It's well known that the New World is a tangled web of factions, teeming with countless pirates.
Leading troops into another faction's territory is an extremely taboo act. If it were just an individual passing through, that might be acceptable. Some more amicable powers might even tolerate troops passing through, so long as they genuinely just pass and cause no trouble.
However, bringing several large warships, thousands of soldiers, and barraging your way into my territorial waters—that's practically an act of provocation. If I don't respond, it's as if I'm letting you slap me across the face.
"I want to see who could make Germa 66 pursue them relentlessly, even if it means invading my territory. Close in!" Aeridar's lips curved into an amused smile as he issued the command.
Soon, the massive Chris began to turn, sailing towards the Germa Kingdom's warships.
...
On Germa 66's First Warship.
Pere pere pere... pere pere pere...
The Den Den Mushi in Judge's hand rang.
Click!
"What is it?" Judge asked, his eyes fixed forward, as he casually answered the call.
"Father, look to the starboard flank." A slightly childish voice came through the Den Den Mushi.
"Niji, is it... the starboard flank?"
Judge recognized the voice of his second son. For this operation, Judge had brought along his second and fourth sons. His second son, Vinsmoke Niji, was responsible for the Second Warship on the starboard flank.
So, Judge couldn't help but look to the starboard. Less than a thousand meters away, a colossal black wolf-headed warship, seemingly flying a Jolly Roger, was rapidly approaching from the starboard flank of the three warships.
"That's..." Judge's eyes widened slightly.
"Father, it's a Chris Pirates' ship, and it doesn't seem to be a regular sea patrol vessel," a young man with wavy hair swept to one side stood solemnly on the starboard rail of the Second Warship, one hand on the railing, the other holding a Den Den Mushi.
This was Vinsmoke Judge's second son, Vinsmoke Niji. He had counter-clockwise curled eyebrows, wore black goggles and black ear defenders, a black combat suit, a blue cape with the number '2' written on it, white metal gloves, and a belt with a lightning symbol.
"I see it. What a massive pirate ship," Judge said, holding the Den Den Mushi in one hand and binoculars in the other, observing.
His three warships were considered large, over a hundred meters in length, on par with even Marine Second-Class warships. But that pirate ship was estimated to be at least 120 to 130 meters long, and visibly "fatter" than their warships.
...
Inside the Submarine.
"Looks like we're in some trouble."
Vade also noticed the rapidly approaching Chris.
...
On the Chris.
"Open fire! Give them a warning! Make them stop!" Aeridar ordered with a sinister grin.
Clang-clatter! Clang-clatter!
The triple turret at the bow began to rotate. The thick cannon barrels adjusted their aiming positions, the internal metal gears audibly turning.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The ship shuddered slightly, emitting a powerful roar. The cannons on the turret fired in succession, their shells soaring hundreds of meters before crashing behind Vade's submarine and in front of the Germa 66 warships, sending up massive splashes.
At this point, Vade dared not move further. He immediately halted the submarine. The other party had clearly issued a warning. If he moved again, he would likely offend even the Chris Pirates, and then he truly wouldn't be able to escape.
"Commander, they've issued a warning," the tall, burly man in the black combat suit said gravely.
"Stop the ships!" Judge frowned, ordering the fleet to halt.
The opposing ship was clearly not a regular patrol vessel; a high-ranking executive of the Chris Pirates was likely aboard. And they had issued a warning. After all, if he insisted on pressing forward without giving face to the host in their own territory, a battle would be inevitable.
Soon, the three Germa 66 warships also stopped. The Chris, however, moved directly to block the passage between the two sides.
"I am Vinsmoke Judge, King of the Germa Kingdom. May I inquire which important figure of the Chris Pirates is aboard this vessel?" Judge jumped onto the top of the bow turret and shouted forward.
"Vinsmoke Judge... That guy actually came personally!"
Aeridar raised an eyebrow in surprise. He hadn't expected Judge, a king and the commander of Germa 66, to personally lead the pursuit. Was Germa 66 short on personnel, or was their target truly that important?
However, since the other party had spoken, Aeridar couldn't remain hidden. After all, both held the title of king, and their statuses were equal.
So, Aeridar also stood on the ship's rail, addressing Judge: "I am Chris T. Aeridar, Captain of the Chris Pirates. May I ask why Your Majesty Judge has trespassed into my territory without permission?"
"Golden Ring Aeridar!!!"
Judge was startled. He hadn't expected to truly encounter such an important figure—the King of Clifford Kingdom, an individual of equal standing to himself.
"Captain Aeridar, my sincerest apologies. I inadvertently trespassed while pursuing an important criminal."
Since Aeridar had introduced himself as a pirate, Judge addressed him as "Captain." He continued, "If you could help me apprehend that criminal, my Germa Kingdom will surely be grateful."
Aeridar's face twisted into a cold sneer, and he retorted impolitely, "Are you an idiot, Judge? I don't care what your reasons are. Trespassing into my territory and causing trouble in my waters, do you want me to sink you, you bastard?!"
Damn it, he thought, this guy's trying to play official with me? Who do I look like? I'm a pirate! You think a hollow apology and some vague 'gratitude' will let you off the hook? There's no such cheap deal!
"You..." Judge's face turned cold. He hadn't expected such a lack of respect. He muttered inwardly, Pirates are pirates. Even as a king, he's an ill-mannered pirate.
To his bad luck, he genuinely hadn't expected to encounter Aeridar. If it had been just a regular sea patrol vessel, he would have directly opened fire and sunk it, then seized the person and left.
Both Aeridar and Judge were powerful individuals, so their voices carried loudly. Vade, piloting the submarine, heard their conversation and quickly grabbed a megaphone, shouting, "Captain Aeridar! My name is Vade, Mechanic Vade! I'm a scientist, not a criminal! That bastard Judge betrayed his collaborator, which is why I escaped! I'm not a criminal of the Germa Kingdom!"
"Furthermore, I've heard that Captain Aeridar has a very impressive scientist under his command. I believe that individual and I would have much in common!"
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