Chapter 7

Chapter 7: The Crescent Cove Alliance

After successfully navigating the trials of the sky island and retrieving the golden treasure from the ruins of Shandora, Kael set his sights on his next goal: laying the groundwork for his rebellion against the World Government. As the *Eclipser* sailed away from the sky island, gliding gently down the Milky Road, Kael reviewed his plans and the resources now at his disposal.

As Kael finalized his plans, the system initiated a private communication.

[System Notice: Strategic Asset Proposal]

System: "Kael, I have analyzed your immediate needs. To enhance intelligence-gathering capabilities, I recommend deploying Zetsu models. These units can infiltrate World Government and Marine bases, collect information, and relay it to you without detection."

Kael's interest was piqued. "Zetsu models? What are their capabilities?"

System: "Zetsu models are bio-organic constructs with the ability to blend into any environment. They can mimic voices and appearances, making them ideal for espionage. However, their initial deployment requires specific resources and a focused effort to maintain secrecy."

Kael considered this carefully. "How soon can we produce and deploy these units?"

System: "With the resources from Shandora and the Dial technology, initial deployment can begin within one month. However, additional funding and rare materials will be required for mass production. Additionally, there are other advanced techniques and powers you can acquire with reputation points."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by advanced techniques and powers?"

System: "You can use your current reputation points to unlock a variety of abilities and items. Here are some options:

Mangekyo Sharingan Powers: Access to additional Mangekyo Sharingan abilities from other users.

Flying Thunder God Technique (Hiraishin): High-speed teleportation technique for rapid movement and combat advantage.

Navy Six Powers (Rokushiki): Mastery of the six special martial arts techniques used by the Marines.

Captains' Zanpakutō: Access to powerful Zanpakutō and their abilities from other Soul Reaper captains."

Kael's eyes lit up with excitement. "These abilities could significantly enhance our capabilities. How do I unlock them?"

System: "You can redeem your reputation points in the following manner:

Mangekyo Sharingan Powers: 50,000 Points each.

Flying Thunder God Technique (Hiraishin): 100,000 Points.

Navy Six Powers (Rokushiki): 75,000 Points.

Captains' Zanpakutō: 150,000 Points each.

"Additionally, hunting down pirates with bounties totaling 500,000,000 Berries will unlock the production of 100 advanced Zetsu clones, each equipped with superior infiltration and combat capabilities."

Kael's eyes narrowed with determination. "Understood. I'll take on this mission personally. These Zetsu models and advanced techniques could be the key to gaining the upper hand against the World Government."

Pausing for a moment, Kael continued, "For now, I want to redeem the power of Obito's Mangekyo Sharingan. Its abilities will provide a significant boost to our safety and strategic options."

System: "Acknowledged. Redeeming Obito's Mangekyo Sharingan power will cost 50,000 Reputation Points. Do you wish to proceed?"

Kael nodded. "Proceed."

System: "Redemption complete. You now have access to Obito's Mangekyo Sharingan abilities. Use them wisely to enhance your strategic edge and ensure the safety of your rebellion."

The return journey to Crescent Cove was uneventful compared to the challenges Kael had faced thus far. The Knock Up Stream's descent had been expertly navigated with the help of his Mangekyo Sharingan and system guidance. The treasure stored in his spatial inventory gave him confidence, but Kael understood that money alone would not be enough to challenge the World Government.

Reaching Crescent Cove, Kael found Draven and Lyra waiting as instructed. They stood alongside a small group of followers Kael had gathered during his early campaigns—each loyal to his cause and eager to help rebuild what the World Government had taken from them.

Kael stood before his assembled followers, their eyes filled with hope and determination. The crescent moon above cast a silvery glow over the gathered crowd.

"My friends," Kael began, his voice steady, "we have taken the first step toward reclaiming our freedom. The gold we secured will fund our efforts, but it is not wealth that will win this war—it is unity, discipline, and strategy."

He gestured toward the distant horizon. "The World Government's reach is vast, and their forces are mighty. But history has shown us that even the strongest empires crumble when faced with the will of a united people. That is what we must become."

Turning to the group, Kael addressed their immediate needs. "Draven, I entrust you with training our warriors. Strength alone will not suffice; we need strategy and mastery of our abilities. Lyra, you will lead efforts to establish our covert operations, gathering intelligence and ensuring our movements remain hidden."

Before continuing, Kael activated his Mangekyo Sharingan, scanning the crowd for any signs of deception. The piercing gaze of his Sharingan revealed no immediate threats, and he breathed a sigh of relief. I must keep this gathering confidential. No one from the World Government must infiltrate us.

Kael's gaze swept over the crowd. "Finally, I need those among you with business acumen to step forward. To fight the World Government, we must be strong not only in battle but also in trade and diplomacy. We will establish legitimate enterprises to fund our rebellion and provide cover for our operations."

Several individuals stepped forward, their hands raised. Kael nodded approvingly. "Good. Together, we will build a foundation strong enough to challenge the might of the World Government. Our path will not be easy, but it will be worth it."

He then turned to Draven and Lyra. "I'm entrusting both of you with 500 million Berries from our treasure. Use these funds to create strong, independent groups. Draven, focus on training and equipping our warriors. Lyra, establish our covert operations and ensure our actions remain hidden from the prying eyes of the World Government."

The sun had just dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the ship's deck. The wind was calm, and the vast expanse of the ocean stretched endlessly in front of them. Kael stood at the helm, his hands resting on the railing as he gazed out toward the distance. His mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with plans that he had kept hidden for some time now.

Draven approached first, his heavy boots thudding softly against the wooden deck. His stern eyes flickered toward Kael, a silent inquiry in his gaze. Lyra wasn't far behind, her sharp eyes scanning the horizon as she made her way over. Kael could sense their curiosity before they even spoke.

After a brief moment of silence, Kael finally spoke, his voice calm but carrying a note of finality. "I'm heading to the East Blue," he said, turning to face them.

Draven raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms over his chest. "East Blue? What for?"

Kael took a deep breath, his gaze flickering slightly before he met Draven's eyes. "Personal business. But there's more to it. I need information about some high bounty pirates."

Lyra's interest piqued, her eyes narrowing. "High bounty pirates? You're not thinking of... hunting them, are you?" she asked, her voice steady but curious.

Kael nodded, a steely determination in his eyes. "Yes, Lyra. I need to take down pirates with bounties totaling 500 million Berries. It's essential for our next step in deploying the Zetsu models, as he thought internally ."

Draven's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly masked his surprise. "That's a bold move, Kael. But where will you start?"

Kael glanced out at the horizon. "I need information on the most notorious pirates in the area. Those with the highest bounties. Any leads or sources you can think of?"

Lyra folded her arms, deep in thought. "There's a network of informants in the underworld who trade in information about high-bounty targets. They're risky, but they can provide the intel you need."

Draven nodded in agreement. "And the bounty hunters' guild might also have leads. They track high-value targets regularly. You can blend in and gather information without drawing too much attention."

Kael smiled, appreciating their input. "Perfect. I'll start with these leads. Meanwhile, ensure our preparations here are solid. Draven, continue training our warriors and enhancing their skills. Lyra, expand our covert operations and secure more informants. Use the funds wisely."

Both Draven and Lyra nodded, their resolve matching Kael's.