Chapter 29: Volume 1 Chapter 28

Dalmatian's defeat was not unjustified, so far he had only explored the physical strengthening provided by his power. He would have to surpass his physical limit tapping into the realm of Doriki and learning the elite Marineford techniques before taking on Warhead can be possible.

For the final battle, both winning teams will be given 2 weeks to train on decommissioned ships. The competition will be to capture your opponent’s captain. Ammunition will still be rubber paint bullets, no cannons or special artillery will be provided for this competition. You can use all within your power to infiltrate, secure and win. This was the briefing that both teams received after the first round of battles was completed. After which, both teams made their way to the new location for their training in the East and South side of the island.

A Blue teams team meeting was taking place by the beach, “Captain, finally, a battlefield of our own,” No. 5 said, this statement was acknowledged by the other officers with a nod. They all knew the power of their Captain was unstoppable in the seas. Each of their eyes blazed with expectation, we get to see another crazy use of a devil fruit power.

“Yes, finally I can go all out. But this battle will also test each teams ability to pull off an unexpected attack. My powers are already known to our opponents so they will be expecting us to make the first move.

We will not be disappointing them.

No. 20 you will take command in my place, No. 18 you deal with any rifle related issues and No. 5 help out with tactics. For the rest of you I expect great things also, this mission will only be a success if we all give 101% from the beginning.

So we must master invading a ship with ropes and nets. Fighting close-combat on deck. Lastly how to handle prisoners especially those with devil fruit powers. I’m sure the instructor and the other marines at the harbour will be willing to teach us for two weeks. There was no rule against asking for help.” Ezra said. Has anyone got any suggestions or would like to discuss a point I just mentioned.

“No Captain!” echoed on the beach.

 

After hearing about the Blue team's request, training was scheduled straightway. For fairness, the same opportunity was given to the Black team. Although they weren’t taught anything new during these two weeks, they had all improved their understanding of sea battles.

Each team was provided with a crew containing Seamen and Navigators. The ship had plain sails the same colour as the teams on its two masts, Blue sails for the Blue team and Black sails for the Black team. There were no cannons or heavy artillery on board each vessel. Each ship had a small powered engine which normally is used for areas without current. Full command of the ship was given to the team captains, they had to assume the role of the Captain of the ship. An instructor disguised as a Seaman was also onboard to grade the team’s performance.

As part of the test, the crew was to make their way to the test location from their current location, as well as make plans for their attack.

“Captain, I think we should go with a similar tactic to our first mission. We can use the ship as a decoy, as we make our way on a small boat, board to take over their ship.” No. 20 said, “won’t we be caught in the crossfire between  the Captain battle?” No. 5 questioned. The others pondered on their chances and possible strategies.

 

“I agree with No. 20’s idea, I will change some aspects of the plan but with this, we can have the element of surprise. There will be no battle, we will restrict them whilst they are in the ocean. Frogmen uniforms were provided for this battle, right? I need you all to have your frogmen uniform ready for when we take action. Your mission will be to save the other team.” Ezra announced.

“Captain the wind is blowing portside, we are ready for departure” a seaman made his report from the bridge.

“Pack up the sails, use the engines. Take us starboard, along the island towards the Eastern part of the island,” Ezra replied

“But captain, the engines are not strong enough to go against the sea wind” the seaman replied, he doubted that this student understood what he had reported.

“You have received your orders, see to it” No. 20 responded.

The seamen left, he wasn’t happy being talked down to by the kids but according to rules set for the test, the team were the highest ranks on the vessel with their captain the same as the ship's captain, he could not disobey his rank superiors.

“Pull up the sails”

“Start the engines”

“Proceed in the starboard direction”

Various commands were yelled and acknowledged on the deck as seamen got to work.

“When you see the black sails of our opponents prepare to board the lifeboat,” Ezra instructed No. 20.

Ezra willed the water in his flask to flow into the sea mixing with the seawater under the ship. With this connection, he could control the current of the sea making the ship move with ease.

‘Warhead I’m sorry but this battle is in the sea and I have an absolute advantage. You won’t have the chance to display any skills.’ Ezra said to himself as he got comfortable.

“Captain, enemy ship spotted ahead.” a seaman reported 

“Hoist the sails, turn portside, retreat at normal speed,” Ezra said as he boarded the lifeboat with his officers now dressed in a blue scuba diving underwater outfit and equipment.

“Deploy lifeboat” he yelled, before saying to his team “begin the operation.”

Ezra immersed his arm into the sea as he yelled “Water Prison”. A dome made of water enclosed the boat, filling it with seawater as it slowly sank into the sea.

This was the first time Ezra had displayed this type of skill before, although this exposed his secret of not being affected by seawater to the team and the instructors, he was sure they probably didn't know the full extent of his power. It won't be wrong for them to think he was restricted in the water, or could only stay in the water for a limited amount of time.

 

On the Black team's ship.

“Captain we have them on the run,” a seaman reported.

“Full speed ahead” Warhead ordered, “Bring me a rifle.”

“Breeze Breathe Bomb”

Aiming the rifle at the ship changing its direction, he blew into the chamber of the rifle, then he pulled the trigger. A gush of air was released from the rifle moving towards the Blue team's ship.

Bang!

Something hit the mast as it exploded, “They have cannons!” yelled a seaman. There was confusion on deck, “Use the engine, make some distance between us” another yelled.

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Bang Bang Bang

Various explosions sounded out as water splash into the deck, the Blue team ship had been damaged. they could only wait to be boarded by the Black team.

The crew and officers on the black team's ship were already rejoicing, half the battle was over as they could now board the opponent’s vessel. 

“Prepare for a deck battle. Prepare to board,“ Warhead commanded.

“Yes Sir” echoed on the deck.

No one noticed streams of water creeping on deck. 

“Sea Shackle”

The water streams coiled around each person on the black ship like snakes, restricting their movement.

“Water Prison” seawater slowly crept along the body of the ship, forming a bubble filled with water, before being dragged into the sea.

“Rescue them all” Ezra ordered as he sat quietly on the boat which had now emerged.

 

“Congratulations Marines! You are the pride of West Blue! Your performances during the training were all exemplary and the hope we had for each of you was only reinforced. 

All Officers are to be promoted to the rank of Petty Officer First Class. A post has been assigned to you all, you can reject this post and also pick up a teaching role at the academy if you so wish.”

 

“Hothead, Although your do it alone style was not great in a team competition. There are various teams in the marines that need a powerhouse of your capability. We will be rooting for you. 

Here are your dispatch papers: Ensign Hothead, report to Captain Bloodshots vessel.”

Hothead stepped forward to receive his papers, he saluted and then returned to his position in the line.

 

“Dalmatian, There is nothing much to remark about you. You are a model marine, your training capabilities are very impressive as well as your battle sense. You have been recommended to the 80th Marine base in West Blue where you will be taking up the role of Instructor. 

Here are your dispatch papers: Ensign Dalmatian”

Dalmatian stepped forward to receive his papers, he saluted and then returned to his position in the line.

 

“Warhead, You are an elite from HQ and the way you handled the training showed you were from a different cut of cloth. Your previous superior Spandine has asked that you be reassigned to his team.

Congratulations for making it into the Cipher Pol.

Here are your dispatch papers: Agent Warhead.”

Warhead stepped forward to receive his papers, he saluted and then returned to his position in the line.

 

“Poseidon, You were born to be a marine, over the past year you have displayed leadership in the way you lead your men. You gave them wings and left them to find their footing, and what they found was teamwork. If all marines could stand united like your team the seas will not be unruly.

As the winner of the competition, you can make a request to the academy. I will use all the power the academy has into making it a reality. Tell me what request you have?”

Ezra was shocked, Who knew it would turn out like this. A few questions popped into Ezra's mind, ‘the location of his master, the pirate crew responsible for Amagus massacre’ were amongst the top requests that floated in his mind.

“Would it be possible to have the 20 officers from the Blue team assigned under me? that is if they are willing…” without waiting for Ezra to finish speaking.

20 voices rang out from the crowd of officers “We are willing”

The Dean could only smile, ”we had a feeling something like this will happen, the 20 of them have already been assigned under you. They will be following you on your assignment. You have been promoted to the lowest rank capable of leading a team.

Congratulations Lieutenant Junior Grade Rose D. Ezra or should I say Poseidon. You will be reporting to Marineford with your team. Your assignment is with Vice Admiral Tsuru.”

Ezra stepped forward to receive his papers, he saluted and then returned to his position in the line.

 

“This year we have uncovered hidden gems here in the West Blue, we hope the wind will always be behind your sails as you bring about a wave of change.

Marines I salute you!” the Dean concluded the assembly.