Chapter 177: Storm
Water 7.
City Hall Official Residence.
Mayor Iceberg stood at the window side, his fingers parting the blinds, peeking at the storm outside through this narrow gap, but in reality he couldn’t see anything clearly, as bean-sized raindrops pelted the glass with a chaotic rhythm.
The storm was so ferocious.
Even the Water Gods’ Aqua Laguna, which comes once every four years, was not as terrifying as this typhoon.
This was the most terrifying natural disaster Mayor Iceberg had ever seen in his life.
The typhoon swept in from the distant sea, blowing away everything in its path, small fishing boats in the port flew into the sky, dozens of large ships connected by iron chains barely held against being overturned thanks to their heavy anchors, the City Hall Official Residence.
It was also fortunate that Water 7 had to face the Water Gods’ attacks every four years, the city and its residents had ample experience in resisting typhoons and tsunamis, otherwise facing such a natural disaster would probably turn this place into human hell in an instant.
“It’s really terrifying!”
Mayor Iceberg gazed in awe at the storm outside through the narrow gap he had pried open in the blinds, in the face of this terrifying natural disaster, humans were so insignificant.
Even more terrifying was that such a natural disaster might be man-made.
The evening before last, while inspecting the shipyard, Mayor Iceberg encountered an unplanned guest who easily defeated all his guards without harming anyone, simply delivering a message to him.
The typhoon is coming.
There was no explanation of why there would be a typhoon, but that unequivocal attitude inevitably caused a trace of anxiety—what if a typhoon really came?
Before the guest left, he revealed his identity in a voice only Mayor Iceberg could hear: an emissary from the Revolutionary Army. Unable to bear the innocent residents of Water 7 suffering a disaster, he had come specifically to deliver the message. Even Secretary Kalifa didn’t know this.
Of course,
Mayor Iceberg was not the kind of fool who trusted others unconditionally,
he wouldn’t trust this guy claiming to be a Revolutionary Army emissary just because of a few words.
However.
Mayor Iceberg was a good mayor.
He wholeheartedly considered the interests of Water 7’s citizens, and even if it was just a one-in-a-million possibility, he wasn’t willing to take the risk.
Moreover, a typhoon’s arrival wasn’t instantaneous; the early warning signs led him to choose a safer path. Even if deceived, it would only cost some prestige and money, which was not an unbearable loss for Mayor Iceberg.
On the contrary, what if it was real.
The losses Water 7 would suffer… he didn’t dare imagine.
So, after intense internal struggle, and contacting the neighboring friendly city’s Bimini Mayor Gip, discovering that he too had received a message from someone claiming to be a Revolutionary Army emissary, the two discussed and decided to believe it was true.
Mayor Iceberg issued a mandatory administrative order using his mayoral authority, ignoring protests from merchants, fishermen, and others whose interests were harmed, forcing all citizens into a special state of preparedness against typhoon and tsunami attacks.
Then,
The natural disaster arrived as scheduled.
Citizens who had been complaining that Mayor Lord was making a fuss over nothing now hid at home praising Mayor Lord’s wise and decisive action.
“Kalifa, are the disaster prevention measures confirmed to be fine?”
“This is already the seventh time you’ve asked the same question today. You’ve personally inspected all the disaster prevention measures on the island; there won’t be any problems.” The blonde secretary in a tight hip-hugging skirt pushed up her glasses and answered Mayor Lord’s question patiently.
“Uh… good as long as there’s no problem.”
Mayor Iceberg smiled awkwardly.
It wasn’t that he had a bad memory; this typhoon was just too terrifying, making one inevitably anxious and worried about oversights.
Outside the window, the storm howled.
The dark sea of clouds hung extremely low, almost pressing down on the roof of the City Hall Official Residence; reaching out slightly could touch that ink-black cloud sea, the deafening thunder thus became extremely loud, and fleeting lightning flashes would project blinding white light through the gaps in the blinds.
Such a scene,
was truly frightening.
The number of children in Water 7 scared enough to wet their pants was not just one or two.
Many people were worried because of this terrifying typhoon, and Mayor Iceberg was just one of them. Besides him, many others felt even more obvious pressure from this storm—after all, Water 7 was just an innocent bystander caught in the storm.
The real target was drifting on the sea!
“Fufufufufu, off to a bad start! Teacher Zephyr, this storm came at a really bad time.” On the bridge, Doflamingo, lounging on the sofa with his legs crossed, let out a gloating laugh, not hiding his pleasure at seeing the Navy in trouble.
Even though he himself was in the unlucky category.
“Heavenly Yaksha, shut your mouth.”
Zephyr gave him a cold look, exuding authority without anger.
The ferocious aura rushed over, making Doflamingo’s eyebrow twitch. This crippled old man still maintained such dignity—not surprising for a former Navy Admiral; even after retiring, he couldn’t be underestimated! He suppressed his displeasure for now; this wasn’t the time to get angry. He’d settle scores with this old guy later!
“Teacher Zephyr, this storm might not be an accident.”
Gion suddenly spoke up.
The storm and waves outside reminded her of the situation they encountered on the outer seas of the Alabasta Kingdom before.
The storm howled,
Heavy rain poured,
Towering waves surged.
“In the last operation, the Revolutionary Army also launched a surprise attack during a storm.”
“I know.”
Zephyr nodded.
A hint of distress appeared on his face. “Dragon… that kid trained under me before, his ability… is extremely dangerous like Whitebeard’s. Originally… sigh! It’s too late to say anything now. Since the storm has come, it means all our moves have been seen through.”
“The situation ahead probably won’t be optimistic, Borsalino.”
Zephyr’s gaze fell on Navy Admiral Borsalino.
No matter how bad the relationship between master and disciple, Zephyr’s big-picture view wouldn’t allow internal Navy conflicts at this time. Don’t think that under Elus’s bewitchment, the old man now had the grand ideal of overthrowing the World Government; before seeing enough signs of certain victory, he still needed to stay in the Navy.
He would try to win over as many strong Navy members as possible, using the World Government as a hen to hatch a brand-new Navy.
So,
he was now wholeheartedly thinking from the Navy’s standpoint.
He hadn’t expected this operation to truly deal with the Revolutionary Army. Monkey D. Dragon had been one of his students; he hadn’t seen through the ambitions in that student’s heart back then, but based on his rich teaching experience, he believed Dragon’s talent and aptitude ranked in the top three among all his students.
Crushing the Revolutionary Army was next to impossible.
Successfully recapturing the Devil Child would already be the greatest success.
Beyond that, he had to preserve Navy forces as much as possible, not letting these brave sailors die meaningless deaths in conflicts with the Revolutionary Army—they should die in battles against pirates, not in fights with the Revolutionary Army.
“At this point, we can only force through; there’s no… room for tricks!”
Borsalino responded leisurely.
Hearing this, the Navy officers all showed serious expressions. If it were visible enemies, even the Four Emperors, they wouldn’t lack the courage to draw their swords… but natural disasters like typhoons and tsunamis left them helpless. Endless typhoons and tsunamis were opponents more headaches than the Four Emperors.
“Gion, Strawberry, Dalmatian, Lacval, Stiles, go to the other ships and take command. Whether you cut through the waves with swords or punch open a path with fists, remember your mission: protect the warships, and I don’t like any needless casualties.”
Zephyr stared at the five vice admirals.
Though Borsalino was the official commander this time, as a former admiral and current Navy Chief Instructor, no one would point out Zephyr’s overstepping in commanding. Even Borsalino, whose authority was usurped, seemed utterly indifferent.
This was ambiguous justice.
As long as it didn’t violate his sense of justice, he was happy for someone to step up and share the responsibility.
“Yes, Teacher Zephyr.”
“Instructor, leave it to me.”
“I guarantee no accidents for my men.”
The five vice admirals responded in unison.
Though their replies weren’t uniform, their address was either teacher or instructor, meaning all five had trained under Zephyr… Elus was truly impressed; the old man’s connections were impressive.
“And you lot.”
Zephyr’s gaze shifted to Elus and the others.
“Same for you; I didn’t call you here to watch the show. Get to work.” The old man issued orders unceremoniously.
The orders posed no difficulty for the Seven Warlords, but Zephyr’s commanding tone displeased the proud Empress somewhat, and Doflamingo let out a couple of weird laughs.
“Just protecting a few people? No problem.”
Elus was the first to agree.
Since they were already here, further hesitation would be worse than not coming at all! Moreover, Zephyr was one of their own now, so of course he had to help back him up.
The initially silent Seven Warlords had an opening torn; Cavendish was second to agree, then Kuma nodded silently, Doflamingo laughed “fufufu” but didn’t refuse, and finally the proud Empress huffed lightly and agreed reluctantly.
With the action plan set,
The five vice admirals and five Seven Warlords dispersed, each boarding a warship.
A total of fifteen warships; excluding the flagship, four lacked strong overseers, so Zephyr went personally, and the remaining three had the nine rear admirals distributed evenly—three rear admirals together still weren’t as good as one vice admiral, but someone was better than no one.
This was a necessary measure,
This natural disaster assault was so terrifying, the destructive power of the typhoon and tsunami reaching a shocking level.
This was an attack capable of burying the entire fleet at sea.
“Planning for a protracted war?”
Elus held the Moonlight Sword, casually slashing apart a sea wave with one sword, thoughtfully looking up at the black clouds and storm in the sky. Such a natural disaster indeed had the destructive power to wipe out the Navy fleet, but only if no admiral was overseeing.
With or without an admiral on board made all the difference for the same fleet.
Though this storm was terrifying, it wasn’t enough to take out a Navy Admiral; at most, it would reduce the fleet’s numbers.
He didn’t believe Dragon was unaware of the many powerhouses on the fleet, yet knowing Borsalino, Zephyr, and others were overseeing, he still summoned this disaster… if not for a surprise attack, it was most likely to drag out time and wear down their edge.
“Now the Navy has a headache.”
A protracted war didn’t align with the Navy’s plan.
Not to mention the pressure on Navy Headquarters from long-term commitment of two admirals and five vice admirals, just Elus and the other external aids were certainly not going to play this prolonged chase game with the Navy against the Revolutionary Army!
As long as time was dragged out as much as possible…
“Hey hey, Dragon, your guts are a bit too much, aren’t they?”
Elus suddenly turned his head, looking to the right front.
Blinding rays tore through the deep darkness, green light cannons piercing the heavy rain curtain, falling toward the Navy fleet.
“No way? Hitting me too?”
Elus raised his hand and swung his sword; a pale blue lightsaber shattered the green light cannon, the energy wave exploding mid-air whipped up fierce winds, blowing away the falling rainwater and briefly creating a rain-free space.
Soon,
The endless rain reconnected sea and sky.
Through this thick rain curtain, Elus saw massive artificial giant dragons at the horizon, all tough and durable Black Iron Dragons with extremely hard metal scales—even hit by a warship’s main cannon, as long as not repeatedly in the same spot, they could tank it.
On these giant dragons’ backs were mounted cannons: Cerberus Type-1, powerful weapons capable of firing light cannons. Not only was their destructive power astonishing, but as light cannons, their range far exceeded current solid cannonballs.
The Revolutionary Army was now relying on the Cerberus Type-1’s long range to carpet-bomb the Navy fleet from afar.
Elus kept swinging his sword, blocking the falling light cannons, protecting the warship underfoot from damage.
Not just him,
The others were also acting, resisting the Revolutionary Army’s sudden, hard-to-counter fierce attack. No one expected the Revolutionary Army to attack at this moment—even Elus thought they were likely dragging time, but Dragon’s boldness was astonishing.
They struck first.
Clearly the Navy were the hunters and the Revolutionary Army the prey, but Dragon flipped the roles instantly.
A powerful fleet with two (one former) admirals, five vice admirals, nine rear admirals, and five Seven Warlords being hunted as prey by the Revolutionary Army—this boldness… the world’s most dangerous criminal lived up to the World Government and Navy’s attention.
“Life is full of surprises everywhere!”
Elus laughed happily.
Even though he was under Revolutionary Army cannon fire, using weapons he sold them… none of this could dampen his good mood. He didn’t dislike such unexpected fun; it filled him with anticipation.
Next,
Where would things go?
Elus’s smile grew even brighter.
