(We've reached 200,000 words. From now on, I'll update three chapters a day, and next month, 10,000 words a day. Any thoughts?)
Hundreds of Marines on deck erupted in earthshaking cheers.
"Return at full speed! Make for shore immediately!"
Ethan turned and gave the order.
The helmsman spun the wheel hard.
The Fearless carved a huge arc across the sea.
The warship cut through the wind and waves, racing toward Sin Island's coastline.
A short while later, the Fearless dropped anchor and came to a steady stop by the shore.
Ethan drew his saber and was the first to jump off the warship.
"Quick! Find Ensign Lorne!"
Ethan shouted.
Hundreds of Marines surged onto the beach like a tide and rushed into the ruins.
They soon reached the central square.
They saw Lorne standing at the edge of the crater, with Marine Admiral Kizaru opposite him.
"Ensign Lorne!"
Ethan hurried forward, his eyes red.
He abruptly stopped and snapped to attention, saluting.
"All officers and men of the Fearless have returned as ordered!"
Ethan's voice trembled.
The Marines raised their right hands in unison, paying Lorne their highest respects.
They looked at the shattered ground beneath Lorne's feet and the blood covering him, their eyes filled with feverish admiration.
"Ensign, sir! You won!"
The scarred veteran shed tears of excitement.
"You defeated one of the Shichibukai!"
The Marines shouted in unison.
Lorne waved a hand, cutting off their cheers.
"Quit howling. I'm not dead yet."
He grinned, but his eyes remained cold.
"Ethan, take a few men into the water. Fish Doflamingo out of the sea over there."
"Remember, don't let him die in the water."
"Yes, sir!"
Ethan loudly acknowledged the order.
He immediately picked out a dozen or so Marines who were excellent swimmers and rushed toward