Chapter 26: Chapter 25
Chapter 25 Heading to the Seventh Channel
After much contemplation, Jack remarked.
"While I am eager to seek retribution, this infuriating marine is situated at the Navy Headquarters, making it improbable for even Kaido to eliminate him."
"Ah~"
Jack released a sigh and then took a substantial gulp of wine.
"Then we could utilize those around him as bait to draw him out. Jack is bound to possess some intelligence regarding him," Sasaki proposed after a moment of reflection.
"Huh? "
Jack's eyes suddenly gleamed with inspiration.
Indeed!
How had he overlooked this?
Jack retrieved a letter written by Morgans from his pocket, unfolded it, and scrutinized its contents carefully.
Given that Kaido is one of the Four Emperors, Morgans undoubtedly has some connections with him. In the perspective of this albatross, monetary gain and information are paramount.
He yearned for turmoil in the world so that he could acquire ample news.
Jack was entirely unaware of Morgans' inclination. Furthermore, even upon learning of Jacko's demise, he remained oblivious to the identity of the perpetrator.
This letter detailed Bruch's origin, background, and somewhat ambiguous capabilities.
Upon concluding the letter, Jack expressed his exhilaration:
"Sasaki, I will entrust you with this task. "
Sasaki gazed at Jack in surprise, and Jack continued:
"Recently, Boss Kaido has once again challenged Whitebeard. King and Queen are still out, and there must be someone within Wano Country, so I must rely on you."
Sasaki felt somewhat speechless. He had been merely polite previously, and now Jack truly perceived him as his subordinate.
Oh well, he decided to proceed with the task as a mere formality.
"Leave it to me, boss Jack, just await for good news! "
Upon hearing this, Jack smiled, and his expression transformed with joy.
"Sasaki, let me toast to you! "
"Cheers! "
——————
The following morning, Bruch diligently engaged in his routine swordsmanship practice.
After a month of dedicated training, his physical abilities had improved significantly, but his new skills had yet to be fully incorporated.
Hence, further refinement was necessary.
"Captain Bruch, Fleet Admiral Sengoku is requesting your presence. "
A Navy captain approached Bruch from a distance.
Bruch, with his sword training, opened his eyes. He turned to the captain, his ruby eyes focused, and said:
"Understood. "
The captain saluted and hurried back.
Bruch sheathed his sword, regulated his breathing, and proceeded to the office of the Fleet Admiral in his black leather shoes.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku! You called for me? "
Sengoku was perusing a newspaper. Upon hearing a noise at the door, he looked up to see Bruch.
"Haha, come in! "
Bruch took a seat in the chair with awareness.
Though he had not been at the Navy Headquarters for an extended period, over a month had passed, and he was already well-acquainted with Sengoku.
Thus, Sengoku refrained from commenting on his self-conscious behavior.
"Bruch, the situation at the Seventh Channel has become quite disorderly of late. I am uncertain what has transpired with the stationed branch there. The influx of new pirates has surged dramatically. I trust you will take measures to quell it."
"Seventh Channel? " Bruch was unfamiliar with this location.
"Indeed. It is one of the maritime routes that leads to the Grand Line, situated at the entrance of the South blue Sea."
"Oh! Perfect, I already wanted to test my abilities against someone. " Bruch gripped his sword firmly.
"I shall go. "
——————
During the journey to the South blue Sea.
The waters were tranquil, Bruch grasped the edge of the vessel with one hand, holding a cup of fresh blood, and gradually brought it to his lips.
An unusual calm…
Perhaps due to the first half of the Grand Line, the climate is relatively mild compared to the latter half, though storms may still occur sporadically.
They had just weathered one the previous night, but thankfully, the warship was robust enough.
They navigated away from the area without incident.
After approximately half a day of sailing, the once placid sea suddenly began to churn.
The current surged rapidly.
It resembled a siphon relentlessly drawing in the seawater.
"We're arriving." Bruch positioned himself at the edge of the ship, gazing at the distant estuary.
This area is adjacent to the Seventh Channel, at the entrance of the South blue Sea.
Upon reaching this vicinity, Bruch detected a faint scent of blood in the atmosphere.
Following the aroma, he spotted two pirate vessels engaged in combat not far off.
"Truly, they show no regard for the Marines. " Bruch smirked.
There was a Marine branch nearby.
However, inexplicably, the conflict between the two pirate ships did not attract any Marine attention.
Was it negligence? A tacit approval?
Or had the pirates eradicated the branch?
Only these two possibilities could account for the absence of any marine personnel from the Seventh Channel.
Bruch observed as the two pirate ships drew nearer.
They appeared unbothered, continuing their skirmish unabated.
Then, a cannonball hurtled toward their warship's flag.
With a flash, Bruch severed the projectile midair, causing it to plummet into the sea, resulting in two explosive waves.
"Very well. You have successfully provoked me."
A glint of killing intent flickered in Bruch's eyes. The pirates not only disregarded the navy's inaction but also boldly targeted the warships.
Were the pirates in this area truly beyond the law?
Unsheathing Kitetsu from his waist, Bruch leaped to avoid causing any harm to his vessel.
Confronting the two pirate ships, he executed a downward slash from a distance, unleashing a black-red arc of energy.
This effect stemmed from his mastery of armament Haki.
The infusion of Haki into his slash transformed what would have been a blood-red arc into one of black-red.
It was significantly stronger, and from this point forward, he would possess a method to confront individuals endowed with logia devil fruit powers.
After soaring and slicing through two pirate vessels, it barreled into the ocean, creating substantial waves.
Click!
Upon hearing a faint sound, the two pirate ships were abruptly cleaved in half and sank.
"Help! "
"Please assist me quickly! "
Several unfortunate pirates had already succumbed to death during the recent assault.
A portion of them floated on the water's surface, calling out for assistance.
They remained oblivious to the reason their ship had suddenly collapsed, resorting only to screams for help.
Then they spotted the navy warship!
"Hahaha! It's the navy! "
"Indeed, we are saved; it's the Navy. "
"Come to our rescue, Navy. "
Bruch scowled. Were these pirates stupefied by the water?
Shouldn't they flee upon seeing the navy?
After contemplating for a moment, Bruch could not ascertain an explanation and decided to forgo it.
Never mind, regardless, you shall meet your end first.
One-sword style·Prison killing!
Bruch wielded Kitetsu, creating an afterimage as thousands of bloody slashes were unleashed instantly.
Whoosh!
The dense slashes cascaded toward the pirates.
They were shredded into limbs and arms while still calling for aid.
Blood quickly stained the seventh channel.
This technique is an enhancement of the Blood Blade and Prison Kill utilized during his confrontation with Garp.
It can be executed in an instant, achieving a hundred slashes with a single strike.