228. Straight to the Admiral
----
In just two months, the regimes of five neighbouring nations have all been overthrown, each by the will of its own people.
The resulting turmoil has rendered these countries unable to sustain their independence.
When such events unfold, even the World Government has no authority to intervene in the internal affairs of sovereign nations.
Consequently, these nations voluntarily proposed merger agreements with the Tru Empire, relinquishing their sovereignty and fully integrating into the empire.
Surprisingly, these annexations have not led to any economic decline within the Tru Empire. On the contrary, the acquisition of vast new territories and the influx of new citizens have stimulated rapid business growth, propelling the empire's economy to new heights.
The national treasury of the Tru Empire now supports the livelihoods of the citizens of these former nations with ease.
Even relying solely on domestic industries and commerce, the empire maintains a robust and highly competitive economy on a global scale.
But this is only the beginning.
---
Abona and Daiki stood on the deck of a massive steel warship, leading the fleet toward their objective. Behind them, nearly ten wooden Marine-style warships followed closely.
Despite their similar size, the wooden ships were far slower, their sails dwarfed by the cutting-edge propulsion systems of the steel battleships, which utilized advanced engines and rotating propellers.
Their mission was clear: intercept two ships dispatched from Marine Headquarters. It was obvious that these vessels were heading to the Kingdom of Crimea, as the surrender of Crimea's neighbour had disrupted the Marines' newly implemented strategies.
The deployment of a Marine Admiral to this region was a clear indication of the importance they placed on the situation.
The South Blue had already become a headache for the World Government. Their repeated attempts to recruit the Tru Empire into the fold were aimed at stabilizing the region, but the Tru Empire had long seen through these motives.
In response, the empire dispatched Abona and Daiki, along with their fleet, to intercept the approaching admiral and prevent the Marine ships from reaching Crimea's waters.
Standing at the bow of the steel warship, Abona scanned the vast expanse of the ocean using his Observation Haki, attempting to pinpoint the location of the Marine vessels.
Although their general direction was known, navigating the vast sea to find two ships was no simple task.
Activating his full Observation Haki, Abona muttered, "This isn't going to be easy."
Behind him, an adjutant approached cautiously. "General Abona, should we reduce our speed? The fleet behind us hasn't caught up yet."
"No," Abona replied firmly, his eyes still fixed on the horizon. "Maintain full speed ahead. We haven't located the enemy yet. Inform the fleet to head directly toward the Crimean border. Under no circumstances should the Marine ships be allowed to enter Crimean waters."
"Yes, sir!" The adjutant saluted and quickly relayed the order.
Following the command, the fleet behind them adjusted course, leaving only the steel warships of Abona and Daiki to continue at full speed.
The duo had clear orders: intercept the Marine ships at all costs and prevent them from reaching Crimea within the allotted time.
---
Two Hours Later
As dusk settled over the ocean, the faint glow of the setting sun illuminated the horizon. On one section of the sea, two Marine warships sailed steadily. A sentry perched high above the deck suddenly shouted, "Two massive ships sighted ahead! Everyone, prepare for battle!"
The sentry's warning caused a stir throughout the ship. Marines rushed to the deck, some wielding binoculars to get a clearer view of the approaching vessels. Others hurried below deck to inform their commanding officer.
"Admiral Sakazuki!" a soldier reported, running into the admiral's quarters. "Two giant ships are approaching rapidly! It's too dark to see clearly, but based on their outline, they appear to be steel warships from the Tru Empire!"
The Tru Empire's steel warships were unmistakable. Their sharp triangular bows and the massive steel spires protruding from the front, used for wireless communication, made them easily recognizable.
Inside his quarters, Sakazuki, better known as Akainu, stood up with his usual fiery demeanour. It was a rare sight to see him dispatched to the South Blue, a testament to the gravity of the situation.
"Why the panic?" Akainu growled, his molten gaze fixed ahead. "Let's see what those fools are planning."
He strode onto the deck, his towering presence causing the gathered Marines to instinctively step back. The oppressive aura of his authority, combined with the intense heat emanating from his magma, made him a figure both respected and feared.
Lava dripped from his body, each droplet sizzling as it hit the wooden deck, leaving behind small charred marks.
"Admiral, the enemy has yet to declare their intentions," a Marine officer cautioned. "We can't act recklessly."
Akainu ignored the warning, his eyes narrowing as he observed the approaching silhouettes. "Intentions? I'll deal with their intentions once they're reduced to ash."
---
The two fleets closed the distance, the tension in the air palpable. The Tru Empire's ships loomed like steel leviathans, their sharp bows cutting through the water with precision.
From afar, they were a testament to the empire's growing power and advanced technology.
As the first encounter between these forces unfolded, the South Blue braced for the chaos that was sure to follow.
----
For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon.
P@treon/iamxeno
Thank you so much for your support and for reading!