In the late summer of 1515 of the Sea Circle Calendar, the winds of the West Blue quietly shifted. The thunderous measures Peach Blossom Spring had displayed at Hurricane Gorge were like a massive stone cast into a tranquil lake, its ripples spreading deeper and farther. For one young man in the Happo Navy, those waves were battering the course of his previously rather dull fate.
At the Happo Navy's base, on the docks of a remote island, the setting sun stained the sea gold and red. A lone figure sat on the largest reef rock, gazing absently at the shimmering water. He was around twenty, slightly dark-skinned and athletically built, with a striking orange headband tied around his forehead. His sharp eyes held a measure of defiance and loneliness. This was Gan Ning, Gan Xingba.
Two unusually shaped short halberds hung at his waist. Not far behind him, a speedboat adorned with bells and splendid feathers lay moored-the source of his title, the "Jinfan Bandit."
Yet in the strictly regimented Happo Navy, where seniority determined rank, his flamboyant, unrestrained ways and love of speed and freedom were out of place. The old Pillar, Chinjao, had sunk into despondency and heavy drinking, while the young Pillar, Sai, was steady but somewhat conservative. Despite Gan Ning's astonishing skills in fighting on water, handling boats, and riding the tides, he was repeatedly held back for "disobeying orders" and "acting recklessly." He could only lead a small squad on such trivial duties as patrols and escorts.
"Hey, Xingba, watching the sea again?" A hearty voice reached him. Gan Ning knew without turning that it was his good friend Abu.
"What else is there to do?" Gan Ning did not turn around, his tone self-mocking. "Argue with those old sticks-in-the-mud about how to handle their tower ships that crawl along like old oxen?"
Abu jumped onto the rock and sat beside him. "I know you're frustrated. I heard... Peach Blossom Spring won another big victory. They even killed Jason the 'Ripper.'"
A barely perceptible gleam flashed in Gan Ning's eyes, then faded. "Oh? Was that Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and the others? They're certainly impressive. A pity it has nothing to do with a dragon like me, stranded in the shallows."
"How does it have nothing to do with you?" Abu lowered his voice. "I heard Zhao Yun, Peach Blossom Spring's naval commander, has praised you to General Zhao Yun time and again, saying you're a rare genius at naval warfare. Besides, they seem to value real ability over there. They don't have so many damned rules."
Gan Ning snorted and said nothing, but his knuckles whitened slightly around his short halberd. Peach Blossom Spring-that name had lately rung in his ears again and again like an incantation. Zhao Yun, that man in white robes with a silver spear, swift as lightning at sea-he had secretly watched him drill his troops. Those tactics, that speed, had filled him with longing.
A few days later, Gan Ning received an ordinary patrol assignment. As he led his squad into a stretch of open water, a familiar fleet appeared on the distant horizon, the flags of the Peach Blossom Spring Navy fluttering in the wind. At the bow of the leading speedboat stood none other than Zhao Yun, with his white horse and silver spear.
Gan Ning's heart tightened, and he signaled his squad to stay on guard.
Zhao Yun's speedboat approached alone and stopped at a safe distance. Zhao Yun cupped his fist, his clear voice carrying across the water. "Is that General Gan Ning of Brocade Sail of the Happo Navy? I am Zhao Yun of Changshan. I have long admired your renown on the water. Since we have happened to meet today, would you do me the honor of a little sparring?"
Gan Ning froze. Sparring? He eyed Zhao Yun suspiciously, but the other man's gaze was clear, carrying a sincere challenge. The pride in his bones stirred. Besides, he had long wanted to test the strength of this "White Dragon" whose name resounded throughout the West Blue.
"Why not!" Gan Ning rose to his full height and leaped onto the bow. "I've long heard that General Zhao Yun's spearwork is divine and his speed unmatched. I've wanted to test your skills for ages! What sort of match did you have in mind?"
Zhao Yun smiled faintly. "Simple. You and I, one against one, a duel between boats. No bows or crossbows, only boat handling and close combat. Whoever has his vessel 'sunk' or falls into the water loses. How about it?"
"Good!" Fighting spirit blazed in Gan Ning's eyes. "Just what I wanted!"
Both men ordered the vessels under their command to retreat and watch. Gan Ning's speedboat, the Jinfan, and Zhao Yun's speedboat, the White Dragon, faced each other on the blue waves like two sea beasts poised to strike.
"Begin!" At their agreed signal, the two speedboats burst forward at astonishing speed, charging toward each other!
Gan Ning's boat handling was superb. Under his control, the Jinfan moved as nimbly as a fish, tracing strange arcs across the sea as he tried to slip into the blind spot of Zhao Yun's vessel. The bells rang crisply in the sea breeze as he sped along.
But Zhao Yun was faster still! The turbine-like flame thrust provided by Reshiram's power gave the White Dragon a terrifying advantage in acceleration and short bursts of speed, making it seem to fly just above the water. Not only was its straight-line speed astonishing, but its changes of direction were inconceivable. No matter how Gan Ning turned, Zhao Yun followed like his shadow.
What incredible speed! Gan Ning was secretly startled. He put aside his disdain and gave the fight his full attention. With a sharp turn of the helm, he brought the Jinfan into an abrupt stop and swung its stern toward the White Dragon's side. At the same time, he drew the Twin Halberds, ready for close combat.
Zhao Yun narrowed his phoenix eyes. In the split second before impact, the White Dragon somehow slid sideways at almost a right angle, narrowly evading the collision. At the same time, his spear shot out like a dragon toward Gan Ning's wrist!
"Well struck!" Gan Ning roared, crossing the Twin Halberds to block!
Clang!
Metal rang against metal! An immense force surged through the halberds, numbing Gan Ning's arms. He used the force to leap backward, and the Jinfan opened the distance once more.
The two launched into a dazzling pursuit across the broad sea. Their boats crisscrossed, halberd shadows and spear flashes flickering. Gan Ning's ferocity and exquisite halberd skills, along with Zhao Yun's effortless grace and terrifying spear speed, were on full display. Several times, Gan Ning tried to win with risky moves, only for Zhao Yun to counter them with superior speed and precision.
After nearly a hundred fierce exchanges, Gan Ning was drenched in sweat and breathing heavily. He realized that Zhao Yun's strength truly surpassed his own, especially that uncanny speed and footwork. Had he not relied on his mastery of the water and fearless ferocity, he would have lost long ago. Yet he felt no discouragement. Instead, an exhilarating sense of satisfaction and intense admiration welled up within him.
Zhao Yun also nodded inwardly. Gan Ning truly was a genius; his instincts and valor on the water far exceeded those of ordinary men. He feinted with his spear, forcing Gan Ning back, then withdrew it and cupped his fist, declaring, "General Gan, your halberd skills are exquisite, and your boat handling is divine. You have my admiration! Today's match has been thoroughly satisfying. Why don't we stop here and call it a draw?"
Gan Ning knew Zhao Yun was preserving his dignity and felt grateful. Putting away the Twin Halberds, he cupped his hands. "General Zhao Yun, your martial skill is extraordinary, and your speed is unrivaled in the West Blue. I accept my defeat wholeheartedly! How could we call it a draw?"
The two exchanged a smile, feeling a strong mutual appreciation. Zhao Yun invited Gan Ning aboard for a conversation. In the cabin, Zhao Yun brought out wine, and the two drank together.
"A man of your talents, Brother Xingba, is a bright pearl buried in dust, languishing in the Happo Navy," Zhao Yun sighed. "We at Peach Blossom Spring thirst for worthy talent, and our lord, Chen Yu, has grand ambitions and treats others with utmost sincerity. Generals Guan, Zhang, Huang, and the others are all heroes of our age. Only by working alongside them can a man live up to his lifelong aspirations!"
Gan Ning drank in silence, his heart surging with emotion. Every word Zhao Yun spoke struck home.
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