Stirring up trouble

"Are we going to wreck the Straw Hat Pirates' ship?" A group of men whispered among themselves aboard the Marine warship.

"But I heard everyone in that pirate crew is really strong. Will we be all right with just us?" Some of the Marines had fought in the Marineford War and witnessed the Straw Hat Pirates in action.

"Exactly. I still remember that Explosion Maniac from the Marineford War. Even Fleet Admiral Sengoku suffered at his hands." Some of the Marines looked worried. "Are we sure they haven't set any traps near their ship?"

"And why did they send a disabled man? Sure, he's made something of a name for himself lately, but will one man, us, and a single warship really be enough?" More than anything, the Marines were unwilling to accept Li Ziming's leadership. After all, he was a complete newcomer and wasn't even a Marine yet, so it was only natural that quite a few of them resented him.

"What, you think I'm not qualified to lead you?" Li Ziming frowned. He had no real desire to lead them, but the men aboard this ship could serve as his best audience—or witnesses. He was also certain Akainu had planted someone among them to watch him. How firmly he could establish this identity depended on what happened here.

"No, no, we didn't say anything," the Marines replied with thinly veiled sarcasm.

Li Ziming raised an eyebrow, thoroughly irritated by their attitude. "If you have a problem, feel free to say it. But either beat me or shut up and follow my orders."

"Beat you?" One man bristled and laughed. "Don't tell me a little flattery has made you forget how strong you actually are. You think having an ability makes you invincible?" As he spoke, he vanished from