Chapter 291: The War of the North Sea
Seven or eight years ago, that battle had been a mark of shame in Zephyr's heart.
He had been defeated by a rookie pirate who had only been at sea for two or three years.
Yes, defeated.
Although both of them had collapsed at the end, to Zephyr, it was still a loss. Losing was losing—there was no need to make excuses.
Although Zephyr never showed it outwardly, he knew deep down that his pride had been crushed.
Back when his wife was still alive, he had wanted countless times to find an opportunity to fight Charlotte again. But the world's power structure always made it impossible.
Then tragedy struck—his wife was killed, and his desire to fight Charlotte faded.
But three years later, the opportunity presented itself once more.
"Charlotte! Let's settle this once and for all!"
Zephyr clenched his fists tightly.
This time, the Navy Headquarters dispatched three large naval warships, accompanied by three vice admirals, and supported by North Sea Governor Daren. The combined forces were powerful enough to crush any pirate group in the Four Seas.
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As time passed, the North Sea, which had been chaotic, gradually calmed down. Pirates throughout the region hid away, their spirits crushed.
Why?
Because Admiral "Black Arm" Zephyr had arrived.
Upon entering the North Sea, he encountered a pirate group attacking a merchant ship. Without hesitation, he ordered an assault. Those pirates, with bounties barely reaching a few million Berries, stood no chance.
As they continued to sail, Zephyr's forces wiped out over a dozen pirate crews, striking terror into the hearts of pirates across the region. Many hastily tore down their pirate flags and went into hiding.
The reason for Zephyr's arrival was well known—he had come to take down the Rockefeller Pirates. Nobody wanted to provoke him unnecessarily.
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On the Grand Line
Eight large warships, accompanied by numerous smaller ones, sailed steadily through the sea.
"Admiral Zephyr!"
Sakazuki approached and saluted.
"Hmm."
Zephyr nodded.
"Where is the Rockefeller Pirates now?"
"They seem to be waiting for you on an uninhabited island," Sakazuki hesitated before replying.
"An uninhabited island, huh? Arrogant indeed," Zephyr murmured.
He couldn't help but recall how years ago, Charlotte had been nothing but a small fry in the eyes of the Navy—a rookie not worth mentioning.
But now, that rookie had grown into a force capable of standing against the Navy itself. Waiting for the Navy to come to him—it truly was an incredible transformation.
"Let's go meet the Rockefeller Pirates. Let's see what makes the world's strongest swordsman, Rockefeller Charlotte, so confident in challenging the Navy."
With Zephyr's order, the fleet began to advance toward the island.
This fleet comprised one admiral, four vice admirals, five rear admirals, and countless lower-ranking officers, forming a powerful force of two thousand soldiers.
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On an Uninhabited Island
Surrounding the island, countless ships were scattered across the waters—gatherings of various North Sea factions, including Morgans' news crew.
"Kukuku! Another big story! Rockefeller Pirates facing off against a Navy admiral—what a sensational headline!"
Morgans himself had come with his news team, carrying cameras and positioning themselves to get the best coverage.
On another ship, a young Donquixote Doflamingo adjusted his sunglasses, his lips curling into a wicked grin.
"Fufufufu! This is the aura of a true top-tier pirate, huh?"
After killing his father and attempting to reclaim his Celestial Dragon status—only to be rejected—Doflamingo had built the Donquixote Family with Trebol's help.
But the sudden appearance of the Rockefeller Pirates had shaken the entire North Sea, and Doflamingo wanted to see what would happen next.
"Doffy! Are you sure we should be watching this? That man is a legendary pirate from the New World—if we get caught up in this, we're dead!"
Trebol asked anxiously, cold sweat dripping from his face.
Doflamingo didn't seem worried at all.
"Take some risks—if it works out, we'll have a powerful backer. We just started establishing our foothold in the North Sea. What better support than the Rockefeller Pirates?"
Trebol looked at Doflamingo, who seemed fearless, and couldn't help but feel both admiration and fear.
Countless other factions were also lurking around the island, waiting for the battle to begin.
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On the Island
In the center of the deserted island, the members of the Rockefeller Pirates were preparing for the coming battle.
"Why are they taking so long to arrive?"
Caesar yawned, feeling a bit sleepy.
"They'll be here soon. Latest intel says the Navy fleet is already on its way,"
said Esdeath, wiping down her sword with a white cloth, the blade gleaming coldly under the sunlight.
Caesar shuddered, feeling uneasy at the sight.
Charlotte sat cross-legged on a large rock, the Seven-Star Sword resting on his lap. His eyes were closed, waiting quietly.
Around him, Barrett, Lowell, Roy, Turner, Andy, and Hodge stood in silence, ready for battle.
The five hundred swordsmen of the crew were also prepared, checking their weapons one last time.
Everyone knew that the coming battle would be the most intense since the formation of the Rockefeller Pirates.
A fight of this scale was bound to result in casualties, and no one wanted to be the one to die.
Charlotte slowly opened his eyes. In the distance, the sea was filled with shadows as countless Navy ships approached the island, blocking out the sun.
At the bow of the leading warship, a familiar figure stood tall, and Charlotte couldn't help but smile faintly.
"They're here."
The deep voice stirred everyone into action, as the most decisive battle in the North Sea was about to begin.
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