The group was about to leave the harbour; however, a rhythmic sound of boots against the ground heralded a change in those plans. Lucci stopped and sighed as an army of over 2000 marines approached, surrounding them from every direction, even taking sniper positions within houses.
"Well, this sucks," muttered Jabra.
Kaku, in a calm tone, replied, "Yes, it's certainly not good."
A man dressed in a marine uniform, who by his decorations was a rear admiral, spoke, "You band of dirty pirates, you dare try to enslave innocent civilians of my home."
"Sigh," sighed Lucci before sitting down. He crossed his legs and spoke, "All of you," started Lucci, his tone grave, "Remember your defeat to the straw hats," he spoke in a slow, droll tone, " We were overconfident, and took them lightly. Especially you, Kalifa, you had more than enough power to kill that girl in a single hit, yet you drew out the fight, and played with her.
From now on, we can not have that. The moment you take on your opponent, go for the kill or a crippling blow. I don't want anything else from you all. No more overconfidence, no more underestimating your opponent. Unless I tell you to do not leave your opponent alive," he instructed.
The group possessing serious expressions looked, then nodded, they would not make similar mistakes in the future, Kaku and Jabra glared at each other, seeing this Lucci continued, "And you two, I do not mind if you quarrel however during battle, I want you two to work together to ensure that none of your opponents take advantage of your conflict." Spoke Lucci.
"Yeah, but it's his fault!" said Jabra, pointing at Kaku.
"What! Don't blame me for your failure. I was the one who put in the most work in that fight!" shouted Kaku
"WHAT!" Shouted Jabra.
"Enough!" shouted Kalifa.
"Chapapapapa. Kalifa is mad she got scolded," spoke Kumadori.
"Shut up, you," spoke Kalifa,
"Yo Yoi, the anger of a woman is understandable. To be humiliated and defeated by a girl with little combat experience is…" Started Futurou, but a kick from Kalifa shut him up.
"I said shut up!" She screamed in an embarrassed tone.
"Ok, enough teasing. Now I want you all to take on the Marines, don't kill them. Dismember their leaders and bring them to me." Spoke Lucci in a calm tone.
"You got it." Spoke the group as they looked to the incoming marine ship behind them and the increasing number of marine soldiers in front of them.
.oOo. hours later…Marinefort .oOo.
Bele..bele..bele…Click…
A transponder snail rang and a man dressed in the formal attire of the fleet admiral, this was the fleet admiral Sengoku, answered, he heard the voice of a familiar captain. It was the voice of the Captain Very Good.
The man reported something that stunned Sungoku, giving him a small migraine.
"Wait, wait, wait…Let me get this straight." Started the fleet Admiral and recounted what he was told, " You sent Vice Captain Baddie to go and try to capture the former CP9 agents. While you set a trap for them in training camp island…" He started
'Yes, sir.' Spoke VeryGood.
"Ok, however, Baddie and his men were defeated, and you received a call saying that not only did the group display new, unknown abilities, but they also managed to convince all of the 1000 men led by Baddie to join their pirate crew?" Asked Sungoku.
'Yes, sir,' answered VeryGood.
"So we lost 1000 elite soldiers, who have sailed the grand line and the new world. Who were meant to be the pillars of justice and the future of the Marines? They just went up and joined Lucci and his…"
'The New Dawn Pirates.' Assisted VeryGood.
"Yes, yes. They all are pirates now!?" Said Sungoku in clear frustration.
'Yes, sir.' Spoke VeryGood.
Sungoku took a deep breath and exhaled. "OK then, return, I'll discuss this with others on what bounties to put on their heads. As an initial price. When we receive a good analysis of their abilities from Baddie when he returns." Spoke Sungoku.
'Very well, sir.' Spoke VeryGood.
.oOo.
A warship was sailing through the waters of South Blue, one a towering figure of justice lined with blue and white, was now a dark bastion of intimidation. A dark Ship with silvery white sails and lined with a silver 7-pointed star within a circle with the face of a skull and Crossbones and golden clouds obscuring some parts of the figure. It resembled a sun breathing through the dawn the horizon lined with clouds.
The ship was named the Akatsuki. On the deck of the ship, 500 people were all doing their jobs around the ship, from servicing the cannons to storing the cannon balls taken from the other ships, along with the many supplies taken from the marine ships.
Behind them was another marine ship also holding 500 people, all of them were former Marines, who were dominated by Lucci's hero's aura alongside Michael's passive skill to dominate the minds of other creatures who were taken by Lucci. Of course, he did dominate those that remainded on the island, along with the other members of the Marines who lived on that island, but he left them to act as informants for him.
With the Akatsuki, Lucci and his friends, all of them were resting calmly on beach chairs, while the crew members served them.
They travelled for a few days and entered the calm belt. These days were spent either training or relaxing.
Lucci even delved into his soul to learn more about his abilities and find out which ones he could grant to his friends. He had access to many skills, each one with its own mechanics and skills, and advantages. From the 14 angelic skills to many others gained from Rudra's followers, of course.
'Well, I'll just have to think of it in the future, their souls are not strong enough just yet. I'll need a massive island to ensure that they develop,' thought Lucci. While he acquainted himself with his abilities.
He noticed the others were training as well, utilising their minor spirit abilities to manipulate the 5 basic elements. Lucci pondered giving them more spirits to increase their power. "Hey, guys," said Lucci, calling his friends, and he stood up and faced the CP9 agents. Then he called them to summon a few more minor spirits for them.
It was during their second day on the calm belt that the routine was broken; a massive ship pulled by 2 massive snakes was approaching from a distance.
.oOo. End of chapter .oOo.