"Well, what a coincidence!"
After departing from the capital of Alubarna, Atlas wasn't in a rush, so he opted for two running ducks as their mode of transportation. It's safe to say that these swift creatures are among the fastest in Arabasta, allowing them to cover almost a million miles in half the usual travel time.
The area where the pirates operate is situated on the opposite side of Arabasta. Sandy Island is practically split into two parts by a massive strait. On one side lies the capital and port city of Arabasta, while the other side includes cities like Alubarna and Rainbase—the city that Crocodile will later take control of.
Arabasta is limited by the climate. Large cities are built on oases, so the distribution of cities is irregular.
What Atlas has to do now is to return to the warship and sail to Alubarna, where he might even encounter the pirates.
...
"Helmsman, prepare! Set sail, target: Alubarna!"
Upon his return to the warship, Adjutant Luke promptly took charge, organizing the warship's movements in a disciplined manner. Luke wasn't particularly skilled in combat, but his expertise in overseeing the overall command and arrangement of the warship was reassuring for Atlas as he navigated. This allowed Atlas to focus on practicing in the training room without worry.
While I'm uncertain about Vice Admiral Jonathan's strength, when it comes to resourcefulness, he unquestionably holds the top spot among the generals at headquarters. He is highly content with the personnel assigned to Atlas for this mission.
Nanohana is relatively close to Alubarna, and considering the sailing speed of a warship, it is anticipated to reach there in approximately half an hour.
However, just as the warship departed from Nanohana, an unexpected event left Atlas bewildered. They unexpectedly encountered a group of pirates, identified through intelligence as none other than the Vasily Pirates, notorious for raiding Arabasta, along with the Antolic Pirates!
Based on Atlas's speculation, it is surmised that the earlier journey to Alubarna was merely a diversion. The actual target seems to be the port city of Nanohana. In comparison to Alubarna, Nanohana boasts a larger population and is undoubtedly wealthier.
"Now, allow me to go and take care of them. Just to flex my muscles, perhaps... hehe!"
Atlas smirked, as if he had thought of something amusing. As he approached the pirate ship in the lead, he skillfully maneuvered the warship, narrowly avoiding a collision with the pirate vessel. Remarkably, the warship sustained no damage. This can be attributed to the exceptional quality of the warship itself and, additionally, to Atlas's improved proficiency in using Rokushiki, demonstrating more precise control over his power.
Casually removing the cloak of justice from behind him, he tossed it into Luke's hands. While he looked dashing in the justice coat, Atlas didn't want to soil or damage another cloak. Moreover, he was aware that in anime, there were epic battles that could destroy worlds. Where does one buy clothes that remain intact no matter how intense the struggle? Now, it's commonplace for Atlas to use his hands to burst clothes.
"Hey! Marine, is it just you? You seriously underestimate me!"
A man with a sallow complexion glared at Atlas's youthful face and spoke fiercely. As a pirate accustomed to dealing with Marines, he quickly recognized the warship as belonging to the Marine G-8 Fortress. Initially a bit apprehensive, he became annoyed upon noticing Atlas's captain rank, realizing he had been taunted.
"It seems you haven't quite grown out of your infancy! Hahaha..."
"Go home, you brat!"
Various curses erupted from all directions, as if attempting to mask the embarrassment of the recent encounter.
"How ridiculous! What a bunch of bastards..."
Atlas showed no emotion towards this sea debris. The bounties of the low-level pirates before him were so insignificant that Atlas couldn't be bothered to remember them, let alone compare each one individually.
Shigan Gatoringu!(Gattling)
Poof! Poof! Poof!
The vacuum bullets filled the sky, overwhelming the group of pirates and piercing their bodies amid horrified screams. Even those fortunate enough to escape injury found themselves wailing on the ground, their arrogance from just moments ago completely evaporated.
Atlas, not one to be callous, decided to grant these individuals a chance at a happier life. Utilizing Geppo, he stepped into the air, positioned his palms horizontally, and gave a slight wave forward!
Mutoryu Tatsumaki!(Tornado)
The chaotic vacuum slash swiftly engulfed the pirate ship, causing it to sink instantly. As for the injured pirates immobilized by their wounds, they could only offer prayers and hope that no sea creatures would devour them, allowing them to meet their end with their bodies intact.
The other pirate group that followed behind them saw the whole process in front of their eyes, and they were all shaken like chaff.
"Elias! Come on! Turn around and go, yes! Go to Alubarna!"
Antolic appeared to clutch at a lifeline, urgently issuing commands to the helmsman, his voice tinged with desperation. He then rushed into the captain's cabin, grabbed the phone on the bedside, and dialed a number stored in his memory.
"Hello!"
In no time, a lengthy transverse scar abruptly materialized on the face of the phone bug. A large cigar adorned his mouth, his eyes emanated gloom, and his deep voice, hoarse, sent shivers down Antolic's spine, prompting him to instinctively adopt a more respectful demeanor.
"Lord Crocodile..."
"Call me Mr.0!"
"Yes, Mr. 0, we're being pursued by the Marines. I implore you to save us!" Antolic uttered to the phone bug in an almost begging tone, yet a hint of ruthlessness flickered in his eyes. He was well aware that, at this moment, he was aiding Crocodile. If exposed, the position of a Shichibukai... hehe...
Even though he was unaware of Crocodile's motive for instructing them to harass Arabasta, losing the position of a Shichibukai would undoubtedly bring about considerable trouble.
"..."
"Okay, come to Alubarna."
Crocodile on the other end of the phone fell into silence for a moment, then spoke in a low, emotionless tone, leaving Antolic unable to discern his thoughts.
Snap!
Crocodile's expression grew even darker after ending the call. His initial plan was to eliminate Antolic and the others in front of the people of Arabasta during their looting activities. This way, he could not only position himself as a 'hero' in the eyes of the people but also accomplish a dual purpose by silencing them. Unexpectedly, the Marines had disrupted his plan.
On the other side, Atlas, having dispatched all members of the Vasili Pirates to the depths, didn't seize the opportunity to pursue the Antolic Pirates after their victory. Instead, he strolled directly to the warship and calmly retrieved the Justice cloak from his adjutant, draping the sizable garment over his frame.
"Captain, why not wipe them all out in one go..." Luke was a bit perplexed. He wasn't underestimating Atlas's physical strength; he understood that this level of activity was merely a warm-up for someone of Atlas's caliber.
"When you're fishing, you have to put out bait..."
Atlas somehow thought of Vice Admiral Jonathan.
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Here are three bonus chapters for reaching 3 goals
This is the one for power stones. To be honest, I didn't think it would be this fast, now I am more motivated to stockpile my chapters.
Read 20 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari