The first half of the Grand Line.
The sky was clear and bright, dotted with fluffy white clouds.
The sea breeze blew, stirring wave after wave across the surface and crashing them against the hull of the warship. After it rounded a small island at sea, two sailing ships flying black Pirate Flags appeared in the distance ahead, locked in battle.
On the warship's deck, a Marine soldier hurried over to a sun lounger. He reported to Sephiroth, who was reclining in it in white beach shorts, a blue floral shirt, and sunglasses:
"Reporting, Vice Admiral Sephiroth! The lookout has spotted two pirate ships engaged in battle ahead. Please give your orders!"
"Have Kuro deal with them..."
Sephiroth waved a hand, signaling for the Marine soldier to leave quickly and stop disturbing his vacation.
Having received the order, the Marine soldier hurried into the cabin and relayed the matter to Kuro, who was learning about the branches and department heads within G-4's jurisdiction.
"Understood! Go prepare a small boat for me..."
Kuro nodded expressionlessly. After dismissing the Marine soldier, he set down the documents in his hand, stood up, and walked to a cabinet.
He took out the briefcase containing the Cat Claws Ten Blades and quickly made his way to the warship's deck.
Sephiroth had told him to deal with the two pirate ships. This was an opportunity to earn merits and rise through the ranks, so of course he would not be foolish enough to refuse...
Soon, a small rowboat was lowered from the warship onto the sea.
Kuro leaped from the warship's deck and landed steadily in the small boat.
He rapidly worked the oars with both hands, heading straight for the two pirate ships engaged in boarding combat...
However, just as he was about to reach