"I'll go outside and find a few members of the inferior races to vent on."
The angrier Arlong grew, the more a nasty idea took shape in his mind. Running wild in the Federation was an easy way to get beaten up. That horned woman still filled him with dread.
He still remembered how that blow had felt. It was as though a giant hand had gripped his organs and twisted them around, leaving him unable even to vomit bile.
He never wanted to experience that again.
Outside, he would have far fewer concerns.
With his mind made up, he headed toward the Federation's border checkpoint, his steps light, like a beast released from its cage.
Several hundred meters behind him, Daz Bonez kept his Observation Haki active, locking onto his position and following closely. His footsteps were light, almost silent.
In the waters near the Federation.
Heavy clouds hid the moon, leaving the entire sea submerged in darkness as thick as ink.
A medium-sized warship sailed across the water, its bow splitting the sea into two dark, rolling wings that slowly spread to either side.
Several kerosene lamps hanging outside the cabins swayed in the sea breeze, casting faint pools of light across the deck. Beside the railing, a few Marines on watch spoke in hushed voices.
"Honestly, what's the Vice Admiral thinking? Who would attack this late? We're out at sea, too."
"Don't get careless. Someone who can fly might come looking for trouble. Or someone from the Fish-Man Tribe."
"What are the odds of that? What would anyone gain by attacking a warship? It's not like we're transporting the Heavenly Tribute."
"Yeah, good point."
Under cover of darkness, Arlong emerged from the sea. He looked up at the warship's silhouette, his lips curling into a bloodthirsty grin.