The deafening roar of Marine cannons shattered the calm of the open sea. The first volley of cannonballs cut through the sky like meteors, crashing into the ocean around the Going Merry, sending massive sprays of water into the air. The ship rocked violently, forcing the crew to hold onto anything stable as the waves surged. The tension on board was palpable—every Straw Hat knew that a direct hit would mean disaster.
"They're serious!" Usopp screamed, scrambling for cover as another cannonball barely missed the mast, splintering a chunk of the crow's nest. "We're gonna get blown to pieces!"
Nami twisted the helm hard to the left, her knuckles white as she fought against the pull of the current. "If they land a direct hit, we're done for! We need to outmaneuver them!" Her eyes darted between the waves, searching for any advantage the sea might provide.
Luffy remained perched on the figurehead, eyes gleaming with excitement rather than concern. "Then let's give 'em a show!" he declared, a wild grin spreading across his face. He could feel the surge of energy from his shadow system, his new power itching to be used.
Zoro had already drawn his swords, standing near the starboard side. "We won't be able to outrun them for long if they keep their formation. We'll need to break through." His muscles tensed, his grip tightening as he anticipated the first wave of boarders.
Another barrage was fired. This time, the cannonballs came dangerously close, one skimming past the deck before smashing into the water with an explosive force, sending salty spray high into the air. The blast rocked the Going Merry, making it lurch dangerously.
"They're trying to corner us!" Nami shouted over the roar of the cannons. "If we don't change course now, they'll surround us!"
Luffy grinned wider. "Fine by me. Let's fight our way out!"
Usopp's jaw dropped. "Are you insane?! We're on one small ship, and they have three! That's a whole fleet, Luffy! A fleet!"
Before Usopp could argue further, a grappling hook latched onto the railing, jerking the ship slightly. The Marines were attempting to board. A squad of uniformed men prepared to swing over, sabers gleaming under the sun.
Zoro stepped forward, shifting into a battle-ready stance. "Looks like they're coming to us."
Luffy cracked his knuckles, his shadow tendrils writhing around his arms. "Then let's welcome 'em properly."
The first Marine landed on deck, sword raised—only for Zoro's blade to meet his in an instant, deflecting the strike with sheer force. The sound of clashing steel rang through the air as Zoro countered with a swift downward strike, forcing the Marine back.
More Marines swung onto the Going Merry, their numbers increasing fast. Usopp fumbled with his slingshot, his fingers trembling as he loaded an explosive pellet. "Okay, okay! Deep breath! You've got this, Usopp!" He fired, and the pellet detonated mid-air, knocking one Marine off balance and sending him tumbling into the ocean with a splash.
Luffy dashed forward, his shadow tendrils erupting from his arms like living serpents. "Phantom Strike!" His fist, coated in darkness, pierced through the air, striking a Marine square in the chest. The force sent the soldier flying back onto his own ship, his body momentarily flickering as if caught between light and shadow before he crashed against the railing, unconscious.
Another Marine lunged at him, but Luffy's shadow system reacted faster. A dark tendril coiled around the enemy's wrist, yanking him off balance before Luffy drove a powerful punch into his gut, sending him reeling across the deck.
Just as Luffy was about to engage another group of Marines, he felt something—a shift within his shadow system. His tendrils, which normally moved instinctively, suddenly became heavier, almost resistant. His body faltered for a moment, a sensation washing over him as if his own power was pushing back against him.
"What the—?" Luffy muttered, his grin momentarily replaced by confusion. His shadows flickered, wavering unnaturally. It was as if the energy inside him had reached a limit he didn't know existed.
"Luffy! What are you doing?!" Nami called out. "Now's not the time to freeze up!"
Luffy shook his head, forcing himself to move. "No, it's nothing! Just getting started!" He clenched his fists, forcing his shadows to obey, pushing past the resistance.
For the first time since obtaining the Shadow System, Luffy realized—his powers weren't infinite. There was a limit, a cost, and if he pushed too far, he might lose control completely.
The battle raged on as the Going Merry sped through the waves, dodging cannon fire while fending off the incoming Marines. The sun reflected off the chaotic waters, glistening like shattered glass as the Straw Hats fought to keep their ship afloat. The fight for escape had truly begun.
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