"So many warships… nearly a hundred, right?" Vivi gasped in shock as the massive fleet lined up on the horizon, advancing in a powerful formation.
"I counted eighty-two warships," Robin said in a deep voice. "Such a large fleet must have been dispatched by the Navy Headquarters, Captain Ron. Their target is almost certainly you."
The others turned their attention to Ron. There was no question that this fleet was sent from Navy Headquarters, and the reason was obvious. Ron had killed a Vice Admiral and publicly tore up the invitation to join the Seven Warlords of the Sea, enraging the top brass of the Navy and the World Government.
"Don't be afraid," Ron stepped forward from the crowd, smiling confidently at the girls. "As long as I'm here, nothing will happen."
"When they arrive," Ron continued, "Tashigi, Vivi, Raki, Nami—you focus on protecting the Ark. Leave dealing with the enemies to me." He spoke calmly, his eyes locked on the massive fleet that was becoming more distinct on the opposite horizon.
"But there are so many of them!" Kaya said anxiously. "Ron, can you handle this alone…?"
"Don't panic," Ron reassured her, waving a hand. "Numbers don't matter in high-level combat. What matters is strength, not the amount of soldiers. Just do as I say."
"I'm afraid…" Robin's gaze darkened as she spoke. "I'm afraid that this fleet isn't just about numbers."
"What do you mean, Robin?" Kaya asked, alarmed as she grabbed Robin's hand. "Are you saying there might be powerful individuals among them?"
"Ron is incredibly strong," Robin replied calmly. "We all know that. It would be foolish for the Navy to think they could defeat him with ordinary warships and soldiers. The Navy wouldn't underestimate him like that. If the Navy Headquarters sent this many warships, it's likely that Admiral Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru have a plan. Tsuru, in particular, is known for her strategic brilliance. She wouldn't just sit idly by while so many warships are deployed."
Robin's eyes narrowed as she looked at the fleet, which now revealed a terrifying formation on the sea's surface. "Given the circumstances, it's highly probable that one or more of the three Admirals are with them. We just don't know how many."
"The Admirals?" Kaya's face turned pale.
Not only Kaya, but also Nami, Vivi, Tashigi, and the other girls grew pale at the thought.
The three Admirals of the Navy were legends, comparable in strength to the Four Emperors. Their fame and the deterrence they commanded far surpassed that of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. The mere thought of facing such power made the girls nervous.
"With the wisdom of Tsuru and Sengoku, sending a fleet this size suggests that they intend to bring Ron down in one decisive strike," Robin said. "They wouldn't have come unless they were confident."
"So, what do we do…?" Kaya and Nojiko looked at Ron with worry.
Still smiling confidently, Ron reassured them, "I've told you, don't worry. Even if the sky falls, I'll hold it up."
He turned his gaze to Robin. "You're right; the Navy likely thinks that with so many ships and potentially one or more Admirals, they can overwhelm us. But they've underestimated my strength. Even if all three Admirals show up, I won't back down."
Robin was taken aback by Ron's self-assurance, her heart momentarily stirred by his bold confidence.
"They're here!" Nami took a deep breath, her eyes wide as she reported, "The warships are getting closer. There are too many of them for the Ark to take off quickly. Ron, are you sure we should just sit here?"
"Don't do anything. Just focus on guarding the Ark," Ron instructed. "With your current abilities, you should be more than capable of protecting the ship, right?"
"No problem!" Vivi and Raki nodded. Given their current strength, even with so many warships surrounding them, they were confident they could hold their own. And with Nami wielding the power of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, they had even less to fear.
"But what if they bombard us from a distance?" Nami asked, still worried.
Ron grinned, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "If they start shelling us, that'll just make things more interesting. I'll make sure they regret it."
Out on the sea, the fleet of eighty-two warships advanced, comprising sixty small warships, twenty medium-sized warships, and two large warships leading the formation. The ships began to encircle Ron's Ark Maxim, but the fleet hesitated for a moment, making no immediate move.
On one of the large warships, a Vice Admiral was about to order an artillery strike when he was interrupted by Admiral Aokiji.
"Hold on. Ron is on that ship, so shelling won't have much effect," Aokiji said coolly. "The two of us need to capture him alive."
"Capture him alive?" The fleet commander frowned. Although both Aokiji and Kizaru were Admirals, in this fleet, he was technically in charge. He could override their suggestions if he wished.
"Admirals, I recommend we begin with a bombardment to destroy their ship," the commander said confidently. "Once they're in the water, we can easily capture them. Wouldn't that be the most efficient way?"
Aokiji and Kizaru exchanged glances before sighing in unison. "If capturing Ron were that simple, do you think the headquarters would have sent us both?"
The fleet commander hesitated.
"We've received reports that Ron has eaten a Devil Fruit, though it's said to be a lesser one," Aokiji explained. "But his natural strength is incredibly high. If it were as easy as you suggest, the World Government wouldn't have placed such a high bounty on his head."
Kizaru, leaning against the railing with a smirk, added, "Oh my, oh my… if you think one round of cannon fire is enough to take him down, you're in for quite a surprise."
The fleet commander's anger flared. He wasn't about to let these Admirals imply his strategy was flawed. Humph!
"Fine then," he said coldly. "We'll do it my way. Pass the order—aim all cannons at that ship and fire. I don't want a single intact plank left!"
"Yes, Commander!" The messengers saluted and quickly relayed the order.
The commander stood tall at the bow of the ship, hands behind his back, staring intently at Ark Maxim.
Behind him, Aokiji shrugged and said nothing.
Kizaru touched his chin, a mysterious glint in his eyes as he watched the unfolding events.