Chapter 19: The Unexpected War
Chapter 19: The Unexpected War
Charlotte was furious. They could have come before or after, but right now? It was a total hassle.
Originally, she wanted to take Zaga Lido quietly, without causing any trouble. It was a good plan. But seeing the current situation, things didn't look good.
Niskin was a swordsman with a bounty of over five hundred million, known for massacring a naval base in West Blue. He was extremely brutal. Additionally, he was a member of the leadership team of the Gourmet Pirate crew. What a bother!
"What a nice weather! I'm just passing by, carry on," said Charlotte with a smile, trying to leave. This guy wasn't someone to mess with, after all, she hadn't done anything wrong, there shouldn't be a problem.
However, this attempt left Zaga Lido perplexed. Wasn't Charlotte here to get him to build something?
Just as Charlotte finished speaking, Niskin's eyes turned cold and a flurry of slashes flew directly at her. Thanks to her observation haki, Charlotte detected the attack and dodged it easily, though the building behind her was split in two.
"So rude," said Charlotte, speechless. She knew nothing about this, and they attacked her in such an irrational way. It was a total hassle.
She didn't want to fight, as that could reveal her strength, attracting attention and causing unknown problems. But it seemed she had no other choice. If she didn't kill him, things would get more complicated for her. If she defeated him quickly and escaped, who would know?
Niskin sensed the intense killing intent in Charlotte's eyes. He gripped his hand tightly.
"Quick Slash!"
A whirlwind arose, the ground trembled, and six green crescent-shaped lights flew towards Charlotte, leaving her no way out. In the middle of this attack, Charlotte looked like a leaf floating in a storm.
"Being a swordsman is really a hassle!" cursed Charlotte, quickly drawing her sword. A light shone.
"Slash!"
A huge black crescent-shaped slash was launched towards Niskin. Although Charlotte hadn't fully mastered advanced armament haki, she could add a bit to her attacks without problems. The slash destroyed all of Niskin's attacks, and the street was pulverized by the impacts from both sides.
Charlotte continued attacking, her slashes imbued with armament haki were relentless. If she was going to fight, she not only wanted to win but also to finish off her opponent.
Niskin was surprised. "This guy is terrifying, he's a very strong swordsman."
He had never encountered someone who could launch so many continuous slashes without stopping. He was a real monster!
Charlotte had no other thoughts in mind; she just wanted to defeat her opponent and escape quickly.
Niskin, with reddened eyes, knew he was in his crew's territory, the Gourmet Pirate crew. If he could hold on a little longer, reinforcements would arrive.
Charlotte understood his intention upon seeing that Niskin was attacking indiscriminately, with uncontrolled fury. She quickly crouched, ready to strike, and in an instant launched herself towards Niskin like a tiger.
"One-Sword Style: Divine Wind, Tiger Slash."
A fierce roar mixed with armament haki was launched like a flash. Niskin felt intense pain in his chest, and three deep wounds appeared, spewing blood.
"Crack...!"
"Damn it, it broke again!"
Charlotte was resigned. Her sword had broken again, delaying her fight. "Soru!" In an instant, Charlotte was in front of Niskin, with her leg wrapped in armament haki, delivering a powerful blow.
"Boom!"
Niskin's body was thrown to the ground, creating a large crater. He lost consciousness instantly. Charlotte approached and broke his neck, ensuring he couldn't get up again. Then, she eliminated the other henchmen.
Charlotte picked up the sword that Niskin had dropped and, to her surprise, it was... the famous sword Shigure, one of the 50 superior quality swords. What a lucky find!
For a swordsman, a good sword meant a great improvement. At least, she wouldn't have to change swords after every fight.
She looked at the disaster around and, fortunately, the place was quite isolated, without many people. Without hesitation, she took Zaga Lido and left.
Seeing Charlotte's bravery, Zaga Lido offered no resistance. The violent battle in District 54 of the Gourmet Island did not go unnoticed.
Spies from various factions arrived at the scene and were stunned, especially when they saw Niskin's corpse. The news spread quickly.
This unexpected war plunged the Gourmet Island into great chaos. The burly Domi Sys roared, "Block the entire Gourmet Island and put everyone on alert!"
The pirates of his crew moved frantically.
The sound of the alarm bell echoed, and thousands of pirates mobilized quickly, blocking all areas. Many rebellious pirates began to fight with the Gourmet Pirate crew.
The whole island was in chaos.
"Captain Sys, bad news! Fights are happening in all areas," a pirate reported to his captain, scared, as even some officers had suffered losses.
Domi, in a luxurious room, with a grim face, ordered his two lieutenants, "Gandy and Max, go and control the situation."
A man with a top hat and another tall one with a scar on his face bowed and left.
Domi, with a cold expression, murmured, "Did they finally decide to attack me? If someone wants my treasures, no matter who they are, they will die!"
...
Back on his ship, Charlotte was worried. He had arrived late, and the Gourmet Island was completely blocked. The sounds of battle echoed throughout the island.
The hustle and peace from before had disappeared, and black smoke rose from everywhere as pirates fought and looted.
Charlotte frowned. "This shouldn't be happening. Although I expected some reaction, not to this extent."
It was like an unexpected war.
While Charlotte was pondering, Lina arrived hastily.
"Captain Charlotte, the Ochoku Pirate crew has appeared on the outskirts of Gourmet Island!"
Charlotte was surprised. Although Ochoku wasn't as famous as Whitebeard or the Golden Lion, he was a formidable member of the former Rocks Pirates.
Was he occupying the former territory of Rocks, Hachinosu Island, and now had appeared here? Charlotte realized this had been planned in advance.
Someone wanted to take advantage of the chaos to attack Domi Sys. The battle on the island was just an excuse, seizing the opportunity to start the war.
(End of the chapter)