The crew sets sail right after waking up. Eustass Valve is at least one day ahead of them, so time is of the essence.
After setting sail, the first of their concerns was the Navy blockade around the area. Duros suggests that they go around Krendor and Lima, avoiding the blockade entirely. However, if they want to catch up with Valve the fastest route is through the blockade.
Arguments for the two routes came and went. In the end, they decided to go through the blockade since no one could convince Ragnar otherwise. Also, Verona remembered what they heard from the old man in the shack days ago. The Marines aren't necessarily stopping people from going through, they're just charging them for it. It might cost them all the money they have; but the crew, especially William, are very confident in the reward they will receive after freeing Pearl's brother.
With this plan in mind, the Yogi Pooh braves the waters whilst its sails catch the winds; forward to the Tarako Kingdom.
Duros and Pearl worked together with Verona to draw a map of the general layout of the prison and coastline of the island. Although several years have passed, there should not be any drastic changes.
-What are you working on there, Atom? – William asks after coming below deck one pleasant morning.
-If what the girl and knight said is true, I might have to come up with something stronger to go through the prison walls. – He responds. Several pieces of shrapnel, empty bombs, and a variety of powder samples are lying on the floor. Atom is sitting on the floor, wearing only a tank top. He put on a little bit of weight since coming on board.
-And shouldn't you be working on this above deck in case you mess up?! – William adds mildly concerned.
-I might not be a good bounty hunter… – Atom says reaching out to grab a sample of a very black powder – But you'll not gonna find a better bomb maker than me on this side of the Red Line. – He lets out, with a hint of pride in his voice, as he expertly mixes the sample he just grabbed with two others, and puts the mixture inside one of the empty bombs. All that inside of a wobbly ship.
With some of his concerns quelled, William decides to leave him alone. He's got better things to do, such as play with his Devil Fruit to see what wacky powers he can get.
The other day, he got the ability to turn solid objects into a semi-liquid state. And another one that lets him communicate with animals. It wasn't pleasant being able to hear the screams of panic coming from the seagulls as Verona was target practicing.
As the days go by without any hint of a Navy blockade in the area, the crew stumbles upon several pieces of wood floating in the ocean. It seems like a massive battle took place here at least three Navy ships and one pirate ship can be seen. The Jolly Roger on the pirate vessel was badly damaged, but those crossed pipes are unmistakable. This was a ship belonging to the Steam Pipe Pirates. Slightly bigger than the one docked at their hideout in Krendor.
-Do you think that was their flagship? – Pearl wonders as the Yogi Pooh makes its way through the wreckage.
-Nah. I've seen their ship before. It's a lot bigger than that. – Atom comments.
Lots of dead bodies floating on the ocean. The majority of them wearing the classic white shirt of the Marines. They come closer to two ships, one of the Navy; and the aforementioned pirate ship, sinking a lot closer to each other.
-Captain! – Verona shouts from the crow's nest – Looks like we got some survivors!