One Piece Shadow Army - Chapter 21
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Inside the upper deck of the ghost ship, the continuous clashes of two legendary swords resounded.
Just by hearing the rapid collision, one could sense the ferocity of the battle.
Sword slashes occasionally spread out, making the entire upper deck increasingly perilous.
Curls watched as Lieutenant Kahn was repeatedly suppressed, feeling anxious.
At that moment, shouts were heard from outside.
“Lieutenant Kahn!”
“Lieutenant Kahn, where are you?”
Curls turned to look and saw, through the broken hull, the marines from the patrol ship stepping onto the ghost ship’s deck.
Why are the others here?
Kahn also heard the voices from outside, but instead of showing joy, his face was filled with urgency.
“Curls, get those marines out of here! Quickly!”
Although Curls didn’t understand why Kahn was so anxious, he instinctively trusted the lieutenant.
…
Bang!
A shadow jumped down from the upper deck’s window, startling the marines.
But seeing it was Curls, they all breathed a sigh of relief.
“Curls, where’s Lieutenant Kahn?”
“Yeah, why are you alone?”
Ignoring their questions, Curls said, “Lieutenant Kahn orders everyone to retreat immediately!”
The marines were puzzled.
“Why retreat? Is Lieutenant Kahn in danger?”
“Yeah, why does the lieutenant want us to leave?”
Seeing their persistence, Curls explained briefly, “Lieutenant Kahn is fighting a powerful enemy. We can’t intervene. The lieutenant ordered us to retreat immediately.”
Hearing this, Marine Lieutenant Modo shook his head, “Every time there’s danger, Lieutenant Kahn stands in front, facing it alone, and we accept it. But this time, we won’t leave. We stand with the lieutenant!”
“That’s right, we won’t leave!”
“We’re here to help the lieutenant!”
The marines’ heated words echoed around them.
Seeing this, Curls frowned deeply. He didn’t expect such determination from the Marines at this moment.
But numbers alone can’t bridge the gap in strength against a sword master!
Before Curls could explain the enemy’s power, a sudden turn of events occurred.
Boom!
A red slash cut through the upper deck, effortlessly slicing the structure in half.
The upper part of the structure, losing its support, slowly detached from the ghost ship.
Under the astonished gazes of the marines, the detached structure fell into the sea, causing massive waves.
The huge waves rocked the ghost ship violently, causing some marines to fall on the deck.
They were deeply shocked by this display of power!
What kind of strength could cause such destruction?
Seconds later, a white figure was sent flying, landing on the deck.
“Lieutenant Kahn!”
“Lieutenant, are you alright?”
Seeing the figure, the marines were filled with concern.
“Why haven’t you retreated yet?” Kahn questioned Curls upon seeing the Marines still present.
“Lieutenant Kahn, we didn’t want to leave. We’re here to fight with you,” Modo and the other marines explained.
“You…”
Kahn felt a surge of frustration.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The sound of armored footsteps approached, and Kahn’s expression grew even more serious.
“It’s too late!”
Everyone looked up and saw a knight in silver armor, wielding a red sword, standing at the edge of the structure.
The powerful aura emitted by the knight was terrifying!
The cursed blade Red Moon emitted a red glow that spread rapidly.
In the night, the full moon seemed to turn blood-red, casting an eerie light over the ghost ship.
Under this red glow, a marine suddenly heard voices in his head. His eyes glowed red, and he lost control, attacking his comrades.
Bang!
“Why are you attacking us?” Modo quickly subdued the marine.
However, under the influence of the red glow and some unknown factor, other marines also lost their sanity and started attacking each other indiscriminately.
“Stop! Stand down!”
Even as Modo commanded, the affected marines seemed not to hear him.
“Lieutenant, what’s happening?” Modo asked Kahn.
Kahn sighed, feeling helpless. During the battle, he sensed the cursed blade exerting a mental influence.
Under this influence, those with weak mental strength couldn’t resist and would become puppets, driven only to kill.
So, when he realized the other marines had come over, he urgently ordered Curls to get them to leave.
But they hadn’t retreated, choosing to stay.
This was a battle of heart and spirit. Only those with strong will wouldn’t be controlled by the cursed blade!
Unfortunately, none of these marines had such strength!
This was a huge problem!
Above, “Lannlos” charged again.
Kahn had no choice but to fight him while knocking out the Marines who had lost control.
This put him at a severe disadvantage, and he was getting wounded by the cursed blade, worsening his condition.
At this moment, Curls was also being affected by the cursed blade.
His mind was filled with chaotic voices, as if knives were being driven into his skull, causing intense pain.
These voices alternated between weak and sharp, constantly attacking his mind, trying to drive him mad.
Damn it!
This isn’t right!
Curls remembered Kahn’s story about the cursed blade and realized it was the influence of the Red Moon!
He had to hold onto his will!
Amidst the chaos, faint voices echoed in Curls’ mind.
You’re too weak! You can’t help in this battle at all!
Give up! Stop struggling! Your efforts are meaningless!
Weren’t you mediocre in your previous life?
Why not stay that way?
This world is full of chaos and conflict. You could die at any moment. Is this the life you want?
Even if you become stronger, there are always those who are stronger.
The Seven Warlords!
Marine Admirals!
The Four Emperors of the New World!
You’re just a weakling!
Facing these chaotic voices, Curls strengthened his resolve.
“I know I’m weak, which is why I strive to become stronger.”
“Every day, every training session, every drop of sweat, I’m working to improve. My progress is real!”
“Becoming stronger is my goal because only strength can protect what I want to protect. I won’t give up in the face of difficulty, won’t stop at obstacles, and won’t retreat in danger.”
“This is my resolve to become stronger!”
“No matter if it’s the Seven Warlords, the Admirals, or the Four Emperors of the New World, I will surpass them step by step!”
“So, all of you noisy voices, get out of my head!”
The chaotic voices in Curls’ mind vanished instantly.
Regaining clarity, Curls quickly assessed the situation.
Except for him, most marines had lost control, leaving only a few struggling with twisted expressions.
Kahn was now fighting “Lannlos” while trying to knock out the marines who were attacking each other. He was barely holding on.
“Lieutenant, I’ll handle the marines. You focus on ‘Lannlos’,” Curls shouted.
“Leave it to you,” Kahn responded, surprised that Curls had regained control.
“No problem!” Curls faced the approaching marines with calm confidence.
“Rise!”
“My shadow soldiers!”
…
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