While Yamato was having the time of her life fighting, Apricot Island, the other target of the attack, had yet to be engulfed in battle.
In Apricot Island's port district, the sea breeze swept over the docks, and waves slapped against the stone seawall.
Sephiroth stood facing the wind on the platform atop the dockside lighthouse, dressed in black combat gear. The hem of his black coat, fitted with silver pauldrons, billowed and curled in the sea breeze.
He held a sheathed, two-meter-long tachi-the Masamune, forged from moon god titanium.
This outfit reflected his personal tastes, modeled after Sephiroth from Final Fantasy. It was also his usual combat attire; whenever an operation centered on fighting, he generally wore it.
However, as the Great Angel's radiant image spread, Sephiroth had begun choosing white knight's attire, pontiff's robes, and other holy-looking uniforms for many public appearances.
And because of his short golden hair, he looked more like Cloud wearing Sephiroth's equipment.
"-Haruta. Don't let your people move too far forward. Get ready to take prisoners in a moment."
Sephiroth's Mantra locked onto the five approaching pirate ships as he gauged the right distance.
Once they were about close enough, he used a Den Den Mushi to call Haruta, who was organizing the defenders on the docks.
Meanwhile, down on the ground-
"Yes, understood."
Haruta replied cautiously and politely into the Den Den Mushi's receiver. Once he finished, the snail lowered its eyes and closed its mouth.
Sephiroth had hung up. Apparently, he had nothing else to say.
Haruta couldn't help glancing back at the black-clad, white-winged figure atop the lighthouse.
"Captain! They're coming!"
A crew member stationed on a warehouse roof lowered his telescope and shouted to Haruta, who stood on the dock's pier.
"Everyone! Even with the Great Angel's help, don't