Chapter 201 — New Dawn's First Mission Begins
S.C. 1512 — Same Day
East Blue — Open Waters
The ship New Dawn cut through the waves like a blue arrow, its polished hull gleaming under the afternoon sun. Kiro stood at the bow, coat fluttering dramatically in the wind.
Behind him, thirty elite members of New Dawn worked with sharp efficiency.
These weren't ordinary merchants.
These were Meridian Group's finest:
Enhanced strength (thanks to S-Type serum)
Weeks of specialized training
Clean uniforms with blue insignias
Eyes full of ambition
Kiro grinned.
"Alright, New Dawn! First mission of the division! Let's make Ren proud!"
The crew roared in reply.
"YES, SIR!"
Zeran — a newly appointed sniper — stood on the upper deck adjusting his scope.
The chef, Rina, secured the supply crates.
The navigator, Hoke, studied the map while chewing dried fish.
This was their first real voyage as a formal division.
And Kiro was determined to make it unforgettable.
1. The Luxury Cargo
Inside the cargo hold rested carefully secured crates:
• 200 bottles of Meridian Gold Wine (Ren's distillery)
• 40 high-quality gemstone necklaces (village craftsmen)
• 20 jars of refined sugar
• 15 barrels of special milk (from Big-Big Milk Cows)
• Cloth bundles made from enhanced cotton herbs
These weren't goods for common villages.
These were goods nobles and wealthy merchants would pay triple for.
Hoke checked the map again.
"Our first target is the Sorrel Kingdom. Their nobles love rare wine."
Kiro nodded.
"Perfect. Let's give them a product they'll never forget."
He looked at the sea ahead.
No fear. No hesitation.
Leadership suited him.
2. Sudden Trouble — Pirate Flag on the Horizon
Zeran shouted from the lookout post:
"Captain! Pirate ship at three o'clock! Heading straight for us!"
Kiro didn't even flinch.
The crew rushed to battle positions.
Hoke gulped. "Should we flee?"
Kiro smirked.
"We're New Dawn. We don't run from trash."
The pirate ship drew closer—crudely built, black sails torn.
Jolly Roger with a cracked skull.
A voice boomed from the ship:
"STOP YOUR VESSEL! SURRENDER YOUR CARGO!"
Kiro stepped onto the railing, balancing with perfect ease.
He waved mockingly.
"Hey! Why don't you come take it yourselves?"
The pirates roared, loading crude guns.
Kiro rolled his shoulders.
"Zeran!"
The sniper aimed silently.
Kiro raised a hand.
"Warning shot."
Zeran fired.
CRACK—!
The bullet slammed into the pirate mast, splintering wood.
The pirate ship shuddered.
Kiro smirked. "Next one goes through the captain's mouth."
The pirate ship hesitated.
Then fired back.
Bullets ripped through the air.
New Dawn ducked smoothly, trained bodies reacting instantly.
Kiro sighed, raising his sword.
"Alright. I gave you a chance."
3. Kiro's Leadership in Battle
"Zeran! Disable their weapons!"
"On it."
Zeran fired again.
BANG!
Gun station destroyed.
BANG!
Cannon wheel shattered.
BANG!
Pirate captain's hat blown off his head.
Chaos erupted on the pirate deck.
Kiro pointed forward.
"New Dawn! Attack formation!"
Twenty fighters unleashed the formation Ren taught them:
Tri-Strike Wave — three squads split, flanking the enemy with speed.
Using ropes, hooks, and enhanced strength, they boarded the pirate ship in seconds.
Kiro landed first.
He made eye contact with the pirate captain.
"Before we fight, tell me—who gave you permission to interrupt my business trip?"
The captain swung his axe.
Kiro disappeared.
Sound vanished for a moment.
A blur of motion—
Kiro reappeared behind the captain.
Sword sheathed.
The pirate froze.
Then collapsed.
Kiro exhaled casually.
"Clean the deck, boys."
4. Aftermath — A Lesson in Power
Within ten minutes, the pirates surrendered.
Loot recovered:
1,200,000 Beli
Several crates of opium (confiscated & destroyed)
6 barrels of low-quality rum (kept for trade)
Information on pirate routes
Kiro gathered his crew.
"Listen well. This is Meridian's first public appearance.
If we lose, rumors spread that we're weak.
If we win… everyone gives us respect and space."
Mira would rationalize it.
Bram would laugh about it.
Ren would write it in his notebook.
But Kiro?
He simply raised his sword.
"New Dawn just announced itself to East Blue."
The crew cheered.
5. Evening — The Journey Continues
With pirate ship secured and set adrift for the Marines to find, New Dawn continued toward Sorrel Kingdom.
The sky reddened with sunset.
Hoke approached Kiro quietly.
"Captain… We did good today."
Kiro smirked.
"No.
We did great."
He looked toward the horizon.
"If Ren is building the island…
then we'll build our reputation."
The ship cut forward like a blade.
Straight toward their first major trade.
Straight toward the future.
End of Chapter 201