13

In the midst of turbulent waters, three Marine warships closed in on the Kirigakure pirate ship. The strong sea breeze heightened the tension in the air. The Marine soldiers aboard these ships had spotted the pirate vessel, but they had no knowledge of its identity.

"It seems like newcomers to the sea," commented one Marine as he observed the approaching pirate ship.

"Yeah, the seas have been getting more crowded lately," replied another Marine, glancing at the increasing traffic of ships around them.

However, leading this Marine fleet was Rear Admiral Philip from the Headquarters of the Navy. With a serious expression, he gazed at the pirate ship and muttered, "Novice pirates, some without even a bounty. We shall defeat them in the name of justice!"

The soldiers on the three Marine warships cheered loudly in support of Rear Admiral Philip's declaration. The atmosphere grew tenser, and they prepared for battle.

Meanwhile, on the Kirigakure ship, Utakata and Kenny observed the three approaching Marine warships with seriousness. Utakata sighed and said to Kenny, "This won't be easy, Kenny. Three Marine warships mean hundreds of soldiers aboard."

Kenny nodded in agreement, "Indeed, Captain. We must prepare for a fierce battle."

Utakata then ordered Kenny, "Have our crew get ready. We won't surrender without a fight."

Kenny promptly carried out the order, and the Kirigakure crew prepared themselves with unwavering determination. They understood that this battle would be a significant test for them.

Utakata stared sharply at the approaching Marine ships and smiled, thinking to himself, "Finally, I'll have a bounty," as he activated his Devil Fruit power, known as the 'Bubble Canon.' Swiftly, he launched a barrage of high-speed bubble attacks towards the Marine ships.

Rear Admiral Philip, aboard one of the Marine ships, realized that Utakata was a Devil Fruit user. Actively, he drew his sword and leaped into the air, cutting the bubbles that were coming his way. However, the remnants of the cut bubbles still headed towards their ship.

"Curses!" he exclaimed in anger as the remaining bubbles struck their vessel. The ship's mast collapsed, and its hull was pierced by the attack.

Utakata didn't stop there. He continued to unleash the same technique multiple times, striking the enemy ships with the power of his Devil Fruit. One of the Marine ships sank, while the others suffered severe damage.

Rear Admiral Philip, witnessing the substantial damage caused by Utakata, gritted his teeth in frustration. "You damned pirates!" he cursed.

On the Kirigakure ship, the crew members cheered as they witnessed Utakata's relentless assault. Utakata then ordered them to prepare for close combat as the atmosphere grew even more heated. In this intense environment, the Kirigakure Pirates readied themselves to face the Marines in a battle on the bloodied seas.