CHAPTER 7 - Master of the Ark: Part 1
The storm raged like a mad beast, ill-caring for its brave voyagers that had embarked onto its stormy path. Law was surprised to find that his compass had been working. He could confirm that they were no longer in the Grand Line but situated in some other sea. It could've been the Four Blues or somewhere else. He enquired Shinobu.
"We are in the belt of the Ryukyu Islands." she said.
Law and Zoro couldn't fathom the thought. Ryukyu Islands did not ring any bells.
"We are heading after them to the west. Do you know the sea?" Law asked again.
"I received a chart when we had departed from Tokyo." Shinobu drew out a map from inside her shirt.
"Why's the map all wet?" Zoro asked.
"It doesn't matter." Shinobu cut him short. Law found the answer. The map was drenched with her sweat, as the battles went weary.
"There are loads of islands to the west. We are picking up pace but we might lose sight of them in this storm." Law wrapped the map, returning it back to Shinobu.
"I'll take watch in the front. We are making good speed with the wind." Law added.
"They must've doused all their lights. I fear for Tomioka and my sister. Any ship might capsize in this storm." Shinobu said, "How are we going to board the ship?"
"Leave that to me." Law replied, "I fear that those pirates might notice us once we are near. We have no weapons to throw back at them. They'd surely not show any mercy on their side."
The others agreed.
Law added, "On the other side, I doubt they'd have brought only one boat for a crew as mighty as Jack's. His whole crew was packed and ready for war back on that island. We need to keep a watch on the rear as well."
"I must admit that you are good at speculating the situation." Zoro said.
"That's Kaido's men and a former Warlord we are dealing with. I can't have any thought of rest right now."
"So our objective's retrieving Tomioka and then returning back to our crew?" Zoro asked.
"That's what I'd like to hope." Law replied.
"Oh my, I hope you guys are not leaving me alone to commandeer this lonesome boat?" Shinobu asked in her cool demeanour.
"I never said that. You will be coming with us until we can declare a safe passage. We cannot let you die at the hands of Kaido or Moria, so consider this as compensation and our objective for dragging you into the pirate business." Law explained.
Zoro agreed with Law.
"Thank you." Shinobu appreciated, "I need to improve my skills and learn about the world beyond my home. Looking at both you reminded me of my days. The days when my sister was used to be a pillar at the Demon Slayer Corps. I want to be magnificent like her."
"You held your grounds back in that fight." Zoro reminded, "You are doing good." Zoro said.
"I assume, you are interested in clashing blades with the Demon Moon or Master Kuwajima?"
"No." Zoro shook his head, "My target is Moria and his ship."
"I wouldn't get too excited about destroying their ship." Law said, "But on the contrary, I wouldn't hold back if we make it on board. Moria has proved more cunning than I had anticipated. We cannot let him have the upper hand the next time."
They saw an island on the way but decided not to stop for supplies. The Beast Pirates boat housed food and water to have lasted for another few days. The sky went dark, but none could've assumed when the sun had gone down.
"I see nothing onshore." Shinobu peered through a scope that they had found on deck, "We move on ahead."
Law agreed. He had planned to stop on the island if there was any significant sign of Moria's pirate ship. He knew Moria wouldn't drop anchor on the island. The latter couldn't wait and risk an encounter against Jack.
The storm intensified giving way to harsh waves elevating more than ten feet above basic sea level. They had to wrap their sails to prevent tearing off from the opposing wind. Law and Zoro took to the oars and began paddling whilst the winds were against them. Shinobu took over duties to the front and provided a constant report.
"We don't weigh anchor until we have sighted the enemy ship." Law declared.
Zoro had no complaints. He was eager for another fight with Moria and his men. They rowed and gained speed despite the horrendous tempest that rattled their boat.
Shinobu was all drenched to the bottom in the heavy rain. That was the least of her worries, as she had caught the silhouette of a ship to the front. She yelled back to the hardened rowers reporting her sight. Law left the oars and went ahead to look for himself.
"Alright, we'll need to get close. The wind and tides are against us. Kocho-ya, keep reporting on the situation." Law patted her shoulder returning back to the oars.
"Now I'm getting excited." Zoro grinned, "What's your plan, Tora-o?"
"We need to take control of the ship." Law replied, "This boat have the chances of sinking from a single cannonball. We will need cannons and armoury to defend against Jack."
"If we are planning on defeating Moria and taking over the ship, I can't say that we three could commandeer that ship." Zoro explained, "We need a bigger crew to handle the guns. The only ones that'll be able to aid the crew would be Tomioka and that Demon Moon. I doubt Shinobu's planning to negotiate with the latter."
"It doesn't matter. I'm expecting a four-man crew along with Giyu-ya, if things go okay all around. I'll use my powers to handle situations when needed." Law said.
Zoro nodded entrusting to Law's plan.
The vessel of the Beast Pirates, renamed the Salvaged Devil, made good speed with Zoro and Law's magnanimous strength. The enemy sighted the incoming boat and was reported back to its captain.
"Master, Jack is following us. Kaido's flag flew atop the mast." Dr. Hogback told Moria.
"What?" Moria gave a grave look. He got up from his seat and walked out of his cabin.
"Prepare the guns. We can't let them get close to our position. Let the zombies take oars and row at full speed. I doubt we are making any progress against this wind. Wrap the sails. Stop them at all cost."
"Yes, sir." Dr. Hogback left the cabin and got to business.
The pirates fired cannons upon the boat. The shots missed. Shinobu was called in by Zoro.
"Take it." Zoro gave her the Kitetsu, "Your sword won't hold against the cannonballs. Use my sword, and don't you dare lose it."
Shinobu appreciated and returned back to her watch.
"We could've made an invasion if this wind wasn't going against us." Law mentioned.
"We need to get near the ship as soon as possible. Shinobu shall do fine against the cannon fire with her speed and abilities." Zoro replied.
"Why did you give her your cursed sword? Will she able to handle it?" Law asked in doubt.
Zoro was surprised, "I guess a wielder of a cursed blade as yourself would realise."
A cannonball came in straight for their boat. Shinobu located her target and slashed the Kitetsu. The cannonball was cut like paper creating a huge wave of water slash that rushed ahead and cut open the rear side of Moria's ship.
"Oh my!" Shinobu awed upon the sword. The cannon fire crew had stopped for a moment shocked from the magnificent slash.
Dr. Hogback ran back to Moria.
"What was that? What shook the ship?" Moria was troubled.
"It's the Beast Pirates. They are doing a number on our ship." Hogback replied.
"Who's onboard? Is Jack taking the command?"
"I couldn't determine them with the rain and the distance."
"Did you see through a scope?" Moria asked. Dr. Hogback didn't reply. He forgot the fundamentals in the rush.
"You are hopeless, Hogback." Moria walked away. He arrived upon the rear along with his companion and looked through his scope. The ship had closed in pretty fast.
"Wait, it's that woman who was with that Roronoa Zoro. What's she doing out in the sea?" Moria was surprised.
"They must've followed us, Master. We need to sink them before long." Hogback mentioned.
"Put everything to destroy them! I don't want them right now!" Moria shouted, "Fire the cannons, you morons!"
The zombies snapped off from the shock and began resuming their attack.
"Get me the sniper. I want that woman dead." Moria replied.
"You mean the one we had found in that battlefield to the west*? That guy scares me." Hogback was hesitant.
"I didn't move around almost two years to be stuck in this situation. Get him out here!" Moria shouted.
Hogback ran back.
Half of the cannons missed the target due to the rain and heavy winds, moving the shots from their intended target. Shinobu managed to cut the ones that made way for the boat. She couldn't replicate the wondrous attack that had shaken the enemy ship.
"The Kitetsu was hungry for blood. But little did Shinobu know that it could've acted as a double-edge tearing up this boat. That's the risk of a cursed blade." Zoro mentioned.
"I didn't like the idea, but in the end, it worked out." Law knew the consequences. His sword Kikoku was cursed and understood the incompetence upon wielding one.
"She is a formidable swordsman." Zoro remarked.
The sniper arrived and aimed down his scope.
"Kill the woman." Moria mentioned leaving the area.
The sniper made no reply and continued his observation.
"The shadow of a Marine sniper capable with Observation Haki, whereas the body of sniper veteran from that ludicrous war from the west. A formidable combination, indeed." Hogback told himself as he observed.
The sniper aimed beyond Shinobu.
The wood cracked as the bullet pierced through his arm. Law winced in incredible pain. Zoro was surprised. He looked back and realised that there was a formidable opponent on board the ship.
"Tora-o…" Zoro looked upon a bleeding Law.
"I know. There's a good eye on board." Law realised.
He felt that the wind direction has changed.
"Release the sails. We have good winds." he mentioned.
Another shot was fired, but Law was able to dodge the bullet. Zoro released the sails. The boat gained speed in the instant.
"I'll be alright." Law mentioned.
A bullet was shot once again. It injured Shinobu by her left shoulder.
"Protect Kocho-ya!" Law shouted upon Zoro. The latter could read the trajectory of the bullets with his Observation Haki and acted against the sniper. Shinobu and Zoro managed to hold the ship from loose cannons and precise bullets. Law patched himself up and rushed ahead. The boat gained significant distance and appeared close to the big ship.
"This boat fared us well. It's time to act." Law mentioned, "Room!"
The spherical space extended inside the ship, "There he is." he grinned.
"Shambles!"
Dr. Hogback found a big boat crash into the middle of the ship. The pursuers made it on board.
"This is bad news! Attack!" Hogback shouted. The zombies turned their attention towards the invaders.
"Oh my, a tenacious woman you are." Kanae approached Shinobu with hostile intent. Her sword was drawn.
"I'll follow you till the end." Shinobu replied, holding the Kitetsu.
"Looks like the whole party is here." Zoro grinned. The number of formidable opponents was beyond the counts of his fingers.
"This Moria has gathered a nasty horde in these two years." Zoro looked around, "Where is the bastard?"
On the other side, Dr. Hogback was in peril. He realised that the invaders would create big trouble, but the bigger trouble was on the sea. Moria was drowning. He was swapped with Law's Shambles.
"Master!" Everyone could hear Hogback screaming at the top of his lungs.
The Heart Pirates Captain enjoyed with a grin.
Hogback had to save Moria before his power loses control over the zombies.
"Protect the ship." said Master Kuwajima, who stepped ahead against the perpetrators.
Zoro was surprised to realise that Law's Devil Fruit powers had replaced themselves with Moria.
"We should let him drown in the sea. The shadows will be released." Zoro mentioned.
Shinobu was shocked with Law's quick and nefarious action. The right moment, and he had pulled the ace in the hole.
"Hold on a second! I have an offer in exchange for Moria's life, him being back on the ship." Dr. Hogback had no choice. The zombies faltered none, staying loyal and ready to attack.
Zoro felt it was a gamble to attack all the big guns surrounding them.
"In exchange, we'll have your demands and call in a ceasefire." Hogback declared.
"Very well." Law agreed without hesitation. Zoro and Shinobu were surprised but decided to follow his lead, waiting to hear his thoughts.
"Our demands are countless and you have to follow every last one of them. Refusing to comply should lead to tremendous consequences." Law declared.
Law and his team had an upper hand. Hogback yet had the decision to let the zombies loose as a last resort. Time was running out. Who's going to be the Master of the Ark?
TO BE CONTINUED…
Footnotes:
*The story of Kimetsu no Yaiba takes place during the Taisho period of Japanese history that lasted between 1912 to 1926. The 'battlefield to the west' mentioned by Dr. Hogback is a reference to the instances of the First World War which was fought between the Allied and the Central Powers in Europe from 1914 to 1918.
The following recount is completely fictitious and unrelated to any incident or person in the past. Any resemblance to reality is purely coincidental.