Sure enough, the navy had already arrived.As the ultimate symbol of power for the Celestial Dragons, any disturbance involving them was bound to draw the navy's immediate attention. Now, on the shore, an increasing number of naval forces had their cannons locked on the area, preparing for the next round of bombardment.
"Listen up, pirates on the shore! If you value your lives, surrender immediately! Otherwise, the navy will enforce justice!" a commanding voice bellowed from the warships.
Akira was momentarily stunned, but he quickly realized there was little he could do. The navy's response was swift—far quicker than anyone had anticipated.
"Damn it… They really arrived this fast?" murmured one of the pirates, his voice laced with frustration. The others exchanged uneasy glances, whispering among themselves, but none had a solution.
"Our only option now is to take the Celestial Dragons hostage and escape," someone finally suggested, his words sending a ripple of tension through the group.
At that moment, all eyes locked onto Ellie and the Celestial Dragon King.Akira's gaze darkened as he noticed the shift in the pirates' expressions. He swiftly raised his hands and glared at them, his voice sharp and unwavering."I'm warning you—Ellie is off-limits! If you want to get out of here alive, find another way."
The pirates hesitated. While desperation burned in their eyes, they knew better than to challenge Akira's authority. His strength was undeniable—crossing him meant certain death.That left the Celestial Dragon King as their only viable target.
Ellie's heart clenched as she watched her father become nothing more than a bargaining chip in this deadly game. She wanted to intervene, to protect him, but she was powerless. Akira was her master now, and all she could do was follow his lead."Don't worry," Akira assured her. "As long as your father is here, the navy won't dare harm him."
Ellie nodded, though uncertainty still clouded her eyes. Right now, her only choice was to stay by Akira's side and ensure her father's safety.
Meanwhile, aboard one of the navy ships, a formidable figure stood at the helm—Akainu, one of the three admirals."General Akainu, the pirates have taken Princess Ellie and the Celestial Dragon King hostage. If we attack now, it could escalate into a major conflict," a navy officer reported.
Akainu's brows furrowed. He lifted his telescope, scanning the scene before confirming the dire situation. The Celestial Dragons were a top priority—any misstep could have catastrophic consequences. If they continued their assault, the damage could be irreversible."Keep them in our sights," Akainu commanded. "Make sure they don't escape. The moment an opportunity presents itself, eliminate them all—leave no one alive."
Just as he set his telescope down, the sudden ringing of the Den Den Mushi cut through the tension."Akainu speaking."The voice on the other end delivered a concise order.Akainu's expression hardened."What? This…" A flicker of hesitation crossed his face."General Akainu, this directive has been agreed upon. We expect you to execute it accordingly."The call ended abruptly, leaving the admiral with a grim expression. He turned to his soldiers, his voice sharp and commanding."Reposition the cannons. Prepare to fire."
His men exchanged uneasy glances. The order was reckless, dangerous even."General, if we open fire now, we could hit the Celestial Dragons!" one officer protested."This is my order. Follow it as instructed," Akainu snapped. "But don't act just yet—wait until the pirates have played their hand. Then, strike without hesitation."
With this strategy, they would ensure the pirates' total defeat, showing no mercy in the process.
Back on shore, Akira exhaled slowly as he noticed the navy's cannons had stopped—at least for now."Hah, looks like we just need to get past this road and board a ship. We'll be free soon enough!" one pirate sneered."Yeah, we're done with this place," another scoffed, their confidence returning.
Behind them, Akira tightened his grip on Hancock's hand, determined to get her out of this nightmare.But he knew all too well—the pirates weren't loyal. They feared his strength now, but if they saw an opportunity at sea, they wouldn't hesitate to betray him. And that was something he had to be prepared for.
"Brother, are we really leaving this place forever? Will we never have to worry again?" Hancock's youthful face showed a hint of doubt as he voiced his uncertainty.
Akira nodded. "Yes, we can finally escape this painful place."
Leading the group toward the shoreline, Akira remained calm. All they had to do now was wait.
Time passed slowly, and the navy had finished positioning their artillery, preparing for the next assault. Akainu observed Akira and, to his surprise, found something unusual about him."We're in range. Prepare to fire," Akainu ordered.
The unsuspecting pirates never anticipated such a turn of events. Just as they were about to leave, the naval cannons roared to life, unleashing a devastating bombardment.
Akira was caught off guard. As he attempted to retreat, he realized it was already too late.
The leading pirates, completely unprepared, were blown apart by the relentless shelling. The remaining ones stood in shock, unable to process the sudden attack.
The barrage intensified, drowning the battlefield in deafening explosions. It was clear now—the navy had made their decision. They were determined to annihilate Akira and everyone with him.
The Celestial Dragon King, stunned by the attack, struggled to react. In those final, desperate moments, he realized there was no escape. His only thought was for his daughter's safety.With his last ounce of strength, he pushed Ellie away.A cannonball struck him at that moment.
"Father!" Ellie's anguished scream tore through the chaos. But it was already too late.
The Celestial Dragon King was obliterated before her very eyes, reduced to nothing but ashes in an instant.Ellie stared in disbelief, struggling to comprehend the horrific sight before her. Her father was gone. And the ones responsible were the very navy officers who had vowed to protect them.For all the Celestial Dragons' nobility, in the face of war, they were nothing more than collateral damage.As the realization sank in, Ellie felt a wave of bitter regret. How foolish she had been to trust them.
Another cannonball hurtled toward her.But in that critical moment, Akira surged forward, using Shinra Tensei to deflect the attack, shielding her from harm.