Chapter 5: Pull the ship over
"Notify Admiral Aokiji that a pirate vessel is spotted ahead. Observations indicate it's the Ghost Fang Pirates Pirates returning from the New World. "
A naval lieutenant commander took three strides followed by two more, positioning himself just before Aokiji to deliver the report.
Aokiji scratched his afro, commenting, "This is quite a hassle. The Ghost Fang Pirates—I've heard their name before. "
At that moment, a Navy Major leaned in quietly to remind him, "The leader of the Ghost Fang Pirates is Ghost Fang Moritz Okto, a Devil Fruit user with a bounty of 85 million Baileys. "
Aokiju tapped his head and twisted his fingers as he recalled, "Ah la , now I remember his fruit ability. A guy who can transform his entire body into sharp teeth
A failure who stepped back from the New World. "
Aokiji glanced at Bruch behind him, pondered briefly, and inquired, "Bruch, do you believe you can handle such an opponent? "
Bruch met Aokiji's gaze, doubt flickering in his eyes. With so many formidable people aboard and given you, one of the strongest force in the Navy, wouldn't it be better to confront an 80 million bounty pirate? Why rely on me?
Then he realized it was about gauging his own capabilities, and he stood taller.
" Admiral, please leave it to me. However. . . "
Qing Pheasant raised an eyebrow in confusion, "What's the matter? "
Bruch glanced at his sword, a hint of embarrassment on his face. "Well. . . I need a proper sword; this one won't allow me to showcase my abilities. "
He touched the standard long sword at his side. Though it had been damaged previously, the Navy branch possessed plenty of such swords, so until he acquired a suitable one, it would suffice for the time being.
Aokiji tilted his head as he examined Bruch's sword, contemplating, "Give him one. "
A naval commodore then stepped forward, unfastened the sword from his waist, and offered it to Bruch. "This is Black Cutter, one of the fifty great swords. I'm lending it to you for a time; just remember to return it to me later. "
Bruch inspected the long sword he received, drawing it from its sheath. The black Cutter sported a black jade hilt adorned with three gems in red, green, and blue. The almost one-meter-long blade gleamed coldly.
Bruch had never encountered a fine sword like this. In the 52nd branch, he was the only one skilled with Swords; Colonel Curson preferred firearms, claiming swords were too troublesome.
However, that did not hinder him from recognizing quality. At first glance, this sword was undoubtedly exceptional. Is this Black Cutter, one of the fifty great swords?
This sword is among the finest of its kind, making it unfortunate that it must be returned.
Bruch grasped the black blade and felt its weight, while the commodore nearly raised his hand to strike someone.
The Black cutter remains unparalleled among its peers, with very few found at Navy Headquarters. This blade is a treasured heirloom of his family. It's one of the scarce black knives, a distinguished weapon imbued with the essence of haki.
Aokiji may not wield a sword, but he understands the significance of a quality blade like this one.
He gazed at Bruch without any emotion and then inquired, "What's your stance? Are you certain now? "
Removing the standard long sword from his belt, Bruch affixed the scabbard of the black sword to his side. Once he completed this, he addressed Aokiji:
"Just hold on for my good news. The countdown to the end of the Ghost Fang Pirates begins now! "
With that, he turned and proceeded toward the deck.
Aokiji stood there, a slight smile appearing at the corners of his mouth: "You really are fired up, huh. "
On the deck, Bruch looked forward. A massive pirate vessel, measuring 100 meters in length, loomed over the water.
The skull and crossbones flag waved proudly from the pole.
The pirates had also noticed the navy ship approaching them.
"Haha, lads, we've hit the jackpot. A headquarters warship has more than enough supplies to keep us entertained for a while. "
"Our captain is truly powerful. Even the headquarters' warships doesn't scare him."
"Right? That's merely an ordinary headquarters vessel. To instill fear in us, there have to be a formidable warship commanded by a rear admiral. "
Hearing his crew praise him in such a manner, Okto's feelings of disappointment from his defeat in the New World quickly faded.
Despite his loss, he considered it a stroke of bad luck, having faced a fierce storm, and viewed this warship as his fresh start.
"Youngsters, steer the ship over and eliminate those marines. And be careful not to damage our own vessel, hahaha! "
Okto unsheathed his mace and directed it toward the warship ahead.
Bruch, stationed on the navy vessel's deck, heard the arrogant remarks and smiled coldly in response.
He then rested his hand on Black cutter's hilt and drew it forcefully.
"Draw your weapon and strike! "
A flying crescent-shaped crimson slash swept through the air.
With a swift motion, he killed half of the raucous pirates, and blood quickly saturated the deck.
"Piss off! "
At that moment, a man clad in white armor charged forward wielding a black mace, striking the attack and shattering the crimson blade's light.
The remaining crew of pirates stood in disbelief as they gazed at the young man who was positioned on the opposite navy deck.
He had just proclaimed his intent to eliminate every navy member aboard this warship, yet half of them had already perished due to a swift attack.
The sensation of being struck hard washed over Okto, causing a surge of anger within him.
"Kid, that's impressive. You managed to take out so many of my men all at once. It appears you are the strongest individual on this vessel," he sneered, gritting his teeth while locking eyes with Bruch on the navy ship.
Bruch gazed at Okto with a touch of pity, feeling an odd familiarity with this scenario.
"Bring the ship nearer. "
As he observed Bruch's derisive stare from across the way, Okto felt a wave of contempt wash over him, intensifying his irritation.
"Don't think I'm inferior just because you've shown some skill. Allow me to demonstrate my true strength. "
Okto released his mace, fashioned his hands into claw-like shapes, and lunged forward with full force.
"Ghost Fang·Finger Shooting. "
White, sharp fangs erupted from his fingertips, flying forth with bullet-like speed, reaching Bruch in an instant.
Bruch eyed the incoming projectiles, gripped black cutter tightly against his chest, and his gaze quickly shifted from red to purple.
"Dynamic Vision. "
"Bang, bang, bang. "
With a swift movement, Bruch using black cutter dispersed the fangs, successfully blocking the assault.
He then advanced rapidly, soaring toward the deck of the Ghost Fang Pirates' ship, passing over each pirate like a fleeting shadow.
A blood-red mist erupted from him, merging with his form, leaving the Ghost Fang Pirates unable to even brush his garments.
"Blood Shadow Step. "
This technique was crafted from harnessing the inherent agility of a vampire. In Bruch's perspective, should he master techniques like shaving and moon step in the future, his speed would be nothing short of frightening.
However, shortly afterward, only a few members of the Ghost Fang Pirates, including Okto, were left gasping for air.