71 smoke on the horizon (1/2)

Undying Will Raiohosore 33140K 2022-07-23

With a deep sigh I could not help but clench my fist as I looked at the smoke that rose over the horizon. A thin line of smoke rose as high as the eye could see.

Angella stood next to me, her eyes now a gleaming red and a trail of tears that still chalked out a thin line on her face. Her coat ruffled in the wind.

Fawkes stood at the very corner, downing a cup of pain killers as Sorren poked his back raw with various liquid supplements. In Sorren's hand was a small vial of adrenaline that he would administer at the very end if push came to shove.

Terrick stood at the very corner, a grim atmosphere hung around him as he sharpened his daggers. I was sure by now that it was his way of getting completely serious.

Scipio having realized the intensity of the situation had decided to make himself useful in the only way he knew he could. He had buried himself below deck polishing the two cannons that we possessed.

He had gotten enough knowledge on the cannon that he would not be useless if we ever got into a naval battle.

Our black flag shook in the morning wing, even though it did not have the skull and crossbones that we would identify our crew under, it still symbolized which side of the law we were on. We had pitched it up on purpose, renouncing all other alternatives in our rage.

Angella looked at me through the corner of her eyes a tinge of gratitude in her eyes as she opened her mouth, ”Captain, if we do come across any marines on the island or in its vicinity can I be given permission to engage alone?” She asked, a stern tone in her shaky voice.

”Unless things get too lethal for you alone, sure.” I said nodding solemnly as we came closer to the island that had been burned to a mere hint of its former self.

On the ocean around us we could see the shrapnel of boats that existed. Burnt hands held out in despair as blood flowed freely in its surroundings.

”Captain, how long ago did this happen?” Fawkes asked, a hint of steel in his eyes as he no doubt recalled what had happened to his own home.

”Close to three days ago… If we hadn't taken that shore leave we might have been able to get here on time…” I said, gritting my teeth at the impunity of the situation.

”And what face five people on the level of that damn flamingo?” he called back in a derisive tone. ”We needed that time to prepare captain. Don't beat yourself over a good plan.” He said with certainty as he straightened up.

”You guys keep referencing this flamingo dude, who was he?” Terrick asked as he looked up from his polishing.

”Donquixote Doflamingo” Fawkes replied as he came bare chested to the prow of the ship. With a frown he looked at the oceans around him before turning back to me.

”Angella, if there is a single ship of marines on land, then you can take the highest ranking officer as we ransack the damn vessel, If there are more than that however, all of us will probably have to face off against one of those blasted vice admirals.

Terrick, whoever you face, hope it isn't a logia. Of the five of us, it's only me and Fawkes who can actually do any damage.

If you do end up facing a logia, run around and pull it into a battle of attrition, target the bastards crew and tire him out. Push him into the sea if you have to.

Sorren I want you to overwhelm anyone you face. Keep up the pressure and if you can punch until your hands are sore!

Angella…..Go crazy!” I called out as I braced myself against the ship's mast.

”Aye aye captain!” Came the chorus from my back as we announced our presence.

Fawkes and Sorren stood to my sides pumping out their conqueror's Haki, the wind seethed in rage as we approached the heath of burnt land.

I used my Haki as an operator, setting off concentrated blasts of the force on intervals. The intervals of the waves on the bottom of the ship…

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