Boom!
The sea trembled as octopus tentacles were severed cleanly at the mid-joint, each half crashing down into the waves below. Miraculously, the split landed perfectly to avoid the small warships floating nearby.
"So strong!"
"He's really a rookie?!"
"Was that Rokushiki just now? That's insane!"
"..."
The gathered marine soldiers stood stunned for a moment, then erupted into roaring applause and cheers.
Tom, tom, tom.
Amid their excitement, Bai Yu lightly stepped off the air using Geppo and landed back on the deck with elegance.
"That Sea King-class octopus already fled."
Bai Yu informed the crew calmly.
From his vantage point in the sky, Bai Yu had spotted the Sea King after slashing its limbs. It writhed in agony and retreated deep into the sea, vanishing into the depths.
Wow!
Gasps of amazement swept across the warship once again. Marines offered thumbs up, exchanging impressed whispers about Bai Yu's incredible display.
Then, the same sergeant who had attempted to seize command earlier approached Bai Yu, followed by several corporals and fellow officers. They stood in formation before him, eyes filled with renewed respect.
"Shall we go together?"
"Please, we don't want to waste your time again."
"Commander Bai Yu, we apologize for our earlier rudeness!"
Bai Yu blinked in confusion.
Weren't these guys the ones trying to override his orders a moment ago?
Before he could speak, they bowed deeply—ninety degrees—offering a formal apology.
"???"
Bai Yu's mind filled with question marks.
What just happened?
"Commander Bai Yu, in the Navy—and in this world—power speaks for itself."
"We were out of line before. We had no idea how strong you really are," the sergeant admitted with sincerity.
"Exactly!"
"If we'd known how powerful you were, we never would've questioned your orders."
"Right!"
The others chimed in in agreement.
Hearing this, Bai Yu finally understood.
Whether pirates or marines, in the world of One Piece, respect comes from strength.
The stronger you are, the more people acknowledge and follow you.
"All right, tell the others to return to their quarters."
After a few words, Bai Yu calmly dismissed them, and they respectfully obeyed.
Bai Yu then returned to his usual training—swinging his blade.
---
Time passed swiftly. By noon the following day...
[Ding! Host has completed 1,000 sword swings. Rewards: Rokushiki proficiency +10%, Basic Swordsmanship proficiency +10%]
From early morning, Bai Yu had been practicing his swings on the open deck.
At noon, he hit the 1,000 mark.
Both Rokushiki and Basic Swordsmanship proficiency had risen to full—100%!
With his current foundation, Bai Yu could now release external slashes—something only seasoned swordsmen could achieve.
"Continue!"
Motivated, Bai Yu pressed on.
---
By evening...
"Nineteen-ninety-seven, ninety-eight... ninety-nine..."
"Two thousand!"
[Ding! Host has completed 2,000 sword swings. Reward: Azure Dragon Sword Qi]
Bai Yu had persisted through every swing with perfect form—and now, he was rewarded with the legendary Azure Dragon Sword Qi!
Unlike regular swordsmanship, Azure Dragon Sword Qi was an energy-based technique.
It dramatically increased cutting power, allowing the user to project their sword intent in shaped forms—forms capable of attacking at a distance.
It was said that only masters who had trained for decades could access such sword energy.
And Bai Yu had achieved it in just two days.
If word got out, countless veteran swordsmen might cough blood in disbelief.
---
"Commander! We've entered the territorial waters of Alabasta!"
"Shall we dock?"
A sergeant approached urgently.
"Dock immediately. As soon as we land, try to establish contact with our people."
Bai Yu nodded with composure.
"Yes, sir!"
After witnessing Bai Yu cut down a Sea King, every marine on board now treated him with utmost reverence.
As the sergeant moved off, a sharp beep! rang out.
Alert!
"Commander!" a lookout rushed over.
"Pirate ship! A pirate ship is heading toward us from the direction of Alabasta!"
The soldier was panting as he delivered the news.
Sure enough, a large pirate ship was closing in fast from the distance, flying a distinct flag.
Its insignia bore purple wings flanking a skull, with two Western swords crossed behind it.
"I recognize that..."
"That's the flag of Baroque Works!"
Bai Yu's eyes narrowed as he recalled the emblem.
A criminal organization headed by the former Warlord, Crocodile—Baroque Works operated behind the scenes in Alabasta.
Known also as the Baroque Walkers, their senior agents were notorious for their Devil Fruit abilities!
"Battle stations."
With a firm voice, Bai Yu raised his left hand.
Capturing pirates was the Navy's duty—and with the enemy approaching first, Bai Yu had no reason to hold back.
"Prepare for combat!"
"All hands—arm the cannons!"
Bai Yu's orders were carried out swiftly.
The helmsman turned the ship to face the enemy with its starboard side.
Cannon windows opened in sequence, and trained gunners wheeled the artillery into position.
Barrels locked into place.
With swift, coordinated movements, the marines loaded shells with practiced efficiency.
"Commander," the sergeant looked to Bai Yu for confirmation.
"Fire!"
Bai Yu gave the command.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The cannons lit up the horizon.
Shells launched in precise arcs, striking toward the incoming pirate ship.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
A series of explosive impacts echoed across the sea.
Smoke rose into the sky.
"Cease fire!"
Bai Yu raised a hand, halting the barrage.
The enemy vessel was now lost in a shroud of black smoke.
But suddenly...
Whoosh!
The previously calm sea stirred violently.
From within the smoke, the pirate ship surged forth, propelled by wind and sheer force.
In a flash, it closed the distance—rushing toward Bai Yu's warship!