Chapter 34 - 34 – The World Government and the Heavenly Tribute!

Magnus never expected that after over a month adrift in the vast ocean, without encountering a single pirate crew... they'd bump into a World Government vessel first?! And not just any vessel either. "Captain! There are two Marine battleships flanking that strange steamship!" On either side of the massive steam-powered vessel were two deep green Marine warships. Seeing this, Ripley and Rocks instantly tensed up. "Let's steer away from them," Magnus frowned, issuing a command. Though he was a pirate, Magnus wasn't the kind to attack the Marines unprovoked. Even if some called them lapdogs of the World Government, it was undeniable that the Marines protected many countries from pirates. A lot of them joined genuinely to protect civilians. And clearly— The two battleships were escorting the steamship. Under such circumstances, Magnus didn't think they'd initiate an attack. But what Magnus didn't expect— When he ordered Rocks to turn the Black Pearl, the three ships ahead also turned their prows toward him. What the hell does that mean? Magnus was confused. Had the White Wolf Pirates' year-long absence diminished their fearsome reputation that much? But what Magnus didn't know was— The Marines on the three World Government ships were just as stunned. They turned to avoid the pirate ship, Yet that pirate ship with the White Wolf Pirates' flag also turned— directly toward them. All hope of avoiding conflict vanished. "Damn it! That's the Black Pearl! The White Wolf Pirates' ship! White Wolf Magnus must be on board! They're coming straight for us!" "How did our intel leak?! This was supposed to be a secret route!" "Request reinforcements from HQ immediately!" Panic broke out across the two battleships. And in the captain's cabin of the steamship, Vice Admiral Howard Ackman slammed the table in frustration. "Calm down, all of you!" "I've already contacted headquarters. A Marine Admiral is on their way. Until they arrive, we must hold the White Wolf Pirates off!" That was what he said... But Ackman had zero confidence. This was White Wolf Magnus! Every Marine knew that not only had the White Wolf Pirates not disbanded— Magnus had even seriously wounded a Marine Admiral! HQ was already preparing to raise their bounties again. Ackman was just a lowly Vice Admiral from HQ. He could use a warship's heavy cannons to repel some 100-million bounty pirates. But going up against Magnus? That was a death sentence. But there was no turning back now. Why the hell would pirates be trying to avoid us? He couldn't believe Magnus was just "passing by." Then why block their path? Magnus had the same question. When did warships start avoiding pirates? It was like two cyclists on a one-way street, Each trying to swerve away— and ending up crashing head-on. "Prepare to fire!" Ackman finally made his move. "As long as we keep them off the ships, the Admiral will arrive. Victory will be ours!" "Yes, sir!" Magnus hadn't wanted a sea battle. Back in Elbaf, the giant craftsmen had carefully examined the Black Pearl. Despite years of diligent maintenance, Time had left its mark— cracks riddled her keel. If possible, Magnus wanted her to complete this final voyage intact. He'd avoid battle at all costs. But clearly— The Marines had other plans. "Captain, they've opened fire!" "Rocks, Ripley—stop those cannonballs!" A dangerous gleam flashed through Magnus' eyes. He was no longer the old man from a year ago, afraid to strike first. "Two warships? I'll be right back." Magnus wouldn't attack the Marines without cause— But if they attacked him, he sure as hell wasn't going to hold back. "Blame your commanding officer." Magnus leapt off the Black Pearl. Geppō (Moonwalk)! There were still five kilometers between him and the three enemy ships. Yet the cannonballs were already accurately landing near the Black Pearl. Clearly, the gunners were well-trained elites. But their mistake? "Picking a fight with us!" "Zanpa (Wave Slash)!" A long, slicing blade of light soared toward the two warships. Rather than wasting energy with something like Hakoku (Conqueror's Kingdom), this wide-ranged and lower-cost attack would let him test their strength. Because it was easy to block— "Tekkai Shōgeki (Iron Body Impact)!" A black shadow leapt high from one of the ships, fist raised to meet Magnus' slash. Magnus' eyes narrowed. That familiar stance— Then the man was blasted away, blood spraying from a deep gash. Seriously? Bro... Even Magnus, midair, was stunned. You're this weak and still tried to block my path? What kind of suicidal Marines are they training these days? This slash— Even a low-end 100-million bounty pirate could've withstood that. "As expected of White Wolf Magnus..." Vice Admiral Howard Ackman, the one who had just been sent flying, looked down at his deep, bone-revealing wound, awe and fear flashing in his eyes. He had overestimated himself— and underestimated Magnus. "Surrender," Magnus said coldly. "Vice Admiral!" "Ackman-san?!" "..." Ackman raised a hand weakly. "The White Wolf Pirates have a reputation for sparing surrendered Marines. If we surrender now, we might live." "I don't know why they're targeting this Heavenly Tribute transport, but even if we resist, we'll only die in vain." They were in the mid-section of the New World. An Admiral wouldn't arrive for at least two weeks. Even if the nearest Marine base sent reinforcements— What could a tiny base do against the White Wolf Pirates? "Don't worry. This shipment may be important, but since it's White Wolf Magnus taking it, we won't be held responsible." After all— Magnus was a monster strong enough to defeat an Admiral. What could they do? So the Marines... surrendered. When Magnus saw the white flags rise from the battleships, he at first suspected a trap. But when he halted his assault and saw the two warships swiftly retreat, leaving only the central cargo vessel behind— Magnus knew something was off. Then he boarded it. And inside... He found a dazzling array of high-end goods, And warehouse after warehouse stacked with gold and silver treasures. Magnus finally understood. This ship was carrying— "Tenjōkin (Heavenly Tribute)." He had just robbed the World Government's shipment of tribute from allied nations—meant for the Tenryūbito (Celestial Dragons). (End of Chapter) [Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome] [Thank You For Your Support!]