Azuma gripped the hilt of his cursed-tier bde tightly, a hopeful glint in his eyes, surveying the vast expanse of the crashing waves before them. The salty breeze tugged at his worn-out coat, stirring the strands of his hair as if urging them onward into the unknown.

  Roxie's voice then erupted in a frenzy of confusion, his words fumbling out in a panicked rush. "Captain! How in the seven seas are we supposed to find Emerald Isnd if we haven't got the foggiest clue where it even is!?" he excimed, his hands filing in the air as if trying to grasp onto some sembnce of direction amidst the chaos.

  Rosera spoke out with regal confidence, "Don’t worry Captain," she began, her tone ced with certainty. "I know the location of Emerald Isnd. It's where the Sea Corp headquarters resides...Oh Roxie, I'm surprised you didn't know," Rosera remarked with a hint of astonishment in her voice, her words dripping with subtle amusement. "Given your... history with the Sea Corp"

  Roxie's response was frantic, his voice echoing with disbelief and frustration. "You expect me to remember something like that!?" he snapped, his tone rising to match his agitation. "I've spent my entire life trying to forget about the Sea Corp! How could I possibly remember something like that!?"

  Seraph stepped between the pair, Rosera's smirk directed at Roxie contrasted with Oda's visibly agitated expression, adding to the underlying unease. Nonetheless, Seraph remained composed, urging them to cease their quarrel in the presence of their captain. "Please, let's refrain from bickering in front of our captain," he insisted, his words carrying a sense of authority and composure.

  Kenzu's gaze wandered, his expression as stoic as ever. Leaning casually against a sturdy tree trunk, he addressed the crew with his monotone voice, a hint of curiosity ced within. "How do you propose we reach Emerald Isnd without our ship or Kiozen?"

  Azuma pondered for a brief moment before turning to Roxie, his eyes curious. "Roxie, can you manipute your barriers to help us travel there?" Roxie's voice wavered slightly, tinged with a touch of uncertainty. "I-I could technically fly us there," he began, his words carrying a tentative edge. "But I'm not sure if I could maintain the barrier long enough, or if I could even navigate us on the right path"

  Azuma grew a smirk pcing a reassuring hand on Roxie's shoulder, his grip firm and supportive. "Don't worry, Roxie, you just have to get us as far as you can, I'll take care of the rest. Trust in me Oda"

  Roxie took a deep breath, feeling the weight of responsibility once again settle upon him, before exhaling slowly and focusing his ability. With practiced motion, he extended his palm, conjuring a transparent sphere barrier around the crew. Once the barrier shimmered into existence, Azuma took a final gnce back at Panora Isnd, the nd of the Pakari.

  Yoriko and Okara stood watching, the wolf’s solemn nod was met with a determined nod from Azuma before the barrier slowly ascended into the sky, carrying them off into the night...

  4 Hours Later...

  As the crew sat within the transparent sphere, soaring across the vast expanse of the night sky, they gazed down at the powerful sea waves crashing below. The moon's soft glow cast shimmering reflections upon the restless waters, painting a mesmerizing scene of silver and shadow. Almost nothing else within view except the endless expanse of ocean stretching out in every direction. The crew felt a sense of isotion amidst the vastness of the open sea.

  Yet, despite the daunting surroundings, they remained determined to press on towards their destination. Roxie's breaths came in heavy, each exhation a testament to the toll that the prolonged use of his magika ability had taken on him. Beads of sweat glistened on his cheek, evidence of the intense concentration required to maintain the transparent sphere.

  Despite his weariness, his gaze remained fixed on the expanse below, where the powerful sea waves surged and crashed with relentless force. The rhythmic roar of the ocean below seemed to echo the steady thud of his heart, a reminder of the immense power and vastness of the natural world surrounding them.

  Azuma spotted a Sea Corp vessel off in the distance, a massive ship painted in dark blue, it’s bck sails bearing the unmistakable Sea Corp logo. Rising to his feet, his stiff muscles cracked before he pointed toward the imposing vessel. "Look! We just need to reach that ship before the barrier shatters!"

  Roxie, struggling to remain conscious, could feel his vision blurring as sweat built up around his face. "I...I don't know how much longer I can keep this up, Azuma" His voice trembled, sounding on the brink of colpse. "It's...it's getting harder to focus..."

  Azuma pced a reassuring hand on Roxie's shoulder, his eyes filled with confidence. "Hang in there, Oda. Just a little longer. We're almost there"

  Kenzu and the others rose to their feet, the swordsman with his wrist resting on his bde while Rosera and Seraph pced their hands on Roxie, watching over the struggling thief. Cracks slowly formed all around the barrier as if made of gss as the crew were just a few meters from their target.

  "Hold on, Roxie," Rosera pleaded with a worried tone. The vampire gnced at Seraph; her eyes filled with concern. "He's pushing himself too hard," she whispered, her grip tightening on Roxie.

  Seraph nodded; his elegant demeanor strained with worry. "Just a little longer, Roxie," he encouraged, his voice calm and soothing despite the tension. "You're doing great. We believe in you" Oda, his vision blurring further, managed a weak smile.

  The Sea Corp ship loomed closer, it’s dark blue hull and bck sails illuminated against the moonlit sea. With every second, the barrier's integrity weakened, shards of transparent energy fracturing away like broken gss.

  "Almost there," Azuma urged, his voice filled with a mix of hope and desperation. "Just a few more meters."

  As they closed in on the ship, the barrier ultimately shattered, sending the crew plummeting into the crashing currents below. Azuma immediately recognized Roxie as his priority, realizing the poor thief had lost consciousness. With swift precision, he propelled himself through the air towards the pink-haired pirate who fell motionless.

  Azuma managed to grab ahold of his crewmate before sending a powerful kick towards the sea. The force of the kick created a fierce shockwave, splitting the waves below as he used his seinshin to propel them towards the lowest balcony of the Sea Corp vessel.

  Landing with a thud upon the balcony, Azuma's muscles strained from the exertion. He quickly scanned their surroundings, luckily there weren't any officers in sight on the lower deck of the imposing structure.

  “Hold on, Roxie,” Azuma whispered, his voice filled with determination. With Roxie securely in his arms, Azuma steeled himself for the challenges ahead. He couldn't afford to let his guard down, not when his crew depended on him to get them through this perilous situation. The sound of footsteps echoed on the deck above, signaling the approach of officers.

  A shout echoed from above, piercing through the night. "What the hell caused that explosion in the water!?" barked a male officer, his voice gruff and authoritative. "Check the ship for any damages! Move it, men!"

  The sound of footsteps quickly moving throughout the ship filled the air as officers scrambled to investigate. Azuma pressed himself against the wall of the balcony, listening intently.

  "Hey! You two, check the starboard side!" another officer commanded. "And you, make sure the lower decks are clear!"

  Azuma's mind raced. He needed to find a way to get his crew aboard without drawing attention. He gnced down at Roxie, whose breaths were shallow but steady. They couldn't afford to be discovered now.

  Peering over the edge of the balcony, he saw Kenzu managing to swim through the strong currents while Rosera and Seraph struggled to reach the ship. Azuma knew he had to act fast. He carefully leaned Roxie up against a stack of wooden crates, ensuring his friend was secure. "We can't stay hidden for long" Azuma thought, determination in his eyes. "I have to find a way to get everyone on board quickly"

  The pirate listened to the officers' footsteps growing louder, signaling that time was running out. Azuma took a deep breath, rushing over to the edge of the balcony to see Kenzu climbing up the side of the ship, his hair and clothes drenched in seawater. The captain took their hand, pulling him onto the lower deck.

  Kenzu groaned, shaking off some of the water. "What a pain that was," he muttered. Kenousa chuckled softly, "Yeah, well, it’s about to get even more interesting. We’ve got to move fast. The officers are already on high alert"

  Kenzu nodded, gripping his wet bde. "What's the pn?" he inquired, his voice low and serious. Azuma gnced back at Oda, who was still unconscious. “I have an idea..."

  At that moment, two officers dressed in the Sea Corp uniform came rushing down the wooden lower deck. Their attire bore the mark of lower-ranking officers, distinguishable by their simple yet functional uniforms. They wore white open coats over bck shirts, their trousers matching their bck boots. On their left torso, a bck emblem of a blue sun adorned their jackets, symbolizing their allegiance to the Sea Corp. While high ranking officers wore bck with a pure blue emblem, low-ranking officers wore white with a bck emblem.

  As the officers approached Kenzu, one of them pointed towards the wanted pirate, his voice echoing with authority as he shouted: "Drop your weapon and surrender quietly! You're under arrest!" the soldier barked, his tone firm and commanding.

  Kenzu sighed, dropping his bde at their feet with a resigned expression. The soldiers aimed their three-barreled flintlock firearms toward the bounty hunter, their eyes narrowing with skepticism.

  "Don't move, pirate scum! Hands where we can see them!" one of the soldiers shouted, his voice tinged with aggression.

  However, before they could step further, Azuma descended behind them with silent precision, catching them off guard. With a swift, fierce chop infused with seinshin, he struck the side of their necks. The soldiers gasped comically in pain, their eyes bulging and mouths opening wide in exaggerated expressions. They crumpled to the wooden floor, their weapons cttering beside them.

  Azuma smirked, shaking his head. "You soldiers really need to be more careful. Now then Kenzu, we need to help the others aboard and put on the corp’s uniform to blend in with the crew, otherwise we’ll risk alerting the rest of the ship’s crew we’re here"

  Kenzu kicked his bde into the air before catching it, letting out yet another groan of frustration at the very thought of wearing the sea corp’s attire. "What a pain," he muttered in a soft, annoyed tone. "Wearing the clothing of our enemy... I can't believe we're resorting to this"

  Azuma let out a deep sigh, a mix of nostalgia and resolve, as he tossed his old, worn-out crimson coat aside. It represented his identity as a pirate, a leader, and a survivor. It fluttered to the deck, repced by the stark white formal coat of the Sea Corp. The new clothing felt stiff and foreign against his skin, it’s pristine fabric billowing in the sea breeze, a sharp contrast to his familiar attire.

  "We'll get through this," he remarked with a determined smirk. The transformation felt momentous, the first time since the start of his voyage that he had donned new attire. The crew watched in silence, feeling the weight of the moment. Azuma's confidence was infectious, bolstering their resolve as they prepared to blend in with the enemy, their eyes set firmly on their destination.

  The weight of the white coat felt strange, almost like a betrayal to his past, but necessary for their survival. The stiff fabric seemed to resist him, a reminder of the rigid and oppressive force they were up against. Yet, the change of attire was symbolic, a step into uncharted territory both literally and figuratively.

  His crew watched with a mix of surprise and admiration. Azuma's transformation was more than just a change of clothes; it was a sign of adaptability, a willingness to do whatever it took to succeed. He turned to them; his eyes filled with confidence.

  "The clothes might feel strange, but we've faced worse. We need to blend in if we're going to successfully infiltrate this ship and find a way to Emerald Isnd. This is just another challenge on our path"

  Kenzu, now cd in his own new uniform, wore an expression of clear frustration. He turned his head, arms crossed, muttering under his breath. The rest of the crew followed suit, rummaging through open crates on the lower deck to find extra uniforms. Each member donned the attire of their enemies with varying degrees of reluctance and resolve.

  As Azuma adjusted the colr of his new clothes, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope. The sight of his crew, unified in their purpose, brought a sense of comfort. The transformation felt symbolic, a fresh chapter in their journey, brimming with the promise of new challenges and the strength of their unwavering bonds.

  Seraph, moving his body with elegant disdain, spoke in an annoyed voice: "The corporation's ck of elegancy is truly sickening. These uniforms are much too uncomfortable for my liking"

  Rosera, brushing her dark hair behind her colr with a confident flourish, nodded in agreement. "I couldn't agree more, Seraph. These clothes are truly a disgrace," she responded, her voice carrying her usual regal confidence. "But if this is what it takes to achieve our goal, we shall endure"

  Seraph held both hands out, looking himself up and down with disgust. "How could anyone with any ounce of proper elegance design such ugliness? Such a waste of material," he muttered, dripping with annoyance. The blonde pirate shuddered, feeling gross from merely having the uniform touch his smooth, elegant skin. "It's a travesty to endure this affront to fashion," he added, his voice full of resentment.

  Azuma turned to Rosera; his expression serious before he made his request. "Rosera, I need you to remain here in the lower deck and watch over Roxie until he regains consciousness," he suggested, his voice firm. "Your vampiric appearance would unfortunately give us away, and our cover would be blown. We might not be able to enter Emerald Isnd undetected if that happened"

  She sighed, understanding the necessity of her role. "I promise to remain by his side until you return," she replied, her tone carrying a hint of affection towards her dear captain.

  Kenousa picked up the two firearms, examining them with keen interest, taking note of their intricate design. The hazel brown wooden grips were adorned with golden metal symbols, each marking a testament to the craftsmanship put into their creation. As he turned them over in his hands, he couldn't help but admire the elegance of their design and weight they carried.

  The pirate chuckled softly, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "It's been a while since I've handled firearms," he remarked, his voice building with anticipation. "It'll be nice to switch things up a bit"

  With ease, Azuma twirled the two guns on his trigger fingers, his movements fluid and precise like that of a seasoned gunslinger. He holstered the firearms at his sides, ready for whatever challenges y ahead.

  Azuma's voice cut through the tense air of the lower deck corridor as he id out their next course of action. "Alright, Kenzu, Seraph. We'll attempt to blend in with the crew for now. Our priority is to determine if they're heading to the isnd. If not, we may need to consider taking control of the ship before they can signal for reinforcements. The st thing we need is to alert the Sea Corp HQ and draw the attention of an entire fleet of officers"

  Kenzu's calm demeanor belied his question, "Captain, forgive my skepticism, but are you truly concerned about mere officers?"

  Azuma's gaze hardened, his expression grave as he responded, "It's not the officers we need to worry about, Kenzu. It's the potential presence of an admiral or even a Law of the Sea among them. If they're desperate enough, they won't hesitate to call for reinforcements"

  With their pn set, the trio moved stealthily aboard the sea-bound vessel. Ascending a flight of wooden steps to the upper deck, they emerged into the cargo bay, a cramped space filled with rows of stacked wooden crates containing ammunition, gunpowder, and other essential supplies.

  Kenousa seized the opportunity to procure some extra ammo for the flintlock pistols, swiftly grabbing what they needed before the crew pressed onward through the narrow confines of the room, heading towards the next level of the ship.

  As they ventured through the narrow passageway of the ship, the distant voices of sea corp officers reverberated off the walls, followed by the rhythmic creaking of the aged wooden pnks beneath their feet. The walls, adorned with meticulously carved reliefs depicting scenes of naval triumphs, lent an air of grandeur to the otherwise utilitarian corridors. Soft mplight flickered intermittently, casting shifting shadows that danced along the intricately carved details, heightening the atmosphere of anticipation and apprehension that enveloped the ship.

  As they stepped onto the main deck of the ship, a sense of order and discipline permeated the air. A rge squad of officers marched back and forth in precise formations, their boots echoing against the wooden pnks with rhythmic precision. Some stood at attention along the railing, scanning the horizon with keen eyes, while others manned the ship's various cannons, ready to defend against any potential threats.

  Amidst the organized chaos, snippets of conversation floated through the air as officers exchanged pleasantries and discussed various topics.

  Near the helm, two officers engaged in a spirited debate: "I'm telling you; the best fishing spot is just off the coast of Zonaba reef. I caught a haul big enough to feed the whole crew st time!"

  "You must be mistaken. Everyone knows the waters near Emerald Isnd are teeming with fish. You haven't lived until you've tried fresh Emerald Isnd snapper!"

  Meanwhile, near the bow, a group of officers swapped stories: "Remember that time we encountered those pirates near Zonaba reef? They put up quite a fight!"

  "Aye, but we showed 'em who's boss! Those bloody pirates won't be bothering anyone else anytime soon"

  In the distance, the sound of waves crashing against the hull provided a steady backdrop to the lively chatter, creating a symphony of sounds that underscored the bustling activity of the sea vessel.

  As Azuma, Kenzu, and Seraph stood among the rge squad of active officers, one of them approached them, his voice deep, carrying the authority of a seasoned soldier. "Hey there," he greeted, eyeing them with curiosity. "I don't think I've seen you lot around here before. New recruits?"

  Seraph remained silent, his expression unreadable, while Kenzu shot the officer a piercing gre, his arms crossed in defiance. Azuma on the other hand nodded in affirmation, his voice carrying a confident tone. "That's right," he replied smoothly, meeting the officer's gaze without hesitation. "Just joined up a few days ago. This is our first time out on the frontline"

  The officer looked them up and down for a moment, a flicker of recognition crossing his features. "You folks seem familiar for some reason," he mused, then shook his head dismissively. "Anyway, if you're new recruits, you should probably check in with Commander Tsubaki Kurobara. She'll have some tasks for you to take care of"

  With that, the officer walked away, leaving them to exchange gnces before they continued to navigate their way through the bustling ship...

  Meanwhile...

  In a dimly lit b, Benimaru awoke on a steel operating table, his mask removed. At his side stood his older sister Shira, her hand gently resting on his. Her dark star suit bore a regal purple star emblem, contrasting with Benimaru's red. Long purple hair cascaded down her back, framing her striking green eyes that held a mix of concern and frustration. Her youthful, beautiful face was framed by the sleek lines of the suit, emphasizing her elegance and strength.

  Shira smiled softly; her voice filled with a soft seductive tone. "Benimaru, you're awake. How are you feeling?"

  The man groaned, sitting up slowly. "I feel like I've been hit by a train. What happened?"

  Shira's eyes softened with relief. "You pushed yourself too hard in the st mission. The energy backsh knocked you out cold. We had to bring you here to stabilize your vitals"

  Benimaru ran a hand through his tangled hair, trying to piece together his memories. "I remember...the fight, and then everything went dark" He looked up at his sister, concern etched on his face. "How long have I been out?"

  "About a day or so," Shira answered, her voice carrying a hint of teasing warmth. "But long enough to give me a scare. You need to be more careful, Benimaru. You're not invincible"

  Her brother sighed, leaning back on the table. "I know, I just...I want to prove that we can use our powers for something good, that we're not just our father's puppets"

  Shira's expression grew serious, her confidence unwavering. "I understand, and I feel the same way. But we have to be smart about it. We can't change things if we're reckless and end up getting ourselves killed"

  He nodded slowly, the weight of his sister's words sinking in. "You're right, Shira. I'll try to be more careful. But we have to keep pushing forward. We have to find a way to break free from father's control"

  Shira's grip on his hand tightened, a fierce determination burning in her green eyes. "Together, we will. We'll find a way to use our technology for good, and we'll show the world that the Dark Star Syndicate can be a force for change, not just destruction"

  The b around them hummed with activity, various machines and devices monitoring Benimaru's condition and analyzing data. The walls were lined with shelves filled with strange vials and jars, some containing glowing liquids, others housing mysterious substances. The air was cool and clinical, the scent of antiseptic mingling with the faint ozone of high-tech equipment.

  Shira's presence was a stark contrast to the cold, impersonal b. Her warmth and care provided a sense of comfort and reassurance to Benimaru, grounding him in the midst of the sterile environment.

  As Benimaru steadied himself, the resolve to change their fate grew stronger within him. He knew that with Shira by his side, they could face any challenge and work towards a better future, one where their advanced technology could be a beacon of hope rather than a tool of oppression.

  Benimaru looked around the b, taking in the familiar sight of the advanced technology their father prided himself on. The various instruments and devices, though impressive, also symbolized the control and manipution he exerted over them. He clenched his fist, a renewed determination burning within him.

  Once Benimaru gingerly stepped onto the cold tiled floor, a sharp pain shot through his head, causing him to grimace. He struggled to maintain his bance, his legs feeling like they might give out at any moment. His older sister moved swiftly to his side, her gloved hand reaching out to steady him.

  "Easy there, Benimaru, you're still recovering. Remember how wounded you were when we found you in Aqua Bastion? You're lucky you didn't sustain a brain injury, given the severity of the damage to your skull"

  The red star nodded weakly, his breath coming in short gasps as he tried to push through the pain. He leaned heavily on Shira for support, grateful for her steady presence.

  "I'm...I'm okay," he managed to say, his voice strained. "I just need a moment to...to catch my breath" Shira, her grip firm but gentle as she guided him to a nearby chair. She helped him lower himself into the seat, her eyes never leaving his face.

  "You're going to be alright," she assured him, her voice soft yet reassuring. "You're strong, stronger than you realize. You'll get through this"

  Benimaru closed his eyes, trying to block out the throbbing pain in his head. "I know," he whispered, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

  Shira returned his smile, a glimmer of pride shining in her eyes. As the crimson-haired member slipped back into unconsciousness, his breaths growing faint and soft, Shira remained by his side, watching over him with a mixture of worry and guilt. Tears welled up in her eyes, streaming down her face as she clenched her fists in frustration.

  "Why did I let him go alone?" she muttered to herself, her voice barely above a whisper. "I should have been there with him, watching over him, protecting him!"

  Her anger simmered beneath the surface, bubbling up until it consumed her. She was furious with herself for obeying their father's orders, for allowing herself to be confined to the b like some obedient pet. The realization filled her with a deep sense of betrayal, a resentment that burned like fire in her chest.

  Her sadness quickly morphed into seething hatred, her emotions fueling the manifestation of a purple aura of seinshin around her. The air crackled with energy, the floor trembling beneath her feet as her bck cape billowed out behind her, along with her long purple hair whipping around her in a frenzy.

  "I won't let him dictate my every move, like some puppet on a string. I am my own person, and I will forge my own fate" With each word, her power surged, pulsating with an intensity that was both exhirating and terrifying. She was done pying by her father's rules, done being his pawn in a game of power and manipution. It was time for her to break free, to assert her independence and cim her rightful pce in the world...

  Back Aboard The Sea Corp Ship...

  Azuma and the others marched through the expansive white corridor of the ship, the metallic cnging of their footsteps echoing around them. The atmosphere was tense as they approached the captain's quarters, each step bringing them closer to the heart of the enemy vessel.

  Pushing open the cold, steel door, they entered a rge dark-blue room, the contrast striking against the pristine corridors outside. The air inside was thick with an aura of suspense. At the far end of the room, a tall figure sat behind a substantial wooden desk up three stone steps.

  The woman had long, flowing pink hair that cascaded over her shoulders. She was dressed in a purple variant of the Sea Corp uniform, her white formal gloves standing out against the dark wood as she meticulously wrote in a journal, the scratch of her pen the only sound in the room.

  Azuma then abruptly stepped forward, his eyes locking onto the figure. "Commander Tsubaki Kurobara, I presume," he announced, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of hesitation.

  The fleet captain looked up, her sharp, discerning green eyes meeting his. "And you are?" she inquired, her tone cool and authoritative, betraying no hint of surprise at their intrusion.

  "We're the new recruits," The pirate replied smoothly, a confident smirk pying on his lips. "Here to assist you in any way we can"

  Tsubaki's gaze flickered over the trio, assessing them with a critical eye. "New recruits, huh?" she mused, her expression unreadable. "I don't recall requesting reinforcements”

  Kenzu rested his arm on the hilt of his bde, his eyes narrowing slightly. "We're here now. Orders are orders" For a moment, there was silence with Tsubaki considering their words. Then, with a breif nod, she closed her journal and rose from her seat. "Very well. But know this: I run a tight ship and have little patience for insubordination or incompetence. Prove yourselves useful, and we won't have any problems"

  Kenousa inclined his head, his smirk widening. "Understood, Commander. We won't let you down"

  Tsubaki turned her back to retrieve something from a nearby cabinet, that’s when Seraph took a bold step forward. With an air of elegance, he pced his arm formally across his chest and bowed deeply, his voice smooth and poised. "Commander Tsubaki," he began, his tone respectful yet inquisitive, "If I may be so bold, could you kindly refresh my memory regarding our destination? I believe it would be prudent for us to familiarize ourselves fully with the mission parameters"

  Tsubaki paused, her hand hovering over the cabinet handle. She turned slowly, her sharp eyes narrowing as she regarded Seraph with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity. The room seemed to hold it’s breath while she studied him, weighing his intentions.

  "Familiarizing yourself with the mission parameters, you say?" Tsubaki's voice was measured, her tone revealing little of her thoughts. "Very well, since you are new, I suppose it's only fair to brief you." She slowly returned to her desk, standing over it with both hands pnted firmly on the wooden surface. Her gaze locked onto them with an intensity that could pierce through steel, her expression stern and unwavering.

  "The HQ has ordered us, along with other fleets, back to Emerald Isnd on an urgent emergency," Tsubaki announced, her voice growing more serious. "The former 7th Law of the Sea, known as Saber, has gone rogue. An order for his arrest or execution has been given by the Sea Corp HQ commander Masaru himself"

  The three pirates’ eyes grew wide with disbelief as their captain remembered Saber was the one who had caught them and trapped them in Aqua Bastion. He was beginning to realize just how serious their situation was.

  "Saber's betrayal has thrown our operations into chaos," Tsubaki continued, her eyes narrowing. "He possesses extensive knowledge of our strategies and capabilities, making him an exceptionally dangerous threat. We cannot afford any mistakes. You are to follow orders without question and be prepared for immediate deployment upon arrival"

  Seraph straightened, maintaining his poised demeanor. "Understood, Commander. We shall not fail" Kurobara's gaze bore down on them for a moment longer, as if assessing their resolve. With a scoff, she sat back in her chair. "See that you don't. Dismissed"

  The trio left the room, the weight of their new predicament pressing heavily upon them. As they marched through the corridors, their minds raced with the implications of Saber's defection and the urgent task ahead. The journey to Emerald Isnd had become far more perilous, and the stakes had never been higher.

  Making their way back to the lower decks, away from the rest of the officers, Azuma groaned in frustration. "Saber was the one who captured and imprisoned us in Aqua Bastion, not to mention doing it with ease," he remarked, his voice tense. "I don't know what magika ability Saber has, but if he can capture our entire crew without breaking a sweat, then these Laws of the Sea are a force beyond anything we've faced before"

  Kenzu nodded, his expression darkening. "It makes sense why the Sea Corp is so desperate to take him down. If he's turned rogue, he could wreak havoc with little to stop him"

  Seraph, maintaining his composure, added, "We must be cautious. Saber's betrayal might be an opportunity or a trap. Either way, we need to be prepared for the worst"

  The air was thick with the scent of salt and damp wood, a constant reminder of their precarious situation. Finally, they reached the room where Roxie and Rosera were resting. The vampiric pirate looked up as they entered, her expression a mix of surprise and relief. She shot up with excitement, her voice love-struck and rapid. "Oh, Captain! I'm so happy you're back! Did you manage to find any intel? Please, tell me everything!"

  Azuma barely had time to respond before Roxie began to stir. The thief yawned, his eyes blinking open groggily. "What...happened?", his voice heavy with exhaustion. "How long have I been out?"

  Azuma stepped forward, a reassuring smile on his face. "Not too long, Roxie. We're on a Sea Corp vessel, heading towards Emerald Isnd. We've got some intel, but it's a mixed bag"

  Roxie rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. "Emerald Isnd? What's going on?"

  Kenzu crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. "Saber has gone rogue. The Sea Corp is on high alert, they're ordered to either capture or kill him"

  Roxie sat up, the news seeming to wake him fully. "Saber? The same guy who captured us? This could be our chance for payback!"

  "Or it could be a disaster," Seraph added, his tone grave. "We need to be careful and prepared for anything. Saber's a formidable opponent"

  Rosera, still visibly excited to have Azuma back, nodded fervently. "We'll get through this, together. Just tell me what we need to do, Captain"

  Azuma's smile widened slightly. "For now, we need to y low until we reach the isnd, once we’ve split from the fleet, should try to make our way into the Sea Corp HQ and get them to tell us where Kiozen and the others might be"

  Kenzu then spoke up, his outburst reverberating through the room, his frustration boiling over as he challenged Azuma's pn. He shook his head, disbelief etched on his face. "What's the use of marching straight to the HQ!?" Kenzu's voice crackled with frustration, his tone edged with skepticism. "Do you honestly think they have any clue about their whereabouts!? Causing a scene there would just be asking the entire isnd to target us!"

  The room fell into stunned silence, the weight of Kenzu's words hanging heavy in the air. Azuma exchanged a gnce with the others, each one grappling with the validity of Kenzu's concerns.

  Rosera, her voice soft but firm, spoke up, breaking the silence. "But what other choice do we have? We can't just sit here and hope for a miracle"

  Kenzu's frustration remained palpable, but with a resigned sigh, he lowered his head. Returning to his usual calm demeanor, he spoke with words carrying a sense of understanding. "Captain, I understand your concern for Kiozen, Naiomi, and the others at Aqua Bastion Prison," Kenzu began, his voice steady despite the weight of his words. "But risking the entire Sea Corp's attention for intel they likely don't possess isn't a wise move"

  He paused, his gaze meeting Azuma's with sincerity. "Perhaps our best course of action is to locate Saber and persuade him to hand over the map to the Celestial Pearl of Poseidon without resorting to conflict. It may be a long shot, but it's a risk worth considering"

  Azuma pondered for a moment, a stern expression across his face. Acknowledging Kenzu's reasoning, "Thank you, Kenzu. You’re right...we should focus on finding Saber and locate the very reason this all happened. I hate myself for failing the others...but risking the same thing to happen to all of you is something I wouldn’t be able to live with"

  With a sense of unity restored among the crew, they prepared to embark on their mission, their resolve strengthened by their shared determination...

  One Hour Later...

  While Azuma and his crew sat up against the stacks of wooden cargo, the sound of a high-pitched male voice echoed through the ship. "Attention all soldiers! We are approaching Emerald Isnd! Everyone is to gather on the main deck immediately" The announcement caught the pirate's attention, their eyes widening with surprise and curiosity.

  Azuma stood up, quickly turning to his team. "This is it, everyone. We need to stay sharp and focus on our objective" he reminded, his tone a blend of anticipation and confidence.

  Kenzu stepped forward, his usual calm demeanor masking the tension he felt. "Let's hope Saber's ready to talk. We need that map, and can't afford any mistakes," he muttered, the weight of their mission clear in his voice.

  Seraph adjusted his white uniform, a faint smirk pying on his lips. "I wouldn't mind a little action, though. Keeps things interesting," he commented with a hint of bravado, though his eyes sharp and vigint.

  Rosera, still lingering with Roxie, chimed in, her voice a mix of excitement and concern. "Just be careful, my dear captain. We can't afford to lose you now," her tone love-struck yet earnest, her eyes reflecting her deep concern for Azuma's safety.

  Azuma gave her a reassuring smile. "We'll be fine, Rosera. Keep an eye on Roxie and be ready to move when we signal," the captain ordered, his voice calm but firm, instilling confidence in his team.

  The ship drew closer to Emerald Isnd, the sound of waves crashing against the hull, accompanied by the distant cries of seabirds. A silhouette of the isnd began to take shape on the horizon, revealing itself in vivid detail. Unlike the desote, rugged ndscapes of their recent journey, Emerald Isnd was bustling with life and activity.

  The isnd's lush, green outskirts quickly gave way to a sprawling metropolis. Large, active docks lined the waterfront, where an array of ships, from small fishing boats to massive trading vessels, were moored. Workers and sailors moved in a well-coordinated dance, unloading cargo and preparing ships for departure.

  Beyond the docks, the city rose in a vibrant tapestry of color. Large, colorful buildings, each adorned with intricate designs and bustling markets, stood tall against the skyline.

  The scent of salt and the cool sea breeze filled the air, adding to the tension of the moment. The trio, taking in the sight from the main deck, felt a mix of awe and apprehension. Azuma's eyes scanned the bustling docks and towering buildings, calcuting their next move.

  "We've made it," he said quietly, more to himself than his crew. (We’ll have to be careful...this pce is as dangerous as it is beautiful) Azuma, Seraph, and Kenzu stood amidst the disciplined ranks of Sea Corp officers once the ship finally docked at Emerald Isnd. A a mix of anxiety and resolve seemed to permeate the atmosphere. The ship's metal frame groaned in protest as it settled into the busy dock.

  The Isnd loomed rger with every passing second, it’s bustling docks a hive of activity. Vibrant, colorful buildings lined the waterfront, a stark contrast to the grim demeanor of the officers. Ships of all shapes and sizes were anchored in the harbor, their masts swaying gently in the breeze. Dockworkers moved with purpose, unloading cargo and shouting instructions, their voices blending with the cries of seagulls and the rhythmic crashing of waves.

  Azuma's gaze swept across the scene, taking in every detail with a keen eye. The unfamiliar stiffness of the Sea Corp uniform served as a constant reminder of their delicate disguise. He adjusted the colr, his mind racing with the gravity of their objective and the need to remain inconspicuous.

  Beside him, Seraph maintained his elegant composure. His eyes flitted over the bustling docks, a mix of disdain and curiosity pying across his features. The pure white uniform did little to conceal his innate grace, but his focus remained unwavering.

  Kenzu, however, wore his frustration openly. His arms crossed tightly over his chest with a hardened gaze. The uniform chafed at his identity, a constant irritant.

  As the ship docked with a resounding thud, the gangpnk was lowered, and soldiers began to disembark in a well-practiced formation. The trio followed, their footsteps echoing on the wooden pnks as they stepped onto the dock. The scent of salt air mingled with the earthy aroma of the isnd, heightening their senses.

  All soldiers stood in perfect parallel formation; their discipline evident in their synchronized posture. One of the officers, his voice deep and stern, stepped forward and announced with authority, "Attention! Commander Kurobara is disembarking!"

  Their captain then emerged, her presence exuding power and elegance. Her long, pink hair flowed gracefully in the sea breeze, contrasting sharply with the cold, disdainful expression on her face. She walked with a confidence that bordered on arrogance, her eyes sweeping over the formation of men as if beneath her.

  "Soldiers!" Her voice rang out, powerful and superior. "Our mission is clear. We are to scout this isnd thoroughly and locate the traitor, Saber. Leave no stone unturned. Any information you gather is to be reported directly to me"

  Her words carried the weight of absolute authority, and the soldiers responded with a unified, "Yes, Commander!" Their voices echoed through the docks, reflecting their unwavering obedience.

  As Kurobara continued to speak, her tone remained unyielding. "Remember, failure is not an option. We are Sea Corp, and we do not tolerate insubordination or incompetence. Move out and execute your duties with the precision and dedication expected of you!"

  The soldiers broke formation with swift, practiced movements, dispersing into smaller groups as they began their search. Kurobara watched them go, her eyes narrowing. She turned on her heel and made her way deeper into the isnd, the embodiment of resolute leadership.

  Kenousa and the others observed from within the ranks, their disguises holding up under the scrutiny. They exchanged silent gnces, the weight of their mission pressing down on them. Kenzu's jaw clenched with lingering frustration but kept his focus.

  Once the soldiers and Kurobara departed from the docks, Roxie and Rosera seized the moment to slip off the now-deserted ship. The crew, finally reunited, stood at the threshold of Emerald Isnd, a city that gleamed with metallic brilliance and bustling activity. Towering, colorful buildings dominated the skyline, their reflective surfaces capturing the sunlight in dazzling dispys. The streets filled with vendors hawking exotic fruits and mechanical parts, the air thick with a mixture of spices and industrial aromas. Steam billowed from numerous chimneys, and the distant hum of machinery created a symphony of urban life.

  The pirates surveyed their surroundings with keen eyes. The paved streets were patrolled by low-rank Sea Corp officers, their presence a constant reminder of the isnd's stringent authority. Yet, the disguised pirates went unnoticed amidst the throng of bustling citizens.

  "We need a discreet pce to gather information," Kenousa informed them, his gaze scanning the streets for any leads.

  Seraph, maintaining his elegant demeanor suggested, "Perhaps a tavern or an inn. People tend to be more talkative in those settings"

  Kenzu, his frustration simmering but under control, added, "We should also be watchful for any sign of Saber. If he's here, someone will have seen him"

  Rosera gave a seductive smirk to Azuma, "We'll find him, Captain. I have no doubt"

  Roxie agreed, "Let's stay out of trouble. We can't afford a confrontation with the officers" With their pn in pce, the crew navigated the vibrant streets. They passed by towering warehouses and intricate walkways, blending seamlessly with the throng of residents and merchants. Every sight and sound scrutinized for potential clues.

  The city's atmosphere was a blend of opportunity and peril, moving deeper into the heart of the city, the group remained on guard. Their mission: find Saber and uncover the secrets of the Celestial Pearl of Poseidon, as well as the possible whereabouts of their lost crewmates...

  Making their way through the stone streets, the voices of merchants calling out their wares blended with the steady rhythm of soldiers' boots. Flintlocks gleamed in the hands of patrolling guards, while sharp-eyed officers perched on rooftops, sniper rifles at the ready, scanning the crowds below for any sign of pirates or other suspicious figures.

  Roxie, gncing nervously around, whispered with a terrified voice, "I-I feel like there's a sniper up there, just waiting to put a bullet between my eyes" His heart pounded in his chest, a trickle of sweat running down his face.

  Azuma pced a reassuring hand on his shoulder, his tone calm but firm. "Stay focused, Roxie. Keep your head down and act naturally. We're just part of the crowd"

  Seraph added, "Remember, they're looking for pirates. We blend in, we survive"

  Kenzu's eyes darted to the rooftops, his expression grim. "If we get spotted, it's over. Let's find some cover and figure out our next move" The group moved cautiously, weaving through the bustling market stalls and trying to remain inconspicuous.

  Roxie took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. "I just... I can't shake the feeling we're being watched," he murmured.

  Azuma gave him a reassuring nod. "We probably are. But we have a mission and need to remain stay sharp"

  "We've faced worse, Roxie, they’re just mere snipers, you’re overthinking things" The vampire remarked. As they pressed on, a towering structure came into view. Dominating the sky with it’s pure white facade and unmistakable Sea Corp logo embzoned at it’s center, the headquarters stood as a symbol of authority and justice amidst the vibrant chaos of Emerald Isnd. It’s imposing presence contrasted with the colorful structures around it, radiating an aura of dominance and order.

  Azuma paused, taking in the sight of the formidable tower. "So that's the HQ," he muttered, his voice filled with a mix of admiration and trepidation. "If we were to take it down, it'd be a heavy hit for the corporation..."

  He trailed off, the weight of their situation settling over the group. "But we can't afford to get their attention," his tone more serious. "With the threat of the other six Laws of the Sea appearing, they could take us out with ease"

  "True. We need to be strategic about this. We can't risk a direct confrontation with such formidable opponents" The blonde pirate acknowledged.

  "We should split up. Cover more ground. Avoid any unnecessary risks" Rosera insisted. Azuma agreed, his resolve strengthening. "Right. Let's move carefully. We stick to the pn and stay under the radar"

  With their pn set, the crew dispersed, each member blending into the crowd and navigating the streets with practiced ease. The towering white headquarters loomed in the background, a constant reminder of the stakes at hand.

  Kenzu moved with practiced ease through the bustling streets, searching the crowds for any signs of unusual activity. His hand rested lightly on the hilt of his bde, a silent reminder of the danger lurking in the shadows.

  While he weaved through the flow of people, Kenzu's mind raced with thoughts of their elusive target. Where could Saber be hiding? What clues could lead them to his whereabouts? He mulled over the possibilities, his thoughts drifting into a realm of strategic analysis and calcuted deduction.

  "First things first," he murmured to himself, his voice barely audible above the din of the crowd. "I need to find a vantage point. Somewhere I can survey the area and gather information without drawing attention"

  Each passerby became a potential informant, each alleyway a potential clue. He moved with purpose, his focus unwavering as he navigated the byrinthine streets of Emerald Isnd, his mind set on one goal: finding Saber.

  In the secluded confines of a narrow alley, Kenzu's concentration deepened, his seinshin surging to life within him. With a swift motion, he dashed up the red brick building, his movements fluid and precise. The wind whipped at his coat as he nded gracefully on the ft rooftop, his eyes looking out on the bustling city below.

  From his vantage point, Kenzu observed the mass of citizens, his senses attuned to the subtle sounds of the city. His gaze flickered to a nearby rooftop where a sniper y in wait, but he paid them no mind, opting to remain unseen.

  Kenzu's attention was drawn to a distant commotion, a gathering of people congregating near a grand emerald, green pace beyond the sea corp headquarters. The sight piqued his curiosity, igniting a spark of intrigue within him. With a hint of interest in his voice, Kenzu murmured to himself, "Perhaps that's worth investigating," he mused, weighing the potential risks against the possibility of valuable information. "I'll need to tread carefully"

  The grand emerald, green pace stood as a beacon of opulence amidst the bustling cityscape. walls, adorned in hues of glistening green, exuded an air of regal majesty, catching the sunlight in a dazzling dispy. Four towering pilrs fnked the entrance, their marble surfaces polished to a mirror-like sheen, reflecting the golden rays of the sun.

  Before the imposing gates of the pace, a wide staircase ascended majestically, each step a testament to the grandeur of the structure beyond. The steps, crafted from the finest marble, gleamed with an ethereal luminescence, inviting visitors to ascend their majestic heights and enter the realm of the pace.

  As Kenzu observed, the pace gates stood sentinel, their golden hues glinting in the light. The intricately wrought designs adorning the gates depicted scenes of myth and legend, each detail painstakingly crafted to perfection.

  Beyond the gates, the pace courtyard sprawled out in a vast expanse of manicured gardens and ornate fountains. Lush greenery flourished under the careful ministrations of skilled gardeners, adding a verdant backdrop to the scene.

  In the distance, the towering spires of the pace rose towards the sky, their graceful silhouettes reaching towards the heavens. From his view, the pace appeared as a sanctuary of tranquility amidst the bustling city, a testament to the power and prestige of it’s occupants.

  The scene unfolded before Kenzu's eyes with an intensity that left him momentarily stunned. As the golden gates of the pace swung open, revealing the figure within, a palpable wave of excitement rippled through the crowd gathered outside.

  Amidst the throng of citizens, a hushed murmur spread like wildfire as the imposing figure stepped forth from the pace's hallowed halls. A royal, cd in regal attire befitting his status, commanded attention with his superior presence and stoic demeanor.

  His bck spiky hair framed his aqua blue eyes, a striking contrast to the opulent green and gold robe he wore, accentuated by the pristine white fur that lined it’s edges. The gleam of green diamond earrings adorned his ears, adding a touch of royal elegance to his appearance.

  As they surveyed the crowd with an emotionless expression, Kenzu couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over him. There was an air of authority and power that emanated from the royal figure, a presence that demanded respect and obedience from all who beheld him.

  Meanwhile, the citizens below erupted into cheers and cries of adoration, their voices blending into a cacophony of praise and reverence for their esteemed ruler. Women swooned at the sight of Ryujin, captivated by his dominant aura and regal bearing.

  "My dear citizens," Ryujin's voice echoed across the courtyard, commanding attention and respect in equal measure. "I stand before you today not as your ruler, but as your humble servant." His words elicited a wave of adution from the crowd, their cheers echoing off the pace walls.

  But amidst the fervor of the moment, Ryujin's gaze locked onto the lone figure perched atop a nearby rooftop. Recognition flickered in his eyes as he beheld Kenzu, watching from afar.

  With a knowing smirk, Ryujin raised a hand in greeting, beckoning the stalking swordsmen to join him. "Ah, Kenzu," he called out, his voice carrying effortlessly over the crowd. "It seems you've come to witness this momentous occasion. How kind of you to grace me with your presence"

  Without hesitation, Kenzu leaped down from the rooftop, his coat billowing behind him as he nded gracefully before the crowd. The onlookers parted, creating a path that led straight to Ryujin.

  All eyes were on the two figures who stood face to face, their share. As murmurs of the people swirled around them, a bold voice pierced the air, belonging to a woman who dared to question the connection between Ryujin and Kenzu, prompting Ryujin to address the matter directly.

  With a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes, Ryujin turned to face the woman, his regal demeanor unwavering. "Ah, my dear, it seems there are those among you who are unfamiliar with the complexities of family ties"

  A ripple of curiosity spread through the masses as Ryujin continued, his gaze settling once more on Kenzu. "Allow me to enlighten you," he decred, his tone tinged with thinly veiled disdain. "This man before you is not just any low-rank officer. No, he is my dear baby brother, Kenzu. Though sadly, he has chosen to forsake his birthright to become a w of the sea and pursue a life of ignominy as a mere bounty hunter"

  A collective gasp echoed through the courtyard as Ryujin's words sank in, the revetion sending shockwaves through the assembled throng. Kenzu stood stoically, his expression unreadable as he bore the weight of his brother's scorn.

  Undeterred by the murmurs of disbelief, Ryujin pressed on, his tone dripping with condescension. "It pains me to see what my once-proud family name has been reduced to," he mented, his voice carrying a note of contempt. "But fear not, dear citizens. I shall do what is necessary to restore honor to the Kamimora name, even if it means casting aside those who have chosen to stray from the path of righteousness"

  With those cutting words, Ryujin turned away from his brother, his gaze sweeping over the assembled masses with a sense of superiority that bordered on arrogance. The air was thick with tension as the citizens grappled with the revetion of Kenzu's true identity and the implications it held for their beloved ruler's legacy.

  As the words fell from Ryujin's lips with a cool, composed demeanor, Kenzu's disbelief morphed into a simmering anger that threatened to boil over. "Why are you even here!?" The pirate excimed, ced with incredulity and a hint of bitterness. His fists clenched at his sides; his muscles coiled with tension as he struggled to comprehend the magnitude of Ryujin's revetion.

  Ryujin remained steadfast; his posture unwavering along with maintaining his aloof facade. With a regal tilt of his head, he turned slightly to regard his brother over his shoulder, his aqua-blue eyes gleaming with an air of superiority.

  "My dear brother," Ryujin intoned, his voice dripping with a mixture of elegance and disdain. "Had you not chosen to abandon your birthright and tarnish our noble lineage with your association with pirates and bounty hunting scum, perhaps you would have been aware that I have ascended to the throne as the Emperor of Emerald Isnd"

  The words hung in the air like a heavy shroud, casting a pall over the courtyard with the gravity of Ryujin's decration setting upon the gathered onlookers. Kenzu stood firm, his mind reeling with a tumult of emotions as he grappled with the harsh reality of his brother's newfound status.

  With a clenched jaw and a fire burning in his eyes, Kenzu vowed silently to himself that he would not let Ryujin's arrogance go unchallenged. Though he may have forsaken his royal heritage, he refused to allow his brother to belittle him or his chosen path.

  Kenzu's hand tightened around the hilt of his bde, the familiar weight grounding him amidst the storm of emotions swirling within. Hatred, resentment, and a burning desire for justice coursed through his veins, clouding his judgment and igniting a fire of defiance within him.

  Ryujin's eyes narrowed with a hint of amusement. "You never learn, do you, Kenzu?" His voice was smooth, ced with a hint of mockery. "Always the impulsive fool, charging headfirst into battles you cannot hope to win"

  He brushed his robe to the side with a casual flick of his wrist, his expression one of bored indifference. "You may have your petty vendettas, but I have a kingdom to rule. I suggest you leave now, before you embarrass yourself further"

  His words dripped, each sylble a calcuted barb aimed at Kenzu's pride. With a steely gre, Kenzu fixed his gaze on his arrogant brother, his lips drawn into a tight line of contempt. However, the pirate refused to cower in the face of his brother's taunts, his pride refusing to yield to the oppressive weight of royal arrogance.

  Kenzu's resolve only strengthened. The memories of their past duels, each ending in his defeat, fueled the fmes of his drive to stand against his tyrannical brother. He knew the odds were stacked against him, that history seemed destined to repeat itself once more, but he refused to back down.

  "I will not leave, Ryujin," Kenzu's voice was low and steady, his words cutting through the air with a quiet intensity. "I may have lost to you in the past, but I refuse to let your tyrannical arrogance go unchallenged any longer"

  Ryujin turned his back on his brother, his steps echoing against the marble steps, a silent dismissal. Kenzu's grip on his bde tightened, fueled by years of resentment and pent-up rage. Without warning, he arched forward, the bde slicing through the air with lethal intent, aimed for his sibling's neck.

  In that split second, Kenzu's resolve was palpable, his desire for vengeance burning bright. However, fate had other pns. With a grace that belied his stature, Ryujin spun on his heel, his movements fluid and precise. In one swift motion, he intercepted the bde, his hand closing around the steel with an iron grip.

  The sound of metal meeting flesh reverberated through the air, a chilling reminder of the brothers' fraught history. Time seemed to stand still as the two siblings stood locked in a silent struggle, the weight of their shared past heavy upon them.

  The crowd gasped in collective astonishment at the sight of Kenzu attempting to cut down his own blood. Just before the bde could meet it’s mark, Ryujin's bare palm managed to halt the edge of the bde with nothing but his bare fingers.

  A ripple of disbelief swept through the onlookers as they witnessed the feat, their eyes wide with shock. Ryujin's expression remained impassive; his grip unyielding despite the force of Kenzu's attack.

  With a contemptuous shake of his head, Ryujin effortlessly disarmed his brother, sending the bde cttering to the ground. "Foolishness," he muttered, his voice a low, dangerous undercurrent. "You never learn, do you?"

  The pirate's eyes widened in shock as his brother's body seemed to pulsate with an ethereal blue glow, his mere presence radiating a power that sent shivers down Kenzu's spine. Locked in a silent battle of wills, the intensity of Ryujin's aura threatened to overwhelm him, his feet trembling beneath him as he struggled to maintain his ground.

  Meeting his brother's unwavering gaze, Ryujin's aqua blue eyes barring into his soul.

  With a voice like thunder, Ryujin spoke, his words with a towering presence. "You dare challenge me, little brother?" His voice carried a weight that seemed to echo through the streets, each word dripping with superiority. "You've grown bold, but you still have much to learn"

  Before Kenzu could react, a wave of pure energy surged forth from his brother's being, a brilliant cascade of blue light that engulfed him in it’s wake. The force of the impact sent him reeling backward, his body propelled across the street with terrifying speed.

  With a sickening thud, Kenzu collided with the rough brick wall, the sheer force of the blow sending shockwaves of pain coursing through his muscles. The street beneath him seemed to tremble from the impact, a testament to the sheer power of Ryujin's seinshin.

  ying sprawled upon the ground, dazed and disoriented, Kenzu Kamimora couldn't help but feel a sense of defeat wash over him. In that moment, he realized just how outmatched he truly was, his brother's formidable strength leaving him utterly powerless before it.

  The sudden commotion drew the attention of several nearby officers, their voices ringing out as they rushed to the scene, demanding answers. "What's going on here?!" one officer barked, his voice sharp with authority as he stepped forward, eyes filled with suspicion.

  Emperor Kamimora's response was swift and commanding, his voice carrying a tone of unwavering superiority addressing the officers. "Silence, this matter does not concern you. Return to your posts immediately"

  His words were met with a tense silence, the officers hesitating for a moment before bowing their heads in deference, cowed by the emperor's formidable dominance. With a disdainful gnce, Kamimora watched as they scurried away, their voices fading into the background...

  Minutes Earlier...

  Azuma and Rosera stealthily moved through the throng of citizens going about their day. The pair set their sights upon the headquarters, a gleaming pilr of authority and power. Rosera’s vampiric purple skin drew fleeting gnces, but people quickly dismissed it as a trick of the light, allowing the duo to melt further into the crowd.

  Navigating the hectic streets, the sounds of merchants hawking their wares and chatter of townsfolk filled the air. Azuma’s eyes however, remained fixed on the HQ, a towering edifice of white stone that dwarfed the surrounding buildings. It’s imposing presence both a beacon and a warning, casting long shadows over the colorful marketpce below.

  After several tense minutes, they reached a clear corner, just a block away from the colossal structure. The headquarters stood as a fortress of order amidst the active mayhem, the pristine exterior gleaming within the sunlight. The massive steel doors at it’s entrance, fnked by two armed officers. The pair stood rigid and alert, their expressions carved in stone. The officers’ eyes surveyed the flock of men and women with trained precision, ready to spring into action at the first sign of trouble.

  The pirate duo hid behind a red brick wall, gncing over at the tower’s entrance. They knew that penetrating the headquarters would demand not only stealth but also ingenuity. The sheer scale of the headquarters was intimidating, the white walls seeming to rise endlessly into the sky. It was more than just a building; it was a monument to the Corporation's dominance and control. The two guards, standing like sentinels at the gates of a fortress, were the first obstacle in what promised to be a perilous endeavor.

  With Rosera Veil keeping a sharp eye on the guards before them, Azuma scanned the rooftops above. His gaze fell on two or three snipers, their red ser sights sweeping methodically across the structures. The threat of such skilled marksmen made his pulse quicken with a hint of anxiousness.

  The young captain felt a twinge of nerves at the thought of going up against such highly trained marksmen. However, the weight of his responsibilities as the leader of the Azuma Pirates, as well as his burning ambition to become the Pirate Lord steeled his sense of purpose. He couldn’t afford to falter now, not with his dream within reach and his missing crewmates relying on him for rescue.

  Taking a deep breath, Kenousa turned to Rosera, still intently watching the guards. "I've got a pn," he uttered, his voice low but firm. "I'll handle the snipers. Once they’re out of the way, we can figure out a way into the base"

  Rosera nodded, her eyes never leaving the guards. "Be careful," she whispered, her tone both a warning and a plea. "We can't afford to lose you too my captain"

  Without another word, Azuma slipped away, moving silently through the shadows. His mind raced as he approached the first building, formuting a strategy to neutralize the snipers without raising an arm. The city’s noise provided some cover, but he knew any misstep could spell disaster.

  Azuma stood before the rge red cylindrical building; a clean and colorful facade, painted in a rich shade of red. He took a deep, focused breath, centering himself for the task ahead. In a burst of speed, his body outlined in a glistening red light, advancing up the crimson structure. His uniform fluttered violently in the velocity of his ascent, his hair whipping around him.

  As he reached the ft rooftop, he nded silently, his movements precise and deliberate. The first sniper came into view, the figure unaware of Azuma’s presence. The officer’s attention was fixed on the streets below, the red ser sight scanning for any sign of suspicion.

  Kenousa remained motionless, every muscle in his body coiled like a spring, ready to strike. He moved with the silent grace of a predator; his steps so light they barely made a sound on the ft crimson concrete. The sniper remained oblivious, his focus entirely on the ground.

  With a swift, fluid motion, Azuma closed the distance, his movements guided by training and honed instinct. Approaching the unexpecting man, his hand moved with lethal precision, his palm imbued with condensed seinshin, ready to deliver a decisive blow.

  Without warning, Azuma's open palm connected with the back of the scout's head, the overwhelming spiritual power surging forth like a tazing strike. The officer's expression contorted in an exaggerated manner, caught off guard. With a ragged gasp, they stumbled forward, their sniper rifle teetering dangerously on the edge of the roof before toppling over and cttering to the ground below.

  Azuma gently id the sniper down, ensuring he was out of sight. His heart pounded in his chest, but his mind remained clear. The captain couldn’t afford to let his guard down, not even for a moment. The next sniper was waiting, and he had to be just as swift.

  He moved to the edge of the rooftop, scanning the adjacent buildings. The next sniper was stationed on a nearby rooftop, simirly, engrossed in scouting the streets. Azuma took another deep breath, then leaped across the gap between the buildings with the agility and grace of a seasoned warrior.

  Landing in a crouch, he advanced on the second sniper, who was equally unaware of the impending danger. Azuma repeated his precise, silent takedown, neutralizing the threat with practiced efficiency. With the second sniper down, he paused for a moment, allowing himself a brief respite to assess his progress.

  “Two down, one to go” The pirate muttered, his determination only grew stronger. Moving through the air, he targeted the final sniper. This one was slightly more alert, occasionally gncing around as if sensing something amiss.

  “Two down, one to go,” Azuma muttered, his determination only growing stronger. Moving through the air with a sense of purpose, he targeted the final sniper. This one was slightly more alert, occasionally gncing around as if sensing something amiss.

  Kenousa touched down onto the roof of the wooden structure, his nding as silent as a whisper. However, the scout's instincts were sharp; he spun around, his eyes wide with surprise. "Stop right there!" the scout cried out, his voice ringing with urgency. Without hesitation, they fired a shot, the high-caliber weapon echoing through the air.

  The young pirate, still shrouded in a red veil of seinshin, moved with supernatural agility. Kenousa sidestepped out of the way, the bullet whizzing past him, narrowly missing his head and vanishing into the distance. Seizing the moment, Azuma advanced with lightning speed, delivering a precise kick to the scout's neck, the impact knocking the officer out instantly. The scout crumpled to the ground, his weapon slipping from his grasp as silence settled over the rooftop once more.

  Azuma's victory was short-lived once he realized the shot had alerted the two men guarding the front gate of the headquarters. The officers quickly reached for their wrist watches, adorned with purple crystals in the center, preparing to alert the rest of the HQ. However, just before they could activate their devices, a shadow began to rise behind them.

  Rosera emerged from their shadow, a dark silhouette that morphed into her true form. With an air of lethal elegance, she released a breath of purple mist. The guards staggered, their eyes widening before they slumped to the ground, unconscious.

  Rosera's tone cold and threatening: "Don't interfere with my captain," she hissed, her eyes fshing a dangerous blood red while she gred down at their motionless forms. She then turned, her expression softening, waiting by the steel door for her dear captain to rejoin her. The scene was set, their path to the headquarters now clear.

  Kenousa leapt from the wooden warehouse, touching down on the gray stone streets near his fellow crewmate. The captain gnced at the vampire, inquiring about their pn of entry while deftly stealing one of the guards' communication watches. Sliding it onto his wrist, he listened for any chatter from fellow officers using the crystal communication system.

  Veil’s eyes searched the area, taking in every detail. The imposing front gate seemed to be the only viable entry point. She smirked, a glint of mischief in her eyes, assuring her leader she had an idea.

  To his surprise, he watched as she once again merged with the shadows. Her form slid through the cracks of the gate with a dark and fluid motion. Within moments, she began to rise up within the white corridor of the HQ, her presence a stark contrast to the pristine surroundings.

  Her transformation complete, Rosera cautiously watched for any Sea Corp officers in the rge white corridor before turning to face the gate. She noticed it had a handprint scanner needed to open, causing her to groan in frustration. Looking towards the rge lobby at the end of the corridor, she saw a few soldiers standing around chatting and snacking.

  The interior of the HQ was a stark contrast to the bustling, colorful city outside. The corridor walls were a pristine white, illuminated by a series of overhead lights that cast a clinical glow. The pale blue accents along the walls and the tiled floor gave the pce an almost sterile, yet acentric atmosphere.

  The rge lobby at the end of the corridor was equally imposing, with high ceilings and expansive open space. The floor a pale blue tile, meticulously clean, reflecting the overhead lights. Various Sea Corp banners adorned the walls, each embzoned with the organization’s emblem. The room was furnished with sleek, modern furniture, with a few potted pnts providing a touch of greenery amidst the pure decor.

  Unable to think of any other way to open the gate, Rosera decided to take a more direct approach. She burst into a swarm of small bck bats, the rest vanishing as she flew into the lobby. In her small form, she flew just above the soldiers, who continued to chat, unaware of her presence. They spoke casually, compining about how boring and quiet it had been and how much they hated being trapped in the HQ rather than out on the frontline near the Celestial Wall.

  The soldiers' voices echoed slightly in the cavernous space, mixing with the ambient hum of the building's air conditioning. Rosera flitted silently above them, her keen senses picking up snippets of their conversation. They seemed oblivious to the outside world, grumbling about the monotony of guard duty and their longing for action.

  As she observed, Rosera noted the strategic yout of the lobby. Several doorways led to other parts of the HQ, and a rge, reinforced elevator at the far end suggested access to more secure areas. The lobby was designed to be both welcoming and intimidating, a testament to the Sea Corp's blend of bureaucracy and military might.

  As she circled above the soldiers, their conversation grew clearer. Their words punctuated by the occasional crunch of snacks.

  "Man, I can't stand being stuck here," one of the soldiers compined, his voice echoing slightly in the rge room. "All this guard duty, and for what? It's dead quiet most of the time!"

  Another soldier, leaning against a wall with his arms crossed, chimed in, "Yeah, but you ever think about the Celestial Wall? I've heard some pretty wild stories about that pce"

  "Oh, here we go," a third officer sighed with a roll of his eyes. "What kind of stories? More of that 'no one ever comes back' nonsense?"

  The second soldier nodded, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Exactly. I heard from one of the higher-ups that anyone who passes through the Celestial Wall never returns. They say there are monsters and beasts beyond it, stuff that'll tear you apart if you even get close"

  "Monsters, huh?" The first figure chuckled, shaking his head. "Sounds like a bunch of crap to keep us in line"

  "No, seriously," the second insisted. "There's this old legend that a deity created the wall to protect humans. It keeps the beasts out, but it also keeps us from venturing into their territory and getting killed"

  "Yeah, right," the other scoffed, tossing a crumpled snack wrapper into a nearby trash bin. "And I'm supposed to believe in some magical wall made by a deity? Give me a break"

  The young man shrugged. "Believe what you want, but I've seen some of the maps and reports. There's a reason why the higher-ups don't want us anywhere near that pce. Too dangerous, they say"

  The first soldier leaned in, intrigued despite his skepticism. "So, what do you think's really out there? If it's not monsters, what could be so bad?"

  "Who knows?" the second soldier replied. "But whatever it is, it’s enough to make even the bravest of us think twice about crossing that barrier"

  As Rosera listened, she noted their nervous ughter and the occasional gnce towards the distant walls of the HQ, as if the mere mention of the Celestial Wall brought a chill to their spines. The conversation gave her valuable insight into the fears and rumors that circuted among the Sea Corp ranks, adding another yer to their formidable reputation. With their guard down and attention diverted, she prepared to execute her next move, knowing that even the bravest could be easily distracted by tales of the unknown.

  Waiting no longer, Rosera began to whistle, a soft and seductive tune that filled the air with an almost tangible allure. A wave of purple light emanated from her, spreading throughout the area. The officers froze in pce, their eyes abruptly glowing purple as they fell under the spell of the vampiric woman's hypnotic power.

  "Now, listen closely," Rosera ordered, her voice dripping with dominance. "You two, keep watch for any other guards," she announced, pointing to the two soldiers nearest to her.

  They nodded mechanically, their movements stiff and robotic as they took their positions at the back of the lobby, eyes scanning for any approaching threats.

  "And you," she continued, her gaze locking onto the third soldier. "Walk down the hall and use your palm to unlock the door"

  The figure's expression remained vacant as he turned and marched towards the corridor leading to the gate. Rosera followed him with her eyes, a satisfied smirk pying on her lips as she observed the ease with which she controlled them.

  Reaching the handprint scanner beside the rge steel door, he pressed his palm against it. The scanner then beeped acknowledgment, it’s steel doors sliding open with a soft hiss, revealing the path into the depths of the Sea Corp headquarters.

  Rosera's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Good," she murmured to herself. "Now, let's get this started"

  She waited for Azuma to catch up, confident that her hypnotic influence would hold the guards in check long enough for them to make their move. The pirate captain emerged from the corridor, a look of approval on his face as he approached her.

  "Nicely done," Azuma whispered, his eyes briefly meeting hers. "Let's head deeper into the base" Kenousa and Rosera made their way over to the elevator, with Kenousa pressing the "up" button and waiting patiently for the doors to open. He knew that forcing them open could increase their chances of being noticed, especially by Commander Masaru, whose office was presumed to be on the top floor of the HQ. The anticipation hung in the air, each second feeling longer than the st.

  Meanwhile, Commander Masaru sat in his dimly lit office, the darkness only broken by the faint glow of a desk mp. His office was a reflection of his personality: austere, with everything in it’s pce and an air of foreboding that permeated the room. His stern expression was etched deeply into his wrinkled face, his eyes sharp and calcuting, as if he were already aware of the situation unfolding in his headquarters.

  Masaru's hand moved to the blue buzzer on his desk, his fingers pressing it with a force that conveyed both authority and impatience. His voice, a chilling blend of calm intelligence and ruthless intensity, echoed through the intercom.

  "Rokuro, come to my office immediately," he commanded, his tone brooking no dey or dissent.

  The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, and Kenousa and Rosera stepped inside, their hearts pounding as they began their ascent. The knowledge that Masaru might already be aware of their intrusion added a yer of tension to their mission.

  Upstairs, Rokuro received the summons with a mix of curiosity and concern. He knew better than to keep the commander waiting. With swift steps, he made his way through the upper corridors of the HQ, each step bringing him closer to the imposing figure of Commander Masaru and whatever orders awaited him.

  Rokuro rushed into the commander's office, his bck uniform billowing behind him like a cloak, his expression determined yet curious. "Commander Masaru, what's the situation!?" he questioned, his hazel eyes gleaming with readiness for action.

  The commander met his gaze with a stern, unwavering stare, his voice a blend of dryness and authority. "Enoshima, your abilities are needed. It's time to put your recent training to the test," he decred. "The pirate Azuma Kenousa has infiltrated our headquarters. He must be dealt with swiftly and decisively. No mistakes. If you fail...I shall handle your execution...personally"

  Rokuro's throat tightened slightly at the seriousness of the situation. "U-understood, Commander. I won't let you down," he affirmed, his resolve evident in his voice as he prepared himself.

  The upper-ranking officer dashed down the narrow corridor, his dark uniform whipping behind him. At that moment, the sound of the elevator's ding echoed through the hallway, signaling the arrival of the intruder. With a surge of determination, Rokuro positioned himself before the elevator doors, his muscles coiled and ready to spring into action.

  With the metal doors beginning to slide open, Enoshima braced himself, his gum Magika at the ready, relying on his unique abilities to defend the headquarters and neutralize the threat.

  Azuma and Rosera stood side by side, their bodies surrounded by a shimmering aura of red and purple seinshin as they braced themselves for the impending confrontation. With a steeled expression, Kenousa tightened his fist, readying himself.

  The elevator doors slid open, revealing their adversary charging towards them with ferocious speed, Rokuro lunged forward, his arm extending as if made of gum. With lightning-fast reflexes honed by their heightened Seinshin, the pair narrowly evaded the devastating attack, Kenousa tilting his head to the left while Rosera burst into a swarm of bats before reforming herself.

  The force of Rokuro's punch collided with the back wall of the elevator, causing it to shudder and quake under the impact. With a deafening crash, the support beam snapped. Now a mangled heap of twisted metal, the elevator emitted sparks as it careened downward to the ground floor with a deafening crash. With impeccable timing, the pair leaped out just before impact, their bodies twisting gracefully through the air before nding firmly on the floor before their assaint.

  As the echoes of the crash subsided, they found themselves poised and ready to begin the duel, their Seinshin-infused auras shimmering with determination within the dimly lit corridor. Enoshima clenched his jaw in frustration, his hazel eyes lit with anger as he took a step back, preparing to unleash his next devastating attack. With a resounding battle cry, he unched into a relentless assault, his fists stretching out like coiled springs, each strike aimed with deadly precision.

  “Estic...Torrent!” The officer cried out, sending a flurry of elongated fists hurtling towards his opponents at blinding speed. With remarkable agility, Kenousa managed to evade the onsught, his movements fluid and calcuted as he leaped over the barrage of strikes with graceful front flip. However, the young vampire found herself pinned against the wall, the sheer force of Enoshima's assault driving her back with relentless intensity. Her veil of Seinshin strained by the punishing blows, her entire body shaking under the impact of each strike.

  The corridor reverberated with the sheer force of Rokuro's relentless assault, each strike cracking the once-pristine walls. The white and blue hues of the hallway now marred by spiderweb-like fractures, a testament to the intensity of the battle unfolding within.

  In a st-ditch effort to turn the tide, Azuma seized the flintlock he had pilfered earlier, his fingertips pulsating with life energy as he channeled it into the firearm. With unwavering focus, he took aim and fired, the seinshin-infused bullet hurtling towards Rokuro's elongated form like a streak of crimson lightning.

  The impact was immediate and deafening. As the bullet found it’s mark, a violent explosion of red energy erupted, engulfing Enoshima's stretched silhouette. The force of the bst sending shockwaves rippling through the corridor, causing the very air to tremble with it’s intensity.

  For a fleeting moment, Rokuro's movements faltered, his body stunned in pce as the overwhelming power of the seinshin coursed through him. In that brief pause, he gasped for breath, his features contorted in agony as he struggled against the suffocating grip of the energy surging through his veins.

  Veil crumpled to the ground, her body trembling with exhaustion and pain. Every breath felt like a struggle as she fought to remain conscious. The once vibrant hue of her purple seinshin now flickered weakly around her, like dying embers in the darkness.

  Despite the agony coursing through her, her eyes burned with an unyielding hatred, a testament to her indomitable will. With trembling hands, she summoned the st vestiges of her strength, her fingertips crackling with residual energy.

  Then, with a bat-like scream, she unleashed a devastating shockwave of purple energy. The sheer force of her outcry causing the very walls and floor to quake and fracture, as if unable to withstand the raw power she wielded.

  The officer, caught completely off guard by the sudden onsught, was sent hurtling through the air, his body crashing into the door of the commander's office with a sickening thud. Blood spilled from his lips as he struggled to draw breath, his eyes wide with shock and pain from the ferocity of Veil's assault.

  Enoshima's voice trembled with disbelief and self-loathing as he muttered his words, his once confident demeanor shattered by the humiliating defeat. Each sylble carried the weight of his failure, a bitter reminder of his inadequacy.

  "How...how could I let this happen?" he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm pathetic...unworthy of...of being a w of the sea..."

  His words trailed off into a defeated mumble as he colpsed amidst the rubble strewn across the hall. His body y sprawled on the ground, a broken shell of the formidable officer he once was, his spirit crushed by the overwhelming force of his adversaries.

  As the weight of their mission settled heavily upon him, Azuma felt a pang of guilt pierce his heart. He watched as Rosera, exhausted and battered from their ordeal, succumbed to unconsciousness once more. The sight only served to deepen his sense of responsibility.

  Slowly, he rose to his feet, his expression grim with determination. He couldn't afford to dwell on his guilt now. There were answers to be found, and he was determined to uncover them, no matter the cost. With a heavy sigh, he cast one st gnce at Rosera's prone form, silently promising to make things right, before steeling himself for what came next...

  Meanwhile In The Far End Of The City....

  Roxie and Seraph moved through the bustling streets, the city was alive with the hum of machinery and the chatter of citizens, creating a vibrant backdrop for their covert mission. Seraph walked with an air of elegance, his long blonde hair flowing gracefully in the soft breeze, while Roxie led the way with a confident stride, his pink hair peeking from beneath his cap.

  Both were still dressed in their S.C disguises, their white formal pants and open coats bearing the Corp logo blending them seamlessly into the crowd. The pair navigated through the shuffle of people, their eyes scanning for any signs of Saber or clues of his whereabouts.

  "Keep your guard up, we can't afford to draw any unnecessary attention" The feminine pirate remarked. Roxie nodded, his green eyes sharp and focused. "Got it. But we need to find something soon. The longer we're out here, the higher the risk"

  As they moved through the streets the tension was palpable, every gnce from a passerby, every unexpected noise, had them on edge. They were deep in enemy territory, and one wrong move could jeopardize their entire mission.

  Without warning, a young woman's cries pierced the air. Roxie and Seraph turned their attention toward the commotion, their eyes locking upon a figure dressed in a green and gold coat, his long crimson red hair trailing behind him as he dashed off with a small pouch of coins clutched in his grip.

  "Thief!" the woman shouted, desperation filling her voice. She wore a dark-blue gown that contrasted strikingly with her long sky-blue hair and green eyes. The crowd around her gasped in shock, murmurs spreading through the busy streets. Citizens paused, their eyes wide, creating a ripple of attention directed at the fleeing thief and the distressed woman.

  She spotted Roxie and Seraph, mistaking them for genuine Sea Corp officers. She rushed towards them, her eyes wide pleading. "Please, officers! Get my gold back from that scoundrel!"

  The blonde pirate’s eyes filled with surprise by the woman's plea, speaking in a hesitant tone, his voice elegant and measured. "R-rest assured, madam, we shall retrieve your pouch. My squad mate and I shall see to it"

  Oda, his demeanor more nervous and stuttering, nodded fervently. "Y-yes, we'll hurry and capture that p-putrid pirate!" he agreed, his voice echoing anxious resolve. Both turned towards the fleeing thief, ready to spring into action.

  With a slight groan, the two pirates dashed after the fleeing thief as the crowd of people split into two, creating a path for them to pursue their target. The woman, watched with anxious anticipation as Seraph and Roxie weaved through the bustling marketpce, their uniforms drawing concerned gasps from the onlookers.

  The moving figure came into view, Certainly! As the thief dashed through the crowded streets, his crimson red hair streamed behind him like a fiery comet, contrasting sharply against the dull gray of the cityscape. His green coat, adorned with intricate gold trimmings, billowed with each nimble step, adding a sense of fmboyance to his agile movements. His slender frame moved with an almost dancer-like grace, effortlessly navigating through the bustling marketpce as if he were born to run.

  Despite the chaotic pursuit, his mischievous grin never faltered, reflecting both amusement and determination. His piercing golden eyes gleamed with excitement, fueling his adrenaline as he leaped over carts and dodged between startled pedestrians. Each stride he took seemed calcuted yet spontaneous, blending daring escapades with a touch of theatrical fir that kept both Seraph and Oda on their toes.

  The thief's attire, a blend of vibrant greens and shimmering golds, caught the sunlight in fshes, drawing the eye amidst the sea of mundane colors that surrounded him. His movements were a testament to his agility and confidence, evoking a sense of charm even in the midst of what could potentially be a daring escape. "Cease this futile endeavor!" The blonde pirate ordered. "Return the stolen belongings immediately!"

  The thief, his crimson hair a blur simultaneously darting through the throngs of people, turned with a mischievous grin. "Heh, catch me if you can, Sea Corp suckers!" he taunted in a chaotic tone, his ughter tinged with wild unpredictability, before effortlessly scaling the side of a nearby red brick building with swift agility.

  Undeterred, Oda manifested transparent spherical barriers beneath his feet, creating steps in the air that allowed him to ascend effortlessly. Each step shimmered with ethereal light, supporting his weight as he pursued the thief vertically.

  Meanwhile, Seraph's movements were a ballet of agility and grace. With the elegance of a seasoned acrobat, he parkoured up the building's fa?ade, using ledges and windowsills as footholds, his blonde hair catching the sunlight as he closed the gap between himself and the fleeing combatant.

  The chase continued through the crowded streets and up the buildings of the city, a spectacle that drew the attention of all who witnessed it. The thief's ughter echoed off the walls as he tried to evade capture, while Seraph and Oda's determination to keep up the facade fueled their pursuit.

  While dashing across a rooftop not far behind the bandit, Seraph with a flicking motion, sent a small miniaturized inferio straight for the target's heel. Upon contact, the inferio exploded abruptly, causing the target to stagger off the side of the brick structure. He managed to catch himself with one hand, hanging over the edge and groaning in annoyance.

  “Seriously!? What's with the exploding eyeball thing!? That's just not fair!” Looking up, the man found himself cornered with Oda and Seraph looming over him. Roxie's voice then cut through the tension, "Time's up, hand over the goods"

  The thief sneered defiantly, "sigh, you honestly think this is over? Not a chance!" With a swift motion, he hurled a dagger right for Roxie, aiming for a distraction before he plunged off the ledge to escape. However, Oda was quicker, his barrier magika activating in a shimmering wave that intercepted the dagger mid-air, deflecting it harmlessly. "Nice try. You'll have to do better than that"

  The thief cursed under his breath as he plummeted towards the street, realizing his pn had failed.

  Oda and Seraph gnced towards the street, calcuting their next move. Both knew they had to capture him before he vanished into the bustling city below. With a frustrated tone, Roxie muttered, “We can’t let him escape!”

  The pink-haired pirate threw his palm out, manifesting a massive dome of silver energy around the entire block surrounding their target. The shimmering barrier crackled with raw power as it began to slowly compress, trapping the rogue within a shrinking, suffocating space.

  The crimson-haired rogue reacted with a mixture of surprise and defiance once realizing his predicament. "What the—?" He cried out, his hand instinctively reaching out to touch the transparent walls that were closing in on him.

  The barrier's edges shimmered and crackled, growing smaller with each passing second. The rogue found himself pressed from all sides, the space around him diminishing rapidly. His muscles tensed, and his heart raced, but a smirk pyed on his lips as if he relished the challenge.

  The dome tightened, it’s edges closing in like an unyielding vice, leaving the rogue with nowhere to run. Seraph, his eyes locked on their target, ready to act the moment the dome fully compressed.

  The once block-sized barrier was now a mere 10 feet in all directions, a spherical prison for the criminal. He stood there with a smirk on his face, the crimson-haired rogue's fiery hair and sharp features highlighted by the glow of the barrier. The duo dropped down before him, their eyes locked on their target.

  With a casual, almost mocking air, the thief raised his hands in surrender. "Well, well," he drawled, his tone dripping with sarcasm and pyful defiance. "Looks like you finally caught me. Congratutions" His smirk widened as he observed their reactions, clearly unfazed by his capture.

  The enraged thief pounded on the barrier, his voice rising in frustration. "You're seriously just gonna leave me stuck in this bubble!? What is this, an exhibit!?"

  Roxie, with his back turned, paused momentarily and replied with a nonchant tone, "Who knows? You might become a popur attraction. Try picking up some tricks while you're at it."

  Seraph's ughter, smooth and haughty, filled the space while he held his palm beneath his chin. His eyes twinkled with amusement watching the thief’s futile struggle. With a final smirk, the Azuma pirates departed, their footsteps echoing as they resumed their quest for Saber, leaving the thief alone within his transparent prison.

  Kenzu regained consciousness slowly, his vision blurring and then clearing while forcing himself to his feet. Pain wracked his body, each breath coming in ragged gasps as he struggled to steady himself. The world around him spun, his legs trembling beneath him from the sheer force of his injuries.

  Ryujin let out a sigh, his back turned to his younger brother. He crossed his arms, the fabric of his regal outfit billowing softly. “How amusing,” he remarked, his tone dripping with disdain, “even when faced with overwhelming odds, you refuse to see reason, even though surrendering would easily be the more rational option. Even in our youth, you could never get the better of me. Why would you expect different now?”

  Kenzu, still shaking from his injuries but determined to stand, gred at his older brother with defiance. The weight of the painful truth that Ryujin had always been a step ahead.

  Ryujin turned slightly, his expression a mix of condescension and weariness, as if he were exhausted by the futility of Kenzu’s resistance. “You continue to fight against the inevitable,” he continued, his voice cold and calcuting.

  The wind swept through the area, carrying with it the faint echoes of their past battles. Ryujin’s words were a cruel reminder of the gap that had always existed between them. Kenzu’s resolve, however, remained unshaken, even as he struggled to hold his ground.

  Ryujin’s gaze, steady and unyielding, remained fixed on Kenzu. “Isn’t it amusing?” A hint of scorn cing his voice. “Still, you cling to hope, despite all evidence to the contrary. Surrender now, and perhaps you’ll find some sembnce of peace. But if you persist, I assure you, the outcome will be no different than it was in our youth”

  Ryujin slowly turned to face his struggling sibling; a cold gre etched upon his face. With a disdainful scoff, his eyes widened as he unleashed a shockwave of green seinshin. The poor swordsman, too battered to defend against such overwhelming power, was sent crashing into the brick structure behind him. The impact knocked what little wind he had left out of him, leaving him sprawled in the dirt, gasping for breath.

  "Understand this, Kenzu. You were never my equal, and you never will be. Accept your fate and spare yourself further humiliation" Conjuring a dagger with his left palm, the young emperor prepared to end the disgrace that had tainted their family name for so long. An emerald dagger of pure seinshin materialized around his hand, it’s glow shimmering with lethal intent, casting a cold light over the scene.

  The emerald bde gleamed ominously as Ryujin closed the distance to his fallen brother. "How utterly tragic," he intoned with a voice dripping with contempt. "You lie there, broken and defeated, still clinging to your futile defiance. The truth of your inferiority is undeniable, yet you refuse to accept it"

  With each measured step, his aura of superiority grew more oppressive, casting a shadow over the crushed spirit of his sibling. Standing above the swordsmen, Ryujin looked down with a blend of scorn and pity. "You have dragged our family name through the mud with your reckless actions. Now, all that remains is for you to accept your defeat with whatever dignity you have left."

  lifting the emerald dagger high, it’s tip aimed unflinchingly at Kenzu's heart. The bde hovered ominously above him, shimmering with deadly energy. The assaint's eyes narrowed into a steely gre, and with a final, disdainful gnce, prepared to deliver the final blow, ready to bring an end to his own bloodline with the lethal edge of the emerald dagger. "KENZU! THIS IS WHERE YOUR PITIFUL LIFE ENDS! ACCEPT THE DEATH YOU DESERVE!"

  Before the young emperor could deliver the fatal blow, an unsettling sensation enveloped him. His body felt inexplicably lighter, as if an unseen force was gradually lifting him off the ground. The seinshin dagger trembled within his hand while he fought to maintain his bance, confusion clouding his expression.

  Without warning, an abrupt high-pitched, whimsical ughter echoed across the area, cutting through the tense silence with it’s comical aura. The sound seemed to stir the atmosphere, and before Ryujin could comprehend what was happening, crates, people, and everything else nearby began to float into the air. Objects hovered and drifted upward, pulled by an invisible and pyful force.

  The young emperor's eyes widened in astonishment while the stable ground beneath him transformed into a chaotic sea of floating debris. The once firm earth seemed to recede, now out of reach. The scene became a surreal, gravity-defying spectacle, and the royal struggled to keep his footing while the whimsical force continued to lift and dispce everything within it’s grasp.

  "What sort of farce is this!? How dare you py games when my victory is at hand!" The enraged figure cried out.

  That’s when Gravity Gin materialized above the scene, casually floating in a rexed position as if lounging on an invisible sofa. His spiky orange hair, wild and untamed, bobbed slightly with his every movement. His short, round body cd in an oversized purple jacket, a pink inner shirt, blue pants, and bck dress shoes, all accentuating his goofy demeanor.

  With a pyful smirk, he rested his cheek upon his left hand, looking down at the emperor with an amused twinkle in his eye. “Oh, Emperor dear, with your fshy show, but ending his life is a definite no! You’re pying the part, but you’re missing the plot, so put down that dagger and save what you’ve got. It’s almost ughable, the way you insist, but this isn’t the way to top the list!”

  Ryujin’s eyes widened in disbelief; his anger barely contained. The sudden appearance and nonsensical rhyming of Gravity Gin only served to heighten his frustration. “RELEASE ME NOW, YOU GROTESQUE IMBECILE! UNHAND ME AT ONCE, OR I WILL UNLEASH A STORM OF FURY UPON YOU! THIS INSOLENCE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!” His eyes bzed with anger upon the pyful figure.

  “So, you think I’m grotesque, do you? How unkind and untrue! If you’re going to be rude, I’ll turn up the weight, making things much harder for you to take!” Gin sniffled, visibly wounded by Ryujin’s harsh words. His emotional turmoil caused the gravity around him to intensify uncontrolbly. The once-light pressure transformed into an oppressive force, smming Kamimora into the stone streets with crushing weight. The floating debris came crashing down with a force amplified by Gin's sorrow, creating a chaotic cascade of rubble and making it nearly impossible for Kamimora to move.

  With the gravity intensified, Ryujin's body began to tremble uncontrolbly under the immense pressure. The very streets beneath him cracked and splintered, groaning under the strain. Every second felt like a massive boulder was pressing down on his entire being, the force compressing his muscles and bones with relentless force. The ground beneath him shattered into jagged fragments, adding to the crushing weight that bore down upon him, each moment feeling like an eternity of unbearable pressure...

  Back At Sea Corp HQ...

  Masaru stood atop the crumbling remnants of the once-grand tower, now reduced to a mere floor with no walls or roof. His arms were csped behind his back, his stance one of composed authority amidst the chaos. The shattered ndscape stretched out beneath him, a testament to the destruction wrought upon the city.

  That’s when a sharp chime echoed from his wrist communicator, cutting through the tense situation below. Masaru's eyes narrowed slightly as he activated the device, a crackling voice filling the air, "Sea Corp Command, this is Lieutenant Graves," the voice announced crisply. "The Aqua Express has successfully nded with an estimated 200 officers onboard. Reinforcements are on route to your positions. Get ready for the incoming support and hold the line!"

  Masaru's expression remained inscrutable while he processed the message. He allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction at the news, knowing that the arrival of such substantial reinforcements could turn the tide of the ongoing battle. With a slight smirk, he turned his gaze back to the conflict unfolding below, preparing to adapt his strategy in response to the newly bolstered forces.

  Meanwhile On The Opposite Shoreline Of The Isnd...

  A rge imposing express train came to a commanding halt. The vessel was a gleaming white and gold, adorned with the Sea Corp’s emblem embzoned prominently on it’s front. Once the enormous train docked, a loud hiss erupted from it’s engines, signaling the end of a long journey.

  The doors of the express slid open, and a flood of Sea Corp officers began to disembark with disciplined efficiency. The officers, cd in their crisp uniforms, lined up in precise formation along the shore. Their disciplined movements and synchronized steps spoke of rigorous training and unwavering commitment.

  At the head of this formidable contingent stood Tsubaki, her figure rigid with authority. Her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her eyes holding a steely gre that reflected both her impatience and the gravity of the situation. The cold wind whipped around her, but her stance remained unyielding.

  Raising her gloved fist to the air Kurobara shouted, "HEED MY COMMAND! WE MARCH TO THE SEA CORP TOWER WITH ONE OBJECTIVE: TO RID THE AREA OF EVERY PIRATE THREAT. DO NOT LET ANY OF THEM ESCAPE. YOUR DUTY IS TO PROTECT OUR CITY AND OUR COMMANDER—EXECUTE IT WITH RELENTLESS RESOLVE! WE ARE THE REINFORCEMENTS, AND OUR ARRIVAL MARKS THE TURNING POINT. KEEP YOUR FORMATIONS TIGHT AND RESOLVE UNBREAKABLE. WE WILL NOT FALTER UNTIL THE TOWER IS SECURE!"

  The small army of 200 officers snapped to attention, their voices booming in unison, "FOR THE SEA CORP! WE WILL SHOW NO MERCY TO THE PIRATES!" Tsubaki turned towards the distant, crumbling Sea Corp tower, her cold expression unwavering as the sea breeze whipped through her hair. Her eyes, like icy blue steel, reflected the burning resolve within.

  Prepared to face whatever y ahead, she took the first step, leading the legion of officers with fierce determination. Their synchronized march reverberated through the isnd, each step a testament to their unity and purpose. The anticipation of the impending battle crackled in the air while they advanced towards their objective, ready to restore order and protect their commander at all costs.

  While Tsubaki led the small army, the rhythmic cadence of their synchronized steps reverberated through the streets. At that moment, her sharp gaze locked onto a lone figure ahead, obstructing their path. Her breath caught in her throat, eyes widening in shock. There, illuminated by the dimming light, stood Saber, his presence commanding the entire street.

  A smirk pyed across his lips, brimming with unshakable confidence, while his katana rested effortlessly on his shoulder. The air surrounding him pulsed with a charged anticipation, making it clear he had been waiting for this confrontation. Tsubaki's heart pounded; this was no ordinary encounter. The march came to an abrupt halt, the officers behind her sensing the gravity of the moment. Saber's gaze pierced through the distance, his smirk deepening, prepared for the inevitable csh.

  She took a step forward, "Saber...! I never imagined I’d see the day when a Law of the Sea would stand against us. What madness has driven you to betray the Sea Corp for such selfish desires!?"

  A slight chuckle escaped Saber’s lips before responding, "Selfish? Perhaps. But let’s not kid ourselves, Tsubaki. The Sea Corp once stood for true justice, for peace on the seas—something I actually believed in. But those days are long gone. Now, they’re nothing more than a monopoly, a machine that grinds down anything in it’s path, all while masking their greed behind a facade of justice. They talk about protecting the innocent, but it’s really about controlling the waters, hoarding power, and crushing anyone who dares to oppose them. I’m done pying their game, pretending they’re any better than the pirates they cim to despise"

  Tsubaki Kurobara Clenched her fist in building rage before she cried out, "YOU THINK YOU CAN JUSTIFY YOUR BETRAYAL WITH LIES!? THE SEA CORP IS THE LAST BASTION OF JUSTICE IN THIS WORLD, AND YOU WILL SHOW THEM THE REVERENCE THEY’VE EARNED THROUGH SACRIFICE AND BLOOD!"

  "Face it, Tsubaki, you’re out of your depth. You can preach all you want, but the fact remains—I won’t let you interfere with the fight at HQ. Azuma’s the key to tearing down the Sea Corp’s false justice, and I’ll ensure he lives to see it through," Saber remarked, a smug grin pying on his face. While he spoke, the swordsmen slowly extended his open right palm in front of him, while his katana remained firmly gripped in his left. A strange, unsettling sensation began to envelop Tsubaki along with her 200 men, as if the very air around them had shifted, thickening with a palpable sense of foreboding.

  Without any other option, Tsubaki pointed decisively towards the hostile traitor, her voice ringing with authority as she commanded, "All men, open fire! Show no mercy!" The front row of officers immediately cried out in unison, "Yes, Commander!" and unleashed a barrage of rifle fire aimed directly at Saber. However, just when the bullets were about to connect, he vanished in the blink of an eye. The shots flew through the streets, ricocheting off buildings, cttering against vehicles, and shattering windows throughout the area, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

  Many soldiers were shocked at the swordsmen's abrupt movement as they and Kurobara darted their heads all around, urgently searching for their target.

  Just then, the young officer heard a voice directly behind her, as if spoken over her shoulder in a taunting manner. "Is this your grand strategy? Using gunmen against someone of my caliber? I was chosen to be a Law for my exceptional prowess, not to be a target for your trivial tactics. Maybe it’s time you learn what that truly means"

  Kurobara felt a chill run down her spine with fear gripping her. Slowly, she turned to see Saber standing before her. Behind him, the 200 Sea Corp soldiers were frozen in pce, motionless as if turned into mere statues by his chronostasis.

  “What kind of monstrous ability is this!?” Tsubaki demanded, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and fear. She tried to maintain her stern gre, but her eyes betrayed a flicker of genuine terror. “Release them at once, or I swear I will show no mercy!” Her resolve wavered as she took in the sight of her immobilized men, their frozen forms a grim testament to Saber’s power. The growing unease in her chest tightened, her confidence crumbling under the weight of the unknown threat.

  Throwing his nodachi bde over his shoulder, Saber leaned forward slightly, a smirk pying at the corners of his lips. “Ah, Tsubaki, how quaint your bravado is in the face of reality. You stand here, guns drawn and men at the ready, yet you remain blissfully unaware of the dire predicament you find yourself in. This isn't some grand duel where honor reigns supreme; this is a game of survival, and I hold all the cards.

  You have a choice before you: surrender now, and perhaps I’ll spare your precious soldiers from a fate far worse than death. Or, you can continue this charade, and I’ll relish the opportunity to watch as every st one of them falls, struck down in a mere instant. The choice is simple—yield or witness their annihition”

  The commander stood resolute, trembling with a mix of fear and fury, her voice ringing out with authority. “Saber! Look at how far you’ve fallen! Once a proud Law of the Sea, now nothing more than a pathetic traitor! You’ve cast aside your duty, your honor, and for what? To align yourself with the very scum that we’ve sworn to eradicate!?

  She shot a finger in his direction with a dark expression, “You cim to be above us, but tell me—how are you any different from the putrid pirates that have infiltrated our headquarters? They, too, have abandoned all pretense of justice, and now you stand among them, a disgrace to everything the Sea Corp represents!”

  After a brief moment of silence, a slight, mocking ugh escaped Saber’s lips, his expression shifting to one of bemused amusement. “Ah, so that’s it, Tsubaki? Have you truly made your choice? What a shame for your men, then. It seems they’ll meet an unfortunate end at the hands of a former ally”

  With a flick of his wrist, he activated his ability, bringing time to an abrupt halt for Tsubaki. It felt like an instant, a mere heartbeat suspended in eternity.

  When time resumed, the horrifying scene unfolded before her eyes. “No!” The commander screamed, her heart racing as she witnessed her soldiers cry out in utter despair. Each voice filled with anguish and fear that echoed within her ears, sending a wave of panic coursing through her. Blood gushed from their wounds, painting the ground a deep crimson, while they colpsed one by one, their bodies hitting the earth in a grotesque dispy of suffering.

  The sight was a nightmare come to life. She stood frozen, unable to look away from the reality of her choices crashed down upon her. Their faces contorted in pain haunted her, the realization hitting her like a physical blow.

  The skilled swordsman watched while the distraught commander’s shoulders tensed, her head lowering slightly, fists clenched with a swelling rage. Strands of her pink hair fell over her eyes, partially obscuring the ice-cold frown that hardened across her face. The fmes of her indignation simmered beneath her shaking silhouette.

  Saber’s smirk then faded, repced only by a cold, hardened expression. His eyes narrowed, every trace of amusement gone, focused on Tsubaki with a stare that cut through her.

  “It’s over, Tsubaki,” he uttered, his voice steady, almost devoid of emotion. “Your loyalty is admirable, but it’s wasted on a hollow cause. The Sea Corp…it’s nothing but a shell of corruption and hypocrisy, hiding behind a false banner of justice”

  He raised his hand, followed by a chilling power which emanated from him, pressing down on the air around them. “I don’t have time for your mispced conviction, or your pointless resistance. Azuma and his crew need a fighting chance to put an end to this corrupt organization…and I won’t let you stand in the way”

  The air grew heavier, his intent clear, final. “This is it, Tsubaki. There’s no escape. I’ll make it quick—so prepare yourself….chronostasis!” A strong gust of cold air swept through the space, sending a shiver down Tsubaki’s spine. She stood utterly still, her body tense and unyielding as she faced Saber, towering before her with an unsettling confidence.

  The world around her seemed to fade away, the chaos of battle silencing into a hushed stillness, as if time itself had come to a complete halt.

  (Tsubaki... idolizing a Law of the Sea doesn’t mean you understand it) Saber’s thoughts cut through any sympathy. (She looked up to me, but that loyalty to the Sea Corp Blinded her. She chose to defend something hollow, and that’s on her)

  "Regret’s pointless...If she couldn’t see the truth behind that badge, then there was no saving her." He tightened his grip on his nodachi, dismissing any hint of remorse. "The world doesn’t care about ideals. You either see through the lies or get cut down by them."

  Saber pressed on, pushing aside any st trace of sentiment. "Move forward. She made her choice. So did I..."

  The former officer slowly raised his sword, hands gripping the hilt tightly, channeling all his focus into the final strike aimed at the young commander. Just as the bde descended, Tsubaki, who had seemed frozen in time, suddenly threw her left hand up, halting the towering weapon in it’s tracks. A radiant violet aura of seinshin erupted around her, shimmering like beautiful fmes which casted an ethereal glow within the dim light.

  Saber's eyes widened in disbelief once he realized that his target was unaffected by his magika. The moment stretched, filled with tension and surprise. Tsubaki stood firm, her expression resolute, the violet fmes dancing around her like a protective field, defying the very power Saber believed to be absolute.

  Saber stood motionless, gripping his katana tightly, meanwhile regarding Tsubaki with a calm intensity. “I must admit, I’m at a loss. How is it that you’re capable of moving within my chronostasis? This isn’t just a trick. No one—neither Azuma nor the admirals themselves—has ever nullified this ability”

  His gaze bore into Kurobara, unyielding, while he continued, “You’ve certainly turned this encounter into something far beyond my expectations”

  Tsubaki Kurobara gripped the tip of Saber’s bde with her gloved palm, her expression a fierce veil of silent rage. With a powerful clench, she shattered the entire edge of the katana into a storm of fragments that scattered across the ground.

  Saber's eyes widened in disbelief at the sight, his once-mighty weapon reduced to nothing more than a shell of its former self. The shards glinted in the light, reflecting his shock and frustration. Instinctively, he jumped back, distancing himself from the woman now consumed by a blinding hatred that radiated from her like an unstoppable force.

  Kurobara advanced towards Saber, each step deliberate and heavy, sending faint shockwaves rippling through the ground beneath her feet. Her gaze locked on him, fierce and unrelenting, a chilling fury radiating from her very being.

  “You’re nothing more than a murdering pirate now,” she decred, her voice dark and cold as ice. “You’ve turned your back on everything we once stood for, sughtering the innocent officers without a second thought. You no longer have the right to call yourself a Law of the Sea”

  With every word, her presence grew more imposing, her determination etched into the very air between them. “I will use every st drop of my power to end your life here and now, Saber. You will pay for the countless lives you’ve extinguished; I won’t stop until you’re nothing but a memory”

  Her fists clenched, energy swarming around her. Another “Even if it costs me everything, I will see this through. You will fall today, and I will be the one to deliver your punishment”

  Saber stood firm, sheathing his now-fractured bde with a calm resolve. His eyes narrowed as he regarded Tsubaki, his voice steady yet tinged with an unyielding intensity. “You should remember, Kurobara, having Seinshin shin shin and knowing how to wield it are two very different things”

  He inhaled deeply, the air around him shifting as a fierce pilr of blue seinshin shin erupted from his body, sending rapid shockwaves of force cascading in all directions. The sheer energy pulsed like a heartbeat, reverberating through the air and rattling the ground beneath them.

  “This,” he decred, the power surrounding him intensifying with each word, “is the level of seinshin shin a Law of the Sea is capable of—far beyond anything a mere commanding officer could hope to achieve. You’re facing a force you can’t possibly comprehend”

  Saber’s expression remained calm and focused in the face of her fury. “You think your rage can overcome this power? You’ve underestimated me, Tsubaki. I’ve fought through the depths of hell and emerged stronger. You’re welcome to try and end me, but remember: the only thing that will fall today is your misguided belief in your own superiority”

  Meanwhile...

  Amidst the rubble of what remained of the Sea Corp HQ, Rosera y motionless, half-buried beneath the shattered remains of stone. Dust clung to her face and clothing, stained with faint traces of blood and dirt. Her chest rose and fell in shallow breaths, fragile yet defiant against the harsh reality of the battlefield around her. All was still, save for the eerie silence that followed.

  A short distance away, Azuma y unconscious in the open street, his body battered and bloodied. His once-proud uniform now torn and stained, his form vulnerable amidst the brutal aftermath of the csh that had brought him to this pce. Looming over him, Yugo Tempest approached with a chilling calm, his fist abze with a blue, fme-like seinshin that crackled and flickered in the dim light, casting an otherworldly glow across the ground.

  Yugo paused, gazing down at Azuma with cold calcution, raising his searing fist slowly, as though savoring the final moment. The air grew dense with tension, thick with the promise of imminent violence. Once Yugo’s shadow fell across the captain’s unconscious form, it seemed as though the entire world stood still, banced precariously on the edge between life and death.

  The man gred down at Azuma, his voice low and seething with cold bitterness. “This is the end for you, Azuma Kenousa,” he hissed, each word dripping with contempt. “You think you’re clever? You think you’re righteous? All you’ve done is tear down everything I worked for—everything I was” His fist, cloaked in a fierce, blue seinshin, clenched tighter while he continued.

  “Because of you, I was cast aside, stripped of my rank and purpose. I was once among the elite, the leader of S.D. 10 with a future. But now? Reduced to a man without meaning...all thanks to your meddling”

  Yugo’s voice dropped even colder; his gaze unwavering. “I’ll take back what you stole from me. And I’ll start by erasing you from this world...”

  Yugo Tempest's fist was poised to strike, the weight of resentment and rage building to a crescendo. The moment he'd waited for, the end of Azuma Kenousa, was finally within reach. But just when his fist surged forward, a sudden pilr of blinding golden light erupted between them, forcing him to halt mid-strike.

  With a sharp growl, Tempest jumped back, his eyes narrowing in confusion and fury. Standing before him, was Admiral Kasuka. His face was a look of calm, almost serene indifference, his hand casually tucked within his right pocket as if dealing with a minor inconvenience. His long blonde hair swayed gently in the breeze, his golden eyes glimmering with a quiet yet undeniable power.

  “Kasuka…” Tempest groaned in utter annoyance, once more halted by the admiral’s light magika. Kasuka’s eyes gleamed with icy superiority, taking a slow, deliberate step forward, his every movement exuding confidence. The air between him and Tempest seemed to tighten, as if acknowledging the power disparity. His voice, smooth yet ced with venom, cut through the eerie silence.

  "Yugo Tempest...you think you still have a pce in this world? You are no longer part of the Sea Corp. You’re irrelevant; a failed officer, discarded and forgotten"

  Kasuka leaned in just enough for Tempest to feel the weight of his words, "If you interfere again, I’ll end you in an instant. Understand?" The air seemed to shutter with the blunt threat as Kasuka straightened, his tone dripping with disdain. "Your time has passed, Tempest. Don’t make me remind you of that"

  With a final, almost zy gnce, he turned away, leaving the full weight of his threat hanging in the air. Yugo's fists clenched, his body shaking with a rising tide of rage. The sight of Kasuka, so calm and indifferent, standing with his back to him as if he were some insignificant afterthought, only fueled the fmes of his fury. His lip curled into a snarl, eyes narrowing with contempt.

  "How dare you...!" Tempest growled, barely containing his seething anger. "You stand there, as if I’m some fool you can simply dismiss!? Do you really think you’re untouchable, Kasuka?!” Yugo’s eyes narrowed, his fists tightening while his body was engulfed in an overwhelming surge of seinshin, the energy pulsating around him like a violent storm. His form trembled with restrained power, but his voice remained cold, calcuting.

  “Kasuka…” His tone was a low growl, as if forcing the words from his teeth. “Step aside. Or you’ll witness firsthand what I became on that damn isnd. Every ounce of pain, every second I spent cwing my way to this point—it was for this moment”

  The energy around him fred, his seinshin rising in a fury that shook the air. “You’re standing in my way. Don’t think for a second, you’ll stop me. I’ll show you exactly how far I’ve come”

  His eyes locked onto the admiral, a barely contained fury simmering behind them. The ground beneath him seemed to tremble, as if his very presence was shaking the area around him.

  Kasuka let out a brief, mocking chuckle, his golden eyes glinting with amusement. “So, you’ve chosen death, then? Rather than crawling back to the worthless isnd you came from, you’d rather throw your life away here, at my feet?”

  He tilted his head slightly, his voice dripping with condescension, “How quaint. Never thought you’d be foolish enough to challenge me one on one. A mere S.D agent is but an insect to an admiral”

  Finally driven beyond reason, Yugo Tempest lunged forward, his body surging with raw seishin energy, channeling all his fury into a single, devastating blow aimed squarely at the back of Kasuka’s skull. The punch cut through the air with the force of a cannon, the shockwave ripping through the ground beneath his feet.

  But Kasuka—effortlessly vanished in a burst of golden light, his form blurring as though he were nothing more than a mirage. The impact of Yugo’s attack nded where Kasuka had been, sending a shockwave so powerful it obliterated the nearby building, sending it crumbling into a cloud of dust and rubble, followed by debris spilling into the streets.

  Yugo had barely a moment to process the sudden shift in the air before Kasuka appeared before him, materializing in a fsh of golden light with near super-sonic. In a split second, Yugo’s instincts kicked in, arms crossing to guard, only for Kasuka to send a fierce kick that shattered his defense with overwhelming force, a concentrated burst of power that sent Yugo flying backward. He crashed through the gss window of a distant inn, gss fragments scattering through the air until he finally skidded to a halt across the wooden floor of a bedroom, sprawled amidst the splintered remains of what was once a stone blue wall. Dazed, he struggled to catch his breath, the weight of Kasuka’s blow lingering in every fiber of his being.

  Winded and gasping for breath, Yugo gritted his teeth. “Damn that admiral…Not only can he become pure light, but he’s actually striking at light speed—using the velocity to multiply the impact" His muscles coiled, the realization hitting him hard. "Tch…this could be more of an obstacle than I anticipated”

  Without warning, Azuma spotted the admiral standing before him, as if they had appeared out of thin air. Kasuka stood there, calm and composed, his hand resting casually in his pocket. His usual dispassionate expression didn’t falter meeting Azuma’s gaze, the golden glow of his magika flickering faintly around him.

  “Azuma, I’ll make this simple,” he began, his voice smooth yet carrying an unmistakable edge. “Surrender now, and I’ll spare you and your crew the pain that follows from defying us. You’re formidable—I’ll give you that—but even a pirate should know when he’s met his match”

  Kasuka’s eyes narrowed slightly, the faintest hint of steel in his gaze. “Unlike Yugo, I’m not driven by a need to end every adversary I face. If you surrender, I’ll see to it that you’re taken in quietly, without unnecessary bloodshed.” He paused, letting the weight of his words settle before continuing.

  “But,” his tone cooling further, “if you insist on standing against me, I won’t hesitate to do what’s necessary to bring you down. Refuse my offer, and I won’t be able to promise mercy a second time. So, Azuma—what’s it going to be?”

  The words hung in the air like a challenge, Kasuka waited for the pirate’s reply.

  Azuma gripped the cold brick structure behind him, steadying himself, his eyes bzing with defiance. He took a breath, his voice stern and serious, yet carrying a fierce, unshakable confidence.

  “Go to hell, Admiral,” the captain spat, his tone ced with contempt. “You think I’d ever surrender to the likes of the Sea Corp!? I’d die before I handed myself over to you and your so-called ‘justice.’ You all preach about freedom, but all I’ve seen is misery. Nearly every isnd I’ve set foot on is full of people barely hanging on, just trying to survive another day under the farce you call freedom”

  Azuma’s grip tightened against the wall as he leaned forward, his voice hardening. “Freedom, justice…It’s all a lie, a story you tell yourselves while innocent people live in fear, scraping by under your watch. What you’re offering isn’t freedom—it’s a hollow promise, a dream the innocent cling to because they have nothing else. And I’ll be damned if I let myself fall for it!”

  He took a step forward, eyes fierce and unyielding. “So go ahead, kill me. But I’ll never bow, never surrender to you or anyone from the Sea Corp. If my death’s what it takes to keep my freedom, then I’ll take it gdly. At least I’ll die on my own terms—not as some puppet in your twisted world”

  Azuma braced himself when the sea corp commander emerged from the ruins of the HQ, stepping forward with slow, deliberate steps. His exspression held a mixture of disdain and stern dominance, his tone cold and filled with the weight of someone who believed himself above the chaos around him.

  "And just what have you done for those people, pirate?” the commander intoned, his voice deep and commanding. “Have you given them jobs? Built homes? Established any sembnce of stability?” He paused, narrowing his eyes with a sneer. “Or have you and your crew simply paraded around those isnds like a pack of unruly children, wreaking havoc wherever you tread?”

  The commander cast a sweeping gesture over the shattered remnants of the isnd. “Look around you, Azuma. This pce lies in shambles, scarred by your recklessness, your so-called rebellion. These people were at peace until you and your kind showed up, disrupting the order and prosperity they once knew. The sea corp may be strict, but we bring order, something you clearly know nothing about”

  He took a step closer, voice seething with contempt. “You speak of the sea corp as if we’re the monsters, yet you’ve offered nothing to prove you’re any better. All I see is another pirate, another criminal, clinging to some hollow delusion of heroism” The commander shook his head, his eyes piercing through Kenousa. “Face it, Azuma—you’re no savior. Just more sea trash, lost in your own fantasies of justice"

  Azuma’s chest tightened followed by the weight of the commander’s words. Had they really done anything for those people? Sure, they’d cshed with bounty hunters, taken down the S.D. 10, and defied the sea corp’s power at every turn — but that had all been for their own survival. They’d stormed through isnd after isnd, leaving chaos in their wake, but they’d never paused to offer a helping hand, to shield those they cimed to be fighting for. Only Starfall Isnd had seen even a sliver of that ideal.

  His heart ached with a sudden, raw guilt that sank deep within his very being. The hero he’d imagined himself to be began to shatter in his mind, repced by a stranger — someone no different from the forces he despised. His sore, battered body seemed to fail him as he dropped to his knees, his arms limp upon his p. A hollow voice escaped his lips, barely more than a whisper. “It...it can’t be...but...we’re supposed to be the heroes...”

  The commander looked down at the kneeling pirate, the faintest hint of pity tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You call yourself a hero, but you’re nothing more than a brat with some childish ideology, a deluded sense of grandeur about what being a 'hero' truly means," Masaru remarked, his tone dripping with contempt. "A true hero makes sacrifices. They make the hard choices you can’t even begin to fathom. They don’t just run amok, stirring chaos and calling it freedom. And let’s not pretend you could handle that responsibility — it would break you. You’re soft, Azuma"

  The commander gestured around to the crumbling ruins of the sea corp HQ, then swept his hand outward, encompassing the devastation Azuma and his crew had left behind. "Do you even understand what the sea corp stands for!? We are the thin line between order and chaos, the very reason this world hasn’t fallen into complete anarchy. We protect against the foolish whims of people like you, of those who think strength alone is some golden ticket to righteousness.

  "Years ago, when that insufferable fool Soichiro Akamatsu, your so-called ‘pirate lord,’ stomped around this world, he thought his strength gave him the right to decide for others. His arrogance nearly dragged this world into ruin. ‘Pirate lord’...what an absurd, reckless notion," he sneered. "A hero? No. He was no hero, and neither are you. You’re just another child who thinks they’re strong enough to py savior"

  The commander narrowed his gaze, the finality in his voice driving the words deep into the pirate like a knife. "You don’t have what it takes to do what’s necessary to save this world. That’s something no pirate — least of all you — will ever understand"

  The commander, having delivered his final words, turned his back on Azuma, his boots clicking amidst the shattered ground while departing. There was no satisfaction in his step—only the cold, detached march of someone who knew the battle was over.

  Kasuka’s gaze softened, a rare moment of genuine disappointment crossing his features while gncing down at Azuma, still knelt before him. The air around them hummed with the power Kasuka exuded, but his eyes betrayed no satisfaction, only the heaviness of a missed opportunity.

  “Such a shame," Kasuka muttered, almost to himself. "You and I could’ve had a real fight...a fight worthy of my time. But instead, it all ends like this. No struggle, no challenge. You, a mere child with delusions of grandeur, and me, left with nothing but the bitterness of wasted potential"

  He gnced upward, a fleeting look of mencholy crossing his expression. "This might be the st time I encounter an opponent worthy of my attention. I should’ve hoped for more...but it seems even a pirate like you couldn’t rise to the occasion"

  Kasuka's voice grew colder, but there was a trace of begrudging respect in his tone, his index finger still hovering near Azuma’s face, the golden light flickering with power. “But perhaps there’s a small consotion, Azuma. You will die by the hand of an admiral—an honor few pirates will ever know. A death not at the hands of a stray bullet, or some pathetic bounty hunter. You’ll die at the hands of someone truly skilled, someone who has fought for a world worth protecting"

  The blinding radiance filled the street, Kasuka’s beam tearing through the air as it rushed towards Azuma’s skull. It was the perfect shot, a strike that could obliterate even the most resilient of foes. Azuma, battered and broken, closed his eyes, awaiting the cold embrace of death. He had fought until the end, but now, he had nothing left to give. The false dream of being a hero, or even pirate lord seemed so far away now, a cruel illusion that he could never reach. Then, the silence stretched on...

  Seconds passed, but no pain, no final breath of life left his body. Azuma’s eyes opened, his mind struggling to comprehend the emptiness where the attack should have been. His head still throbbed, but the unbearable heat, the impending end, never came.

  Confusion gripped him. He looked down, and that’s when he saw it—a faint, shimmering translucent barrier enveloping his body. His gaze widened once realization struck him.

  Kenousa muttered under his breath, eyes widening in disbelief. “R-Roxie’s barrier!?” The force field shimmered with an ethereal glow, pulsating with the power of Roxie’s protection.

  As the blinding light of Kasuka’s attack began to fade, a heavy silence fell over the street, broken only by the soft clink of metal on broken stone. Just then, a shadow cut through the dust-filled air, and with a sharp nding, two figures appeared beside Azuma.

  Roxie, his emerald green eyes burning with intensity, stood tall with his pink hair slightly tousled from the drop. His usual rexed demeanor was now repced by a seething tension, his gaze locked onto Kasuka with an intense scrutiny.

  His voice cut through the air, sharp and calm. "You alright, Captain?" Roxie’s eyes flickered briefly to Azuma, then back to Kasuka. "Sorry we left you and Rosera to face this bastard alone. We Should’ve been here with you, but... I’m gd you made it out alive"

  He took a step forward, his stance wide and firm. Roxie’s barrier shimmered with the faintest of glows, a subtle reminder of his abilities. There was no hesitation in his voice. "You really think you can just try to strike down our captain without going through his crew!?”

  Seraph stepped forward with the same quiet authority as Oda, his long blonde hair flowing gracefully with each movement. Despite his refined appearance, there was an unmistakable intensity within his eyes, a clear warning to anyone who dared to challenge his captain. His posture was poised, but beneath the calm exterior, he radiated a power ready to erupt in an instant.

  With a sharp snap of his fingers, a massive inferio materialized behind him, a towering entity with rge, purple bat wings. The wings fpped once, sending gusts of wind across the battlefield, tearing up the earth and rustling the remnants of the ruined surroundings. The inferio’s massive form loomed over the group, it’s presence a dark, ominous shadow that made even the bravest hesitate.

  Seraph’s voice was smooth but cold, the tone of a man who had seen countless battles and understood the gravity of every word. "Admiral...Do you truly believe you can simply walk away from this?" he inquired, his eyes a piercing gre towards Kasuka. "You will not touch our dear captain again"

  His hand moved once more, the inferio’s wings fpping powerfully behind him, it’s form towering with a malevolent energy that seemed to bend the very air around them. "Azuma and his crew are bound by a loyalty that you could never understand. We fight for each other—die for each other. And if it comes to it, I will gdly y down my life to protect him, no matter what it takes"

  Oda's jaw tightened, his body tensing once his eyes locked onto the inferio towering behind Seraph. The immense creature’s purple bat wings stretched out, sending violent gusts of wind whipping through the area. It’s presence was enough to make the ground beneath Oda tremble. He couldn’t help but swallow hard, his heart racing as the reality of the situation sank in.

  "H-Hold on a second…," Oda whispered, his voice barely audible, filled with dread while gncing at the inferio and then back at Seraph, his tone strained and cautious. "That...that thing's enormous!"

  His breathing quickened as he took a step back, eyes darting nervously around the battlefield. His once confident demeanor now faltered, his fear bubbling to the surface. "Does it really need to be that big!?"

  His voice dropped to almost a frantic whisper, as if speaking too loudly might provoke the creature’s wrath. "One wrong move, and it’ll level the whole isnd...us included!"

  Seraph stood unmoved, his eyes hardening with cold resolve as he stared down the admiral, his hand casually resting at his side. There was no hesitation in his stance or his words, a quiet but overwhelming confidence emanating from him as he spoke with a chilling finality.

  "If it comes to that," Seraph’s voice was low, but resolute, as though he had already made peace with the decision. "I will wipe this entire isnd off the map, without a second thought"

  He met Oda's worried gaze with an unflinching stare. "The lives of our crew and our captain come first—everything else is secondary. If it means burning it all to the ground to protect them...then so be it"

  The wind howled around them, the inferio's wings fpping menacingly, as Seraph’s words hung in the air, his determination as unshakable as the mountain before him.

  Azuma's body trembled when he pushed himself upright, every muscle screaming in pain, but his determination burned through the haze of exhaustion. He staggered forward, his voice weak and strained, yet carrying an undeniable weight.

  "Seraph," he gasped, forcing the words out despite the sharp pain in his chest. "I get it...I understand your loyalty to the crew...but think about the people here...the innocent ones"

  His eyes, though heavy with fatigue, locked onto Seraph’s with a sense of urgency. "Those people, they didn't choose this fight...they didn't ask for this war..."

  He staggered again but caught himself, his voice growing firmer, despite his weakness. "I’d never let an innocent person die if it was for my own benefit. You can’t let that happen either, Seraph. They deserve to live. They're not just pawns in this battle...they're human beings—just like us"

  Azuma's expression hardened; his eyes focused on Seraph dead in the eye. "We’re pirates, yes. But we aren’t monsters. Think of them like fellow crew members. We protect them. We don’t destroy"

  Azuma staggered once more, but the fire in his eyes burned brighter than ever. "We’re better than that...You know we are"

  Seraph’s stern expression softened the moment he met Azuma’s desperate eyes. His rigid stance eased, and a hint of remorse flickered within his eyes. He took a steady breath, and with his usual composed and refined tone, finally spoke.

  "My apologies, Captain," Seraph answered, inclining his head respectfully. "I became...overzealous in my loyalty. I let my judgment falter, ignoring the principles you hold. Rest assured, I will follow your wishes—no matter the cost"

  With a graceful flick of his hand, Seraph’s palm opened, delicate yet precise, and the colossal entity began to shrink, it’s ominous gre fading. The massive entity condensed down to the size of a baseball before dissolving entirely in a faint mist of purple wisps.

  "You have my word," Seraph added quietly, his look steady. "This battle will be fought by your ideals, Azuma. I am with you, my dear Kenousa"

  The admiral chuckled softly, his hand drifting across his lips, watching the pirates’ resolute stances. "How...touching," Kasuka mused, with an air of condescending amusement. "This dispy of loyalty, of undying camaraderie—an admirable performance, truly. But such sentiments cannot save you from what’s coming." He gestured to the brightening golden aura enveloping him, light dancing around his figure with a growing intensity.

  "Understand," he spoke, his voice calm but filled with conviction, "you stand before the light of justice itself. Do you honestly think such ideals will shield you?" He let the question linger for a moment, as if giving them one st chance to realize the futility of their fight.

  "Very well, then," the admiral announced, his tone almost regretful. "If these are to be your final moments…have you anything left to say before you meet your end?"

  Before Azuma or the others could make a retort, Yugo appeared seemingly out of nowhere. With one swift, devastating kick, he struck Kasuka squarely across the face, sending the admiral hurtling down the street in a blur. Kasuka crashed through buildings before finally impacting into a distant tavern half a mile away, disappearing in a cloud of dust and debris.

  The crew stood frozen, eyes wide in disbelief, staring at Yugo Tempest. Of all people, he had saved them from the nearly unstoppable admiral. Yugo’s long hair rippled in the wind; his worn, white attire billowed from the force of his attack.

  Without a word, Yugo remained where he stood, his gaze fixed on the settling dust cloud with a fierce, unwavering focus, as if daring Kasuka to rise again. Yugo the gnced toward Azuma, his gre icy, his voice cutting through the air with a barely restrained growl, as though every word tasted like ash in his mouth.

  "Listen up, Azuma…find whatever's left of your pathetic crew and get off this damn isnd! Take the Aqua Express train and head north. I don't care how you do it, just get moving!"

  His tone shifted, dripping with venom, his clenched fists trembling with barely contained rage. "Don't think for a second that I've forgotten what you are, or what I still pn to do. I will kill you. But right now, there’s no time for me to waste on you. With Kasuka still breathing, we need to focus on the bigger problem"

  His face hardened; the anger barely held back. "I’ll deal with the admiral. You get them out of here. And when this is over, you and I are finishing this. Now go!"

  Azuma, still winded and struggling to keep his bance, gnced over at Yugo, his voice weak but filled with gratitude. "Yugo...t-thanks...for saving us"

  Yugo scoffed rolling his eyes, his arms crossed turning away, clearly annoyed. "Tssk, don't waste your breath. Just hurry up and get out of my sight before I change my mind"

  With that, Yugo faced the trail of destruction before him, waiting for Kasuka to reemerge from the debris. Meanwhile, Seraph and Roxie quickly moved to Azuma’s side, their arms supporting him as they helped him to his feet.

  "Let’s go, Captain," Roxie insisted, his voice steady but urgent. "We need to move" Seraph nodded; a worried look in his eyes by the concern for their leader. "Stay with us, Azuma. We’re getting you out of here"

  Just before they could escape, a fsh of blinding golden light fred before Yugo. The radiance of the admiral’s light magika surged, temporarily overwhelming Azuma’s vision. He fought to keep his eyes open against the onsught, struggling to see through the gre.

  Then, through the shimmering brilliance, Azuma caught sight of Kasuka’s figure — a streak of golden fury. The admiral’s leg shed out, aiming to strike Yugo down in a wave of light. But Yugo’s intense presence held steady. His aura, his seinshin, fred around him like a vast, unbreakable crimson wall.

  The admiral’s lightning-fast kick collided with it, but instead of shattering through, the strike was halted in mid-air. The force of the impact rippled outward, but Yugo’s impenetrable energy absorbed it, leaving no room for Kasuka’s attack to nd.

  Yugo’s face remained stern; his eyes unwavering. "Is that the best you've got?" he muttered, his voice cold yet controlled. His power pressed forward like an unyielding tide, his presence forming a red barrier against the admiral’s overwhelming speed. "I’ll give you more than you can handle, but first…" Yugo shifted his focus, readying himself. "You’ll need to break through first"

  Kasuka’s jaw clenched tighter in seething anger, his patience fraying as Tempest’s defenses held firm against his every strike. The man’s smug, unwavering composure only made the admiral’s blood boil further. His mind raced for a way to break through, but instead of wasting more effort on Tempest’s formidable defense, Kasuka’s gaze flicked toward Azuma and his crew.

  In an instant, his form vanished, appearing above the captain with a spark of light. His index finger fred with golden energy, aimed directly at Azuma’s skull, a beam of lethal eminence, prepared to end this once and for all.

  But just when the attack was about to be unleashed, a firm hand gripped onto his foot, throwing him off bance. His eyes widened in a moment of surprise before he was smmed violently onto his back, the air forced from his lungs. The beam he had charged fired out of control, erupting into the sky in a burst of blinding light, leaving a trail of searing radiance within it’s wake.

  Kasuka blinked through the dizziness, fury boiling in his chest simultaneously scrambling to push himself up. His vision was momentarily blurred by the aftershock of the bst. “Tssk, Yugo you fool” the admiral growled, his voice ced with anger. The blonde admiral gred at the silhouette within the mist of dirt that had interrupted his strike. His fury palpable, each breath heavy with the promise of vengeance.

  Once the dust settled, Kasuka’s eyes widened in disbelief. Standing before him was a perfect doppelganger of Yugo Tempest, a perfect mirror image of the man who had been blocking his every move. But it wasn’t just the clone in front of him that threw Kasuka off—he could still see the real Tempest, standing in the same spot as before, arms crossed with an unsettling calmness.

  Both figures, identical in stance and expression, locked their steely gazes onto Kasuka, their smirks barely visible but unmistakable in their shared amusement. The admiral’s breath caught in his throat while trying to make sense of what was happening.

  Azuma’s voice was weak but filled with urgency, “Rosera’s still alive...unconscious, but she’s in there, somewhere in the wreckage of the HQ. We need to move quickly—before anything worse happens”

  Seraph’s sharp eyes narrowed with a slight nod, “Understood, Captain. We’ll find her”

  Roxie too gave a brief nod, but the tension in his shoulders showed the weight of their task. Without a word, the trio started toward the shattered remains of the headquarters.

  Azuma struggled to walk, a deep sense of dread twisting within his chest. The battle between Yugo and Kasuka began, but the safety of their crew was paramount. He couldn’t afford to lose anyone else—not now.

  "Stay focused," Kenousa remarked, his voice barely above a whisper but sharp as ever. "We’re not safe yet."

  His two crewmates wordlessly acknowledged him, their pace quickening once they neared the towering pile of stone and rubble. The wreckage loomed before them, but with it came the hope of saving their fallen comrade.

  With every step, Azuma’s resolve grew. If they couldn’t save Rosera, then what was the point of all this? As they approached the debris, their hands ready to move stones and metal aside, Azuma allowed himself a brief moment of quiet anger. They would not lose another. Not today.

  Time was running out, but they were ready to face whatever came next.

  Just when Azuma and Seraph began to move the debris by hand, Roxie stepped forward with an amused smirk on his face, his eyes glinting with mischief.

  “Hold up, guys,” he insisted, voice ced with a pyful edge. “You’re doing it the hard way” Azuma blinked in confusion, but before he could ask, Roxie casually extended both palms toward the pile of rubble, his smirk growing.

  “Barrier: Titan Shovel!” With that, the air around him crackled, and in a fsh, his transparent barrier morphed into the shape of a massive shovel. It was as if he’d just casually summoned a tool from thin air, the shovel’s colossal size easily dwarfing the surrounding debris.

  Roxie grinned, clearly proud of himself. "Thought you guys could use a little...help," Oda quipped, his tone light and teasing. With quick motions, he proceeded to guide the giant shovel, effortlessly slicing through the rubble all while tossing aside massive chunks of stone. The debris scattered with ease while the shovel barrier worked it’s magic.

  “See? No need for all that elbow grease,” Roxie chuckled with a wink, his voice dripping with pyful confidence. “Just let me handle the heavy lifting”

  Azuma couldn’t help but shake his head with a smile, appreciative of the return of the pirate's wit and ingenuity.

  "We'll find her in no time, trust me," Roxie added, a confident grin still pstered on his face as he effortlessly cleared the way.

  Seraph watched with mild amusement, flicking his long glossy blonde strands back delicately, his stance effortlessly elegant, as if the commotion around him hardly bothered him at all.

  “Well,” Seraph remarked in a smooth, almost teasing voice, crossing his arms in a refined manner, “I suppose that’s one way to get the job done” He gnced at the debris being moved with ease, then back at Roxie with a pyful smile. “At least this way, I won’t be forced to sully my hands with such…filth” He shuddered lightly, as if the very idea of touching the rubble disgusted him.

  He tilted his head slightly, the corners of his lips curling into a half-smirk. “I’m certainly not above a good fight, but I must admit…some things are best left to others” He gnced at the massive pile of debris being cleared, as if contempting the effort, it would take to do the same himself. “I’d rather not waste my energy on such mundane tasks. Not when there’s so much more… refined work to be done”

  Seraph’s stance remained poised, still ready for anything—but only when absolutely necessary. He wasn’t above a fight, but as always, he’d keep his dignity intact.

  After about a minute, they finally found Rosera. Her vampiric form motionless amidst the rubble, her body still and lifeless in the remains of the destroyed tower. The scene was haunting, but Azuma's crew remained focused. Oda’s hands moved quickly, forming a shimmering barrier around Rosera's fragile form. With a flick of his wrist, the transparent energy gently lifted her out of the pile, moving the heavy debris with ease. He lowered her carefully to the ground, pcing her gently before the captain.

  Azuma knelt down, his breath shallow and strained, but the sight of Rosera's motionless form cut through the pain. His hand shook slightly the moment he reached out, brushing his fingers gently across her cold amythest skin. He hesitated for a moment, the chill of her body stinging his palm, but the relief of finding her—albeit unconscious—overpowered any discomfort. A slight tear ran down his weathered cheek when his voice broke the silence.

  "Rosera..." Azuma whispered, his voice soft but filled with raw emotion. He gently cupped her face with one hand, shaking her lightly in a desperate attempt to rouse her. His grip tightened, his heart aching with every second she remained unresponsive. "Come on, wake up...we need you. You can’t to leave us... not now"

  He shook his head, his voice trembling with emotions he had buried deep inside now surfacing. "Don't do this to me, Rosera. Not after everything...after all we've been through"

  He paused, his hand brushing her hair from her face, his voice barely above a whisper now, "We still have a long way to go” Without another word, Azuma kissed Rosera's lips softly, showing his strong feelings for the crewmate that had protected him when it truly mattered. Now it was his turn as captain. As his lips caressed hers, he silently vowed to protect her as fiercely as she had protected him.

  Roxie froze, his eyes wide in shock, witnessing the tender moment between Azuma and Rosera. The shock was evident across his face, his brows furrowing; mouth opened slightly in disbelief. "I-I...didn’t think I'd be seeing that today," Oda stammered, his cocky tone faltering for a moment. "Captain, you—! Are you—" His eyes darted between Azuma and Rosera, the realization slowly sinking in. "I guess I underestimated you, Azuma. Didn’t know you had it in you"

  Meanwhile, Seraph, with his usual elegant composure, couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle. His aqua blue eyes glimmering with amusement, his lips curling into a pyful smirk. "Well, well, Captain," he uttered in a voice ced with teasing grace, his tone dripping with an almost smug, feminine charm.

  "What took you so long to finally kiss Miss Rosera? I thought you'd been carrying that for some time now." His gaze softened slightly as he watched Azuma, but there was still that pyful edge in his words.

  All waited in a heavy silence...that's when a breath escaped Rosera's lips, her crimson eyes slowly opening. Her vision gradually came into focus, the first thing she saw was Azuma's face, his gentle expression close to hers, his hands still carefully holding her. She blinked a few times, her mind fighting to regain crity, but once she processed her surroundings, she realized she was cradled in her captain's arms. The warmth of his touch and the feeling of his heartbeat against her sent an unexpected rush of emotions through her.

  Her face flushed a deep crimson, and she quickly shifted, trying to sit up, but her body was still weak. "C-Captain!" she stammered, her voice flustered, a tinge of embarrassment coloring her words. She quickly looked away, trying to hide her blushing while also attempting to push herself upright with some effort, wincing from the strain.

  Azuma gave her a soft, reassuring smile. "You’ve been through a lot, Rosera. You were unconscious for awhile, but we’re here now" He gently brushed her hair back, his tone filled with concern. "I couldn't just leave you"

  Roxie, still standing beside Seraph, watched the exchange, his eyes frozen in disbelief before crossing his arms over his chest. "Well, well, Captain, you sure know how to make a girl blush," the thief teased, a grin spreading across his face. "Didn't think I'd see the day when you'd get all sweet and protective" He couldn't help but chuckle at the scene before him.

  Seraph, who had been observing with quiet interest, finally spoke up, his voice smooth and teasing. "Oh? This is a rather...touching sight. Our captain, the fierce leader of the Azuma Pirates, showing his softer side. How quaint" He gave a spirited sigh, almost like he was disappointed it took this long for Azuma to act on his feelings. "I suppose it’s good to see you finally embracing this side of yourself, Azuma. Though I must admit, I thought you’d have been quicker to make your move"

  Kenousa attempted to help Rosera to her feet, but his weakened legs gave out, causing him to stumble and colpse onto his knees with a grimace of pain. He nearly dropped Rosera, but the crew quickly reacted. His body trembled with the strain, yet he fought through the discomfort, trying to hold himself together.

  Before Rosera could react, Roxie was already at her side, gently pulling her upright with a look of concern. “Easy, Rosera,” Roxie comforted, his voice ced with worry despite his usual pyful demeanor. “We can’t afford to have anyone falling over right now”

  Seraph’s eyes widened in arm at the sight of Azuma crumpling, his usually composed expression faltering into one of genuine concern. "Azuma!" he gasped, lunging forward with a sharp breath. His elegant features twisted in worry, rushing to Azuma's side. "This is…far too much," Seraph muttered, his voice unusually collected. He pced a hand upon Azuma's shoulder to steady him, his gaze softer than usual. "You’ve pushed yourself too far, Captain"

  Azuma barely registered Seraph’s concern, gritting his teeth against the ripple of pain within his legs. "I’m fine, just a little…a little…" He couldn’t finish his sentence, his voice strained, but Seraph was having none of it.

  Seraph’s hand pressed more firmly against Azuma’s back; the usual demeanor repced with a rare tenderness. "No, you’re not. You shouldn't push yourself Captain" The refined pirate steadied Azuma with surprising gentleness, a stark contrast to his usual elegance. "You need to rest, now. I won’t let you fall”

  Azuma drew in breath; his chest rising and falling heavily, his body still trembling from the exertion. His vision blurred for a moment, simultaneously struggling to regain his composure, but forced himself to focus. His voice, though strained and winded, carried the weight of determanation.

  "Listen," Kenousa announced, his tone calm but serious despite his exhaustion. "Kenzu's still out there...we need to find him before anything else. Who knows what state he’s in. If we don’t hurry, he might be in even more danger than we are"

  Azuma closed his eyes briefly, drawing in another steady breath to center himself. "We don’t have the luxury of time. We need to find him, get him back, then get the hell off this isnd. It's the only way we're getting out of here in one piece"

  With a wince, the captain pced his hands upon his knees to focus his magika, willing the healing ability to flow through his battered body faster. His breath came in shallow gasps, but his expression remained determined.

  "I’ll recover fast enough, but we have no time to waste. Let’s move" Forcing himself to his feet once more, Azuma gritted his teeth, feeling his muscles slowly rex as the healing effects of his magika began to take hold. But even once his body mended, the toll it had taken drained his stamina, he could feel his limbs struggling to cooperate.

  Kenousa staggered slightly, pushing through the exhaustion while brushing off the weariness that clung to him like a heavy weight.

  "Not now...we’re not done yet," Azuma muttered under his breath, steadying himself with a deep breath before proceeding to move again. His legs trembled slightly, but the urge to push forward kept him going.

  With their captain talking off, Roxie moved with purpose, his transparent barrier forming around Rosera, who still seemed dazed from the ordeal. With a slight flick of his wrist, the barrier floated in mid-air, allowing Rosera to remain suspended without the need for anyone to carry her. This gave Oda the room he needed to focus on pushing through.

  "Keep up," Azuma called out, his voice still strained but commanding. "We need to find Kenzu. He's still out there somewhere, and we can't waste any more time"

  Roxie gave a firm nod, maintaining his focus on the barrier around Rosera while keeping pace. Seraph, ever the composed one, followed closely behind Kenousa, his eyes scanning the area ahead with quiet concern.

  The streets of the isnd were still eerily quiet, the chaos of the earlier battle hanging in the air like a thick fog. Azuma's mind raced with thoughts of Kenzu—no matter how tired he felt, he couldn’t afford to falter now. "We’re almost there," he uttered, pushing past the haze of exhaustion.

  Roxie, gncing over at Azuma with a grin, added, "Ain’t no rest for the wicked, huh?"

  "Not when there's still work to be done," Azuma responded, his expression hardening. Got it! Here's the revised version, reflecting that Gin is attacking Kenzu's brother, Ryujin, and Azuma is rushing in to help Gin defeat the Law of the Sea:

  After a minute of running through the wrecked streets, the group finally spotted Kenzu, sprawled across the dirt, motionless and barely breathing. He y half-buried within the rubble just outside the emerald pace. But it wasn’t the sight of Kenzu that caused Azuma to stop in his tracks—it was the towering figure standing near him.

  Kenzu’s brother, Ryujin, was struggling against the immense gravitational pressure coming from Gin, the very gravity had been multiplied several times over. Ryujin’s body trembled violently, his jaw clenched in rage as he fought against the force, unable to move. The crushing weight felt like a boulder pressing down upon him, his once elegant posture now distorted in the battle to stand under it’s power.

  Azuma’s gaze shifted to Gin, his old friend, whose gravity manipution was the only thing keeping Ryujin from moving. The chubby floating magika user was focused and intent, his expression grim while he fought to hold the Law of the Sea in pce. Gin wasn’t attacking; merely containing, trying to keep Ryujin from retaliating while they figured out what to do.

  Azuma knew they couldn’t waste time. If they didn’t act soon, Kenzu’s brother would break free. The crew didn’t know who this was, but seeing Gin fight so desperately to contain him only confirmed one thing—he was an enemy.

  “Dammit,” Azuma muttered under his breath. His voice dark, anger building within him. He didn’t care who this man thought he was—no one threatened his friends.

  Seraph, noticing Azuma’s intent, spoke up with quiet urgency. “We need to move, Azuma. If he’s fighting Gin, then he’s surely a threat”

  Roxie nodded; eyes steely. “We can’t let him break free. Let’s make this quick”

  Azuma’s fists clenched, followed by a deep breath, shaking off the weariness that clung to his body. “We don’t leave until either this guy’s down, or Kenzu and Gin are safe!”

  Without hesitation, Azuma charged forward, his body moving faster than his mind could fully process. Amidst his approach, he noticed Ryujin’s elegant features twisted in frustration and anger. He carried himself like he was above everyone else—like they were nothing but ants to be crushed beneath his feet.

  “This ends now,” Azuma growled, his eyes locked on Ryujin.

  Gin gritted his teeth, his face twisted with strain as he held Ryujin in pce with all his might. The effort of maintaining such intense gravity was clearly taking its toll on him. His voice came out in forced gasps, the words barely hanging together.

  “Azuma, you’ve got to leave, don’t be a fool, this fight’s too much—more than you can duel. Ryujin's power, it's no easy task, he’ll crush you all if you dare to ask. I’m barely holding, my strength is waning, your lives at risk, there’s no expining. Please, don’t stay, just run while you can, this battle’s beyond what you’d ever pn”

  Gin’s strained breathing became more evident, and his eyes flickered with panic, pleading for Azuma to understand. “You’ve seen his rage, it’s far from tame, he’ll wipe you out without a shame. I’m holding strong, but I can't st, leave now, and escape this wrath fast!”

  Despite the panic in his voice, there was a certain edge to it—one that made it clear Gin was genuinely worried. He knew the danger, and he didn’t want Azuma or his crew to fall into it.

  Azuma hesitated, his breath bored while steadying himself, drawing on his regen magika to further mend his battered body. The process further drained him, his eyes going in and out of focus, but Kenousa pushed through the strain, knowing they didn’t have time to waste. His eyes sharpened before turning to his crew, his tone serious yet ced with urgency.

  “Roxie,” the captain began, his voice firm but carrying an undercurrent of worry. “Get to Kenzu. Put him in the barrier with Rosera—keep them both safe”

  He shifted his gaze to Seraph, his expression unwavering despite his exhaustion. “Seraph, ready your strongest inferio and detonate it point-bnk in front of Ryujin. It doesn’t have to take him down, just stagger him long enough for us to get the hell out of here. But wait until I’ve pulled Gin clear—don’t fire until I give the signal”

  “Yes Captain Azuma!” The pair responded in unison. Azuma drew in a deep breath, his tone softening just enough to remind them of his confidence in their abilities. “We’re not here to win a fight, not this time. We’re here to survive. Trust me—we’ll regroup and figure out our next move once we’re safe. Just follow the pn, and we’ll make it out together”

  His gaze flicked to Gin, still straining against Ryujin’s overwhelming presence. Azuma clenched his fists, forcing himself forward. Despite his fatigue, he wouldn’t leave an ally behind—not again.

  Seraph crossed both arms in a poised "X" formation, followed by an inferio manifesting behind him. It grew steadily rger, it’s form expanding like a hot-air balloon. With a composed but determined tone, he flicked his glossy blonde hair back, speaking with elegance.

  “Oh, Captain, your orders are clear, I shall ensure this inferio performs it’s task to perfection—no unnecessary theatrics, just the finesse required to save dear Kenzu and make our retreat” He cast Azuma a fleeting gnce, his emerald eyes glinting with purpose. “Rest assured Azuma, I’ll deliver the precise chaos we need. After all, we can’t very well lose anyone when the strength of this crew is so...irrepceable, can we?”

  With a delicate yet resolute demeanor, Seraph turned his attention back to the inferio, the bat-like creature’s searing heat radiating around him while the elegant pirate prepared to strike.

  Roxie knelt beside Kenzu, his confident demeanor faltering with his hands trembled. Oda gripped the swordsmen’s shoulders, his voice unsteady and struggling to keep calm. The thief simultaneously shaking his fallen crewmate.

  "Come on, Kenzu, you can’t just…stay down like this," he murmured, his words heavy with frustration and fear. "We’ve been through too much together, don’t do this now…"

  His eyes shimmered with unshed tears, a rare vulnerability in his typically pyful gaze. Roxie took a deep breath, fighting to regain composure, his voice cracking as he continued.

  "I’m not…I’m not losing you too, damn it!" The pink-haired pirate quickly wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, trying to force the emotion back. "You’ll be okay...just hang on, alright?"

  With a soft sigh, Roxie opened the barrier, reforming it around both Rosera and Kenzu, their unconscious bodies floating side by side, safe within the transparent bubble. The thief kept his gaze on Kenzu, forcing a slight smile despite the lump in his throat. "Stay with me, you guys...please"

  In that instant, Gin could no longer maintain control, releasing a strained, high-pitched cry. The immense pressure he had been exerting abruptly shattered, sending the small floating figure hurtling backward. Gin nded few feet behind Azuma and his crew, the impact sending a faint shockwave through the tense silence. Once the dust settled, all eyes shot toward Ryujin, who stood tall once more, his body trembling from the aftershocks of the crushing gravity, but now free of Gin's grip. The air around them seemed to pulse with his presence, thickening with the tension of what was to come.

  The Law of the Sea stood there, his body trembling with exhaustion, still bearing the strain of Gin’s immense gravity. His breath came in short, bored gasps, the physical toll evident in his faltering stance. The once elegant and composed figure now radiated a seething fury that crackled in the air around him.

  "YOU THINK YOU CAN ESCAPE ME?!" Ryujin's voice thundered, no longer the refined tone of an aristocrat, but one filled with raw, uncontrolled rage. "I WILL MAKE YOU ALL SUFFER UNTIL THERE IS NOTHING LEFT BUT EMPTY SHELLS OF WHO YOU ONCE WERE!”

  A low, eerie chuckle escaped from Ryujin’s chest, the sound growing louder and more manic with each passing moment. The immense surge of green seinshin erupted from his body like a violent storm, cracking the streets beneath him, sending tremors of power in every direction. His ugh was high-pitched, unsettling—a stark contrast to his once composed elegance, now repced by an unhinged frenzy. The blood that trickled from his bottom lip only seemed to fuel the madness in his eyes, turning the once sophisticated man into something monstrous.

  “HAHAHAHA!” Ryujin’s ughter tore through the air, manic and unrelenting. His head snapped upward to meet their gazes. His eyes were wide, frenzied, glowing with a brutal, primal hunger. His carefully styled hair now y in messy tangles, framing his face in wild disarray, a visual representation of the chaos within.

  His grin spread, dark and twisted, as if he reveled in the agony that was to come. "SO..." His voice dropped to a cold, venomous whisper, "WHO SHALL I KILL FIRST?" The words hung in the air like a death sentence. His gaze flickered from one pirate to the next, eyes narrowing with bloodlust. "YOU?" He pointed at Azuma with a twisted sneer. "OR YOU?" His gaze shifted, locking onto Roxie.

  The silence that followed was suffocating, his grin only widening while reveling in the fear he had instilled. “I’ll make you all suffer" The words dripped with malice, each sylble more suffocating than the st, as his power pulsed around him, ready to shatter whatever was left of their hope.

  Before Azuma could react, Roxie moved swiftly, his eyes focused and expression hardening with determination. In an instant, a massive barrier began to take shape—a towering, 20-foot golem formed of transparent energy. Within the golem’s abdomen, Rosera and Kenzu were protected, floating in a shielded space. The air then filled with a deafening, ear-piercing cry as Roxie unleashed his power, the golem’s massive left fist descending toward Ryujin with unimaginable force.

  The golem's fist collided with the side of Ryujin’s face, sending a violent tremor through the streets of the city. The ground beneath their feet shuttered from the force of the blow.

  Kenousa and Seraph stood a few paces back, eyes wide in surprise at the sheer force of Roxie’s attack. The towering golem barrier had struck with such power that it nearly sent Ryujin off his feet, his body jerking with the intensity of the strike.

  However, Ryujin remained standing, his features twisted in anger; lip curling in disdain while he wiped the blood from his mouth. The force of the punch had clearly affected him, but his rage only deepened, his eyes locking onto Roxie with a fury that seemed to boil beneath the surface.

  “I’ll make you all regret this,” Ryujin growled, his voice low and filled with malice, as the green glow of his power fred once again.

  In that instant, a pn formed in Azuma’s mind, clear and decisive. His voice cut through the chaos, firm with desperation. “Roxie, pin him down! Keep him locked in pce long enough for Seraph to attack!”

  Roxie didn’t hesitate. With a swift motion, he focused all his efforts into the golem. The massive figure’s arms shifted with unnatural speed as both hands reached out, gripping Ryujin with crushing force, it’s fingers curling tightly around the Law of the Sea. The transparent entity fiercely squeezed, holding Ryujin in pce, the towering form now acting as a shield, trapping the enraged adversary.

  Azuma’s eyes fshed with resolve gncing toward Gravity Gin, still lying unconscious in the dirt. His heart clenched, knowing the situation was dire.

  With a deep breath, Azuma dashed over to his fallen friend, crouching low and focusing every ounce of his remaining seinshin into his legs. The red fme-like energy coursed through his feet; pooling with raw power, ready to propel him forward. His body tensed, every muscle on the brink of breaking. The ground beneath him seemed to tremble in response to his flowing power.

  In one powerful motion, Azuma leapt into the sky, his form shooting forward like a bullet. His red seinshin streaked behind him, leaving wisps of red glimmers of seinshin in his wake as the determined pirate captain locked his gaze to the northern shore off in the distance.

  Ryujin’s rage shattered the air when his voice erupted like a roar of thunder. His eyes still wide with bloodlust, and his face twisted with the ferocity of a cornered beast. He could feel the pressure of Roxie’s barrier golem slowly weakening beneath him, but that only fueled his fury further.

  "YOU THINK YOU CAN HOLD ME DOWN?! I WILL NEVER FALL TO WORTHLESS PEASANTS LIKE YOU! ESPECIALLY NOT NO-NAME PIRATES WHO THINK THEY CAN CHALLENGE ME! I AM A LAW OF THE SEA—A GOD AMONG MEN! NO ONE, NOT EVEN YOU, WILL BRING ME TO MY KNEES!"

  With a ferocious cry, Ryujin’s body convulsed, followed by a surge of intense green seinshin erupting outward, pulsing in violent waves. Roxie’s barrier golem groaned under the pressure, its transparent hands beginning to crack like gss with Ryujin's overwhelming strength forcing them back.

  Roxie’s breath came in frantic gasps, his body trembling from the strain of holding the barrier together. His hands clenched tighter, yet could feel the golem’s strength slipping away with each passing second. His voice, now quivered with fear and desperation as his grip wavered.

  “C—COME ON, SERAPH! NOW—NOW, BEFORE HE’S—HE’S OUT OF THE—AAHH!” Roxie’s eyes darted frantically to the others, his chest heaving as the transparent hands began to lose their hold upon Ryujin. Sweat poured down his face, his arms growing weak against the oppressive weight of Ryujin’s power pushing back against him. He could feel it—Ryujin’s immense energy closing in, threatening to break free from the barrier's grasp.

  Seraph's elegant demeanor faltered once more, his body trembling. The immense strain of the situation pressing down upon him. His breath came in strained, shallow gasps, his composure cracking under the weight of his concentration. His massive inferio swirled above the contained Ryujin, it’s presence pulsating with an unnatural energy, prepared to unleash the full force of his magika.

  "Roxie," The blonde pirate snapped, his voice clipped and sharp, but ced with an unmistakable strain, "YOU BETTER BE READY—THIS WON'T BE PRETTY!" He paused, his eyes flicking over to the struggling barrier golem. "THE RADIUS OF THIS EXPLOSION... I’M NOT SURE HOW FAR IT WILL SPREAD, BUT I’LL TELL YOU ONE THING—IT WON’T BE PRETTY FOR ANYONE CLOSE!"

  His voice wavered with uncertainty, a rare crack in his usually confident tone. "THERE'S A LOW CHANCE, WE’LL MAKE IT OUT OF THIS UNHARMED, BUT WE DON’T HAVE A CHOICE!" The words fell from his lips like cold, hard truth as his body tensed, his inferio swirling ever rger above Ryujin, ready to be unleashed.

  Seraph’s eyes burned with determination, but his mind was clouded with the uncertainty of what was to come. He knew the risk, but there was no other way. "PREPARE YOURSELF, ROXIE! THIS IS IT!"

  Clenching both hands, Seraph felt the surge of energy radiating from his body, his crossed fists tightening with a pained expression, and with a strained breath, released the full force of his power. The inferio exploded outward, a blinding ray of violet light that consumed everything in it’s path.

  In that instant, while the bst rushed forward, Seraph's mind began to wander, thoughts drifting toward his captain, Azuma... The weight of the moment pressed down on him, and in the midst of the chaos, his thoughts became clearer than ever before.

  (I never imagined I'd find a cause to fight for, a reason to follow someone so fiercely. You showed me a world worth believing in, and now, I...I can't help but feel grateful. To be by your side, to be part of this family...) His eyes closed briefly as he focused on the feeling. (I’ll miss Lady Rosera...She was a light in this world, just like you, Azuma. But...I know you'll take care of her, be by her side, even if I can't be there anymore. You deserve that, more than anyone else in this world...) The world around him seemed to freeze, the explosion of light consuming everything. (Goodbye, Azuma. Thank you...) At that moment, a tear fell from his cheek, ready to be taken by the blinding ray of light...

  Seraph stood motionless, his body quivering from the overwhelming release of energy, his mind still adrift within his final thoughts. The man had expected the end to come swiftly, the explosion of his inferio taking him along with it. Yet, he stood there, a sudden silence enveloping the chaos. His tear-filled emerald eyes slowly blinked open, the harsh violet light of the bst still lingering in his vision.

  To his shock, the destruction he had expected to feel never came. Instead, he found himself standing upon a rooftop, a mile away from the devastation he himself had unleashed. Seraph could still see the remnants of the bst in the distance—the violet energy now dissipating into the sky, a once-mighty surge of power now reduced to nothing more than a fading gust of wind. It was as if the world had bent to an unseen force, sparing him from the cataclysm he had unleashed.

  Beside him, Roxie stood in stunned silence, his demeanor shattered by the same confusion that clouded Seraph's thoughts. The pair exchanged a brief gnce, their expressions mirroring the same bewilderment. Neither of them spoke, as neither could comprehend how they had survived, nor how they had ended up in this strange, unscathed area.

  The faintest breeze caressed their faces, brushing past them. In that moment of stillness, both Seraph and Roxie found themselves frozen in pce, the weight of the world around them inexplicably suspended.

  Just then, a familiar male voice emerged from behind them, breaking the eerie silence. "Heh, is this really how you two pnned to go out?" The voice was strained, winded, but still dripping with a smug, almost taunting tone. "Leaving your dear captain like that? How disappointing"

  Saber then stepped into view from behind them, his usually fwless demeanor slightly cracked. His clothes were torn in pces, along with his heavy breathing. His body showed the signs of battle—bruises, cuts, and the faintest hint of exhaustion clouding his features—but his signature smirk never wavered.

  He gave a short, sharp ugh, despite the strain in his voice, his hazel eyes gleaming with that same arrogant glint. "You two are lucky I arrived just in time," the swordsmen continued, a faint wince of pain fshing across his face before he masked it with a zy grin. "Otherwise, Azuma would've lost a great pair of crewmates. Imagine the mess he'd be in"

  Saber straightened himself, despite his apparent weariness, brushing off the grime and dust that clung to his form. "Tch. Don’t think I’m one to sck off. Wouldn't want Azuma getting the wrong idea about me, right?" His voice wavered with a slight chuckle.

  Seraph narrowed his eyes, his emerald gaze sharp with suspicion, wary of Saber’s sudden appearance. Every muscle in his body tense. "Wait...the former Law of the Sea," he uttered with an edge of distrust cing his words. "Why would you go out of your way to save pirates? Isn’t your main goal to capture or kill those who sail against the Sea Corps!?"

  Roxie, still reeling from the aftermath of the explosion and Saber’s abrupt arrival, scowled, his body brimming with a defensive manner. His usual stutter was repced by a firm, demanding tone. "Yeah, that's right!" Oda added, his eyes scanning Saber up and down, as if searching for some kind of clue that might expin his sudden change of heart. "You were one of them, weren't you!? Why the hell would you save us now? What kind of game are you pying!?"

  Both of them kept their guard up, their eyes locked on Saber, waiting for answers. The unease was palpable, but there was no trace of fear—only wariness and the nagging question of what could have brought Saber to this moment.

  Saber let out a heavy sigh, his posture rexed yet still with an underlying tension. His left hand rested on his waist; the weight of his words heavy in the air. "You two have your doubts, I get it," The former w responded, his voice a mix of regret and resolve. "But here's the truth—I've seen enough of the Sea Corp to know they ain't what they say they are. They mask their oppression behind a false sense of justice, using their so-called protection to control the seas. I thought I was doing the right thing for so long, believing in their cause, but...after seeing the corruption, the lies, the destruction they left in their wake, I couldn't stand by anymore. It hit me hard. I was wrong. I’m sorry...for all of it, for the pain I caused you, Azuma, and your crew"

  His eyes flickered with a rare moment of vulnerability, but quickly hardened again. "I decided to stay on this isnd when I heard Azuma and his crew were coming. I couldn't leave things like that...especially when I realized just how much you’d be up against. If it weren’t for me, you'd have had more trouble than you know. They had sent 200 Sea Corp officers and a commanding officer after you all, but it was me who struck them down—every st one of 'em. Not to mention, I’ve kept tabs on this pce for a while now, making sure almost no one could get in your way"

  Saber’s eyes met theirs again, calm but intense. "So yeah, I saved your asses. But don’t think for a second it was some kind of game. I’m not asking for thanks or forgiveness. I just...want to make things right"

  Seraph crossed his arms, a faint huff escaping his lips before he gnced over at Saber, the weight of their situation still sinking in. His emerald eyes, though still filled with exhaustion, glimmered with a mix of appreciation and urgency.

  "Tch...thanks for the help, Saber" Seraph muttered, offering a begrudging nod. Turning towards Roxie, his voice tightened with determination, cutting through the lingering confusion. "But we don’t have time to sit around and chat. We need to get to Azuma, now. The Sea Corp Admiral or worse will be after us soon enough..."

  Seraph’s gaze turned sharp as he stared into the distance, envisioning their next move. "Our captain's out there alone, and this isnd’s still crawling with enemies. Let’s hurry up before things get any worse, Roxie"

  Roxie clenched his jaw, a mix of frustration and guilt welling up inside him as he stood there. He could feel the seconds ticking by, each one dragging the situation closer to disaster. He sighed heavily, shaking his head as if trying to shake off the weight of his thoughts.

  "Seraph’s right," Oda muttered, voice ced with self-reproach. "I’ve been dragging my feet again, huh? Wasting time when we could’ve been moving already...This is on me. I let us fall behind..." His gaze flickered toward the ground for a moment before he looked back at Saber, eyes hardening with renewed urgency. "But no more. I’m done wasting time. We need to get to Azuma—"

  Roxie exhaled slowly, a small but strained smile tugging at his lips as he shifted back into his usual calm demeanor, though the tension in his voice still lingered. His grin wavered, just a hint of his usual pyfulness creeping back through, but it was obvious he was still feeling the weight of his earlier hesitation. "So, what do you say, Saber? Think you can get us to our captain before we run into more trouble?"

  There was a pause, and then with a dramatic flourish, Saber extended his hand, smirking while he made his next move. Without another word, the trio disappeared from the rooftop, leaving behind only the faintest ripple in the air...

  Meanwhile...

  Azuma’s boots sank into the soft sand as he nded upon the northern shore, the weight of Gin still limp within his arms. His breath came in heavy gasps from the exertion of the jump, but his eyes immediately scanned the area in front of him. There, gleaming in the dim light of the fading day, was the massive, dark-purple train that was supposed to be his ticket off the isnd.

  He couldn’t help but mutter to himself, his voice low and filled winded. "This...This must be the aqua express" His eyes darted over the sleek, glossy surface of the train, still docked just a few feet from the shore, it’s polished metal reflecting the st rays of the fading sunlight like an untouched jewel. His heart raced with the realization—this was the only way out. It had to be.

  Taking another step forward, he heard the faintest shift in the air behind him, the subtle sound of movement that only his heightened senses could pick up. His eyes snapped to the side, his grip tightening instinctively around Gin, preparing for whatever would come next. However, he was caught off guard when, in an instant, Saber, Seraph, and Roxie manifested before him.

  His gaze flicked over each of them, and though he didn’t let his guard down, he couldn’t help the slight twitch of surprise on his face. "Wow, you all move faster than I thought"

  Saber, ever the smug one, cracked a small grin but said nothing. Seraph, winded but still carrying his calm aura, took a quick breath. Roxie simply smirked, his arms crossed tightly As he regained control of the barrier holding Kenzu and Rosera, bringing it down beside him.

  Azuma, however, remained focused on what y ahead, keeping Gin steady in his arms. "We don’t have much time," he remarked with a firm edge to his voice. "Let's get on that train before the Sea Corp sends more of their men after us. We need to leave, now"

  He took one st look at the train, his thoughts racing about what was to come. No more deys. This was their only chance to escape.

  The group pressed forward, trailing behind Azuma while he charged through the shallow water, determination bzing within his eyes. Azuma wasted no time forcing the train’s doors open with a powerful shove, the metallic creak echoing into the falling night. Inside, the passenger car was unexpectedly pristine, the rows of bck leather chairs exuding a strange sense of elegance within the chaos.

  Carefully, Azuma set Gin’s unconscious form onto one of the chairs, ensuring his friend was as comfortable as possible given the circumstances. His face briefly softened in that instant before hardening once more. Without hesitation, Azuma sprinted toward the front of the train, intent on figuring out the controls before the enemies hunting them could close in.

  Saber and Seraph stepped into the passenger car behind him, with Roxie dragging himself in st. His gaze darted toward the shoreline, his body tense as if expecting an ambush at any moment. Hovering before him was the shimmering barrier that carefully encased Rosera and Kenzu’s unconscious bodies, their forms floating gently as he guided the transparent construct toward the train's doors. Sweat trickled down Roxie’s brow, his jaw clenched tightly in concentration. He hesitated for a moment, eyes narrowing as he assessed the narrow doorway, unsure if he could maneuver them through without lowering the shield. The weight of the situation pressed on him as he muttered under his breath.

  Saber took in the scene quickly, his sharp eyes assessing the state of their comrades and the urgency of their situation. Despite his own bruised and winded state, he straightened up, letting out a breath. His voice once more tinged with urgency.

  "Alright, Seraph, help Roxie with the others and keep watch over them. I’ll go help Azuma get this thing moving before we’ve got even bigger problems breathing down our necks"

  Seraph’s emerald eyes narrowed, his posture stiffening at Saber’s commanding tone. His arms crossed over his chest. Seraph exhaled sharply, the tension in his frame slowly dissipating once he relented. Finally, Seraph nodded, though the reluctance in his expression was unmistakable. "Fine," he muttered, his voice clipped.

  Saber chuckled lightly as he turned to follow Azuma, the smirk never leaving his bruised and battered face. He gave a casual wave over his shoulder before striding toward the train’s control car.

  Seraph let out a huff, gncing back at Roxie and Gin before muttering, "Tch...acting like he’s the captain now. Whatever"

  He walked over to Roxie, who was struggling to maintain the shimmering barrier holding Rosera and Kenzu. The glow around it flickered, and Roxie’s jaw clenched. “I can’t hold it—” Roxie muttered before the barrier gave out with a faint crackle, dropping Rosera and Kenzu into the cold water below.

  “Damn it!” Oda growled, shaking his head when frustration took over. He muttered an apology under his breath, but Seraph cut him off.

  “Quit sulking and help me get them inside,” Seraph snapped sharply, stepping into the water and hefting Rosera onto his back.

  Roxie hesitated, then nodded, grabbing Kenzu and slinging him over his shoulder. Together, they maneuvered through the narrow train doorway, grunting as they worked to fit the unconscious crewmates through.

  Once inside, they set Rosera and Kenzu into the seats behind Gin. Seraph adjusted Rosera’s attire, while Roxie slumped back, wiping water from his face.

  “They’re in,” The elegant pirate muttered, gncing toward the front of the train. “Now let’s just hope Azuma and Saber know what they’re doing”

  Roxie sighed, sitting down heavily. “Yeah...guess I’m the screw-up today. At least Gin stayed dry,” he added with a faint smirk.

  Seraph huffed, crossing his arms. “You’re fine. Just rest up—we’ll need it if this thing doesn’t move soon”

  Meanwhile, Azuma shoved open the door to the engine room at the front of the train, his breath bored and uneven. Sweat trickled down his face as he staggered inside, still battered from his relentless battles. His body ached from overusing his regenerative magika—not enough to fully restore him, but just enough to patch up the worst of his injuries and keep him moving.

  His crimson eyes scanned the room, locking onto the express’s controls. The glossy, bck console gleamed under the faint moonlight, an intricate array of buttons, levers, and dials.

  “Finally…” the pirate muttered under his breath, forcing himself forward. Every step felt like a test of his endurance, but he reached the control panel, looking down at it with growing confusion.

  The winded captain froze for a moment, his already exhausted mind overwhelmed by the sheer number of buttons, levers, and dials surrounding the steering wheel. Each one seemed to mock his ck of knowledge, the array of controls blurring together in his fatigued state.

  “Damn it…how do they expect anyone to figure this out!?” he muttered through gritted teeth, his eyes darting over the console in frustration.

  Just then, his gaze nded on a small blue button with the word “START” printed in bold gray letters above it. Relief and determination fred in his chest; focused on the one thing that seemed straightforward.

  “Finally, something that makes sense!” Azuma uttred, clenching his fist.

  Without hesitation, he smmed his hand down on the button, the force of his frustration evident in the sharp metallic clunk of his strike. The man leaned back slightly, holding his breath while awaiting any sign of life from the aqua express, his fingers trembling slightly from both exhaustion and anticipation.

  The pirate watched in tense anticipation while the console flickered to life, the entire hull of the train illuminating the room with a vibrant array of glowing lights. A deep hum resonated through the express, the vibrations coursing through the floor beneath his boots.

  Then, with a sharp, piercing whistle, the locomotive roared to life, the sound cutting through the air like a crion call. The powerful echo of it’s ignition reverberated across the isnd, a signal of both triumph and urgency.

  Azuma let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, his lips curving into a faint smirk despite his weariness. "There we go," he muttered, gripping the edge of the console simultaneously steadying himself. The aqua express was ready to move, but there was no time to celebrate—their escape from the isnd was far from guaranteed...

  Meanwhile...

  Kasuka stood atop a crimson-hued building, the illuming radiance of the moon casting a dramatic silhouette of his poised form. A sly smirk pyed across his lips, his golden eyes glinting with disdain when he aimed his index finger toward the street below. Yugo and his doppelganger faced him, their expressions defiant, but Kasuka’s cold, unwavering gre betrayed his unshaken confidence.

  With a voice dripping in mockery and arrogance, Kasuka sneered, "How utterly foolish. To think you would squander your chance to end that pirate, to betray the sea corp with such ignorant resolve. Do you truly believe that misguided fme of yours can burn bright enough to defy me? How ughable"

  He straightened, his smirk growing more sinister. "You, Yugo Tempest, are nothing but a fleeting spark in the void. And I, shall see to it that your fme is snuffed out in an instant!"

  Without another word, beams of radiant golden light erupted from his fingertip, streaking toward Yugo and his doppelganger with near-light speed, their sheer intensity splitting the air with a thunderous crackle. Each beam carved through the street, leaving searing trails of devastation in their wake.

  Drawing a sharp breath, Yugo’s body surged with an intense blue aura of seinshin, crackling like a storm ready to unleash it’s fury. His movements, calm and deliberate, pushing off the ground in perfect synchronicity with his duplicate. They wove through the golden beams with fluid precision, each projectile grazing the air around them but never finding it’s mark. The scorched heat licked at the pristine white coat that billowed behind him, the edges smoldering while he closed the distance to his target.

  Once positioned above the admiral, Yugo’s focus sharpened, his cold, calcuting demeanor unwavering. Blue fmes ignited within his palms, their fierce glow illuminating his form in the chaotic battlefield. With a voice as chilling as the aura that surrounded him, he murmured:

  "Shōgeki Tenpū... Shockwave Tempest!"

  As his hands came together in a thunderous cp, the air itself seemed to split, a brief, eerie silence preceding the cataclysmic eruption. The unleashed wave of seinshin energy roared outward, a destructive tempest tearing through the ndscape. Buildings within a mile radius shuttered under the force before crumbling into rubble, the streets rumbling violently while the shockwave carved it’s path of ruin.

  Kasuka, mid-preparation to escape with his light magika, froze as the sheer magnitude of the energy overwhelmed him. His confident smirk faltered into wide-eyed disbelief, the brilliance of his golden aura flickering under the oppressive surge of blue. Before he could react, Yugo’s clone struck, locking him in an unyielding full-nelson hold.

  “What—?!” Kasuka’s voice cracked with panic, his struggles futile against the clone’s vice-like grip. Dragged into the heart of the tempest, the admiral’s anguished cries rang out, the devastating energy cwing at him with relentless ferocity. The searing heat of Yugo’s technique burned through his defenses, his once-dazzling golden light dimming, eclipsed by the overwhelming might of the seinshin tempest.

  In that instant, the blinding ray of seinshin finally faded, Yugo's chest heaved with bored breaths as his knees hit the cracked pavement, his body trembling from the sheer exertion. Sweat poured down his face while his gaze remained locked on the faint traces of smoke and rubble where the admiral once stood. His voice, cold and edged with disdain, cut through the stillness:

  "Tch...hopefully, that was enough to at least keep him down for a while. If not, then I’ll just have to think of a different strategy"

  His fingers curled into a fist, his knuckles whitening with suppressed frustration. Tempest gnced toward the horizon, as if sensing Azuma’s presence far away. A faint sneer tugged at the corner of his mouth as his mind focused on the pirate.

  "As much as I hate that damn Azuma..." he muttered, his voice low but ced with venom, "I won't let anyone else take that bastard's life. When the time comes, it’ll be me and him—one-on-one—like it was always meant to be"

  Yugo forced himself upright, staggering slightly before pnting his feet firmly. His stern gaze never wavered; his resolve as unyielding as ever despite his body screaming in protest.

  Yugo's focused then dropped to the tattered remnants of his coat, his eyes narrowing once he noticed the scorched holes and burns, the fabric now hanging in shreds. A deep groan of frustration escaped his lips as he examined the damage, the coat no longer holding any sembnce of the formal purity it once had.

  "Tch...this damn thing’s useless now" His voice was cold and irritated, ced with contempt for the torn garment. "What’s the point of keeping such a piece of clothing? It’s no longer fit for anything!"

  With a swift motion, Yugo pulled the coat off his shoulders tossing it aside, watching the fabric flutter in the wind before it came to a halt, lying useless upon the ground. As it fell away, his sleek, muscur torso was revealed, the scars and marks of his battles visible under the moonlight. He stood tall, unfazed by the exposure, his gaze sharp and focused ahead.

  "Doesn’t matter now. No need for these remnants. I’m far from done" He remarked, a hint of pride in his tone, his eyes reflecting the unyielding fire that burned within him.

  Just then, Kasuka's voice cut through the silence, his tone dripping with mocking amusement while he observed Yugo, standing tall amidst the wreckage.

  "Well, well, I'm impressed. If it weren't for my light magika, that might've actually been enough to finish me off. You certainly know how to make things interesting, don't you?" he taunted, a sickening smirk pying at the corners of his lips. "But sadly, for you, I'm not so easily disposed of"

  Yugo’s eyes snapped upward, his breath caught in his throat once the dust and smoke began to clear. There, standing in the midst of the crimson rubble, was Kasuka—his left side a grotesque, mangled mess. The hole where his flesh once was now slowly knitting itself together, wisps of golden light swirling and spiraling as his body began to regenerate.

  Kasuka’s smirk only grew wider, though his voice held a far more sinister undertone now, almost mocking in it’s calmness. “You should know better than to think someone like me would fall so easily. It's cute that you believed your little trick might end it. But here I stand, you haven’t even begun to understand the depth of my power, Yugo"

  The golden light continued to envelop him, the damage fading with every passing second as Kasuka’s body healed itself, the sickeningly smooth regeneration a testament to the terrifying strength that y beneath his calm exterior.

  Yugo’s heart raced, his eyes locked on Kasuka’s slowly regenerating form, disbelief creeping into his mind. (H-how the hell is he still standing!? His entire left side’s gone, and yet he’s healing like nothing happened!? Is this what immortality looks like!?) Panic surged through his veins. His once unshakable confidence felt as fragile as gss, shattering in the face of such an unimaginable foe. (This guy...How can I even—)

  The thought twisted in his gut, suffocating him with his body quivering at the sight of the admiral’s effortless recovery. (Blowing off half his damn body barely fazed him. What’s the point? How could I possibly—)

  He felt his breath quicken, his pulse pounding within his temples. “No...this is ridiculous. I can’t afford to hesitate now... If I stop here, if I let fear take control...” He clenched his fists at his sides, forcing the thoughts to the back of his mind. The panic, the doubt—it was all pointless. His vision narrowed, focusing solely on the task at hand.

  “Get it together, you’ve fought worse. Hesitation’s gonna get you killed. I won’t let him win. Not like this” With a shaky breath, he steeled himself, pushing the weight of fear out of his mind. “If I wait around, I’m dead. I need to act. I’ll figure this out. I have to!”

  Yugo exhaled, his expression shifting back into one of cold, focused resolve. He wasn’t done yet.

  Just as the former agent prepared to attack, the sound of the express's whistle echoed off in the distance, catching the pair's attention. Kasuka’s lips curled further before raising his head, his eyes gleaming with malicious delight. "Oh? It seems those foolish pirates think they can escape aboard the aqua express. I sure do love a good chase." His voice was ced with the kind of amusement a predator felt towards fleeing prey.

  Without another word, Kasuka vanished in a fsh of golden radiance, the air around him shimmering with the distortion of light. Yugo’s eyes shot open in horror as the realization hit him in hat instant.

  “No…” His heart skipped a beat, adrenaline flooding his veins. “If he goes after them now…Azuma might not be able to escape the isnd…especially if that bastard destroys the train!”

  His breath caught in his throat, eyes darting between the remnants of the destroyed city and the direction of the train. He had no time. The express was their only way out, the st chance to escape the isnd. If Kasuka reached them first, everything would be over.

  Yugo clenched his fists, his gaze hardening. “Dammit, I can’t let him do this...I won’t let Azuma and the others die!” With a surge of adrenaline, Yugo focused as much seinshin he could muster, unching himself off the ground, eyes narrowed with a newfound resolve. “I won’t let you win, Kasuka!”

  A trail of blue wisps surged behind Yugo Tempest while he tore through the sky, the wind violently battering his exposed torso. His body fought against the overwhelming pressure of super-sonic speed, muscles straining as he pushed past his limits. His hair whipped around him, carried by the fierce currents of air, each gust a reminder of the insane velocity he was moving.

  The world blurred around him, but his focus remained on his goal. Every instinct screamed to go faster, to close the distance between himself and Kasuka before it was too te. His chest heaved with each strained breath, but there was no time for weakness—no time for rest.

  His body ached from the force of his rapid acceleration, but he refused to falter. The pressure in his legs, the burning in his lungs, the weariness creeping into his bones—none of it mattered. What mattered now was the express; Azuma, and the lives hanging in the bance.

  “Just hold on, Azuma...”

  Every heartbeat pushed him forward, the sound of rushing air a constant companion simultaneously closing the distance between himself and the enemy.

  Back aboard the Aqua Express...

  Azuma remained at the controls, his focus lingering on the steady hum of the train when it finally began to push off, distancing itself from the isnd and crossing the water. The sound of the engines was a relief, and for a moment, Azuma thought they might actually escape this tragedy. But without warning, something struck the roof of the train, sending an abrupt violent quake through the carts. The impact rattled through the hull, sending Azuma stumbling to the floor. His body, still weak from previous exertions, struggled to stay steady.

  Before Azuma could regain his footing, Saber burst into the room. His eyes immediately scanned the situation, and without hesitation, he extended a hand to Azuma.

  "Get up. You keep this train moving," Saber said, his voice as cold and commanding as ever. There was no softness, only the sheer authority of someone used to handling things. "I’ll deal with whatever hit us"

  Azuma gripped Saber's hand, his own strength slowly returning, but his voice still filled with concern. "He’s here. If it’s him, we won’t be able to outrun him..." The captain remarked with slight fear.

  Saber’s expression remained stern, locking eyes with Azuma. "Stay focused. This train doesn’t stop unless I say so" He gnced over his shoulder, already knowing what was coming. "I’ll handle him"

  In a single, fluid motion, Saber turned and dove out of a window, nding smoothly on the roof of the express. The air whistled with the wind once his boots hit the metal, a sharp contrast to the calmness in his movements. His eyes scanned the skies, and it didn’t take long to spot the unmistakable golden glow descending from above.

  “Kasuka...”

  The admiral floated down, his body surrounded by a brilliant golden light, a vision of impossible power. Saber’s eyes narrowed slightly, his posture stiffening. He didn’t flinch, he simply stared at the man who had dared to chase them down.

  Saber’s voice was low, almost casual, but there was no mistaking the weight of his words. "If you think you can stop us with that little light show, you're mistaken. I suggest you run back to your master before you get hurt"

  Saber’s demeanor radiated calm precision while standing his ground, fully aware of the threat Kasuka posed, but unshaken. His gaze unwavering. "I’m not going to let you through Kasuka, I'll drag you to the bottom of these waters if need be"

  The golden aura surrounding Kasuka flickered, the tension between the two men thickening with Saber’s presence becoming an impenetrable wall.

  Kasuka hovered above, his golden aura illuminating the area like the sun's scorching rays. His voice carried down, dripping with disdain and amusement.

  "Is this what you've become, Saber? A traitor to your own kind, abandoning your prestigious title as the 7th w of the sea to become nothing more than a rabid dog roaming the seas, clinging to pirates. Tch, Pathetic. This world has no need for pirates. Without the sea corp, there would be no order, no discipline, and what’s left but destruction and Suffering"

  He let out a cold, mirthless chuckle, eyes glinting with malice. "You should have known better than to defy the only force capable of maintaining bance. All you’ve done is bring ruin upon yourself"

  After a brief pause, Kasuka extended his index finger, concentrating his magika into a single, concentrated beam of light. He smirked, aiming directly at the train with deadly intent.

  "Goodbye, Saber"

  The instant Kasuka fired, the air thickened with tension. Saber reacted in that moment, his voice calm but firm. "CHRONOSTASIS!"

  A transparent barrier formed around the express, like a cocoon of protection. The devastating beam of light connected with the barrier, vibrating with immense power, but it didn’t break.

  Saber's focus sharpened, and in a split second, he maniputed the flow of time inside the barrier. The beam of light, once meant to obliterate the train, was sent hurtling back toward Kasuka with a sudden force that took the admiral off guard.

  Saber’s voice remained unwavering, a quiet intensity in his words: “You’ve clearly forgotten how I was given the title w of the sea in the first pce”

  Kasuka’s deep gaze darkened with growing frustration amidst watching the train distance itself. His patience, usually calm and composed, was cracking under the relentless interference of these pirates. Even with his body fully regenerated, his mind was clouded with irritation. Every moment spent on these fools was a waste, and he wouldn't let them escape unscathed.

  Just when prepared to unleash another devastating bst, a sudden shift in the air caught his attention. Yugo, moving faster than Kasuka anticipated, cut through the sky, his body surrounded by the intense blue aura of Seinshin. In an instant, Yugo manifested his doppelganger, using it as a springboard to propel himself directly at Kasuka.

  "KASUKA!" Tempest's voice thundered through the air; his words ced with unrelenting resolve.

  Kasuka’s eyes widened, but the warning came too te. The agent’s palm, radiating with searing energy, gripped his face with brutal force, sending them both hurtling toward the waters below. The force was enough to create a massive shockwave, sending waves crashing against the aqua express, rocking it violently as the ship groaned under the strain.

  A that moment, Roxie and Seraph came dashing across the roof of the train, their boots pounding in unison as they approached Saber. The wind whipped around them, but Roxie’s expression remained steady, unbothered, though a glint of irritation fshed in his eyes.

  Nearing Saber, Roxie spoke, his tone a mix of sarcasm and grit. "Took us a while to notice, but looks like we made it just in time. Wouldn’t want you handling all this fun alone, right?" He shot a quick gnce at Seraph, who nodded in agreement, silent but focused.

  The trio stood together, watching the faint shimmer of Kasuka’s golden aura flicker before vanishing into the depths, along with Yugo. The silence stretched, heavy with the weight of unanswered questions.

  Roxie’s gaze narrowed, lips tugging into a wry smirk. "Well, isn't that convenient? Both of 'em vanish into the water like ghosts" His voice dropped slightly, a hint of frustration creeping in. "But don’t let that fool you, though. They'll be back...they always do. And when they do, we’ll be ready"

  His eyes shifted to Saber, more serious now. The former w of the sea let out a sigh of relief before turning his back to the now calm waters. "Let’s move. We’ve got work to do, hopefully they won’t be back at least until we reach nd”

  Both pirates nodded, and while Roxie and Seraph made their way back toward the passenger cart to continue watching over Kenzu and the others, Saber descended back through the hull window, his boots nding with a soft thud on the metal floor of the train. He found Azuma still gripping the controls, his body visibly straining against the immense fatigue. His face was pale, his eyes bloodshot from the constant battle to keep the train on course. The captain’s body was trembling, his vision blurring as he fought to stay awake, but his muscles ached from the toll of everything he had endured.

  Saber approached silently, his expression stern as ever, his boots clicking lightly upon the floor with each step. He pced a hand on Azuma's weak, trembling shoulder, giving him a slight, reassuring squeeze.

  "It’s over," Saber assured in a calm, almost detached voice, his eyes fixed on the train’s controls for a moment before returning to the captain. "You can finally rest. You’ve carried the weight long enough"

  He tilted his head slightly, his gaze hard but not unkind. "I’ll keep the express on course. You get back to the others. Let them see you’re still standing"

  Azuma’s body wavered slightly at Saber’s touch, and with a heavy breath, his shoulders slumped in exhaustion. His face betrayed his struggle to stay awake, the battle against his own body evident in every movement.

  "Thank you...Saber..." Azuma’s voice was weak, barely audible, but his words carried the depth of his trust. With his eyes half-closed, the pirate gave a subtle nod.

  Saber stepped back, watching Azuma’s staggering form with his usual unreadable expression. While Azuma slowly made his way toward the back of the train; Saber returned to the controls and observed the steady motion of the aqua express heading toward the nearest isnd. He let out a faint sigh, the weight of their escape finally settling in.

  With a final gnce at Azuma, he muttered to himself, "Rest easy...Captain"

  Turning back to the front of the train, his focus returned to maintaining the express on it’s course.

  Azuma stumbled into the passenger cart, each step filled with exhaustion; his body pushed to it’s limit. Roxie and Seraph looked up from where they had been standing, their eyes instantly focused to him when he entered the doorway. The sight of their captain, pale and haggard, nearly brought them to a halt. Azuma’s grip on the doorframe tightened, his form barely staying upright as he tried to gather himself, but it was clear he was on the verge of colpse.

  His usual sharpness, that fiery resolve, was nowhere to be found. His body, battered and drained from the battle, seemed to sag under it’s own weight. For what seemed like minutes, he said nothing, but then, in a voice cracked with exhaustion, he spoke.

  "It’s...over," Kenousa murmured, the words barely above a whisper. He tilted his head weakly in their direction, his eyes tired but steady. "We can...finally rest"

  Without waiting for a response, his legs buckled beneath him, crumbling to the floor. His body fell forward, hitting the carpeted walkway with a dull thud. The tension, the strain of holding everything together, seemed to vanish in an instant. He was out cold.

  Roxie and Seraph reacted instantly. Roxie cursed, his heart skipping a beat, but he quickly went to check Azuma’s condition, pcing a hand on the captain's pulse. Seraph, ever calm, pced a steady hand on Azuma’s chest, ensuring he was unhurt but needing rest.

  "You’re a stubborn bastard," Roxie muttered, his voice filled with a mixture of annoyance and relief after feeling a pulse. "Always pushing yourself to the edge..."

  Seraph let out a quiet sigh, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "He’s given everything for this. He deserves his rest"

  Together, they moved Azuma into a more comfortable position in an empty chair, making sure the captain’s body was properly tended to as best they could. He had done his part, and now he could rest, his body finally giving in to the exhaustion.

  As the two pirates stood, they exchanged a gnce, the weight of everything settling around them. With the battle over and Azuma finally able to rex, they allowed themselves a brief moment of peace. But they knew—this victory had come at a price. For now, though, they could let the captain rest...

  Bounties

  Azuma – 2.5M G

  Kenzu – 670K G

  Rosera – 320K G

  Seraph – 250k G

  Roxie – 420K G

  Meanwhile Near The Sea Corp HQ...

  A massive admiral-css ship finally docked. The towering vessel bore the unmistakable marking “V.A - 55” upon it’s hull—The Neptune Monarch—a warship feared across the seas. A fleet of sea corp officers marched down the ramp in rigid formation, their disciplined footsteps echoing across the desoted isnd. At the front of them all, Vice Admiral Ryota stepped onto the scorched ground, his sharp eyes scanning the wreckage before him.

  Taking a hearty bite from a bright red apple, the grizzled veteran chewed thoughtfully while taking in the scene—the crumbled structures, lingering smoke, and the unsettling silence that bnketed the battlefield. With a heavy sigh, he wiped the juice from his lips with the back of his hand, his tone dripping with irritation.

  "This mess has Oda written all over it..." The vice admiral muttered, shaking his head. "Just how much trouble is that brat gonna cause before he's satisfied? Every damn time, it’s another disaster in his wake. The kid’s got a real talent for raising hell"

  His officers stood at attention behind him, awaiting orders, while Ryota took another bite of his apple. After nearly a minute of silence, with only the distant sound of the waves crashing against the shore, Ryota stood motionless, his intense gaze sweeping across the desote isnd before him. His teeth sank into the apple with a crunch.

  Just then, A faint flicker of silver seinshin sparked around his left hand, the once innocent fruit now disintegrating within his grasp. With a flick of his wrist, Ryota crushed it effortlessly, the crushed remnants falling into the dirt like discarded debris. His eyes narrowed while staring down at the ruins, his fury simmering beneath the surface.

  The air seemed to thicken as his presence alone sent a ripple of tension through the fleet. He wiped his hand clean with a grim expression, his body brimming with barely restrained power. His voice, now dark and thunderous, rang out across the shipyard, heavy with rage and authority.

  "Enough of this," he growled, his voice biting through the silence. "That damn brat has gone too far! It seems I can no longer allow him to run wild. The time for pying nice is over!" His fist clenched tight, the veins in his arm pulsing with power accompanied by silver energy that crackled along his skin, radiating with intensity.

  His gaze turned cold, his fury turning to pure resolve. "As of this moment, the Azuma Pirates are to be captured at all costs. And this time...I WILL NOT HOLD BACK!" His words were like a storm gathering on the horizon. The ground beneath his boots seemed to tremble as if even the earth itself was trembling at the sheer force of his wrath.

  Ryota groaned when his watch chimed, the glowing gem indicating an incoming call. He gave the device a weary gnce before answering with a tone that was gruff, but entirely unbothered.

  "Vice Admiral Ryota here," he grunted, leaning back against the ship's railing and gncing out at the wreckage strewn across the shore. The weight of everything that had transpired was beginning to sink in, but he wasn’t about to let his irritation get the better of him.

  On the other end, Commander Masaru's voice crackled through the gem, ced with an anger that could've snapped steel. His words came out like a thundercp, sharp and full of disdain. "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!" Masaru bellowed, his voice booming like a storm. "LOOK WHAT'S HAPPENED TO THE HEADQUARTERS! THE SEA CORP HAS BEEN DESOLATED BY PIRATES! YOU LET THIS HAPPEN UNDER YOUR WATCH. YOU'VE FAILED US! I SHOULD HAVE YOU FIRED FOR ALLOWING SUCH INSULT TO OUR AUTHORITY!"

  Ryota's brows furrowed in mild irritation, but his expression remained unchanged. He let the tirade wash over him without a flicker of concern, as if it were just another noise in the background.

  "Is that so?" Ryota retorted, his tone thick with indifference. "I just got here, Masaru. I’m well aware of the mess those damn pirates left behind. Now, if you’ll kindly shut your mouth for a moment, I’ll do my job and fix it"

  The words hit the air with the weight of absolute frustration. He wasn’t intimidated in the slightest by Masaru’s fury. "I’m preparing to move out and take down that brat Oda and his crew before they wreck any more of your precious corporation," Ryota continued, his voice finally sharpening with intent. "So, you can save the threats. I’ll have this wrapped up in no time"

  Before Ryota could end the call, Masaru's voice came through once more, sharp and stern, "Ryota, before you leave, find Ryujin. He should still be alive, having one of the Laws of the Sea at your disposal would be a tactical advantage. Do not make the mistake of leaving him behind"

  Ryota let out a loud groan, running a hand through his hair, his patience wearing thin. "I hear ya, old man," he muttered, his voice heavy with frustration. "I’ll find him if I can, but if I don’t see him in ten minutes, I’m not wasting any more time. I’ve got more important things to do than babysitting an entitled brat"

  Masaru's voice cut through the line, cold and unyielding, his tone thick with menace, "If you fail to bring back Ryujin, I will personally see to it that you are relieved of your position. Do you understand!? To leave such a valuable asset behind—especially one with the power of a Law of the Sea—would be nothing short of foolish. If Ryujin still breathes, you will find him. If he’s dead, then so be it, but do not dare ignore another one of my orders. Do you understand!?"

  His words were sharp, like the crack of a whip, the weight of his command filling the air. With a sharp, exasperated sigh, Ryota ended the call, angerly clinching his fist. He muttered under his breath, “That damn old man…” He rubbed the back of his neck, clearly agitated.

  "Alright, listen up!" Ryota’s voice boomed, sharp and commanding, as he snapped his gaze over the group. "Half of you stay here and guard the ship. The rest of you, you’re with me. We’re finding that brat Ryujin—alive or dead, we find him! If he’s breathing, we bring him back. If not, we’ll figure out what to do with him after!"

  YES SIR!” The fleet of men responded with a salute. He gave a final, forceful wave of his hand. "Move out now! And don’t make me come back and find you all standing around!" With that, the vice admiral took the lead, his rge figure cutting through the wreckage and debris, his focus unwavering. The men, both nervous and determined, followed in his wake, knowing better than to question his orders...

  Within Dark Star Labs...

  Benimaru’s orange eyes abruptly opened, his shaggy red hair still a mess, accompanied by a splitting headace. His blurred vision slowly came into focus, and he realized with a mix of confusion and caution that he was still lying across the cold steel table, the sterile scent of the b filling the air around him. The low hum of machines monitoring his vitals was the only sound, their soft beeping a reminder of his fragile state.

  He blinked, the dim light casting long shadows across the room, making it feel unnervingly quiet. The room—his st memory was of it being a cold, clinical space where everything seemed so impersonal, so mechanical. But the one thing that was supposed to bring him comfort—his sister, Shira—was absent.

  His breath quickened once he looked around, eyes scanning the room for any sign of her. No voice calling out to him, no gentle touch from her as she often had when he needed it most. Only the distant, artificial glow of machines.

  "Shira..." he muttered weakly, barely above a whisper, his voice hoarse from the disorientation. The uncertainty cwed at him, but it wasn’t enough to break his resolve. Where had she gone? What was happening? He tried to push himself up, but a wave of dizziness struck him, forcing him to steady himself on the table.

  Whatever had happened to him, whatever they had done—he knew he couldn’t afford to lie still any longer. His sister’s absence was more than just arming; it was a sign something had gone wrong, and he needed to find out exactly what.

  Benimaru’s heart rate spiked the instant his hands gripped the edge of the steel table, rising to his feet. His body felt weak, every muscle protesting, but he couldn’t stay on that cold table for another second. With a strained grunt, the man stabled himself, his legs quivering beneath him while he took a moment to regain his bance.

  The sharp sting of the sensors pulling away from his skin only served to increase the growing sense of panic that gnawed at him. His chest rose and fell with each breath, the disorienting sensation of his heart still racing from the sudden exertion. But that wasn’t what caught his attention.

  Benimaru looked down, only to realize with a sinking feeling in his gut that he was no longer wearing his armor. The once comforting weight of his battle gear was gone, repced by the uncomfortable feel of nothing but bck underwear clinging to his skin. The thought of being so exposed, so vulnerable, sent a jolt of unease through him.

  The armor, though heavy, was not only a protective shell—it was a piece of him, his symbol of strength and readiness. And now, it was nowhere to be found.

  He swallowed hard, frustration rising within him. "Damn it..." he choked out, forcing himself to focus. He needed to think clearly. The weight of his current situation pressed down on him—without his armor, he felt like a shadow of his former self, but that didn’t matter right now. He needed clothes.

  His gaze quickly scanned the dim room, looking for anything—anything—he could use. His first priority was to get dressed. Only then could he leave and figure out where Shira had gone. His focus narrowed. He couldn’t let this situation be the end of him. The time for weakness was over.

  Then, through the haze of exhaustion, Benimaru spotted it—a steel locker against the far wall. Hope flickered inside him like a dying ember. With every ounce of strength he could muster, he forced his body to move, his hand dragging along the cold concrete wall for support while his legs struggled to carry him. The journey to the locker felt like a lifetime, but finally, he reached it.

  The locker’s door creaked open, only for there to be merely one piece of clothing inside—a set of bck jeans. No armor. No gear. But in that moment, it was enough. He pulled them out hastily, slipping them on as quickly as he could. The fabric was cool against his skin, a stark contrast to the numbing chill of the room, but it offered a small measure of relief, however fleeting.

  Benimaru took a deep breath, his chest tense with pain, but he had no time to linger, and with Shira gone, every second counted. Clenching his jaw, Benimaru trudged toward the steel door on the opposite side of the room, his every step slow and unsteady. His muscles ached; his body still weak from whatever had happened to him. Finally reaching the door, he pced his palm against the green scanner, watching as it scanned his fingerprints. A subtle beep echoed through the room before the door slid open with a faint hiss, revealing a brightly lit corridor.

  His eyes adjusted to the sudden change in lighting, taking in the peculiar aesthetic before him—white stone walls lined with flickering torches, casting shadows that danced across the curved bck steel ceiling. The floor beneath his bare feet was tiled in an alternating pattern of pink and bck, polished to a pristine sheen. The hallway stretched out before him, silent and eerie in its emptiness.

  He swallowed hard, his breath uneven as he took a hesitant step forward. "I-I need to find Shira…and perhaps my armor…Tch, what the hell is going on here? Normally guards are stationed here" His voice was weak, strained from exhaustion, yet ced with frustration. Bracing himself against the cold stone wall for support, he pressed forward, determined to get answers.

  The red star kept his left hand against the cold stone wall, struggling through the long corridor, his disheveled crimson hair falling across his face. He let out strained breaths from both the exertion and soreness radiating through his body.

  Each step felt heavier than the st. His muscles screamed in protest, but he forced himself to keep moving. The hall stretched ahead, bathed in dim, flickering light, but something didn’t sit right. There was an eerie silence, an emptiness that gnawed at his nerves.

  No footsteps, no voices—nothing. His stomach churned. This wasn’t the headquarters he knew. The pce had always been brimming with activity, guards watching every corridor, ready to respond at a moment’s notice. But now…there was nothing.

  The man squared his shoulders and approached the automatic door at the end of the hall. His hand hovered over the scanner, only for it to slide open with one of his older brothers standing before him, a cold stoic expression across his face.

  "Seems you’re finally awake, Benimaru” The voice was cold, cutting through the tense air like a knife. Benimaru’s eyes snapped up to meet the piercing gaze of his brother, Sora the blue star of the syndicate. He had long blue hair that fell across the right side of his face, concealing one of his soft purple eyes, dressed in the dark star suit thought having a blue star rather than a red.

  Sora stood over his younger sibling, his face a cold, stoic expression across their face, his posture rexed but exuding an undeniable air of superiority.

  "Seems you’re finally awake, Benimaru" Sora’s voice sliced through the silence, smooth and condescending. His blue hair fell across the right side of his face, hiding one of his soft purple eyes, but his other eye was locked onto Benimaru with an almost dismissive chill.

  Benimaru’s breath was shallow, his frustration clear. "Where is everyone!? This pce should be crawling with guards!"

  Sora tilted his head slightly, as though Benimaru’s confusion was beneath him. "Honestly, I’m surprised you managed to get this far at all," he remarked, his tone dripping with arrogance. "But then again, you're always the one stumbling around, aren’t you?"

  Benimaru clenched his fists, irritation sparking within him. "Tssk, what’s going on, Sora!?" Sora’s eyes narrowed, clearly uninterested in indulging his younger brother's questions. "Sigh, Our father has called a meeting" His voice carried the weight of finality, as if it were pointless for him to expin further. "He’s gathered all of us—every sibling—to the throne room of dark star castle. An important matter, I presume"

  The younger sibling’s mind raced as he processed the words. A meeting? All of them? Something didn’t seem right. "All of us? Why!? What’s going on!?"

  Sora sighed; the sound heavy with disdain. Pcing his left hand on his waist he responded, "You really do ask too many questions, Beni" He took a slow step forward, looking down at his younger brother with barely concealed superiority. "It’s beyond you to understand. Just follow my lead, and you might make it there in one piece"

  Benimaru’s anger fred, but he swallowed it down. He knew Sora wasn’t the type to entertain his concerns. "Fine, but don’t call me Beni" he muttered, his voice barely more than a growl. "But I’m not here to follow. I want answers"

  Sora’s lips curled, a slight, almost imperceptible smirk. "You’ll get them when Father deems it appropriate," the older sibling snapped back dismissively, proceeding through the doorway expecting the red star to follow. "Move. You’re wasting mine and father’s time"

  Benimaru’s gaze lingered on his brother, the weight of his words hanging in the air. He didn’t need Sora’s permission, but it was clear he wasn’t going to get any answers from him for now.

  The red star’s eyes fshed with anger, but he kept his composure. "I’m not here to be ordered around like some ckey" he muttered beneath his breath.

  Sora didn’t even gnce back while he walking ahead, his voice cold and condescending. "You should be grateful you’re even allowed to be in the same room as Father. Don’t forget your pce, Benimaru"

  The weak sibling just kept his mouth shut, the weight of his brother’s words settling upon him like a heavy chain. With a sharp breath, he forced himself to follow. Whatever was happening, whatever this meeting was about, he wouldn’t let Sora or anyone else stop him from figuring out the truth.

  After several minutes of walking through the quiet, echoing halls of the castle, they finally arrived at the main hall. The bck marble floor gleamed under the light, a rich purple carpet stretching from the front gates all the way up to a golden stairway. The steps led to two towering steel doors, each studded with gleaming gems, a barrier before their father’s throne room.

  Sora stopped at the bottom of the stairs, his arms crossed over his chest, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He stood there, watching with a mix of boredom and amusement as his weakened brother stumbled behind him.

  Benimaru’s breath was ragged before gncing up at the imposing stairway. He could feel every bruise, every aching muscle straining at the sight, but he wasn’t about to let Sora see him falter.

  Sora, on the other hand, seemed almost eager to watch him struggle. His eyes gleamed with anticipation, the slightest glint of superiority in them while observing Benimaru’s every movement. "What’s the matter, little brother?" he taunted, his voice smooth and arrogant. "You look like you’re already out of breath. How pitiful"

  The red star gritted his teeth, his hand gripping the left railing tightly before forcing himself to climb the stairs. Every step felt like a battle, but he refused to give his brother the satisfaction of seeing him break.

  Sora’s smirk only grew, proceeding to casually lean against the wall, arms still crossed. He wasn’t in a hurry. He would enjoy watching his sibling struggle, knowing full well that his younger brother wasn’t in any shape to compete with him—not now, not ever.

  After nearly a minute, Benimaru finally reached the top of the stairs, every step burning with pain. He clenched his jaw, fighting to keep his legs from giving out beneath him.

  Amidst the top, he looked down at Sora, who was still standing at the bottom of the stairs, smirking, arms crossed, clearly enjoying his brother’s struggle.

  Benimaru’s gre was sharp as he took in a shaky breath. "Quit wasting time, Sora let’s go"

  Sora’s lips twitched into a smirk, his voice cold and mocking. "Tch. You really think you’re in any position to give orders?" He gave a dismissive wave and proceeded toward the stairs, his pace slow and deliberate. "I’m not here to babysit you, little brother"

  Benimaru’s frustration fred, but his voice remained steady. "Then stop dragging your feet” Sora didn’t respond. He walked toward the throne room doors with an air of casual superiority, unfazed by Benimaru’s irritation.

  The red star’s gaze narrowed as he forced his body to move, but he couldn’t ignore the sting of Sora’s cold indifference. He might have been struggling, but he’d be damned if he let Sora see him colpse.

  His older brother pushed open the great doors with ease, the power of his enhanced suit forcing them aside effortlessly, revealing the vast throne room before them. The glossy bck marble floors gleamed beneath their feet, contrasting with the white stone walls that stretched high, creating an imposing sense of space. Torches with purple fmes flickered from each corner of the room.

  At the center of the room sat the bck obsidian throne, and upon it, their father—a tall, imposing figure in heavy armor. The armor was a heavy-armor variant of the dark star suit, reinforced and menacing, with a rainbow star embzoned at the center of the chest pte, gleaming in the dim light. His long orange hair cascaded around his broad shoulders, along with his sharp ducktail facial hair which framed his fierce yellow eyes that seemed to glow with the authority of a ruler.

  Kneeling before him were his eldest brother, Sasuke the silver star, 2nd oldest brother Kagami the bck star and his sister Shira, all perfectly still, their heads bowed in reverence.

  Benimaru’s gaze lingered on his father, feeling the weight of his presence. His father was the embodiment of power, his silence a reminder of the dominance he wielded, both in the room and over their lives.

  While the red star stood within the doorway, his father’s focus slowly shifted toward him, locking onto him with a piercing, unblinking stare. The atmosphere in the room seemed to grow heavier with the weight of his gaze, each second stretching out as the silence deepened.

  Once their eyes met, their father’s lips barely parted, his voice low and commanding, filled with an intensity that seemed to reverberate through the walls.

  "Now that the st two have finally arrived," he began, his tone sharp, almost chilling in it’s authority. "Our little meeting shall finally commence" His voice hardened, the weight of his words pressing down upon the young member like an unspoken order. "There is a pressing matter at hand, and I expect all of you to understand the gravity of what’s about to unfold"

  His gaze never wavered, eyes never softening, each word ced with the power of a ruler who had seen far more than his children could comprehend.

  Resting his cheek upon his right fist, their father let the silence linger a moment longer, his gaze narrowing with the weight of his words. When he spoke, his voice was cold and deliberate, a quiet force that demanded attention.

  "Azuma Kenousa," he began, his voice tinged with a barely contained fury. "That pirate has caused severe damage to the Sea Corp headquarters, leaving the facility in ruins and hindering our ability to maintain our operations"

  The figure stopped abruptly, his gaze sweeping over his children. "Because of this, our ability to trade with them has been severely compromised. The Sea Corp headquarters was not just a hub of commerce—it was a vital route for our magika crystals and advanced technology"

  His grip tightened around his fist, his knuckles cracking. "Now, with that access cut off, our income has dwindled, along with our intelligence on certain isnds now severely limited. We've been left in the dark, unable to secure the vital resources and information that our Syndicate needs"

  His voice grew harder, more forceful. "This is unacceptable. And it falls upon each of you to rectify this situation!"

  Sasuke, still kneeling before their father, slowly raised his head, his emerald eyes reflecting a sharp, calcuting gleam. His short, light-brown hair shifted slightly as he spoke, a single thick strand falling across his face.

  "I recall hearing of someone by the name of Azuma Kenousa," Sasuke began, his voice smooth and controlled, void of emotion but brimming with intent. "He was imprisoned in Aqua Bastion prison some time ago. The reports made mention of him being a formidable individual, even within those walls"

  He paused briefly, letting the words settle before continuing, his gaze unwavering, locking eyes with his father. "But, Father...are we truly to believe that a mere pirate could escape such a well-guarded facility? Aqua Bastion is designed to contain the most dangerous individuals. If this...Azuma could slip through their grasp, then he may be far more troublesome than simply a rogue pirate"

  His voice became colder, the gravity of his words hanging in the air. "Such a target could pose significant challenges for the syndicate. It would be wise to exterminate such a threat before further damage is done"

  The Dark Star King pced both hands firmly upon the armrests. His fingers dug into the cold obsidian as he leaned back slightly, his eyes gleaming with cold intent.

  “Rest assured my son, that is exactly why this meeting was called" His gaze locked onto his eldest son, stern and calcuting. "The situation with Azuma Kenousa is not one I pn to take lightly. I do not underestimate him, nor any allies he may have gathered. For I intend to locate him and every individual linked to him"

  His expression darkening as the words left his mouth. "Once found, they will be eliminated. I will see to it their fragile lives are extinguished before they can sever any further connections that would threaten the syndicate’s control"

  His grip tightened on the armrests, his voice cold and final. "I will not allow our resources to dwindle any further. This problem will be dealt with swiftly and decisively, before it can escate beyond our control"

  The Dark Star King slowly returned his gaze back to Benimaru, his eyes piercing through the silence of the room. His voice, heavy with an undeniable command.

  "Benimaru, you are still far too weak to leave this castle. The state you’re in would only hinder you, and I will not have you dragging our efforts down. Therefore, you will be transferred to a medical chamber. Your recovery will be prioritized—there is no room for weakness. You must be at your full strength when the time comes"

  He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "I will need every one of my children if we are to take down someone as dangerous as Azuma Kenousa. Not only did he escape Aqua Bastion, but he also survived the Sea Corp HQ. Such an individual is no mere pirate. He’s a threat that cannot be underestimated!"

  His eyes softened slightly, but the sternness remained. "You will rest, recover, and be ready. We cannot afford to fail!"

  The red star watched in silence while his siblings, still kneeling, lowered their heads further in perfect unison. Their father looming over them like an undeniable force.

  "Yes, Father!" Their voices rang out together, sharp and obedient, each word a testament to their unwavering loyalty. Sasuke, Kagami, and Shira, despite their own strength, seemed to fade into the background in the presence of the Dark Star King, their submission a mark of the unyielding order he maintained.

  Benimaru leaned against the doorway with a hint of frustration. He was no stranger to the weight of his father’s commands, but he couldn’t help but feel a sting of irritation. As much as he resented it, he knew that these commands were not to be questioned—for now.

  Shira, still kneeling, lifted her head slightly, her expression serene yet sharp, as if carefully considering every word. Her tone, was soft with a hint of warmth toward her younger brother.

  "Father," she began, her voice smooth but firm, carrying the weight of both respect and quiet authority, "Would it be acceptable if I were the one to escort Benimaru to the medical facility?" Her eyes briefly flickered to her brother, an unspoken understanding passing between them. "He is in no condition to get there alone, and I can ensure his recovery proceeds without interruption"

  There was a brief silence in the room as the Dark Star King regarded her, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he gave a silent nod, his approval clear in the simple gesture.

  Shira rose gracefully to her feet, her movements fluid and effortless. She gave a final bow to their father before walking over to Benimaru, offering him a steady, supportive hand. "Come, little brother," she said softly, her voice a stark contrast to the coldness within the room. "Let’s get you the help you need"

  As she helped him toward the exit, Benimaru could feel the weight of his brothers’ eyes upon him. Sasuke, Sora, and Kagami rose slowly from their kneeling positions, their expressions stern and unreadable, as they watched the red star leave.

  The room felt heavy with silence, the tension thick in the air, but Shira’s presence cut through it effortlessly, guiding her brother out with a calm resolve.

  Making their way down the long, right corridor, the echoes of their footsteps blending with the cold silence of the castle, Shira gnced at her brother, her usual composure softened just for a moment. Her voice, low and almost imperceptible, reached Benimaru’s ear as she leaned slightly toward him.

  "I’m sorry I left you alone back there," she whispered, "I know it must’ve been hard, but Father...he wouldn’t let me leave the throne room until the meeting was over. You know how he is"

  She gnced over her shoulder briefly, ensuring the hall was still clear before continuing, her gaze softening as she looked at him. "But now I’m here," she added, a hint of warmth creeping into her otherwise cool demeanor. "I won’t leave you again, Benimaru. You can trust me"

  Her words hung between them, sincere yet tinged with the usual quiet strength she carried. She gave him a small, reassuring nod, hoping he could feel the weight of her promise as much as the tension that had been left behind in the throne room.

  The red star nodded weakly, squeezing Shira's hand as they made their way through the halls. Though Benimaru’s exhaustion weighed heavily on him, the reassuring pressure of her hand gave him a sense of support.

  They soon arrived at a white steel door; the words “Medical Unit 1” printed in bold bck text across the front. Shira stepped forward, using the scanner to unlock the door. It slid open with a soft hiss, revealing the clean, clinical interior.

  The room was almost blindingly white, from the tiled floors to the walls, all meticulously maintained. The bck steel ceiling contrasted sharply with the white surroundings, adding a sleek, futuristic edge to the otherwise pristine environment. The air felt cool, tinged with the faint scent of antiseptic, reinforcing the sense of sterility.

  Against the back wall stood five steel chambers, each designed to rapidly heal injured members or staff. These chambers were lined with a special gel, a unique invention from one of the Syndicate's connections—an invaluable asset capable of accelerating recovery and mending even severe injuries. The soft turquoise glow of the chambers hinted at their power, promising a quick return to strength for anyone inside.

  His elder sister led him to the nearest chamber, her movements sure and gentle despite his weak state. "This will help," she insisted, her voice a quiet reassurance. "Get in, and it’ll speed up your recovery"

  Benimaru nodded once more, grateful for her help. As he stepped into the chamber, the cool, metallic surface closed, enveloping him. He watched as the turquoise gel filled the chamber, covering his wounds and easing the pain within his muscles.

  "Rest now," Shira said softly, her eyes softening as she watched him. "I’ll be here when you wake up" With the chamber closed around him, the healing process began, and the red star allowed his body to rex into the relief, the world outside momentarily slipping away as he fell asleep...

  Back Aboard The Aqua Express...

  The train moved swiftly across the vast ocean, it’s sleek, metallic form gliding effortlessly atop the water’s surface. The rhythmic hum of the engine had settled into the background, blending with the soft sway of the train while it cut through the water. The sky was veiled in a soft amber glow as the sun peaked over the horizon.

  Azuma abruptly awoke to the blinding light streaming through one of the cart’s windows, it’s harsh rays hitting his face directly. His eyes weakly opened, squinting against the sudden onsught of sunlight. He instinctively raised his arm to shield himself, but it was futile.

  With an abrupt groan, the pirate rubbed his face and adjusted his position within the seat. The ocean outside shimmered beneath the sun’s rays; it’s waves barely noticeable while the express continued it’s steady, uninterrupted journey. The motion of the cart was smooth and constant, but the stillness of the early hour seemed to add an eerie calmness.

  "Damn...not the kind of wake-up I needed," Azuma muttered, his voice thick with exhaustion. "Sunlight straight in the face...sigh, at least I got some form of sleep"

  Though irritated, he couldn’t help but gnce out the window. The vast ocean stretched endlessly before him, the waters reflecting the soft orange hue of the rising sun. It was peaceful, almost serene.

  Just then, the left door slid open, and Saber stepped in, arms crossed with a smirk tugging at his lips. His gaze fell on Azuma, who had yet to fully wake from the harsh rest. The w of the sea raised an eyebrow, his tone sharp but casual, with his confident edge.

  “Well, look who’s finally up,” The swordsmen responded, his voice steady but with an unmistakable hint of amusement. “How’re you feeling?”

  Azuma, still feeling the weight of his exhaustion, slowly forced himself up from his seat. His stiff joints cracking the moment he straightened his back. The pirate exhaled deeply, eyes narrowing before stretching his arms, the haze of sleep slowly clearing from his mind. His voice was calm, collected.

  “I’m fine,” Kenousa assured, his tone serious but slightly fatigued in his words, betraying the effort it took to push through. “Just a tense headache, but nothing I can’t handle” He gnced at Saber, his gaze unwavering, before his thoughts shifted. "How’s my crew holding up? After everything...I assume we're all still in one piece"

  Saber’s smirk faded slightly at the mention of the crew, and though his arms remained crossed, his expression softened for just a moment. “We’re still breathing, if that’s what you mean," the man responded, his voice taking on a more serious undertone now. “They’ve been through a lot, but they’re tougher than they look. We’ll get through it” He paused, looking Azuma dead in the eye. "But don’t push yourself too hard, Captain. You might be fine now, but we both know when the real work begins, it’s going to take more than just getting by"

  Azuma gave a small nod, acknowledging the weight of Saber’s words. Kenousa’s gaze then fell to the floor, “I’m aware,” he remarked.

  The w watched as Azuma’s usual unshakable demeanor began to crack. The pirate captain, always calm and composed, walked over to the window, his posture heavy with something unspoken. He leaned his head against the cold metal of the wall, his arm resting just above his head while his eyes remained fixed on the floor. His expression had shifted, and for the first time in awhile, there was a sense of hopelessness about him.

  A moment of silence passed before Azuma’s voice broke the stillness, quieter than usual, almost as if he were speaking to himself rather than anyone else.

  "Was it all pointless?" His words were measured but carried an undeniable weight, as if the question itself was suffocating him. "We went to Emerald Isnd...infiltrated the Sea Corp HQ, all to find any trace of our missing crew. We risked everything for information. But what if it was all for nothing?" He paused; his mind racing through the harsh reality. "We don’t even know if they survived the flood in that damn prison"

  Azuma’s body sagged as the tension finally broke through, and his usual resolve gave way to doubt. His hand sliding down the wall, and for a moment, he seemed to lose himself in the silence. "I’m starting to wonder if it’s all just...futile. As a captain, I’ve put my crew through hell—and for what?" His voice, once steady, now wavered with frustration. "Maybe I’ve only been leading them into more danger. Maybe I’m not fit to carry this dream anymore... the dream of becoming Pirate Lord"

  The room felt colder in that moment, and Azuma remained there, eyes downcast, as the weight of his words hung heavily in the air. The silence stretched on, filled with the unspoken doubts that had found their way into his heart.

  Just before Saber could interject, a sharp voice cut through the silence, filled with both authority and frustration.

  “Never speak such nonsense again, Azuma!” Rosera’s words rang out, her tone unyielding yet heavy with emotion. She stood just behind Saber in the doorway, her crimson eyes, usually calm and poised, burned with a fiery intensity the moment she fixed her gaze upon him. She was a force of nature in that moment—her deep affection for him evident in every sylble. “You are mine and Seraph’s. Always! Even if we must fall alongside you, we’ll never abandon you, Captain!”

  Her steps were purposeful while approaching him, her vampiric skin burning ever so slightly from the sunlight filtering through the windows, but she didn’t falter. She was a vision of strength and beauty, radiating both pride and a fierce protectiveness.

  “Azuma,” she continued, her voice now softer but still imbued with unwavering command, “A captain must never doubt his own choices. You cannot question the path you’ve set. If you falter, you make those who follow you waver” Her words were ced with affection, but beneath them was an undeniable demand—one that came from a pce of love and admiration. “We trust you. You must trust yourself”

  In a swift, almost desperate motion, she spped him across the face. The sound echoing, sharp and firm—meant to jar him, to break through the fog of doubt clouding his mind. But once her hand left his cheek, she immediately wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight, almost possessive embrace. Her head pressed against his chest; her breath steady but with an edge of vulnerability that she rarely allowed to show.

  “You’re not alone,” she whispered, her voice barely more than a soft murmur against him, filled with both tenderness and passion. “You’re mine. We’re yours. And I will always stand by you, no matter what Azuma. Never doubt that”

  The pirate couldn’t help but blush at his crewmate’s passionate embrace, slowly returning it by pcing his hand gently upon the back of her head. As the moment settled, Saber’s smirk remained, leaning casually against the wall, his gaze never leaving Azuma.

  “See, Azuma…” Saber’s voice was steady, but carried a weight of truth. “There will always be times that test you—dark days, rough seas. For pirates, that’s just the way it goes. But it’s the captain who must hold everything together, even when it feels like everything is falling apart”

  He pushed off from the wall, stepping closer, his eyes locked onto Azuma’s with a piercing intensity. “The captain is the foundation—the source from which everything flows. Without that foundation, a crew has no direction. It has no purpose. Without the captain’s will, nothing can grow, nothing can move forward. You’re the one who gives them that—whether you realize it or not"

  The man let the words linger for a moment before adding, “So, even when the storm rages on, the crew looks to you. You are the one who anchors them. Without you...none of this would matter”

  The captain’s expression, once clouded with doubt, slowly shifted. The storm of uncertainty within his heart began to calm, repced by a serene yet unshakable confidence. The fire in his eyes reignited, no longer dimmed, but burning brighter than before.

  Kenousa took a deep breath, his voice now steady and deliberate, filled with a quiet strength as he looked at Saber and Rosera.

  “Saber, Rosera...” His words were calm, but the weight of his gratitude was unmistakable. “I can’t express enough how much your words mean to me. I’ve been weak, lost in my own doubts. And for that...I’m sorry. I should never have let you see me falter like that”

  He stood taller now, his resolve firming once the weight of his position settled back into pce. “But I’ve been reminded of something important—something I should have never forgotten. My crew, Sinyugia, they've all pced their hopes in me. The responsibility I carry isn't just mine to bear. It's theirs, too”

  The pirate’s gaze hardened, no longer filled with the vulnerability he had once shown, but with a newfound purpose. “This dream, my dream of becoming Pirate Lord, is far too important to abandon. Not when so many are relying on me to see it through. Not when my crew’s hopes rest in my hands”

  He paused for a moment, locking eyes with both of them, his voice low but resolute. “I won’t break again. I won’t give up on my path. It’s much too soon to throw away everything I’ve fought for. I owe it to all of you—to my crew—to myself. I will continue forward, no matter what stands in our way”

  Azuma’s eyes burned with quiet intensity; the weight of his decision clear in every word. “I’ll grow stronger, for them. For us. And I’ll make sure we reach the top together”

  Saber gave a simple nod with a faint smile while watching the shift in Azuma’s demeanor. But Rosera however couldn't contain her joy.

  Her face softened, followed by a tender smile tugging at the corners of her lips. The vampire’s eyes glimmered with warmth, causing her to take a small step back, her heart racing in her chest. "Captain...I'm so happy to see you like this again," she remarked, her voice quiet and full of affection, almost a whisper.

  She hesitated for a moment, her cheeks flushed in a gentle pink, "You’ve always been the one to hold us together...but now, seeing you like this, I can feel it too. The fire that made you our captain, the fire that will lead us through anything"

  Her eyes seemed to gze over for a moment, completely lost in the sight of him, her gaze soft and full of admiration, like she could see nothing else. "I’ve missed this side of you so much...I can’t wait to see where we go next," she murmured, the words barely leaving her lips before she blinked, as if waking from a trance.

  Her smile widened before blushing deeper, her voice full of excitement now, but with a touch of shyness. "With you leading us...I just know we'll make it through anything, Captain. I’m looking forward to every moment with you"

  The captain smiled faintly, his usual calm and calcuted expression shifting just slightly while gazing into her eyes. His hand reached out, gently pcing it upon her head, his touch light but filled with a warmth that only she could feel.

  "You’ve been through a lot, Rosera," Azuma’s voice was steady and low, his tone carrying a hint of something softer beneath it’s usual seriousness. "If you’re going to be ready for what’s ahead, then you’ll need to be at your best"

  With a faint pause, his eyes met hers with a steady confidence. "Take some of my blood. It will help you recover faster, and you’ll be ready for the next fight"

  Rosera’s breath caught; her eyes wide while a deep blush spread across her cheeks once more. She shifted her gaze downward, unable to meet his gaze, overwhelmed by the intimacy of his offer. Her voice came out quiet, ced with uncertainty, yet an undeniable warmth. "Are...are you sure, Captain? Last time...I couldn't stop myself..." Her words trailed off, and the blush on her face deepened, making her look almost vulnerable.

  Before she could speak further, Azuma stepped forward, pulling her into a tight embrace, his hands firm and secure around her, as if to reassure her of his unwavering trust. Gently, he pced her face near his neck, his voice softer now, but still calm and steady.

  "You don’t need to worry," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. "I trust you, Rosera. And I know you’ll stay in control this time"

  Saber leaned against the doorframe, his eyes watching with a quiet curiosity once Rosera slowly revealed her fangs, her gaze locked on Azuma's neck with a mixture of longing and restraint. She stepped closer, her movements delicate yet purposeful, until she was almost pressed against him. With a soft, almost inaudible sigh, she sank her fangs into his skin, the sharpness of the bite contrasted by the tenderness in her actions.

  To Saber’s surprise, Azuma didn’t flinch. There was no sign of discomfort or hesitation in his expression. Instead, he remained calm, his eyes half-lidded as if this was a routine he had long accepted. His hand moved slowly, almost gently, through her hair, the motion soothing and affectionate. He didn’t pull away, didn’t resist. He allowed her to drink, his posture rexed, as if it was nothing more than a quiet, intimate moment between them.

  Rosera's grip on him tightened, but her movements became more delicate, a soft hum escaping her lips while savoring the blood. A faint blush crept up her cheeks, but she didn’t pull away, her focus entirely on him as she drank deeply, her eyes occasionally meeting his, lost in the closeness they shared.

  Saber stood motionless; he could tell this was no mere exchange; it was something more. Something between them that needed no words. With a slight sigh, Saber made the decision not to interrupt. With a quiet, almost respectful gnce at them both, he turned and left the room, leaving them to their privacy.

  After nearly a minute, Rosera finally pulled away, her breath shallow with heavy breaths, her fangs still stained with the remnants of her captain’s blood. She watched with a mixture of awe and satisfaction as the bite marks on his neck healed in mere seconds, the skin knitting itself back together. Azuma’s calm expression never faltered, his eyes steady.

  With a soft sigh, his fingers gently brushed through her hair. His touch was light, reassuring, as though acknowledging her restraint. His voice, low and steady, carried a quiet confidence.

  “I knew you’d be able to control yourself this time,” he remarked, a smirk spreading across his face. His gaze softened, but only slightly, a subtle acknowledgment of the trust he had in her. “You’ve come a long way, Rosera. I’m proud of you”

  He let his hand fall from her head, but his eyes lingered on her, filled with quiet affection and a sense of pride for her restraint. Then, with a slight tilt of his head, his tone shifted with a calm seriousness.

  “Now, you should get away from the windows. Find a passenger cart, close all the windows, and get some rest. You don’t want to keep getting burned by the sunlight”

  Rosera let out a small, disappointed groan, her lips slightly pouting while looking up at Azuma. The weight of his suggestion clearly not sitting well with her. “I was hoping to stay beside you,” she murmured, her voice a mix of frustration and longing, as if she had been hoping for a little more time with him.

  Kenousa’s calm gaze softened, though his expression remained steady. "It's for the best, Rosera," he replied, his voice reassuring. "You need to stay out of the sun until nightfall. The st thing I need is you weakened by the light when we're still so far from our destination" He gave her a faint, knowing smile. "Later, when the sun sets, you can come back and join me"

  Rosera’s pout deepened, clearly not thrilled with the idea, but there was a touch of understanding in her eyes. She sighed softly, her voice quieter now, but still filled with affection. "Okay...if you say so" She hesitated for a moment longer, her gaze lingering on him, before she finally turned toward the door.

  Once alone, Azuma drew in breath, allowing the stillness of the moment to settle around him. His thoughts were heavy, but he quickly gathered them, focusing on the sound of the crashing waves outside the window, accompanied by the warmth of the sun that crept through. It was a rare moment of silence, but one he needed to collect himself before moving forward. The constant rush of decisions, battles, and leadership had taken it’s toll, but for now, he allowed himself this brief respite.

  Once he felt ready, Azuma slowly made his way to the opposite passenger cart, the soft vibrations of the aqua express beneath his feet as he moved. Upon entering, his eyes immediately found Saber. The swordsman sat in a chair near the front by a window, one leg resting casually over the other. His gaze was distant, focused on the view outside, but there was a knowing look in his eyes as if he were deep in thought himself.

  Around them, the rest of the crew was scattered. Seraph, Roxie, and Gin were all still fast asleep in random seats. The calmness of the scene was almost surreal, and for a moment, Azuma found himself just observing them, feeling the weight of his role more than ever.

  Saber didn’t look up right away, but the quiet shift in his posture signaled that he was aware of Azuma’s presence. There was something almost deliberate in the way he sat, as if waiting for the captain to approach when ready.

  Seraph was fast asleep in the left row, his long blonde hair gently swaying with the breeze that filtered through the window. His arms were crossed in a rexed manner, his head resting against the cool gss. Despite the movement of the train and shifting sea breeze, he seemed entirely at ease, a picture of calm even in the midst of their chaotic journey.

  Roxie, on the other hand, had found an entirely different way to sleep. His feet were hanging zily over the armrests, part of them jutting into the walkway, making it difficult to pass without brushing against him. His head was pressed against the window, his face rexed but slightly contorted in an odd position.

  Azuma couldn't help but gnce at him for a moment, raising an eyebrow. How could anyone sleep like that? His posture was as strange as it was uncomfortable, yet it was clear Roxie was completely oblivious to the awkwardness of his chosen position.

  Azuma scanned the room, his sharp eyes quickly noting the absence of Kenzu. The swordsman was nowhere to be found in any of the seats. As his gaze shifted around, Saber’s voice cut through the silence, ced with his usual casual tone.

  "Looking for Kenzu?" Saber inquired; his posture rexed as he gnced toward the ceiling. With a slight motion of his hand, he gestured. "He's on the roof, probably seeking some solitude. Though he never really said why"

  Azuma simply nodded; his expression unreadable as he turned toward the window. Without another word, he dove out of the train. Gripping the side of the express, he pulled himself gracefully atop the roof, the wind whipping around him with a sharp gust. The captain steadied himself, gazing out at the expanse of open sky and endless seas. It didn’t take long to spot the young swordsmen standing at the front of the express, his back turned, looking out on the vast open seas.

  Without a word, Azuma advanced, his boots echoing across the cold steel just before halting behind the isoted swordsman. His tone was measured and low, every word deliberate.

  “Kenzu, you haven’t withdrawn like this since our first voyage...I can sense that familiar shadow within your eyes—the same distance you carried then. Are you alright? If you’re burdened, tell me. We’re not solitary warriors adrift in darkness; we are a crew, bound by purpose and strength. I won’t allow you to bear it alone. Your silence only weakens us. Now, tell me—you’re still with us, right?”

  His words, cold and unyielding yet ced with undeniable concern, left no room for ambiguity. It was the voice of a captain who had learned that true strength meant sharing the weight of the fight, even in moments of solitude.

  Kenzu’s grip tightened around the hilt of his bde as a faint gust of wind swept past, carrying with it the chill of his inner turmoil. In a soft, distant tone reminiscent of a weary soul burdened by regret, he finally spoke:

  “I…I’ve failed, Captain. Not just as a swordsman, but as a member of this crew. Every time I remember that duel with my brother—lying there, vulnerable on the brink of death—it feels like a stain I can’t wash away. I’ve not grown stronger since we set out on this journey. Instead, I’ve only become a reminder of my own weakness—a burden you all shouldn’t have to bear”

  He paused, the silence heavy between them, as if each word carried the weight of every lost moment. His voice dropped lower, barely above a whisper.

  “It’s humiliating to know I haven’t changed. I wonder if I am nothing more than a liability—if my shortcomings endanger you all more than they contribute to our fight. I fear that every failure pushes me further away from what I should be”

  In that raw, unguarded admission, the soft tone of his voice revealed a soul wrestling with the demons of inadequacy—a sentiment that, for a moment, left the area enveloped in the bitter truth of his confession.

  Azuma exhaled slowly, his gaze steady while pcing a firm, reassuring hand upon Kenzu's shoulder. His voice, calm yet resolute like that of a pirate who had endured countless trials,

  “Kenzu…listen to me. You are the swordsman of the Azuma Pirate crew. No matter what defeats you’ve faced or how lost you feel, know this—you are irrepceable to us. We’ve all tasted defeat, all felt the sting of our own inadequacies. There were moments when I, too, doubted my strength. But it is in pushing past those struggles that we forge ourselves anew. Every scar, every setback has built the foundation of who we are.”

  His grasp tightened slightly, “I will never lose you, for you are part of the heart and soul of this crew. Our setbacks are not the end—they are the fuel that drives us to become stronger, not just as pirates, but as a family. Kenzu, let this hardship be the spark that ignites your resolve further. We rise together, even in the darkest times. Trust in our bond, in our shared strength. Today, we continue forward, scarred but unbroken. You are more than your failures—you are our strength, and nothing can change that”

  His words, measured and imbued with the quiet determination of a passionate captain.

  After a long silence, with only the sound of waves crashing against the train, Kenzu slowly turned to face his captain. His head remained bowed, his bangs concealing his troubled eyes, once more speaking in a quiet, measured tone.

  "Captain, are you still sure you want me on your crew?" he began softly, each word weighed down by regret and uncertainty. "After all this time—after my moments of despair and every shortcoming—do I still have a pce within your dream of Pirate Lord?"

  He paused before continuing, "I need to know...can you still trust me to stand by your side, even when I falter?"

  His words, simple yet piercing as he awaited the captain's response, each sylble a quiet plea for reassurance in the midst of the unyielding sea.

  To his suprise, a slow, confident smirk crept across Azuma’s face. Stepping closer, his voice was calm and resolute,

  “Kenzu, don’t forget what I said. You are, and always will be, the bde of my crew. He paused, his gaze steady and intense, as if etching every sylble into the very air between them.

  “Our bond, the trust we share as a crew, is forged and tempered by hardship. No setback or moment of weakness, can sever that connection. You are irrepceable to me and the others. I would never leave you behind, not now, not ever”

  Azuma’s voice softened slightly, a quiet reassurance blending with his fierce determination. “Remember, our journey is not defined by a single failure but by how we rise after each fall. We move forward together, as one—unbreakable and resolute”

  With that, the captain’s words resonated like a promise—a promise that the crew’s bond would stand firm, no matter the challenges ahead.

  A faint smile tugged at Kenzu’s lips, but before he could utter a word, the ocean itself seemed to turn against them. The once steady waves surged into a violent frenzy, crashing against the train with a force that sent mist spraying into the air. A sudden, howling gust of wind rushed past, whipping at their clothes with an overwhelming presence that loomed ahead.

  Then, they saw it.

  A colossal wall of pulsating pink Seinshin erupted from the depths of the sea, stretching endlessly in both directions; soaring into the heavens like a divine barrier. The sheer scale of it defied comprehension—an impenetrable wall of raw energy, glowing with an eerie, otherworldly radiance. The closer they drew, the more the very air seemed to grow thinner, the force pressing against their skin like faint heat.

  The pair stood frozen, gazing upon the impossible structure. There were no words to be spoken—only the realization that beyond this celestial threshold...there was no going back...

  THE STORY CONTINUES...