With supplies in hand, all we needed now was a ship. We could either buy one or take one, and given that I had spotted a few pirate ships docked nearby, the second option seemed both easier and more cost-effective.
"Alright," I said as we walked along the bustling docks, keeping my voice low. "We need a ship. We could buy one, but why waste money when we can take one of those?" I nodded toward a mid-sized pirate ship moored a short distance away.
Ace grinned. "I like that plan. Less paperwork."
Deuce sighed. "Of course you do. But stealing a pirate ship means fighting an entire crew. You sure about this?"
I smirked. "It won't be much of a fight."
We approached the ship cautiously, pretending to be nothing more than curious onlookers. The crew was a loud, rowdy bunch, drinking and laughing without a care in the world. A few were already passed out near the dock, making this even easier.
Deuce took a deep breath. "Alright, let's do this quickly."
Ace stretched his arms. "You sure you don't want to let me have some fun first?"
"No need," I said.
Before either of them could react, I moved.
In an instant, I vanished from where I stood and reappeared on the ship's deck. The pirates barely had time to register my presence before I struck. My fist slammed into the closest one, sending him hurtling over the railing and into the sea. Another pirate turned, confused, only to be met with a brutal kick that launched him across the deck.
Shouts of alarm filled the air, but none of them could react fast enough. Enhanced by sheer speed and power, I weaved through them like a storm, knocking out each pirate in rapid succession. One was sent flying into the main mast, another flipped end over end before crashing onto the dock, and several more were hurled straight into the ocean.
Within seconds, the deck was cleared.
Ace and Deuce had just stepped onto the gangplank when the last conscious pirate reached for his sword.
Boom!
I flicked my hand, and a clear portal of the Gate of Babylon opened beside me. A cannonball shot out at Mach speed, obliterating the wooden railing next to the pirate, sending splinters flying. The force alone sent him tumbling backward off the ship, screaming before he splashed into the water.
Silence fell over the deck.
Ace let out a low whistle. "Damn. You really don't mess around."
Deuce adjusted his glasses, glancing at the pirates struggling in the water. "That was… efficient."
I dusted off my hands. "No point in dragging things out. Now let's get out of here before anyone gets ideas."
Ace and Deuce wasted no time hoisting the anchor while I took the helm. The ship responded smoothly as I turned the wheel, the sails catching the wind as we pulled away from the docks. A few of the drenched pirates were already swimming toward the shore, shouting curses at us, but none of them had the means to stop us.
As we sailed out to sea, leaving the port behind, Ace leaned against the railing with a grin. "Well, that went better than expected."
Deuce sighed, shaking his head. "Stealing a ship in broad daylight. I can't believe we actually pulled that off."
I smirked. "Believe it. Now let's see what we've got to work with."
With the open sea stretching before us, we finally had time to check out our new vessel properly. The ship was a solid mid-sized brig, built for both speed and durability. The hull was reinforced, the sails were in good condition, and twin rows of cannons lined the sides, giving us enough firepower to defend ourselves if needed.
Below deck, we found a well-stocked storage area with barrels of fresh water, preserved food, and spare weapons. The captain's cabin was surprisingly well-kept, with maps, a sturdy desk, and a locked chest—one we'd crack open later.
The armory had plenty of cannonballs and gunpowder, giving me more ammunition for the Gate of Babylon. I grabbed a few cannonballs and sent them into my storage for safekeeping. With the way my portals worked, I could rain destruction whenever needed, and having extra supplies never hurt.
As I continued exploring the ship, I noticed a reinforced door near the back of the lower deck. Inside, I found a hidden compartment filled with small chests and sacks of money—likely plunder from previous raids. I made a quick count. It wasn't a fortune, but it was a solid stash of beli that would help us along the way.
Ace plopped down on a barrel. "Damn, we really lucked out with this one."
Deuce nodded. "This is a real ship, not some worn-down wreck. It'll take us anywhere we need to go."
I took the helm, testing the wheel. "Good. Because our next stop is Sabaody Archipelago to see if Rayleigh Silvers will teach us some tricks like Haki and the Marine Six styles."
Ace raised an eyebrow. "Rayleigh, huh? I've heard of him.Think he'll actually teach us?"
"If we've got the money, he might. If not, we'll figure something out."
Deuce tapped his chin. "Still, learning about Haki and the Marine Six Styles could give us a real edge."
Ace smirked. "Fine by me. But first, I call dibs on the captain's cabin!"
Deuce rolled his eyes. "You do realize Ryan took out the entire crew in under a minute, right?"
Ace blinked, then turned to me. "…Okay, fine. You can have it."
I chuckled, turning the ship toward our next adventure. With a new vessel, some unexpected wealth, and a destination in mind, the real journey was just beginning.
"Actually Deuce you should probably steer this thing to be honest I've never piloted a ship in my life. I wouldn't trust Ace with it either unless you want us back on that barren island." I suggested.
"Hey!" Ace shouted. "I'm not that bad!"
"Yeah, no chance." With that Deuce took over the navigation and steering of the ship.
"Ace take down the pirate flags, no need to attract attention from marines." I called out and he nodded climbing up the mast.