The sun was shooting rays in through the blinds of the marine ship, forcing me to pry my eyes open, It was a Saturday for God's sake, they just won't let me sleep, *sigh* I turned to see Tashigi, lying, her face caressing the pillow, strands of hair lose and her glasses on the table. We fell asleep last night after a long and drawn-out fight with some rookie pirates yesterday, and we could have done with a break.
I didn't disturb Tashigi, instead, I got dressed and pecked her on the cheek before leaving, pulling my marine jacket over my clothes and shutting the door behind me, the crew was lively, carrying on with their daily jobs, I smiled at them and received and gave many "Good Morning" wishes. The crew was composed of 200 people. 50 being Cadets, yet under our leadership and training they would probably be able to take on paradise-level pirates, 50 higher infantry officers who were strong and just about started to learn the concept of Haki. the remaining were composed of officers of lower ranks than Tashigi, Smoker, and I. These last 100 could either use one or two Haki's and some were even training in the ways of the sword.
I jumped up to the front of the ship where I was met with a large box of mail, I opened it after seeing the marine insignia, what was in there was a surprise but I guess expected and dare I say quite deserved. I immediately called Tashigi and Smoker to the higher deck of the ship and we stood waiting for the 200 marines to assemble themselves in front of us.
"Attention! Marines! I am here with a list sent by the Marine headquarters!"
There was a slight stir and a few murmurs and mutters, I received glances from Tashigi and Smoker.
"First and foremost, I, Ryusaki Shimotsuki have been promoted to the mantle of Vice-Admiral in the marines!"
There was a cheer and applause as I received a hug from Tashigi and a manly handshake from Smoker-san.
"Secondly, White Hunter Smoker has been promoted to Rear Admiral of the marines and Captain Tashigi too has received a promotion to Rear Admiral."
We spent the next few hours calling up anyone who received promotions, about 15o of the crew or so, even some cadets got promoted. almost all of us were adorning either new marine uniforms or Jackets, I couldn't be any happier. But hey that was never going to last, was it?
The celebration echoed through the ship as we reveled in the joy of our recent promotions. I stood alongside Rear Admirals Tashigi and Smoker, our ranks gleaming like beacons of honor. The crew, adorned in their Marine uniforms, raised their glasses in a collective toast to the shared victories that had brought us to this moment.
Amidst the cheers and laughter, the ship sailed smoothly through the Grand Line's vast expanse. The night sky painted a canvas of stars above us, adding to the festive atmosphere.
A sudden jolt rocked the ship, causing the crew to stumble. Alarms blared as we rushed to the deck, eyes scanning the horizon for the source of the disturbance. The once-celebratory atmosphere morphed into one of alert tension.
In the distance, emerging from the shadows like ghosts of the sea, a dark-hulled ship loomed ominously. Its sails bore the emblem of a spade—a notorious symbol in the world of piracy. The Spade Pirates, a crew known for their trickery and exceptional combat capabilities, had set their sights on the Marine rapid rescue unit.
The festive spirit dissipated, replaced by the cold grip of anticipation. My hand instinctively moved to the hilt of my sword as I assessed the situation. Tashigi and Smoker, flanking me, shared a glance that conveyed the gravity of the impending threat.
The Spade Pirates' ship drew nearer, revealing the cunning craftsmanship of its design. The crew, clad in dark attire, moved with calculated precision as they prepared for the impending confrontation. This wasn't an ordinary pirate crew; the Spade Pirates were a force to be reckoned with.
"Prepare for battle!" I bellowed, my voice cutting through the tension that hung in the air. The crew sprang into action, assuming their combat positions. As Vice Admiral, the responsibility to protect the ship and its crew rested heavily on my shoulders.
The first volley of cannon fire erupted from the Spade Pirates' ship, creating explosions that rocked the sea around us. The ship's deck became a battleground, and my gaze locked onto the approaching threat. Tashigi and Smoker flanked me, their determination matching my own.
The Spade Pirates, skilled in the art of deception, executed maneuvers that tested the limits of our tactical prowess. Their ship darted through the water with an agility that belied its size, avoiding our retaliatory fire with uncanny precision.
As the two vessels closed in on each other, the clash was imminent. The Spade Pirates, notorious for their cunning tactics, would prove to be a formidable adversary. The crew of the Marine Rapid Rescue unit, despite the abrupt interruption to our celebration, stood united in the face of this unexpected challenge.
The deafening roar of cannons filled the air as the Spade Pirates' ship unleashed a barrage of firepower upon us. The ship rocked with each explosion, and I tightened my grip on the hilt of my sword, the cold steel offering a reassuring sense of control amidst the chaos.
Tashigi and Smoker moved with practiced precision, their commands echoing over the din of battle. The crew, though caught off guard, rallied swiftly, their training kicking in as they operated the ship's cannons and prepared for the inevitable boarding that awaited us.
As Vice Admiral, my mind raced through strategic possibilities. The Spade Pirates were known for their cunning tactics, and this encounter would be no exception. I signaled for the crew to steer the ship into a defensive formation, minimizing the vulnerable sides that the enemy could exploit.
The Spade Pirates, however, were not ones to play by conventional rules. Their ship, agile and elusive, danced through the tumultuous waves, evading our counterattacks with an uncanny grace. It was as if they anticipated our every move, leaving us constantly one step behind.
Amidst the chaos, I locked eyes with Tashigi and Smoker. There was a shared understanding that this encounter wouldn't be easily won. The Spade Pirates had proven themselves as more than just opportunistic raiders—they were a calculated, well-coordinated force.
A sudden lurch indicated that the enemy ship had dropped anchor, locking onto our vessel with a determination that bespoke their intent to board. The eerie quiet that followed the cannonade set an ominous tone, and I knew the real battle was about to begin.
"Prepare for boarding!" I commanded, drawing my sword with a fluid motion. The crew armed themselves, forming a defensive line along the ship's perimeter. Tashigi and Smoker took their positions beside me, their expressions focused and resolute.
The Spade Pirates, their dark silhouettes contrasting against the night sky, descended upon ropes with the agility of seasoned acrobats. The clash was swift and brutal, the deck transforming into a chaotic battleground. The distinct clash of steel echoed through the air as swords met in a flurry of strikes and parries.
My three-sword style became a whirlwind of blades, each stroke calculated to counter the Spade Pirates' elusive movements. Tashigi and Smoker fought with an unwavering determination, their skills amplifying the unity of our defense. The crew, though faced with a formidable foe, fought valiantly, demonstrating the discipline instilled through countless training sessions.
The Spade Pirates, however, lived up to their reputation. They employed cunning tricks, from concealed explosives to smoke screens that disoriented our senses. It was a relentless assault on our defenses, forcing us to adapt on the fly.
As the battle raged on, a realization dawned upon me—the Spade Pirates weren't just seeking plunder; they were testing our mettle. Their attacks seemed designed to exploit our weaknesses and assess our strategic responses. This encounter was a trial by fire, and the outcome would define the narrative of our journey.
The battle with the Spade Pirates raged on, the cacophony of clashing steel and explosions blending into a chaotic symphony. As Vice Admiral, my focus remained on countering the elusive tactics of our adversaries, ensuring the safety of the ship and its crew. Tashigi, Smoker, and I fought in harmony, each strike of our blades a testament to the disciplined unity we had cultivated.
Amidst the chaos, a voice resonated—a voice that felt both familiar and taunting. It cut through the tumultuous sounds of battle, carrying an unmistakable warmth and confidence. "Ryusaki, you think you can handle this on your own?" The words, spoken with a playful tone, echoed amid the chaos.
It was Ace, the captain of the Spade Pirates, whose voice lingered in the air like a challenging echo. The realization struck me—this wasn't just a physical battle but a clash of wills that transcended the boundaries of the present. Ace, had chosen this moment to taunt and challenge me.
His words carried an unspoken challenge. The Spade Pirates seemed to be testing my resolve, daring me to surpass the shadow of the formidable commander.
As I parried the strikes of the Spade Pirates, Ace's voice continued its playful commentary. "You've come a long way, Ryusaki. Let's see if you can handle the heat," he chuckled, the sound cutting through the chaos like a distinct presence.
Tashigi and Smoker, attuned to the rhythm of the battle, both of them in a battle with the vice captain which they seemed to be winning, exchanged glances as if they sensed the tangible taunts coming from somewhere on the Spade Pirates' ship. The crew, too engrossed in the immediate threat, remained oblivious to Ace's real-time provocations.
With Ace's voice as both a challenge and a source of frustration, I pressed forward, channeling the lessons learned from our shared experiences. The three-sword style became an extension of my determination, each stroke a declaration that I wouldn't falter in the face of adversity.
The Spade Pirates, aware of their captain's taunts, intensified their assault. Smoke screens and dazzling illusions tested our resilience, but Ace's voice became a disorienting presence, a reminder of the bond that transcended time and space.
"You've got this, Ryusaki. Show them what it means to face a Marine of your caliber," Ace's voice echoed, taking on a mocking undertone, challenging me to prove my worth against the relentless assault.
As the clash continued, I found renewed strength in Ace's words, even if they were laced with taunts. The Spade Pirates, cunning as they were, couldn't anticipate the unseen force that fueled our determination.