Night Guild's Piece – Chapter 15: Storm on the Horizon
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Marine Headquarters – New World
Inside a grand office, Admiral Kizaru leaned back in his chair, a lazy expression on his face as he scanned the latest reports.
"Oh my, oh my… looks like the Night Guild Pirates are making quite the mess." His voice was slow and drawn out, his usual uninterested demeanor making it hard to tell if he was taking the situation seriously.
Standing in front of him was Vice Admiral Smoker, arms crossed and jaw clenched in frustration. "This isn't just some small-time crew, Admiral. Hiro's getting stronger, and if we don't act now, he could rise to the level of the Four Emperors."
Kizaru sighed, rubbing his chin. "Ara ara, are you sure you're not just overreacting? The sea is filled with big names."
Tashigi, standing beside Smoker, pushed her glasses up with determination. "Sir, Hiro isn't like other pirates. He doesn't act out of impulse or recklessness. He's ruthless and efficient. If we wait too long, we'll lose any chance of stopping him before he becomes untouchable."
Kizaru stared at them for a long moment before finally sitting up straight. "Hmm… Well, if you're that worried, I suppose I can stretch my legs a bit."
Smoker narrowed his eyes. "So, you'll handle it?"
Kizaru stood up, his signature smirk playing on his lips. "Well, I'll take a look. But no promises, ne?"
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On the Grand Line – The Night Guild's Ship
The sea was calm, the waves gently rocking the massive ship as the crew went about their daily routines. The deck was lively with activity—some crew members were training, others laughing and drinking, and Musica sat at the edge of the ship, casually strumming his guitar.
Inside Hiro's cabin, the air was much heavier.
Hikari, Celeste, and Soruto stood in front of Hiro as he looked over a new set of reports.
"We've got movement," Soruto said, his rifle slung over his shoulder. "Marine ships have been spotted in the nearby waters. Nothing major, but they're clearly scouting us."
Celeste leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "They're finally starting to act, huh?"
Hikari nodded. "It was only a matter of time. We've been growing too fast for them to ignore."
Hiro remained silent for a moment, his sharp eyes scanning the documents.
Then, he smirked.
"Good," he finally said. "Let them watch. We're not running."
Soruto chuckled. "Didn't think you would. But if Kizaru himself shows up, we might have a real fight on our hands."
Hiro leaned back. "If Kizaru comes, then we deal with him. Simple."
Hikari sighed. "You make it sound so easy."
Hiro's grin widened. "Because it is."
Celeste shook her head, amused. "You really are something else."
Before anyone could say more, a loud voice rang through the ship.
"Captain! There's a marine ship approaching from the east!"
Hiro's eyes flashed with excitement as he stood up. "Looks like we've got company."
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On the Marine Ship – Near the Night Guild Pirates
A marine scout ship slowly made its way through the waters, carefully maintaining a safe distance from the Night Guild's vessel. A young marine stood at the bow, looking through a spyglass.
"Report?" the commanding officer asked.
The marine lowered the spyglass, his face pale. "Sir… they know we're here."
The officer frowned. "What do you—"
Before he could finish, a powerful soundwave rocked the entire ship. A deafening boom echoed through the air as the scout vessel was struck by a sonic blast, sending marines flying.
"Contact! We're under attack!"
Back on the Night Guild's ship, Musica stood at the railing, a wide grin on his face as his guitar hummed with energy.
"Heh… Guess that got their attention."
Hiro walked onto the deck, hands in his pockets. "Well, let's see how long they last."
Hikari sighed. "You really love making enemies, don't you?"
Hiro smirked. "What's the fun in sailing if no one's chasing you?"
As the marine ship scrambled to recover, the Night Guild Pirates prepared for yet another battle—one that would set the stage for an even bigger storm brewing on the horizon.
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New World – Open Sea
The marine scout ship struggled to stay afloat as waves of chaotic sound energy from Musica's attack still reverberated through its hull. Some marines coughed up water while others scrambled to regain control, their fear evident as they turned their eyes toward the massive pirate ship looming before them.
Their commanding officer, a grizzled veteran named Lieutenant Camden, wiped blood from his forehead and gritted his teeth. Damn it… that attack was no joke.
"Retreat!" he barked, his voice barely cutting through the ringing in his ears. "We're no match for them!"
The remaining marines hastily worked to turn their vessel around, but before they could make much progress, a new wave of sound pulsed through the air. A sharp, slicing melody cut through their mast, causing it to snap and crash onto the deck.
On the Night Guild's ship, Musica cracked his knuckles, his guitar slung over his back. "Heh. Looks like they're not going anywhere."
Hiro watched the unfolding chaos with mild amusement. "They're small fish. Not worth the effort."
Hikari, standing beside him, narrowed her eyes. "Then why attack them at all?"
Hiro smirked. "Had to send a message. The marines need to understand that trailing us won't end well for them."
Soruto leaned against the railing, his sniper rifle resting on his shoulder. "Looks like they got the message loud and clear."
The marine ship was barely holding together. Lieutenant Camden cursed under his breath, knowing they had no chance of fighting back.
Then, just as all seemed lost—
A bright light flashed across the horizon.
A golden beam of energy shot through the sky at impossible speed, striking the water just meters from the Night Guild's ship. The resulting explosion sent massive waves crashing against both vessels, forcing even the hardened pirates to brace themselves.
Hiro's smirk faded. His eyes sharpened as he turned toward the source of the attack.
A lone figure now floated above the sea, his body shimmering with golden light.
"Borsalino…" Hikari whispered.
Kizaru, the Admiral of Light, hovered lazily in the air, his trademark smirk firmly in place. "Yare yare… that wasn't very nice, attacking helpless marines like that."
Musica's grin vanished. "Tch. Great. Just had to be him."
Celeste stepped forward, her silver eyes narrowed. "Admiral Kizaru. This just got complicated."
Hiro remained unfazed, stuffing his hands into his coat pockets. "Complicated? No. Interesting? Definitely."
Kizaru tilted his head slightly. "Ohhh? Monkey D. Hiro… You've been quite the troublemaker, haven't you?" His body flickered with golden light as he slowly descended onto the marine ship. "The higher-ups aren't too happy with you."
Hiro chuckled. "The feeling's mutual."
Kizaru sighed dramatically. "What a bother. I was hoping to take it easy today, but it looks like I'll have to deal with you after all."
Hikari subtly tensed. "Hiro… we can't take him lightly. He's—"
"Fast," Hiro interrupted, his voice calm. "I know."
The crew watched in silence as their captain took a step forward, locking eyes with one of the most dangerous men in the world.
For a brief moment, the sea itself seemed to hold its breath.
Then, Kizaru's smirk widened. "Shall we begin?"