Chapter 5 ⭄ Azure Dragon Sword Intent! Baroque Works
Boom...!
The octopus tentacle split cleanly in half, both pieces falling limply onto the sea surface. They splashed down on either side of the small battleship, missing it completely.
"So strong!"
"This strength... is he really a newcomer?!"
"He just used the Rokushiki, right? So cool!"
"..."
The marines stood stunned before erupting into enthusiastic cheers.
Thud, Thud, Thud.
Under everyone's watchful gaze, Hyaku descended to the deck using Geppo.
"The Sea King octopus has fled." He announced.
From his vantage point in the air, he had witnessed the Sea King retreat into the depths, using a water escape technique after its tentacle was severed.
Whoosh!
The crew's amazement only grew at his words. They offered thumbs up all around, murmuring about his impressive abilities.
The Master Chief Petty Officer who had earlier contested his command approached, accompanied by several Chief Petty Officers and Petty Officers.
They gathered before Hyaku, their expressions serious.
"All at once? Fine by me — saves time..."
"Commander Hyaku, we apologize for our earlier rudeness!"
He had expected a confrontation, but before he could finish speaking, the group bowed deeply at a 90-degree angle.
They were apologizing!
"???" Hyaku was bewildered.
Hadn't they just been fighting to strip him of his command? What had changed?
"Commander Hyaku, in the Marines, strength commands respect. We acted disrespectfully before because we failed to recognize your true capabilities." The Master Chief Petty Officer explained.
"That's right!"
"If we had known Commander Hyaku possessed such strength, we wouldn't have questioned his authority."
"..."
After he finished speaking, the others voiced their agreement.
Hyaku finally understood — his display of power had won their respect.
In the One Piece world, whether among pirates or marines, strength commanded ultimate respect. Greater power meant greater recognition.
"Order everyone back to the cabin." Hyaku commanded after their brief exchange.
With that settled, he returned to his daily sword practice.
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By noon the next day...
〘 Ding! Host Successfully Swung the Sword 1,000 Times! Reward: Rokushiki Proficiency +10% | Basic Swordsmanship Proficiency +10% 〙
Since early morning, Hyaku had been practicing his sword swings on deck. After a thousand repetitions, both his Rokushiki and Basic Swordsmanship proficiency increased by 10%.
Checking the system panel, he saw both skills had reached 100%!
With this mastery, he could now unleash powerful flying slashes!
"Continue!" Hyaku spurred himself onward, gripping his sword firmly.
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In the evening.
"1997...1998...1999...2000!"
〘 Ding! Host Successfully Swung the Sword 2,000 Times! Reward: Azure Dragon Sword Intent! 〙
Through relentless practice with perfect form, Hyaku completed his two-thousandth swing!
He obtained the reward — Azure Dragon Sword Intent!
Unlike regular swordsmanship, Azure Dragon Sword Intent was a form of energy manipulation that utilized the body's Ki. While similar to how Haki manifested in various forms, it was an entirely different type of spiritual energy.
This power could dramatically enhance sword strikes and manifest in physical form to strike opponents. Such sword intent was typically achieved only by those who had dedicated countless years to mastering the blade.
{T/N: Although they don't take physical form, Zoro's attacks contain a bestial aura in them, and he has even been praised for it. It follows the same principle, but this MC's technique can affect reality through energy manipulation, not just willpower.}
Yet Hyaku mastered it in mere days — a feat that would make seasoned sword practitioners seethe with envy.
"Report, Commander, we have arrived in the waters near Alabasta. Should we dock immediately?"
A Marine Master Chief Petty Officer approached swiftly.
"Dock, then establish contact with our people." Hyaku commanded with a nod.
"Yes!"
After witnessing him slice through the Sea King, every Marine aboard now treated Hyaku with utmost respect.
The Master Chief Petty Officer's response exemplified this newfound deference.
Beep!
Before he could depart, a familiar alarm pierced the air.
"Commander!"
The lookout came running.
"Pirates... Pirate ship approaching!" He reported, breathless.
From Alabasta's direction, a vessel was bearing down on their battleship.
"Let's investigate." Hyaku said with a gesture.
He proceeded to the front deck, accompanied by the Master Chief Petty Officer and the lookout.
In the distance, a massive pirate ship advanced toward them. Its flag bore purple wings flanking a skull, which was pierced by crossed Western swords.
"That's... the flag of Baroque Works!" Hyaku recognized after a moment's consideration.
This was indeed Baroque Works — the secret criminal organization operating in Alabasta under Crocodile's leadership.
Also known as Baroque Company, their elite ranks were filled with Devil Fruit users!
"Prepare for battle." Hyaku commanded, raising his left hand to signal the crew.
Capturing pirates was their duty as Marines, and since the enemy had come to them, there was no reason to hesitate.
"Prepare for battle! Load the cannons!" At his command, the Marine soldiers moved with practiced efficiency.
The helmsman swiftly turned the bow, bringing the ship's broadside to face the approaching pirate vessel.
Gun ports along the hull opened in sequence. Marines pushed the cannons into position, their muzzles protruding through the ports. With well-rehearsed precision, they loaded the ammunition.
"Commander." The Marine Master Chief Petty Officer looked to Hyaku, awaiting his signal.
"Fire!" Hyaku commanded.
Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang...!
The Marines lit their fuses in unison. Over a dozen cannons roared to life, launching their shells in rapid succession.
Whoosh, Whoosh, Whoosh!
The cannonballs arced through the air in perfect trajectory, raining down upon the pirate ship.
Bang, Bang, Bang...
Thunder-like explosions shook the air.
A moment later.
"Cease fire!" Hyaku ordered.
The bombardment fell silent.
Through the settling smoke, the pirate ship was barely visible, shrouded in a thick cloud of explosive residue.
Whoosh!
Suddenly, the calm waters churned. Like a phantom emerging from the billowing smoke, the targeted pirate ship burst forth, riding the wind!
In mere seconds, it closed the distance to the battleship!
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