Chapter 60: Azure Dragon

"Ice Age!" Kuzan pressed his palms against the sea's surface.

The water froze instantly, and the warship was precariously trapped at a dangerous angle.

The pirates weren't so lucky. Frozen in terror, they didn't even have time to beg for mercy before turning into ice sculptures.

"We're saved."

The Marines let go of the railings and landed steadily on the ice.

"Stay alert!" Kuzan warned. "Whatever attacked us is still beneath the surface."

"It feels like this thing in the water is even more dangerous than the Sea King we encountered yesterday..."

The Marines were shaken, staring at the towering ice pillars around them.

"We're too close to the Calm Belt. Encountering danger twice in such a short time..."

"I think we should leave this area..."

"Let's wait for Captain Renji's orders..."

The events of the past two days had left them on edge. But this was their job—facing danger was part of the routine.

"BOOM!!!"

The ice beneath them shook violently, startling the Marines mid-conversation. They thought the sea monster had returned.

"Everyone, back on the ship."

A familiar voice rang out. The Marines exchanged glances and turned toward the warship.

The thick ice beneath the ship had shattered, and the ship, which had been teetering on the edge, was now stable.

Even the path ahead had cleared, revealing a straight route through the ice.

"Hooray! Long live Captain Renji!"

The Marines cheered, forming an orderly line and climbing back onto the ship using the lowered ladders.

Beneath the frozen surface, the massive creature lurking in the dark depths finally found the culprit that had lured it here.

"ROAR!!!"

With a deafening roar, it broke through the ice, sending shards and water flying in all directions.

"BOOM!!!"

A thunderous crash echoed as the beast leaped out of the water, its massive body soaring over a hundred meters into the air. A blinding light from its lantern-like appendage dispelled the darkness on the sea.

It was a lantern fish of unimaginable size!

This colossal lantern fish was majestic and imposing, its scales shimmering with a deep reddish-brown glow, like a mythical creature from ancient times.

"What kind of lantern fish is that?"

"The warship isn't even as big as one of its teeth!"

The Marines on the ship stared in shock, unable to believe the sheer size and power of the creature.

The lantern fish's overwhelming presence made it seem like the true ruler of the ocean.

"Kuzan, freeze the waves!" Renji commanded.

As the lantern fish fell back into the water, it created a massive wave, more terrifying than any tsunami.

But before Kuzan could act, the lantern fish let out another roar.

"It's too late!" Kuzan said, his face filled with urgency.

If the warship was destroyed, even if they survived the lantern fish's attack, they would still be doomed.

Under the lantern fish's overwhelming presence, the sea seemed to fall silent, leaving only the beast's roar echoing through the night. It was the undisputed ruler of the ocean, holding the lives of all creatures in its grasp.

"..."

[Ding! System side quest issued!]

[Engage in battle with the Lord of the Lantern and ensure the safety of the Marines.]

[Quest rewards: Training space time, a random Devil Fruit, Berries, shop points+.]

[Host, be careful! This opponent's strength is beyond your imagination!!]

Renji finally understood the meaning behind the system's earlier message.

The culprit that had swallowed the island was this massive lantern fish!

Closing the system panel, Renji let out a bitter laugh. This monster was one of the largest creatures ever seen in the world of pirates.

Its skin alone might be dozens of meters thick. Renji wasn't sure if his current strength could even make a dent in such a behemoth.

"Kuzan, the safety of the Marines is in your hands now," Renji said, pulling off his coat. "Doffy, keep training even when I'm not around. I'll check on your progress later."

"Wait, what are you..." Kuzan hesitated.

"Don't be reckless!" Doflamingo shouted, panicked. "I'm still waiting for you to teach me some powerful moves!"

"You have my Vivre Card," Renji said with a confident smile. "I won't lose."

Kuzan understood. The Vivre Card would let them know if Renji was safe. He was preparing to face the massive lantern fish to buy them a chance to survive.

"ROAR!!!"

As the lantern fish roared, the sea erupted with massive waves, and the wind howled.

At that moment, Renji's body began to rise into the air, shocking everyone watching.

Floating in the air, Renji felt a strange power surging within him, lifting him higher.

As everyone watched, Renji's body began to grow, merging with the clouds. He felt an immense energy flowing through him.

His eyes glowed with an otherworldly light, as if he were undergoing a long-awaited transformation.

Meanwhile, the lantern fish burst out of the sea, its massive body towering like a mountain. Its eyes gleamed with ferocity, and its roar shook the heavens, as if venting its fury.

With a swipe of its tail, the lantern fish created a massive whirlpool, swallowing everything in its path. The warship was caught in the vortex, spinning helplessly.

The Marines tried to steer the ship free, but their efforts were futile against the overwhelming force.

"Don't panic! Hold onto something!"

As the clouds churned, Renji's voice echoed from above.

Suddenly, the clouds were torn apart by a massive claw, and a colossal beast emerged from the sky. Its body was a brilliant azure, like something out of ancient myth.

The beast radiated an overwhelming presence, as if it were the embodiment of the heavens and earth. Its eyes shone like meteors, exuding unmatched authority and power. Its massive body blocked the moonlight, casting a deep shadow over the sea, like a god of the ocean.

Renji had transformed into an Azure Dragon, towering over everything, his dragon eyes glowing with a piercing light.

His dragon form exuded an immense aura. His tail swiped, stirring up fierce winds and waves, and his claws gripped the air as if controlling the very fabric of the world.

"The Azure Dragon Fruit?" Kuzan murmured, looking up at the sky. "This is the first time I've seen Captain Renji use his Devil Fruit powers... and in such a situation..."

The Marines' expressions shifted from shock to awe as they watched their ship break free from the whirlpool.

"We're flying!"

The warship was enveloped in a cloud of flame.

Under the protection of the flame clouds, they soared into the sky.

...

(TL/N): If you are intressted you can read up to 30 chapter on patreon.com/Yanet96 search with this link.