Heavenly Tribute

Two days later.

South Blue.

The sky was a spotless blue, and sunlight poured unhindered across the vast waves. The sea lay smooth as blue silk, sparkling like diamonds only when the breeze passed over it.

Beneath that tranquility, a white streak tore across the sky at a terrifying speed.

The fierce hiss of air friction stopped abruptly at the edge of the clouds. Dawn halted high above the sea and brought out his nautical chart.

He ran a finger over it, correcting any slight deviation his speed might have caused.

Just as he finished checking his course and prepared to set off again, a fleet of World Government ships appeared on the horizon.

The enormous flagship was a floating fortress, followed by four slightly smaller but equally imposing escort ships.

Their hulls reflected a cold gleam in the sunlight. World Government flags snapped in the sea wind, proclaiming their untouchable authority.

Dawn narrowed his eyes, a flicker of interest passing through them.

"I didn't expect to run into a Heavenly Tribute convoy here..."

According to his intelligence, a fleet with such lavish protection was almost certainly transporting Heavenly Tribute.

To a pirate like Dawn, it was a tempting prize that had practically delivered itself to his doorstep.

Still, he took precautions. He swept the entire fleet with Observation Haki, confirmed that no one aboard was stronger than him, put away his chart, and dove toward the ships.

The flagship's deck was packed with marines carrying flintlock rifles and Cipher Pol agents whose bearing was sharper and colder still.

Two figures stood at the bow. The one on the left wore an unusual helmet and had long hair, with two swords at his waist. The fierce sea wind pulled the white cloak of justice behind him taut, making it snap