In the training grounds, Marines stood in tight formation, their expressions grim. The air was thick with tension, as if a storm was about to break.
Nearly the entire base had mobilized.
The current highest-ranking officer in the base was a brigadier named Bunian.
He stood at the front with a group of Marine officers, his face dark and heavy.
"Brigadier Bunian, what's going on?" Ain asked.
Seeing the two, Bunian felt a headache coming on. This Creed kid was here to temporarily take Admiral Kizaru's place—meaning he was technically Bunian's superior.
Just thinking about it annoyed him. Of all the branches this pampered brat could have gone to for "experience," he had to choose the most dangerous one—Sabaody Archipelago.
"There's been a pirate riot in Areas 1 through 29. We're moving to suppress it," Bunian said.
"Pirate riot?"
"Yes!" Bunian's tone was sharp. "This morning, a Logia-type Devil Fruit appeared at the auction house in Area 2.
"Several pirates, unable to outbid each other, started fighting. Now it's spread through the entire lawless zone."
Areas 1–29 made up the lawless zone.
Here, underground trades thrived—slave auctions, black market dealings. Most who operated there were pirates, human traffickers, and scavenger-like bounty hunters.
Bunian shot Creed a glance. "We suspect the pirates are acting this boldly because they've heard Admiral Kizaru isn't here."
The unspoken message was clear: they were rioting because they heard some kid was standing in for an Admiral.
Creed understood the implication, but he couldn't care less. "We're coming with you."
Bunian's mouth twitched. He wanted to hit something. This was a riot suppression—people would die.
What was this pampered brat doing tagging along?!
If something happened to him, his family—who had to be connected to the World Government's upper ranks—would come for Bunian's head.
"This… sir, you should stay here," Bunian tried.
"I'm not asking for your opinion. This is an order from your superior. Or are you planning to disobey orders?" Creed's voice was calm but firm.
Bunian's head throbbed. Grinding his teeth, he said, "Fine. But you stay right next to me."
With that, he led the Marine officers in a march toward the lawless zone.
BOOM!
BOOM! BOOM!
Smoke filled the air. Explosions erupted endlessly.
The moment they entered, they saw countless pirates brawling, looting, and smashing everything in sight.
The entire Area 1–29 had turned into a pirate's banquet of chaos.
Shops were destroyed, reduced to rubble and broken walls.
"Stop this at once!!" Bunian roared.
No one listened. Greed clouded their minds—where there was enough profit, they'd risk anything.
Bunian's face twisted with rage. Damn pirates.
"All officers of commander rank and above—take 500 men and come with me to Area 2! The rest of you, split up into units under majors and lieutenant commanders and suppress the other 28 areas!"
"Crush them without mercy—dead or alive!"
"Yes, sir!"
The Marines surged forward, clashing with the rioting pirates.
Bunian, ten commanders, and 500 Marines headed straight for Area 2.
Area 2 was the heart of the lawless zone.
Here, the shops and auction houses dealt in "high-end" goods—meaning high-value slaves.
If you were lucky, you might even see a fish-man slave up for sale.
Upon entering Area 2, the atmosphere shifted immediately.
The air was heavy, filled with pressure.
The fighting here was far fiercer, the scale far grander.
Those in the central zone were the elite of the first half of the Grand Line.
Ordinary grunts wouldn't dare set foot here.
"There are five main forces here," Ain said, eyeing the chaotic battlefield. "All of them are pirate Supernovas—rising stars of the Grand Line. Every one of them has a bounty over 100 million."
The moment the pirates saw the Marines—
Everything stopped.
One by one, the pirates turned toward the newcomers, eyes gleaming with killing intent.
Marines and pirates—natural enemies.
"Oi, let's stop fighting each other for now," one Supernova called out. "We can settle who gets the Logia later. First, let's take out these Marines!"
"Fine by me!"
"Better than all five of us being weakened while the Marines swoop in to pick up the prize!"
"Kyahaha! We're heading to the New World soon anyway. Kill these Marines, then set sail. Even if Marine Headquarters sends reinforcements, they'll be too late!"
"Then let's do it!"
The five factions came to an instant agreement—
And turned their full attention on the Marines.
…
(End of Chapter)
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