A flock of white gulls flew over the calm sea, making the scene look peaceful.
For some reason, the flock suddenly grew restless. The gulls rose in alarm, fleeing the blue water below.
First, a fast boat sped across the sea. A large fleet followed close behind.
The fleet was enormous, with more than two hundred large ships. Each was crammed with people dressed in all sorts of clothing, giving the whole armada a chaotic look.
Clearly, the ships did not belong to a single faction. More than a hundred different flags flew above them. They answered to the same power in the Underworld, but ordinarily ran their own operations.
"Boss Habakkak, how much farther is Wano Country? We've been at sea for four days."
A short man asked the question ingratiatingly. Habakkak, it seemed, was the representative they had chosen for the voyage.
With so many people in the fleet, things would have been a mess without someone in charge.
Habakkak was a gaunt middle-aged man with a small beard on his chin. His narrow eyes gave him a vicious look.
"We should be close. The Thunder Swordsman only paid half the weapons up front. As soon as we reach the island, I'll demand the rest. If he thinks we'll fight his war for nothing, he's dreaming."
The short man was startled. His large eyes darted about, making him look shifty.
"Boss Habakkak, isn't that a bad idea? The Thunder Swordsman has a good reputation, and if we demand payment like that, I'm afraid..."
Habakkak snorted. His gaze grew colder.
"Don't forget, we have thirty thousand people. He hired us to fight a war. Would you risk your life for a few weapons?"
The short man shook his head without thinking.
"Exactly. We're only going through the motions. Once