The Marines assigned to Yahn's ship by Fleet Admiral Sengoku weren't ordinary. Even within Marine Headquarters, they were considered elite—seasoned in both navigation and combat.
Moreover, most of them had witnessed firsthand the terrifying event two years ago when the infamous "Golden Lion" Shiki stormed Marineford alone.
That day, Shiki—an embodiment of raw might and ambition—had appeared like a one-man army. Countless Marines crumbled with just a single blow. No one could withstand his power.
It took both Sengoku, now the Fleet Admiral, and the legendary Marine Hero, Vice Admiral Garp, joining forces to subdue Shiki. Even then, half of Marineford was devastated in the process. Ultimately, he was imprisoned in the deepest level of Impel Down, the infamous underwater prison.
That cataclysmic battle remained burned into the minds of these elite Marines. None of them had forgotten the destruction—the overwhelming presence—of the Golden Lion.
That's why, when Shiki suddenly appeared behind the Gates of Justice—despite supposedly being locked away in the deepest depths of Impel Down—none of them stopped to wonder how. They were too stunned. Too afraid.
Driven by pure instinct, every Marine on the battleship obeyed Yahn's order without hesitation: full speed ahead. Put as much distance as possible between them and that monster called "Golden Lion."
"Quick! Full power! All engines—now!"
"Hoist the mainsail! Hurry!"
"Helm to starboard! Turn!"
If the battleship had oars, even Ensign Hope would've grabbed one and started rowing with his own hands.
As the massive Gates of Justice slowly opened, the scene beyond became clearer—so clear even ordinary Marines could see it now.
Impel Down, the once-imposing underwater prison that had quelled countless pirates, was now in shambles. Explosions echoed from within as shadows surged into the sky. Guards, Marines, and prisoners clashed violently.
It was chaos—pure and absolute. Impel Down had fallen.
And at the center of it all floated a figure in the air: his legs severed at the knees, bleeding endlessly, golden hair billowing wildly in the sea breeze like a wounded lion—the Golden Lion, Shiki.
The very next moment, under the stunned gaze of every Marine aboard, Shiki surged forward—breaking through the open gates, flying straight toward Yahn's battleship.
His speed? Terrifyingly fast.
"We can't outrun him," Yahn muttered grimly. "Looks like we're his target."
Raising a hand slightly, he gestured for the inconspicuous little golden bird beside him to retreat from the ship.
"Chirp!"
The bird—Little Gold—seemed to understand. Without resistance, it took off low over the water, flying in the opposite direction from Shiki, using the ship as cover.
Within moments, as the Marines froze with terror, Shiki landed arrogantly atop the ship's mast. His golden hair danced in the wind. His laughter rang out—wild, defiant, and mocking.
"Shihahahaha…"
"Impel Down, that so-called inescapable fortress of iron and stone—can't even hold me?"
His voice, dripping with contempt and swagger, sent chills through the five hundred Marines aboard. They felt like ants trembling beneath a lion's roar.
"Pre… Prepare—!"
Ensign Hope's voice rang out, a mix of tension and resolve. "All troops—prepare to apprehend the pirate Golden Lion Shiki!"
Shiki's laughter paused. Amused, he glanced down from the mast and said mockingly:
"Really now… wouldn't it be better if you all just shut up, shared in my joy, and then died quietly?"
With a flick of his hand, Shiki raised his palm to the sky—his fingers clenching.
The very air itself seemed to warp under his control.
"Lion Menace!"
A massive lion formed from swirling air currents took shape above the ship, roaring as it lunged downward.
But just then—Yahn's voice rang out calmly.
"Wait, Shiki. You destroy this ship, and you'll sink with us into the sea. Is that really what you want?"
"…Hm?"
Shiki looked toward the bespectacled young man who seemed calm—almost scholarly.
In just those few moments, Yahn had already grasped the situation and said confidently:
"You didn't come here just to gloat, did you? You came because you want to escape. You intend to use your Float-Float Fruit powers to lift this ship into the air—and fly out of Marine territory before reinforcements arrive."
Shiki smirked. "I can just kill you and take the ship. That's all I need."
"Heh. Even assuming your attack doesn't tear this ship apart, there's still the armory in the lower deck—full of explosives. If you strike now, I'll have the Marines stationed there ignite everything. This ship will disintegrate in seconds."
Pausing briefly, Yahn continued—his voice steady and sure.
"Your legs are still bleeding. You're seriously wounded. Not even the Golden Lion can last long like this. Without a Log Pose to guide you, and nowhere nearby for a Devil Fruit user to rest… you won't make it out of these waters alive."
"That's why, Shiki… this ship is also your only hope of escaping Impel Down completely. If you don't use this ship to flee, once Marineford's reinforcements arrive… it's over. You'll be back in chains—this time, forever."
As Yahn spoke, Shiki's once-furious expression slowly relaxed—replaced with a grin of wild delight.
"Shihahaha!"
With a sudden motion, Shiki floated down from the mast and landed in front of Yahn.
"Interesting, kid. What's your name?"
"Trafymore Yahn."
And to the shock of every Marine on board, Shiki—the legendary pirate—gave Yahn a bold invitation.
"Good. Trafymore Yahn… come with me. I'm rebuilding the Flying Pirate Crew. I'll dominate these seas from the skies. Join me—and I'll make you my vice-captain!"
"…Vice-captain?" Yahn asked, arching a brow.
"What, not satisfied?" Shiki laughed. "Being my second-in-command—that's every pirate's dream."
He paused, then asked with genuine curiosity:
"Don't tell me… you have an even greater ambition than that?"
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Currently at chapter 325 for advance chapters
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