5. The Sword Pirates

East Blue, an unknown town

"Huhahahaha... Guys, hand it over to me! Seize the food and beauties!"

A two-meter-tall man with a menacing appearance, donning a captain's hat on his head, stood at the bow of the ship, western sword in hand, grinning with yellowed teeth as he bellowed forward.

Captain of the Sword Pirates, Otto Mann! Bounty of 8 Million Berries!

"Ohohohoh"

The pirates could no longer contain their desire to plunder, rushing off the ship to pillage everywhere.

Suddenly——

The once tranquil town now resembled hell on earth, with cries and pleas for mercy echoing everywhere...

"Hey! Captain, won't our conspicuous presence attract the Marines?"

At this point, a man with a cigarette in his mouth leisurely approached Otto Mann, looking somewhat uneasy.

"Hey! Frank, who do you think I am! I am Otto Mann!"

"I've inquired. This is on the outskirts of Logue town Marine Base's jurisdiction. It will take a while for the Marines to arrive, and the top officer of their base won't come. I'm a big pirate with an 8 Million Berries bounty! Huhahahahahaha!"

There was a hint of cunning in Otto Mann's raucous laughter.

In the East Blue, considered the weakest sea, an Eight Million Berries bounty already qualified as a big pirate. No wonder he exuded such confidence.

Frank heard the words and fell silent. After all, he was just a deputy with a bounty of only 5 Million Berries. His strength paled in comparison to Captain Otto Mann.

Logue town wharf——

Colonel Randall's gaze was solemn as he observed the Marine warship slowly departing.

The image of the figure that had sneaked onto the warship flashed in his mind, and a smile involuntarily crept onto the corner of his mouth, softening his stern expression...

"Eh!??? Atlas brat! What are you doing here?"

When Captain Wright spotted Atlas sneaking around, his expression immediately mirrored that of someone who had seen a ghost, his jaw almost hitting the floor!

"Ah? This...report to Captain Wright, Atlas requests to join the battle."

When Atlas realized he had been discovered, he casually discarded any pretense of secrecy.

If you state your request directly, I'm already involved anyway. Can you still drive me away?

Atlas thought indifferently.

"...Okay, then for now, consider yourself a ship's chore boy, you brat!"

Wright felt helpless as he witnessed this. He knew it was the only feasible approach in this situation.

"However, stay back later and don't wander around. The enemy is a sizable pirate group with a bounty of over 10 million Berries."

Wright asserted seriously, his brown eyes fixed on Atlas. Should Atlas dare to refuse, he'd find himself thrown into solitary confinement without a word!

It might be better to let seasoned individuals handle the fighting.

"...Well, don't worry, Wright. I'll pay attention to safety."

Atlas fell silent for a moment, then casually reassured himself, exuding confidence in his own strength.

After all, the captain played only a minor role in 8 Million Berries. Who knew the true worth of his 8 Million bounty? Although bounty could reflect strength to some extent, certain pirates inflated their reputations by committing heinous acts to boost their bounties.

"Eh..."

As soon as Wright observed Atlas' indifferent expression, he realized the kid didn't take his words seriously. Thus, he secretly resolved to keep a closer eye on him when the battle commenced.

Having bid farewell to Wright, Atlas strolled towards the storage warehouse, selecting a Marine standard sword. It wasn't as impressive as a 50 Skillful Grade blade, let alone a Great Grade or Supreme Grade one. Nonetheless, it proved more practical than fists. Presently, Atlas's body hadn't reached the point where he could use Armament Haki. Even the Marine Six Powers standard was insufficient, placing his body in the category of a regular human, not superhuman. Thus, sharp weapons were his optimal choice at the moment.

On the other hand, Wright rushed to the command room, reporting to his superior about Atlas.

Finally, amid a serious atmosphere, the warship reached its destination.

The pirate flag, a Western sword interspersed among skulls in the distance, gradually became clearer. The Marines on the warship instinctively tightened their grip on their weapons, visible nerves betrayed by the constant swallowing of saliva.

After all, this is war, and war... can end lives!

Atlas on the deck gradually shed his laziness. Fear was absent from his eyes; instead, excitement pulsed through him at the impending battle. Every cell in his body was eager to engage.

"Boss! The Marines are here! Should we retreat?"

The watchmen of the Sword Pirates in the distance had spotted the Marines' arrival, issuing an early warning.

After receiving the alert, the Sword Pirates hastily retreated from all parts of the town, colliding with the assembling Marines.

Thus, Atlas embarked on his first battle!

Atlas drew the long sword, leaning forward to accelerate, passing through the crowd and heading directly for Otto Mann!

Upon catching a glimpse of that familiar figure, Wright's heart skipped a beat.

Otto Mann also appeared surprised, but upon realizing Atlas was merely a handyman, contempt flashed across his face.

Atlas paid no mind to Otto Mann underestimating him. The coldness in his eyes intensified, and the strength in his hands suddenly surged.

"Itto-ryu Iai: Shishi Sonson.!"(T/N: The move Zoro used to defeat Mr.1)

A high-level move name escaped his lips, startling Otto Mann. Of course, it was a borrowed name from Zoro's move. In reality, he simply slashed with the sword, lacking any specific technique. He merely proclaimed the name to showcase.

When Otto Mann witnessed this, he positioned his Western sword horizontally in front of him. However—

Regret filled him the next second because this sword promptly incapacitated him! He rolled on the ground several times before barely halting.

Upon seeing the sword's impressive feat, Atlas took a long stride, slashing at Otto Mann again.

Otto Mann wasn't a fool; he appropriately displayed the qualities expected of a 'big pirate.' Swiftly, he executed a dodge, narrowly evading a critical strike.

Nevertheless, the opportunity was lost, and he permanently lost one arm.

"You little devil..."

Otto Mann's expression turned gloomy. To have one's arm crippled by a mere kid wasn't a situation that guaranteed a future. Not everyone could be a [Red-haired] Shanks, able to become one of the Four Emperors even with a broken arm.

It was foreseeable that Otto Mann would likely be rendered useless in the future, assuming he had a future at all.

Without affording Otto Mann a chance to recover, Atlas held the sword in one hand, lunging forward with a straight strike.

"Damn it!"

Otto Mann didn't hesitate, opting to exchange injuries for injuries. The Western sword aimed straight for Atlas's heart. Unexpectedly, Atlas lowered himself, feinted, and attacked in three swift moves. However, Otto Mann's old strength had vanished, and his new strength hadn't yet regenerated. Staggering, he received a solid stab in his thigh.

Scarlet splattered onto his face.

Otto Mann collapsed to the ground, his bleeding flesh-and-blood thighs turning paler by the second.

This battle lasted only a few dozen seconds from start to finish.

Witnessing their captain dealt with so effortlessly by a Marine handyman, the remaining Sword Pirates stared in disbelief.

The reality confronted them, and no matter their struggle, acceptance was their only recourse.

Fighting spirit dissipated, and within a short time, they were all disarmed and bound to the ground.

The battle concluded. The Marines efficiently cleaned up the aftermath. Captain Wright approached Atlas, patting his shoulder with evident joy, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Atlas turned back, grinning at Wright.

The blood-stained face broke into a smile, revealing snow-white teeth arranged neatly, sunny and eerie.