Standing on the deck of the Argo I looked at the others.
"Alright crew, so two things. Our crew name and our pirate flag. I've already come up with them, but if you have any ideas or suggestions once I reveal them then free to voice them." I said. "First up, our crew name will be Argonaut Pirates."
Since just like those band of mythological heroes my crew and I are also going on a dangerous to find a a hidden treasure. Thus I thought the name would fit quite well.
"Any objections?" I asked.
No one spoke up.
"Alright then, so henceforth we shall be known as the Argonaut pirates and this shall be our flag." I spoke. Taking out the design I created for my crews pirate flag.
[Image Here]
"Any objections to the flag or suggestions?"
"No, it looks good." Atalanta spoke.
"Yeah, it really does Achilles." Wave added.
"To think you could draw too." Kuroh spoke.
"Oh Kuroh my friend I am a man of many talents." I told him. "Anyway, enough talk. Let's raise our pirate flag high."
"Yeah!" Wave excitedly shouted.
While Kuroh and Atalanta simply nodded.
Once they did we furled the sails, put our pirate flag design on our main one, unfurled it and then set sail once more.
Everyone from now knowing when the Argonaut pirates will approach.
Once this was done I decided to get in some training with Lonkhe.
While I did I saw Atalanta and Wave training against each other. The latter using a sword just like Kuroh.
Only instead of a katana Wave used cutlass sword, and from what I can see his is pretty good with it. That means we'll need to acquire a better sword for him in the future. One that will be able to match the strength he will gain.
Since I plan to make sure all of my crew is strong and able to defeat high-level enemies. At least at the level of a Yonkou commander.
Because a crew is only as strong as its weakest link, and there will be no weak links on my crew.
Not a single one.
The three of us continued training for some time, before I, and then Wave and Atalanta stopped. We then went to get cleaned up.
Right after we did so Kuroh called us into the kitchen/dining room of the Argo for lunch was ready.
Sitting down I said a silent prayer before digging in. As did Wave.
Meanwhile Atalanta had a grimace on her face.
"What's the matter, you allergic to the lunch I made?" Kuroh asked.
"No, I just don't like peppers." Atalanta replied. "Make me something else."
"No. Eat it." Kuroh immediately replied.
"No way, I told you I don't like peppers." Atalanta retorted.
"Then doesn't that mean you're just being a crybaby." Kuroh said. "Besides, peppers are good for you. Now eat them."
"I won't."
"You will."
"I won't."
"You will."
"Kuroh and Atalanta continued going back and forth.
But since it didn't look like they were going to come to blows I let them be and continued enjoying my lunch right alongside Wave.
My what a pleasant afternoon.
---------------------------------------------------
Lying in a fold-out chair on the deck I enjoyed the gentle breeze on my face and had my arms behind my head as a make-shift pillow.
Since after a good meal nothing is better than a good nap.
Though right as I felt myself drifting off into dreamland Kuroh, who is taking his turn steering the ship, spoke up.
"Achilles, we've got trouble. I see a marine vessel heading in our direction." He spoke.
The moment he did my eyes shot up and I shout up out of my fold-out chair completely alert. Looking around I spotted the marine ship Kuroh was talking about and I also noticed it was heading towards us.
"Kuroh, go get Wave and Atalanta." I told him.
Nodding Kuroh ran below deck and then returned with the two of them a few seconds later.
The three of them turning their eyes to the marine vessel heading towards our direction.
"So captain, what's are next move?" Wave asked.
"We could outrun them, but honestly it's just easier to deal with them. So prepare for battle." I spoke. Putting a feral grin on my face.
Time to show the marines just who the Argonaut pirates are.
---------------------------------------------
(3rd Person: POV)
Following their captains orders Achilles crew swiftly prepared themselves, and the Argo, to go into battle against the marines.
Then once their preparations were complete they started sailing full speed ahead towards the marine vessel.
This action was of course noticed by the marines aboard the marine vessel, and in response they began launching cannonball fire at the Argo.
Fire which was avoided by Wave who was manning the helm.
Nervous, but with an excited expression on his face Wave sailed the Argo closer to the marine vessel.
As he did so Atalanta was up in the crows nest, taking aim with several bows notched into Tauropolos at the marines on their vessel.
The moment Atalanta knew she had some good shots she released her hold on her bowstring, sending the arrows notched in it flying at the marines on the deck of the marine ship.
Her shots each managed to hit a target.
"Agh!"
Falling to the ground the marines on the deck of the marine vessel cried out in pain.
Seeing this their leader, commander Doberman couldn't help but snort. "Get up marines. There are pirates that need to be dealt with. If you falter simply because of a few wounds then that just means Justice means little to you. But if it doesn't get up and destroy that pirate scum!" He shouted as his subordinates.
Then just as Doberman finished speaking Atalanta unleashed another volley of arrows at his subordinates, striking all of her targets once again.
On the deck of the Argo Achilles felt his blood pumping. The pumping getting stronger and stronger as they closed the distance to the marine vessel.
Then once they were close enough Achilles couldn't hold back any longer.
Grabbing Kuroh by the scruff of his neck he used Geppo and crossed over from the deck of the Argo to the deck of the marine ship, letting go of Kuroh the moment he landed.
"What the hell was that?" Kuroh asked.
"I'll tell you later. Right now focus on the immediate threat." Achilles replied.
Lonkhe held firmly in his left hand and at the ready as several marines began closing in on him and Kuroh, including their leader Doberman.
Seeing him Achilles was a bit shocked.
Since he didn't think he would run into any marines he knew from the original story this early in his pirating career. Or at least he didn't think he would encounter them at least until he entered the Grand Line.
But it looks like he was wrong.
"Pirate scum, time to die." Doberman snarled. He then drew his blade from his left hip.
"No, I'm good." Achilles replied.
Ready to face Doberman.
Since not only would the man be a good measuring stick to tell Achilles were his current strength truly lied. But as a bonus he could eliminate one of those horrid 'Absolute Justice' marines from the playing field.
So for Achilles this situation was a win-win.
Deciding not to wait a second longer Achilles rushed at Doberman, pointing the tip of Lonkhe in his direction.
Bringing his cutlass sword pu Doberman managed to catch the tip of Lonkhe on his blade.
Resulting in a clash between the pirate captain and the marine commander.
The start of their battle.
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