In the early winter of Sea Circle Calendar 1517, the weather on the Grand Line changed as quickly as a child's expression. One moment, the sky was clear for miles; the next, heavy black clouds had piled up on the distant horizon, with muffled thunder rumbling faintly within. The sea breeze, too, grew damp and urgent, driving the Chang'an's massive hull through the waves.
Chen Yu stood on the bridge, the hem of his black robe stirring gently in the wind. He gazed calmly at the bank of dark clouds where lightning writhed like serpents. The keen perception granted by Arceus's Power allowed him to sense what seemed to be discordant, malicious presences mingled with that mighty force of nature.
"My lord, unidentified ships spotted to starboard! Three vessels, closing in in a triangular formation! They aren't flying any flags!" From the Lookout Tower, the sentry's voice carried clearly through the stillness before the storm.
Almost simultaneously, the white robe of Zhao Yun, who stood quietly nearby, stirred. Reshiram's power gave him extraordinary perception of objects moving at high speed. "There's something underwater to port, moving extremely fast. It isn't a Sea King... it's some sort of man-made submersible!"
The atmosphere on the bridge instantly tightened. Gently waving his feather fan, Guo Jia walked over to the nautical chart. Uxie's Power flowed through his eyes as he mentally reviewed the surrounding waters' terrain, currents, and possible enemy approach vectors in an instant. "That was quick. It seems someone doesn't want us reaching Mary Geoise in peace." A cold smile touched his lips. "They put some thought into choosing this location. The thunderstorm ahead can interfere with Observation Haki, and the complex underwater currents make concealment easy."
Chen Yu's expression remained unchanged, as though he had expected this. "Pass the order: