Chapter 11

Chapter 11 The Hunt iii

Kael emerged from the shadows of the fortress, the weight of his recent victory settled in his chest. The night air was cool, a stark contrast to the heated battle he had just survived. Axel and Brim were no more, and their chaotic reign had come to a decisive end. But Kael knew that this was just the beginning.

Kael made his way back to the port town alone, slipping through the streets unnoticed. His mind was already strategizing the next move, thinking about the remaining pirate captains and the World Government's forces. The rebellion needed to gain momentum quickly, and every victory was a stepping stone toward that goal.

He approached a secluded part of the docks where a small, fast vessel awaited him. This was his personal boat, one that he had used for solo missions. The rebellion had operatives and allies, but some tasks were best handled alone.

As Kael set sail for Ironheart's island, he reviewed the intelligence he had gathered. Captain Cynthia "Ironheart" was known for her brutal tactics and her loyalty to the World Government. Her stronghold was a heavily fortified island to the south, making a direct assault dangerous. But Kael wasn't one for conventional tactics.

The journey was swift and silent, the sea a dark expanse under the crescent moon. As he neared the island, Kael activated his Mangekyo Sharingan, his vision piercing the night. He scouted the defenses from afar, noting the patrol patterns and the positions of the watchtowers.

Kael docked his boat in a hidden cove and slipped into the water, swimming silently to shore. The island was heavily guarded, but he moved with the grace and precision of a shadow. Each step was deliberate, each movement calculated.

Using his Sharingan, Kael navigated the perimeter, disabling traps and taking down guards with lethal efficiency. His heart pounded with anticipation as he neared the main stronghold. The fortress loomed ahead, its iron-reinforced walls a testament to Ironheart's reign of terror.

Kael's approach was methodical. He used the chaos of a sudden rainstorm to mask his movements, slipping through the defenses with ease. He eliminated sentries with silent strikes, making his way to Ironheart's chamber.

The door to Ironheart's chamber was guarded, but Kael made short work of the sentries. He pushed the door open, stepping into the dimly lit room. Captain Cynthia "Ironheart" stood at the far end, her back to him. She turned slowly, her eyes cold and calculating.

"So, the rebellion has come to my doorstep," Ironheart said, her voice a low, dangerous purr. "You've made a grave mistake."

Kael stepped forward, his zanpakto at the ready, his body crackling with the power of Advanced Armament Haki. "The only mistake here is yours, Ironheart. Your reign of terror ends tonight."

Ironheart's eyes flickered with amusement. "Bold words for a man about to die."

Without warning, she lunged at Kael, her massive sword slicing through the air with deadly precision. Kael blocked the attack, the force of the blow reverberating through his arms. The room exploded into chaos as the two clashed, their movements a blur of speed and power.

Kael's Mangekyo Sharingan flared, allowing him to anticipate Ironheart's moves with uncanny accuracy. He used sunpo to dart around the room with incredible speed, his movements too fast for the naked eye to follow. Ironheart's frustration grew as she struggled to land a blow on the elusive warrior.

Kael focused on Ironheart, their duel a deadly dance of blades. He could see the ferocity in her eyes, the unwavering determination to crush any opposition. But Kael was relentless, his training, resolve, and combined powers giving him an edge.

With each strike, Kael's blade glowed with the dark aura of Advanced Armament Haki, enhancing his attacks and breaking through Ironheart's defenses. The battle raged on, both combatants pushing their limits.

Finally, Kael saw his opening. With a swift, calculated strike, he disarmed Ironheart, sending her sword clattering to the ground. Kael's blade was at her throat in an instant, his eyes burning with determination.

"It's over, Ironheart," Kael said, his voice cold and final.

Ironheart's eyes widened, a flicker of fear breaking through her composure. Kael didn't waver. With a swift motion, he ended her life, her body crumpling to the ground.

The chamber fell silent, the echoes of battle fading away. Kael sheathed his blade, his heart steady. Another crucial victory for the rebellion, but the fight was far from over.

With Ironheart defeated, Kael took a moment to catch his breath. He knew that this was just the beginning. The rebellion needed every victory it could claim, and Kael was determined to lead them to freedom.

Kael stood over Ironheart's lifeless body, the dimly lit chamber now silent after the intense battle. His heart pounded steadily as he caught his breath. With another pirate captain defeated, Kael knew he had to secure Ironheart's body and treasure.

He glanced around the room, noting the various chests and valuables scattered about. Ironheart had amassed considerable wealth, much of it likely plundered from her victims. Kael swiftly gathered the most valuable items, filling a large sack with gold coins, jewels, and other treasures. He also found several important documents that could provide intelligence on the World Government's plans.

With the treasure secured, Kael turned his attention to Ironheart's body. He knew that taking it to the Kamui dimension would be the safest way to transport it without drawing attention. Activating his Mangekyo Sharingan, Kael focused on opening a portal to the Kamui space.

A swirling vortex appeared beside him, its edges shimmering with a dark, otherworldly energy. Carefully, Kael placed Ironheart's body and the sack of treasure into the portal. The items vanished into the Kamui space, safely hidden from prying eyes.

Satisfied with his work, Kael deactivated his Sharingan and took a moment to reflect. Each victory brought the rebellion closer to its ultimate goal, but the path ahead was still fraught with danger. He knew that the World Government would not take these losses lightly, and their response would be swift and merciless.

As Kael exited the fortress, he moved with the same stealth and precision that had brought him there. The storm outside had subsided, leaving the night air cool and still. He made his way back to his boat, knowing that he needed to return to the rebellion's headquarters to plan their next move.

Sailing under the moonlight, Kael's thoughts were focused and determined. The defeat of Ironheart was a significant victory, but there were still many challenges ahead. The rebellion needed to stay vigilant and continue to strike at the heart of tyranny.

Upon reaching the mainland, Kael navigated through the bustling port town, slipping unnoticed through the streets. He arrived at Marine office to redeem Axel, Brim and Cynthia "Ironheart" Bounty.

Upon his arrival at the Marine office, Kael stepped into the dimly lit building, his footsteps muffled on the stone floors. The place was quiet, save for the low murmur of a few Marines speaking in hushed tones behind the desk. It was late, but the bounty office never truly slept. The vast walls were lined with wanted posters of pirates, criminals, and revolutionaries—each one a prize for those willing to take them down.

Kael moved with purpose, his eyes scanning the familiar faces behind the counters. A young Marine looked up from his paperwork, startled to see a lone figure so late in the night. The young Marine tried to keep his composure, but Kael's presence was enough to put him on edge.

"I'm here to redeem some bounties," Kael said, his voice calm and commanding.

The Marine's eyes flickered to Kael's attire, the cloak soaked with the remnants of rain, and then to the sack Kael carried—its contents clearly weighing heavily on his shoulder. The Marine hesitated for a moment, but then nodded, motioning for Kael to approach the counter.

"Name and the bounties you're claiming?" the Marine asked, attempting to sound professional, but the nervousness in his voice betrayed him.

"Axel and Brim, both dead," Kael said without missing a beat. "And Cynthia 'Ironheart.' She's no longer a problem."

The Marine blinked, his gaze shifting to the records in front of him, quickly scanning the bounty posters. A faint recognition flickered in his eyes as he found the names. Axel and Brim had been infamous—pirates whose ruthless reign had terrorized the seas for years. Cynthia "Ironheart," a captain known for her brutal enforcement of the World Government's laws, was no less notorious. To bring in all three was no small feat.

"Wait, you… you actually—" The Marine's words faltered as he processed the information. Kael could see the disbelief on his face.

"Do you want proof?" Kael asked flatly, as he used kamui and took out Axel and Brim And Cynthia 'Ironheart' body and handed it to marine

The Marine's eyes widened in shock as Kael activated his Mangekyo Sharingan once more. A swirling vortex of energy opened beside him, and from it, Kael effortlessly retrieved the lifeless bodies of Axel, Brim, and Cynthia "Ironheart." He placed them onto the counter with a quiet thud, the weight of the bodies sending a chilling message.

The Marine froze for a moment, his expression a mixture of awe and fear. The bounty hunter who stood before him was not just a man of impressive power—he was someone who had decimated three of the most feared figures in the criminal underworld in one swift strike.

Kael's cold, unwavering gaze met the Marine's. "These are the ones you're looking for," he said, his voice calm, as though handing over three bags of cargo instead of bodies.

The young Marine, still stunned, fumbled with his paperwork, desperately trying to maintain composure. He reached for the bodies, his hands shaking slightly as he confirmed their identities. The bloodied forms of Axel, Brim, and Ironheart were irrefutable evidence of Kael's deadly success.

"They're really…" the Marine mumbled, unable to complete his sentence. The sheer weight of the moment hung in the air like a heavy fog.

"Yes," Kael responded succinctly. "And I want my payment."

The Marine quickly glanced at Kael before turning to another officer, who had been silently observing the exchange from the far end of the room. This second officer, a more senior-looking Marine with an air of authority, stepped forward. His expression was unreadable, but there was a certain respect in his eyes as he sized Kael up.

"You did it," the senior officer said, his tone even. "Three of the most wanted criminals in the World Government's eyes—vanquished. I'll authorize the release of your reward, but there's one thing you should understand." He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. "This won't go unnoticed. 

Kael understand that, World Government will notice him and may put bounty on him.

Kael met the officer's gaze without flinching.

The senior officer studied Kael for a moment longer before nodding to the younger Marine. The young Marine quickly moved behind a desk, retrieving a large suitcase filled with 300 Mill. He handed it to Kael, his hands still trembling slightly.

Kael took the suitcase without a word, feeling the weight of the reward settle into his hands. The Marine who had handed it over quickly stepped back, and Kael's eyes scanned the room one last time, locking with the senior officer's once more. There was an understanding between them, an unspoken recognition of the gravity of the moment.

The officer cleared his throat. "You've done the World Government a favor, but don't think they'll forget about you, bounty hunter." He leaned forward slightly. "They'll be keeping an eye on you, from now on. People like you don't just disappear."

Kael's gaze remained steely, his face betraying no emotion. "I've been prepared for worse," he replied flatly. "It's not the first time I've been hunted."

The senior officer gave a faint nod, seemingly impressed by Kael's resolve. But his eyes darkened as he added, "You'll need to watch your back, Kael. The World Government doesn't take kindly to those who disrupt their order, especially someone as... effective as you."

Kael didn't respond. His mind was already on the next steps—the rebellion needed to keep moving forward, and the last thing he wanted was to become a target of the very system he sought to destroy. The war was far from over.

Without another word, Kael turned and made his way out of the bounty office and used kamui to take suitcase bag in his kamui space.

He made his way to the docks, his mind racing with possibilities. With the bounty paid and the world now fully aware of his existence.

His boat was waiting for him, ready to take him back to the hidden base on cresent cove where the next phase of the plan will began.

As Kael sailed into the quiet expanse of the night, the cool sea breeze brushing against his face, a sudden flicker of energy surged through his mind, a signal only he would recognize.

[System Notice: 100 advanced Zetsu clones mission completed.]

Kael's eyes narrowed, momentarily distracted by the notification that had appeared in his mind. The Zetsu clones—elite operatives created from a combination of his own chakra and advanced cloning techniques—had just completed their mission.