Chapter 10

Chapter 10 The Hunt Part ii

Kael stood over Gale's lifeless body, the storm's fury having dissipated into a mere whisper. The camp was eerily quiet now, save for the distant rumble of thunder. He knew what he had to do next. Gale's bounty was substantial, and it would be a significant blow to the pirate crews and a boon to Kael's resources for the rebellion.

Using a length of sturdy rope, Kael bound Gale's body securely. He then hoisted the pirate captain onto his back, his muscles straining under the weight but his resolve unyielding. Gale had been a formidable foe, but now he was just another asset in Kael's strategy.

Navigating through the jungle, Kael retraced his steps to the boat. Before departing the island, he knew he had one more task: looting Gale's treasury. The wealth Gale had accumulated over his years of terrorizing the seas would fund the rebellion's efforts and further weaken the pirate strongholds.

Kael moved stealthily through the camp once more, this time with his sights set on Gale's hidden treasure. The cave entrance, well-hidden by dense foliage, led to a small chamber filled with wooden chests and piles of gold and jewels. By his estimation, Gale's treasury held close to 400 million beli.

With practiced efficiency, Kael filled a large sack with the treasure, securing it tightly. He knew this wealth would be crucial in funding their rebellion, providing resources and leverage against the World Government and other pirate crews.

With Gale's body and the treasure secured, Kael made his way back to the boat. The journey to the mainland was smooth, the weight of his victory and newfound wealth fueling his determination.

Upon reaching the shore, Kael knew it would be cumbersome to carry Gale's body and the treasure through the town. He activated his Mangekyo Sharingan, focusing on the Kamui dimension. With a subtle shift in his vision, he opened a portal, a swirling vortex that led to a separate dimension.

Carefully, Kael placed Gale's body and the treasure into the portal, watching as they disappeared into the Kamui dimension. This ability, a gift of his Sharingan, allowed him to transport objects and people to a pocket space, hidden from the world. It was a perfect way to secure his bounty and treasure until he was ready to claim them.

Now unburdened, Kael made his way to the nearest port town known for its Marine stronghold. The town was alive with activity, a stark contrast to the solitude of the island. He approached the office, the guards at the entrance eyeing him curiously.

"I've got a bounty to claim," Kael said, his voice steady.

The office clerk, a grizzled man with a scarred face, looked up from his papers. "And where's the proof?" he asked skeptically.

Kael activated his Mangekyo Sharingan once more, opening a portal and retrieving Gale's body. The clerk's eyes widened in recognition as he saw the lifeless form of Gale.

"Stormfang Gale," the clerk muttered, unable to hide his surprise. "Never thought I'd see the day."

The clerk inspected the body briefly before nodding. He retrieved a money and handed it to Kael, who accepted it without a word. This bounty, combined with the looted treasury, would fund their next moves, strengthening their position against the World Government and the remaining pirate crews.

As Kael turned to leave, the clerk called after him. "What's your name, stranger?"

Kael paused, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Just a man with a mission," he replied, stepping out into the bustling streets.

The rebellion had only just begun. With Gale's bounty secured and his message sent, Kael was one step closer to his ultimate goal. He knew Lyra and Draven were waiting, ready for the next phase. The storm was far from over, and Kael was prepared to weather it all.

Kael's eyes scanned the bustling streets of the port town as he made his way through the throng of people. The weight of the bounty secured in his satchel was reassuring, but his mind was already racing ahead to the next step of his plan. The rebellion needed more than just money; it needed allies and intelligence.

As he slipped into a narrow alley, a figure stepped out from the shadows. Lyra, her eyes sharp and alert, greeted him with a nod. Her presence was a silent reassurance, a reminder that he was not alone in this fight.

"Gale's down," Kael said, his voice low. "And his treasure is in safe keeping."

Lyra's eyes flickered with approval. "Good. Draven's been busy with the new recruits. We're almost ready for the next phase."

Kael handed her gale bounty of 210 mil. "Make sure this gets distributed. We need to arm our people and secure safe houses."

Lyra took the satchel, her gaze unwavering. "And you?"

Kael's expression hardened. "I need to find Axel and Brim. Their chaos needs to be contained before it disrupts our plans."

Lyra nodded. "Be careful. They won't go down as easily as Gale."

Kael gave a grim smile. "I'm counting on it."

As Lyra disappeared into the shadows, Kael turned his attention to his next target. Axel and Brim were notorious for their unpredictability and violence. They thrived on chaos, and Kael knew he had to outmaneuver them with precision.

He made his way to the docks, where rumors suggested the duo had been seen recently. The smell of salt and fish hung heavy in the air, mingling with the sounds of sailors shouting and seagulls crying overhead. Kael's senses were on high alert as he moved through the maze of crates and cargo.

His gaze fell on a small group of rough-looking men huddled near a tavern. Their voices carried snippets of conversation about recent pirate attacks and bounties. Kael approached, his demeanor calm and unassuming.

"Looking for work," he said casually, catching the attention of a grizzled sailor.

The man eyed him skeptically. "What kind of work?"

"The kind that pays well," Kael replied, slipping a coin into the man's hand.

The sailor's eyes gleamed with interest. "Word is, Axel and Brim are causing trouble up the coast. They've set up camp in an old fortress, thinking they're untouchable."

Kael nodded, absorbing the information. "Appreciate it."

As he turned to leave, the sailor called after him. "Watch your back. Those two are more dangerous than they look."

Kael's lips curled into a faint smile. "So am I."

With his destination set, Kael moved quickly, his mind already formulating a plan. The old fortress was a strategic location, offering both a vantage point and a place to stage attacks. He would need to approach with caution, using every bit of his skill and stealth.

The journey to the fortress was uneventful, but Kael's thoughts were anything but calm. He recalled his past battles, each one a stepping stone to this moment. The faces of those he had lost and those he had yet to save drove him forward.

As he reached the outskirts of the fortress, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the landscape. Kael's heart beat steadily, his focus unyielding. He moved through the shadows, his movements precise and silent.

The fortress loomed ahead, its crumbling walls a testament to battles long past. Kael could see the flicker of torches and hear the faint murmur of voices. Axel and Brim were here, and they were not alone.

Kael took a deep breath, centering himself. This was not just another mission. It was a step toward dismantling the chaos that threatened their cause. He would face Axel and Brim with the same determination that had brought him this far.

With his zanpakto ready and his Mangekyo Sharingan activated, Kael stepped into the darkness, ready to confront the shadows of his past and forge a new path for the future.

Kael's senses were heightened as he kicked open the door, the sound reverberating through the stone chamber. Axel and Brim turned, their expressions shifting from arrogance to alertness in an instant.

Axel, tall and imposing, was the first to react. His eyes narrowed as he sized up Kael. "Intruder!" he bellowed, reaching for the massive broadsword strapped to his back. The weapon gleamed menacingly in the dim light, a testament to Axel's brute strength.

Brim, the wiry and quicker of the two, was already in motion. His twin daggers flashed in his hands, moving with deadly precision. "Let's cut him down, Axel," he snarled, his eyes gleaming with malice.

Kael's lips curved into a determined smirk. He could see their movements, their intentions, even before they acted. His Mangekyo Sharingan flared to life, the swirling pattern in his eyes granting him unparalleled perception and reflexes.

Axel charged first, his heavy footsteps shaking the ground as he bore down on Kael. The broadsword swung in a wide arc, aiming to cleave Kael in two. But Kael was already moving. With a fluid grace, he sidestepped the attack, his zanpakuto meeting Axel's blade with a resonant clash. Sparks flew as steel met steel, the force of the impact sending vibrations through Kael's arm.

Axel growled in frustration, his muscles straining as he tried to overpower Kael with sheer brute force. But Kael was not to be outdone. He used Axel's momentum against him, deflecting the broadsword and forcing Axel to stumble forward.

Brim seized the opportunity, darting in with his daggers aimed at Kael's back. But Kael was ready. With a swift spin, he parried the daggers with his zanpakuto, the blades clashing in a flurry of sparks. Brim's eyes widened in surprise as Kael's counterattack came with lightning speed, a precise strike that forced Brim to retreat.

"You're fast, but not fast enough," Kael taunted, his voice calm and confident.

Axel roared, regaining his footing and launching into another attack. His broadsword swung in powerful, sweeping arcs, each strike meant to overwhelm and crush. But Kael's movements were a blur, his Sharingan guiding his every step. He weaved through the onslaught, deflecting Axel's strikes with calculated precision.

Brim circled around, searching for an opening. He feinted left and lunged right, his daggers thrusting with lethal intent. Kael anticipated the move, his Sharingan predicting Brim's actions. He caught one of the daggers with his zanpakuto, twisting it out of Brim's grasp and sending it clattering to the ground.

Brim hissed in frustration, but Kael pressed the advantage. He delivered a series of rapid strikes, his blade a blur as it sliced through the air. Brim barely managed to block the attacks with his remaining dagger, each impact driving him further back.

Axel, seeing his partner in trouble, bellowed in rage and charged once more. This time, Kael didn't dodge. He met Axel head-on, their blades clashing with a force that shook the chamber. Axel's brute strength was formidable, but Kael's precision and agility kept him on the defensive.

With a sudden, powerful twist, Kael disarmed Axel, sending the broadsword flying from his grasp. Axel staggered, momentarily disoriented, and Kael seized the moment. His zanpakuto flashed, a single, decisive strike that ended Axel's life in an instant.

Brim, seeing his partner fall, let out a cry of fury and despair. He lunged at Kael with renewed ferocity, but Kael's resolve was unshaken. He parried Brim's wild strikes with ease, his Sharingan predicting each move with uncanny accuracy.

"Your reign of terror ends here," Kael said coldly, his voice steady. With a swift, fluid motion, he disarmed Brim and delivered a final, incapacitating strike. Brim crumpled to the ground, defeated.

The battle was over.

Kael stood over the fallen men, his chest heaving with the exertion of the fight. The chamber was silent except for the sound of his breathing. He had won, but there was no time to savor the victory.

Activating his Mangekyo Sharingan once more, Kael opened a portal to the Kamui dimension. With a subtle gesture, the bodies of Axel and Brim were whisked away, safely stored until Kael was ready to claim the bounty and continue his mission.

Before leaving, Kael's eyes were drawn to a corner of the chamber where a large chest lay, half-hidden by shadows. He approached cautiously, lifting the lid to reveal a hoard of treasures. Gold coins, precious gems, and rare artifacts gleamed under the torchlight, a testament to the pirates' plundering.

Kael's expression remained stoic as he quickly assessed the value of the loot. With his trained eye, he estimated the treasure to be worth 500 million Berries. This treasure would be a significant boon to the rebellion, providing much-needed resources. He secured the valuables, ensuring they were ready for transport.

With the fortress cleared, the treasure secured, and his mission complete, Kael turned and disappeared into the shadows once more, ready to continue his path toward dismantling the forces that threatened his rebellion.