looked at the three people not far away.

Mad Blade Rod, Black Spear Nerl, and a black-haired man he didn't recognize. Was he a new member?

It didn't matter. He would eliminate them all.

The Catwoman the Honest family wanted alive wasn't here.

"Hey, hey, hey, I haven't officially agreed to join yet."

Upon hearing the Marine's words, Genos couldn't help but speak up.

The response he received was dozens of bullets flying towards him.

"One Sword Style—Crimson Flower Thousand Slashes!"

Rod drew the newly acquired Great Sword [Kashu]. Dense flashes of sword light and shadow flickered before them, deflecting all the incoming bullets.

As one of the 50 Great Swords, [Kashu]'s previous owner was also a swordsman of some renown. After Rod took hold of [Kashu], [Knights Do Not Die Empty-Handed] automatically took effect, allowing him to learn the opponent's signature swordsmanship.

With his solid swordsmanship foundation, it only took an instant for him to master the sword techniques that [Kashu]'s previous owner had possessed.

The moment Rod deflected those bullets, Onigumo's towering body appeared before him, his long sword slashing down fiercely.

Clang—

Rod raised his sword, blocking Onigumo's strike. He felt a terrifying force coming from above, and the ground beneath his feet shattered with a roar.

At the same time Rod blocked Onigumo's attack, Kasim Finny appeared before Nerl, throwing a fierce punch towards his head.

Soru!

Nerl's feet moved, and he instantly appeared far away. While creating distance between them, he aimed his Black Spear at his opponent.

Bang—

Don't even think about hitting me with bullets!

A crimson light flashed in Kasim Finny's eyes. Using his left foot as a pivot, his entire body tilted slightly, dodging the bullet Nerl fired. Simultaneously, his right foot whipped out.

"Rankyaku!"

As Kasim Finny's right foot swung out, an arc-shaped slash was unleashed, charging towards Nerl not far away.

Nerl's eyes flickered. He didn't choose to dodge the incoming slash; instead, he kicked out with his own foot, meeting the opponent's attack.

As his foot kicked out, a power surged from within him, causing his leg to be coated in a faint black hue.

Pow!

The powerful kick sent Kasim Finny's Rankyaku flying, instantly cutting through the nearby tavern. A faint smile appeared on Nerl's face.

Success! Armament Haki!

Although he was still unfamiliar with it and could only exert a slight effect, he had at least managed to guide that power out.