"They won't dare."
Dedi sneered as he stood up, walking to the floor-to-ceiling window and pointing at the sky. "This is our domain. They know who stands behind us—the great Don Krieg Pirates!"
"And we've even got a contract with the Buggy Pirates. You think that two million Beli was charity? That clown wants to keep tinkering with those so-called cannonball experiments? Then he'd better work for us as muscle if he wants to get paid!"
Turning back with a proud smirk, Dedi fixed his gaze on the manager. "Remember this: here on Mys Island, in these seas outside the World Government's reach, we are the law! Even if other pirates get blinded by greed, they can't threaten us. We've got hundreds of elite guards from the trading guilds and a fortress-mansion so solid no one would dare to invade.
"Even the Marines' cannons couldn't breach these walls! Mark my words!"
BOOM—!
Almost the moment he finished speaking, a deafening explosion erupted from the direction of the estate's outer wall.
"...?"
Dedi and the Shell Company's steward rushed to the window, eyes widening in disbelief.
Where's the wall?
That towering, iron-reinforced wall—where did it go?!
"Enemy attack!"
The shrill wail of sirens mixed with panicked screams echoed through the mansion as smoke and dust billowed into the sky, heralding calamity's arrival.
Two minutes earlier.
Ren had arrived at the Shell Company's main base on Mys Island—a fortress-like manor surrounded by high walls bristling with cannons and firing ports.
Even before he reached the gate, he spotted several lookout posts.
The guards sneered at him, warning that the land ahead belonged to the Company. If he wanted to sell himself—or the two women with him—he'd have to go to their outer market branch.
Ren responded with a polite smile… and expressed his gratitude with a few "heated" bullets.
Naturally, his good manners drew plenty of praise in return—though the shower of "compliments" couldn't even pierce his Indestructible Vajra Body.
When the gunfire ceased and the smoke cleared, the guards stared dumbfounded at the ragged yet completely unharmed intruder, wondering if they were hallucinating.
"H-He won't die! He's a monster!"
Some trembled so badly they couldn't even hold their guns.
Others, more experienced, shouted orders: "Where's Second Captain? Get the Company's cannon over here!"
"Tell the gunners to aim the fortress cannons this way!"
"The gate? Forget the gate—just move the artillery, now!"
The Shell Company's men were in chaos but still clung to some semblance of order.
"You done shooting?" Ren said mildly. "Then it's my turn."
With that same calm smile, he raised his left hand. The Eye of the Herald on his finger flared as the sapphire within focused on its targets.
[Current Charge: 1 / 1] instantly shifted to [Current Charge: 0 / 1]
ROAR—!
A savage bellow tore through the air. From nothingness emerged a colossal beast.
Its shell gleamed like armor plating, claws like twin battering rams, and twin horns curved proudly from its head.
It looked like a walking heavy tank—five stories tall.
Before it, the Shell Company's towering wall seemed pitifully small.
Command: Headbutt!
Ren coolly pointed forward. The monstrous shadow lowered its head and charged.
BOOM—!
The ground shook as the beast's image dissolved into mist.
The road before Ren was gone—replaced by a massive trench. The once-mighty wall now lay in shattered ruins, fragments raining across the courtyard.
Countless guards were crushed in that single blow, reduced to blood and pulp splattering every direction.
And just like that, the road to the Shell Company's core was torn wide open.
"Let's go."
Hands in his pockets, Ren strolled leisurely down the trench.
Zoro followed silently behind, while Nami—keeping a very safe distance—dragged Nojiko along in a half-run.
At the far end of the street, a boy stood frozen, rubbing his eyes in disbelief at what he saw. Then, realizing something, he limped away as fast as he could.
Others soon followed.
Men, women, and children poured out of their homes, staring at the gate that had long symbolized untouchable power—now blown open by force.
"This is it. Our only chance… No more waiting, no more fear."
Someone whispered those words—and like a stone dropped into still water, they rippled outward.
The townsfolk turned back inside, grabbing kitchen knives and wooden clubs before streaming into the streets.
Like bees scattering pollen, they spread across the island—carrying with them the spark of Mys Island's fiercest uprising.
Ren glanced over his shoulder at their resolute backs and chuckled.
"Interesting. Rebels, huh? Looks like things just got a lot simpler."
Zoro nodded thoughtfully. Nami, confused, blinked. "Wait… aren't they running away so they won't get caught in the fight?"
"Hands that pull back," Ren said, shaking his head, "might just be drawing back for a harder punch."
He looked at Zoro. "The road ahead's yours."
"Got it."
Zoro quickened his pace, twin blades flashing as he stepped forward.
Soon, guards came rushing in—well-trained, well-armed, bristling with flintlocks and short sabers. They hadn't expected anyone to actually storm their fortress.
"I'm moving ahead."
Zoro whipped his blades around, a blur of wind trailing his steps. Bullets whizzed past, missing by inches as his movement became unreadable—then he was among them.
His arms spread wide, wrists twisting outward, blades angled like a rhino's horns.
An awkward stance for any ordinary swordsman—yet in Zoro's hands, it became death incarnate.
Two-Sword Style: Rhino Return!
For a heartbeat, his form vanished. Then came a lattice of white air slashes, crisscrossing like a web.
Dozens of guards were flung away, weapons shattered, bodies collapsing lifelessly to the ground.
Zoro smoothly shifted stances, crossing his arms before his collarbone, blades reversed like twin spears aimed forward.
Two-Sword Style: Ushi Bari (Bull Needle)!
His feet exploded against the ground. In a flash, he shot into the densest crowd.
Needle-thin arcs of light gleamed wherever he passed—every enemy struck fell clutching their wounds, screaming.
In seconds, the hastily assembled defense line was torn apart.
"Mon—Monster! Fire the cannon, now!"
A supervisor roared as a portable cannon was wheeled forward. The fuse burned bright, the barrel yawning toward Zoro.
Flame danced at the touchhole—ready to roar.
"Foolish."
Zoro's eyes went cold.
Two-Sword Style: Hawk Wave!
Twin slashes crossed the air.
(End of Chapter)