One Piece Devouring Fruit

Faced with a continuous onslaught of cannonballs, the pirates had to fend off the attacks to ensure the safety of their ship. In such scenarios, the pirates eventually became exhausted, giving the well-rested Navy soldiers a significant advantage in boarding battles.

The Navy’s powerful warships typically held the upper hand in naval battles. These ships were the result of extensive research and craftsmanship by numerous shipwrights. Of course, this superiority did not apply to vessels like Luffy or the Four Emperors. While influential individuals could change the tide of a battle, the strategic advantage of well-crafted ships remained significant and unaffected by a few strong opponents.

Combined with artillery, these warships became even more formidable, exemplified by the Buster Call. This technique, involving the bombardment of entire islands, served as a deterrent within the Navy, requiring a large fleet and powerful artillery to annihilate an island.

“Target spotted! Pirates reported ahead at twelve o’clock! Gunners, fire!”

On the deck, orders were rapidly relayed. Having calculated the wind direction and distance, the gunners adjusted the cannons and began the fiercest bombardment on the weak, pitiful, and helpless pirate ship.

Relentlessly, the black cannons roared, spewing fire and cannonballs towards the distant pirate ship. Despite this, pirates often had ways to defend against such attacks, even using their bare hands or abilities to deflect the cannonballs. Fending off naval artillery was considered an essential skill for pirates.

However, encountering the fleet escorting the Pirate King, Roger, these pirates were unlucky. Even though this was just the vanguard, their firepower exceeded that of a typical Buster Call.

Fortunately for the pirates, the bombardment ceased after their ship was nearly destroyed. Their ship had been chosen as the target for Michion and his group’s first battle. In a twist of fate, these pirates faced inexperienced but eager young Marines, giving them a slim chance of survival if captured and sent to Impel Down.

“Prepare for battle!”

As the ships drew closer, the eager young Marines, unafraid of danger, prepared to fight. On the trembling pirate ship:

“Captain Cabron! A Navy ship is approaching us!” A lookout, holding a telescope, reported in fear.

The tattered pirate ship, its sails destroyed by the bombardment, flew a half-burned pirate flag. Despite the flag’s defiant fluttering, its crew was scared.

Cabron, a lucky pirate from the North Blue who had formed his crew due to his physical prowess, quickly realised the harsh reality of the Grand Line. He had joined a more extensive organisation as a slave trader, leading a relatively comfortable life with plenty of money and women.

He had been careful to stay in familiar waters, but this time, tasked with transporting enslaved people to Sabaody Archipelago, he strayed too far and encountered a massive Navy fleet.

“Prepare to surrender… At least we might save our lives,” Cabron said grimly, his expression fierce.

“Captain, that ship seems to have only a few soldiers, mostly kids!” the lookout shouted.

“Let me see.” Cabron snatched the telescope, confirming the report.

“Damn Navy, sending a bunch of kids! They’re using us as training dummies?”

Realising they were surrounded with no chance of escape, Cabron saw the young Marines as his only hope of survival.

“All crew, listen up! Show these kids what fear is, capture them alive if you want to live!” Cabron commanded, his face twisted in rage.

The pirates, driven by desperation, prepared for a fierce battle, hoping to use the young Marines as their ticket to survival.

“Kill them all!”

“Boom!”

Just as Cabron finished his rallying cry, Michion appeared mid-air, using “Soru” to enhance his speed. His fist, surrounded by a crimson aura, struck Cabron’s chin with terrifying force.

Cabron, still reaching for his weapon, felt a sharp pain as several bloody teeth flew from his mouth, landing on the deck.

“Captain!!” Seeing their leader struck down, the vice-captain and other pirates rushed to help, only to be intercepted by Tina and the others.

The pirates, now enraged and desperate, faced the young Marines’ fierce resolve. To the Marines, the pirates’ cries were nothing but the wails of defeated dogs.

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