Chapter 25: CH 25: WRECKING SOME MARINES
The cold winds of the North Blue brushed against their skin as Yuji steered the stolen ship through the calm yet chilling waters. The sails were taut with the breeze, propelling them steadily toward their next destination: the last island in the North Blue. The deck creaked softly as Hancock leaned on the ship's railing, her gaze distant. Beside her, Bepo stood with his paws on the railing, sniffing the salty air, while Law sat cross-legged on a crate, meticulously cleaning his nodachi, Kikoku.
It had been only a few days since Law and Bepo had joined their small crew, yet the dynamics aboard the ship were already settling into place. Hancock, ever the teasing presence, frequently poked fun at Bepo's apologetic demeanor, while Law kept to himself, speaking only when necessary.
Yuji, standing at the helm, glanced back at his companions. "You're awfully quiet, Law. Thinking about backing out already?" he teased, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
Law didn't even look up. "I don't have the luxury of backing out," he replied curtly, his voice as sharp as his blade. "Besides, I need to see if your grandiose claims of taking down the Joker hold any merit."
Bepo perked up, his ears twitching nervously. "Cap- Ehm Law, are you sure we can trust him? He's… well, intimidating," the bear whispered.
Yuji laughed, shaking his head. "Don't worry, Bepo. You'll see soon enough why I'm the best chance you've got."
Before Bepo could respond, Law's eyes narrowed, and his demeanor shifted. "Yuji," he said, his voice low and serious.
Yuji instantly caught the change in tone and turned his attention forward. In the distance, a large marine warship was cutting through the waters, its white sails bearing the unmistakable emblem of the World Government.
"Looks like we've got company," Yuji said, his smirk returning.
Hancock straightened up, her arms crossing over her chest. "Do we run or fight?" she asked, her tone calm but tinged with anticipation.
Law stood, his nodachi resting on his shoulder. "Running isn't an option if they've spotted us. Warships don't just let suspicious ships sail by."
Yuji gripped the helm tightly, his silver hair blowing in the wind. "Then we fight."
**Aboard the Marine Warship**
"Captain, there's an unregistered ship ahead, directly in our path!" a marine shouted, peering through a spyglass.
The marine captain, a burly man with a thick mustache, strode to the deck and took the spyglass. His eyes narrowed as he observed the ship. "Pirates," he muttered. "Prepare to engage! We'll make quick work of them."
Cannons were rolled into position, and the sound of marines scrambling to their stations filled the air. The warship changed course, bearing down on Yuji's vessel.
**Back on the ship**
As the warship approached, Law created a "Room" around their ship, the translucent dome shimmering faintly. "I'll handle the cannon fire," he said, his voice steady.
Hancock stretched, a confident smile on her lips. "I'll deal with any marines who dare to board."
Yuji grinned, the excitement of battle sparking in his eyes. "Perfect. Let's give them a show they'll never forget."
The first cannonball fired from the warship arced through the air, but before it could land, Law raised his hand. The projectile froze midair, hovering within his "Room." With a flick of his wrist, he redirected it back toward the warship, striking its hull with a thunderous explosion.
Bepo, gripping the railing tightly, watched in awe. "Captain, that was amazing!" he exclaimed.
"Focus, Bepo," Law said sharply, though there was a faint hint of satisfaction in his tone.
The marines, undeterred, continued their assault. More cannonballs rained down, but Law deftly deflected them, each one finding its mark on the warship. Meanwhile, Hancock stood at the ready as grappling hooks latched onto their ship, and marines began to climb aboard.
"Pirates! Surrender now, and we'll show mercy!" one of the marines shouted as he reached the deck.
Hancock's lips curled into a smirk. "Mercy? How cute," she said, raising her hand. With a swift motion, she unleashed a wave of her power, turning several marines into stone statues.
The remaining marines hesitated, their eyes wide with fear. "W-what kind of monster is she?!"
Yuji, watching from the helm, laughed heartily. "Don't worry, boys. She's the nice one."
As the battle raged, the warship's captain barked orders from the deck. "Fire everything! Don't let those criminals escape!"
Yuji's expression darkened. "They're persistent, I'll give them that." He stepped forward, his body beginning to radiate an ominous energy. "Time to end this."
His skin darkened to a bronze hue, and a faint glow emanated from his back as his Lunarian lineage manifested. He leaped into the air, his figure silhouetted against the sky. With a roar, he unleashed a devastating beam of gravity energy directly at the warship.
The beam struck the center of the ship, tearing through its hull with a deafening explosion. The warship groaned and splintered as it began to sink, marines diving overboard to escape the destruction.
Hancock watched the scene unfold, a mix of awe and admiration in her eyes. "Show-off," she muttered under her breath, though the smile on her lips betrayed her amusement.
As Yuji landed back on the deck, Bepo stared at him in wide-eyed disbelief. "You… you destroyed it in one attack!"
Yuji shrugged, his smirk returning. "Told you I was strong."
Law, standing nearby, observed Yuji with a calculating gaze. "You're reckless," he said bluntly. "But effective."
Yuji laughed. "I'll take that as a compliment."
As the last remnants of the warship disappeared beneath the waves, Yuji and the others regrouped on the deck. Hancock leaned against the railing, her arms crossed. "That was fun," she said casually.
Law sighed, sheathing his nodachi. "It was unnecessary. Now the Marines will be on high alert in this area."
Yuji waved off his concern. "Let them be. If they come after us again, we'll just sink them too."
Bepo, still recovering from the excitement, looked at Yuji with a newfound sense of admiration. "Captain, you're incredible!"
Yuji chuckled, ruffling the bear's fur. "Stick with me, Bepo, and you'll see a lot more where that came from."
Law crossed his arms, his expression serious. "If you want to take down Joker, you'll need more than brute strength. You'll need a plan."
Yuji nodded, his demeanor shifting to match Law's seriousness. "Don't worry. I always have a plan."
******************************************
Yo guys I'm back I been just busy with personal life. Kindly leave some review to the story so I will know what to improve in this fan-fic. See ya.