The sea breeze carried salty spray, slamming it against the harbor breakwater.
On the deck of the Red Force, Shanks shook the water from his sleeves.
With his hand resting on Gryphon, he gazed across the rolling sea toward the harbor shore.
"Easy there, young Marine. No need to get so heated."
Shanks rubbed the stubble on his chin, his usual easygoing smile spreading across his face.
"I didn't come here today to start a war with the Navy."
"My companions and I just want to see where this war is headed."
"After all, the balance of this era can't withstand too big an upheaval."
Zhao Hai stood on the raised platform at the front of the harbor, the blue-green dragon scales on his body quietly receding.
After hearing Shanks out, Zhao Hai couldn't help rolling his eyes.
"So you came all this way just to snag a front-row VIP seat?"
Zhao Hai sneered, folded his arms across his chest, and mocked him without mercy.
"You came to a restricted area of Marine Headquarters to watch the show. Did you buy a ticket?"
"Or do you think the Navy's some theater troupe putting on a performance for you?"
Zhao Hai turned and waved toward the artillery positions behind him.
"Second battalion commander! Bring up all our newly modified heavy cannons!"
"Let's show His Imperial Majesty how headquarters welcomes its guests!"
The sound of marching feet immediately rang through the positions.
Dozens of sturdy Navy Officers pushed the heavy steel cannons forward, bringing them to a steady halt at the edge of the breakwater.
The thick, dark cannon barrels lowered in unison, locking precisely onto the Red Force.
Loaded inside their chambers was the special ammunition Zhao Hai and his subordinates had worked through the night to produce.
The inner layer