A fleet of astonishing size-standard warships, armed merchantmen, and even pirate ships flying skull flags-weighed anchor one after another and hoisted full sail.
The salty, damp sea breeze pushed these behemoths slowly out of the harbor.
White sails scattered across the sea like stars, while black cannon barrels formed forbidding ranks.
No fewer than a thousand ships converged, then split apart, finally becoming four surging torrents that sailed in different directions into **.
Rossi and his companions commanded one of them.
After their successive campaigns over this period, the "Family"
had gradually made its name known throughout the North Blue. Coupled with their earlier performance in the arena, no one dared step forward to object now.
No one questioned the force led by Linglong, simply because Xiaofeng, that fierce warrior of the Happo Navy, was there.
Those who joined her command secretly counted themselves lucky, all but certain that victory awaited them.
The Vinsmoke Family's commander-in-chief led another force. His angular face reminded Rossi of the template for the clone soldiers-a veteran who had truly fought in the New World.
Clad in black battle gear, Vinsmoke Judge personally commanded the third force. He stood high atop the castle, the spear in his hand gleaming coldly.
His ancestors' cherished wish to return to their homeland was about to be fulfilled by his hands.
The North Blue stretched wide, a thousand sails racing across it.
Figures with burning eyes crowded the bows, the weapons at their waists thirsting for collision and carnage.
Wealth, fame, legendary treasures... only those left standing at the end could claim it all.
The war of the North Blue's four kingdoms began here.
The Metal Fruit
Two fleets abruptly encountered each other at sea.
The instant their flags came into view, cannon fire tore through the air.