Chapter 321: The Blueprint of Pluto
Barrett and Hermes, core officers of the Infinite Pirate Crew, led forty pirate ships and an army of 100,000 pirates in a grand assault toward the Marines' G1 Fortress at the frontmost edge of the New World.
Li Yuan wasn't among the throngs of pirates. Instead, he and Kaya observed the operation from aboard their floating skyship, drifting far above the scene.
This time, Li Yuan had no intention of getting directly involved. He entrusted the operation entirely to his subordinates and only followed from above to ensure nothing unexpected occurred.
On the other side, Golden Lion Shiki led his Flying Pirates toward G1 Fortress as well, with both pirate crews advancing from different directions, a strategy they had agreed upon from the start.
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"Strange. Why isn't there a single Marine stationed at the edge of G1 Fortress's island?" Esdeath asked, peering through her telescope toward the fortress, a hint of suspicion in her voice.
"Maybe the Marines know they can't stop us from landing," Barrett replied, his arms crossed. "Instead of defending the shores, they've likely concentrated their forces to protect the heart of the island: the fortress itself." He chuckled, a hint of anticipation glinting in his eyes. "I can't wait to have another go at Sengoku. I'm confident I can take him down this time."
On the other side of the island, Golden Lion Shiki's voice roared over the chaos. "Hahaha! Listen up, boys! Drive the Marines out of the New World!"
With a wave of his hand, the pirate ships that had been floating in the air descended onto the island's shores. Swarms of Flying Pirates charged onto the land, heading straight for the fortress.
"Charge!" Barrett bellowed to the Infinite Pirates. "Wipe out every Marine on this island!" His call echoed across their ranks, spurring a flood of pirates from their ships to storm the island.
As the pirates swarmed ashore, the Marines within the fortress opened fire, using cannons and rifles to slow their advance. However, while they fought, the Marines steadily retreated further into the fortress.
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"Uncle Barrett, something doesn't feel right," Esdeath noted, frowning as she watched the Marines' movements. "Their numbers seem too small."
Barrett nodded slightly. "It's definitely strange, but we'll figure it out when our men reach the fortress."
The absence of powerful Marine officers also stood out. None of the pirates' senior officers or captains had taken action yet; they left the battle to their subordinates, content to observe for now.
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"Commander Carol Wills! The pirates are nearly at the fortress gates!" a Marine shouted from the ramparts.
"Damn it," Commander Carol Wills muttered darkly. "The Flying Pirates and Infinite Pirates haven't sent a single officer to fight. Our plan is a failure."
"Commander, it doesn't matter," a nearby Marine officer said, his tone fearless. "Even without their officers, with so many pirates landing, we've already succeeded. The more of them we take with us, the better."
Carol Wills hesitated for a moment, then a faint smile crossed his face. "You're right. This is what we volunteered for. If we can drag enough of them down with us, it's worth it."
Without hesitation, he pressed the bright red detonator in his hand.
---
**BOOOOM!**
The entire G1 Fortress erupted into chaos as explosives buried deep beneath the ground detonated. A massive explosion engulfed nearly half the island.
The pirates who had charged ashore and surrounded the fortress were blasted into the air, their bodies obliterated in an instant. The sheer destructive force of the explosion rivaled that of the infamous "Dyna Stones" once used by Warlord of the Sea Douglas Bullet.
Thousands of pirates from the Infinite and Flying Pirates—nearly 20,000 who had landed on the island—were reduced to ash. The Marines who had remained behind to guard the fortress, over 500 in total, perished alongside them in a final act of defiance.
---
"Salute!"
In the distance, Admiral Akainu and the other Marines aboard their retreating ships turned toward the explosion. Silently, they raised their hands in solemn tribute to their fallen comrades.
The self-destruction of the G1 Fortress had been Commander Carol Wills' idea, supported by over 500 Marines and sanctioned by Fleet Admiral Sengoku. Their deaths were a message to the pirates: even in retreat, the Marines would exact a price.
---
"I knew something was off," Esdeath muttered, watching the explosion from afar. Her expression remained cold and unmoved. "The Marines must've gotten wind of our plans, decided they couldn't hold the fortress, and laid a trap for us instead."
"What a disappointment," Barrett grumbled. "I was looking forward to a real fight. Guess it was a wasted trip."
"Uncle Barrett, didn't you say you were heading to Elbaf? Take me with you," Esdeath said, her tone firm.
Barrett raised an eyebrow. "You want to go to Elbaf? Fine by me. Two years ago, I lost to the Giant King. This time, I'm taking him down."
Esdeath nodded. She had realized something important: as the daughter of Li Yuan, the officers of the Infinite Pirates always held back when sparring with her. If she wanted to grow stronger through real combat, she'd have to leave the crew for a time.
And Elbaf, with its legendary warriors, was the perfect place to do it.
---
"Didn't think Sengoku would actually give up the fortress," Li Yuan remarked from above, observing the aftermath of the explosion.
He had hoped the Marines and World Government would resist, giving him the chance to further weaken them. Unfortunately, Sengoku and the others had chosen to retreat instead of risking direct confrontation.
"They're not fools," he muttered, somewhat disappointed.
---
**Water 7:**
"The Marines have been completely driven out of the New World! From now on, it's a paradise for pirates!"
"Faced with the pressure from the Flying Pirates and Infinite Pirates, the Marines surrendered without a fight!"
"The Pirate Era has truly arrived. Only those who survive the New World can call themselves true pirates!"
The next day, Morgans wasted no time spreading the news, igniting excitement and chaos across the seas.
---
"This is insane. The pirates of the New World are so terrifying that even the Marines won't set foot there anymore," exclaimed Franky, a disciple of Fishman shipwright Tom, as he read the headlines.
---
As Franky handed the newspaper to Tom, his vision blurred, and he collapsed to the ground. Nearby, Iceburg followed suit.
The sound of footsteps echoed from the entrance, and Tom turned to face the unexpected visitor. His eyes widened in shock.
Standing before him was none other than the man he admired most: Li Yuan.
---
"Fishman Tom," Li Yuan greeted with a slight smile. "I'm sure you already know why I've come."
Tom's face grew solemn. "If it's about that thing… I suppose there's no other reason for someone like you to personally come here."
Li Yuan nodded. "Hand it over, and I promise you this: I'll erase the crimes the World Government has pinned on you. You and your people can move to the Thomas Shipyard in the New World or settle on Flower Island in the Infinite Seas. I'll ensure your safety."
Tom fell silent. The blueprint of Pluto had been passed down through generations in Water 7. He had sworn to protect it, but now, with both the World Government and Infinite Pirates after it, he had no choice but to decide.
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