The Rocky Port slowly sailed into Rocky Port through the thin morning mist.
The port lay on Hachinosu's southeastern coast, its natural deepwater bay enclosed by rocky headlands on either side. More than a dozen pirate ships of various sizes were anchored there. Skull flags fluttered from their masts in the morning breeze, while pirates on deck prepared to set sail.
The Crescent Moon Hunter stood on the Rocky Port's forward deck, already transformed into the guard captain.
A full beard, a burly build, and a double-bladed axe hanging at her waist. Behind her, the clone troops had changed into guard uniforms and lined up neatly in three ranks. To all appearances, they were an ordinary guard detail preparing to escort distinguished guests ashore.
Dozens of pirates waited on the dock assigned to the ship. Their leader was a lean, short-haired man wearing an open black leather jacket, with two cutlasses tucked at his waist.
Someone behind him held a flag embroidered with the Ochoku Pirates' emblem. This captain was one of Ochoku's direct subordinates, with a bounty of one hundred million. His orders today were to welcome the Rocky Port and help the guards bring the "distinguished guests" to the skull-shaped building at the island's center.
A little farther along the dock, ordinary pirates had gathered to watch. They squatted on wooden crates or leaned against railings in small groups, drinking rum and waiting for some entertainment.
They knew nothing of the inside story. They simply figured that the Rocky Port belonged to Lord Ochoku, so anyone arriving aboard it-and receiving an organized welcome-had to be someone important.
The Rocky Port's gangplank was lowered onto the dock. The Crescent Moon Hunter disembarked first, her steps steady and her gaze calm. The lean captain approached, stopping a few paces away