"Who said cannonballs are useless? These things are very handy," Satoru declared, a mischievous grin forming on his face. Without further ado, he hefted a cannonball in his hand, testing its weight, and with a sharp snap of his arm, hurled it into the air.
The cannonball tore through the sky with a deafening *whoosh*, and before anyone could react, it struck the pirate ship's mast. An explosion erupted, sending wood splinters and smoke into the air. The mast, once standing tall, now collapsed in a fiery heap.
"Not bad for a first try," Satoru said, dusting his hands as though he'd accomplished nothing extraordinary. "I see why the old man enjoys this. It's pretty fun!"
The warship's crew stared in stunned silence. Their jaws hung open as they struggled to comprehend what had just happened. Had their commander just used a cannonball as a projectile? This wasn't something you'd expect to see—unless you were on the legendary Garp's ship.
Even the pirates were caught off guard. Confusion spread among their ranks as they tried to piece together the chaos.
"What just happened?!" shouted one of the crew members, his face pale.
The captain, however, had seen enough to understand. His observation haki had caught the trajectory of the cannonball, and his heart sank. This technique was unmistakable—it was the signature move of the naval hero Garp. Yet, when he looked through the telescope, all he saw was a young, white-haired officer.
"That's not Garp," muttered the observer. "It's some kid!"
The captain's blood froze. He suddenly remembered the news about the G8 Base—a report of a commander who had decimated three pirate crews under the Beast Pirates in one battle.
"Turn the ship around! Get us out of here immediately!" the captain barked, panic evident in his voice.
---
"Sir, they're retreating!" a naval observer reported.
"Speed up. Don't let them escape!" Kulom ordered. The warship accelerated, its sleek design cutting through the waves effortlessly.
But Satoru stepped forward, waving his hand. "No need for all that. Bring me a box of cannonballs—I'll take care of this myself."
Kulom hesitated, wanting to protest, but remembered the earlier display. She sighed and ordered the crew to fetch the ammunition.
Within minutes, a crate of cannonballs was placed beside Satoru. Picking one up in each hand, he turned toward the fleeing pirate ship. His grin widened.
"Pirates, let me introduce you to the *Fist Bone Meteor Shower*."
What followed was chaos. Satoru's arms became a blur as he hurled cannonball after cannonball. Each projectile flew at blistering speed, hitting its target with pinpoint accuracy. Explosions erupted across the pirate ship, sending plumes of smoke and fire into the air. The ship's hull splintered, and its deck was reduced to shambles.
The navy crew could only watch in awe. The sheer speed and precision of the throws were otherworldly. Cannonballs seemed to vanish from the crate and reappear as explosions on the pirate ship. Within moments, the pirates' vessel was a burning wreck, sinking rapidly beneath the waves.
Satoru finally stopped, shaking his arms. "Whew, that's a workout. No wonder the old man loves this, but it's exhausting."
The crew exchanged glances, struggling to process what they had witnessed. One brave soul muttered, "Sir, you said it's not a human thing, but… you just did it yourself."
Satoru grinned. "Sorry about that. I got carried away. I didn't give you guys a chance to exercise. Next time, I promise."
The crew didn't respond. They were too stunned to speak, their minds replaying the scene of Satoru singlehandedly annihilating a pirate crew.
---
As the flames died down, Satoru turned to the crew. "Make sure to record the details of this battle. The pirate group we just eliminated—every kill and every victory matters. When this goes up the chain, it's not just for recognition. You'll earn promotions… and bonuses."
At the mention of money, the crew's eyes lit up. Funding the G8 Base's transformation into a fortress comparable to Navy Headquarters would require substantial resources, and this victory would undoubtedly add to their coffers.
As the warship continued its patrol, the mood onboard remained high. The crew had witnessed not just a display of strength but also the power of leadership—a commander who inspired awe and trust.
Satoru, meanwhile, leaned against the rail, gazing out at the sea. This was just the beginning. The New World was vast, and the pirates who thought they could rule it would soon learn a harsh lesson.
The G8 Base wasn't just another outpost—it was a symbol of the Navy's strength. And under Satoru's command, it was destined to become legendary.