On a certain island in the East Blue stood the Marine Base of Shells Town.

Inside the base, Captain Morgan sat comfortably in a chair, a cigar clenched between the teeth of his metallic jaw. Watching the drizzle fall beyond the window, he couldn’t help but mutter to himself:

“I truly am… magnificent.”

In the corner stood Lieutenant Commander Ripper, who immediately raised a crisp salute. His right hand snapped to his temple like a drawn sword, his left hand clenched behind his back.

“Yes, Captain Morgan is truly magnificent!”

Morgan paused for a moment, then added:

“Without me, there would be no peace in this town. No order. That’s indisputable.”

Ripper echoed dutifully:

“Yes sir! Without you, there would be no peace and order in Shells Town!”

Morgan smiled smugly and turned toward him.

“Since the townspeople benefit so much from my greatness, I think it’s only right their offerings be increased.”

“Uh…” Ripper hesitated, but eventually replied, “Understood! I… I’ll inform the townspeople. I’m sure they’ll understand.”

Morgan nodded in satisfaction, then sneered:

“Is that idiot son of mine still toying with the bounty hunter?”

Ripper didn’t hesitate this time:

“Young Master Helmeppo has tied up the bounty hunter Roronoa Zoro to a cross in the town square. He declared that if Zoro can survive without food or water for a month, he’ll be released, and the little girl who offended Young Master will be spared.”

Morgan sneered and shook his head.

“How pointless.”

At that moment, the office door creaked open.

In strode Helmeppo, his golden bangs slicked neatly over his forehead. He’d clearly heard their conversation, but he grinned and said flatteringly:

> “Don’t worry, Father. Like I’d actually cut a deal with some lowly bounty hunter. Once the month’s up — if he’s still alive — I’ll execute him on the spot! Hehehe…”

Ripper briefly let a flicker of contempt show in his eyes, though he quickly masked it.

Captain Morgan rested his right hand on the desk — or what should have been his right hand. In its place was a massive battle axe, sharp and gleaming. It was this prosthetic that earned him the infamous title: “Axe-Hand Morgan.”

He took great pride in both the axe and his metal jaw — calling them his badges of honor.

Back when he was a common marine, Morgan had engaged in battle with the cunning pirate Captain Kuro. He’d suffered severe wounds, but ultimately captured Kuro and brought him to justice.

The details of that battle were hazy… but Morgan remained convinced he had been the one to defeat Kuro.

That feat earned him promotion to base captain, along with his new metallic limbs — turning him into something of a Frankensteinian war hero.

Now, looking at his useless son, Morgan barked:

“This whole stunt is pathetic. As my son, you should have higher standards.”

Helmeppo paled. Not daring to argue, he quickly changed his tone:

“Y-yes, Father! Shall I execute him now?”

Morgan waved dismissively.

> “You’ve already announced the challenge. If you stop now, people will think my son is soft. See it through.”

Helmeppo beamed and bowed.

Suddenly, footsteps echoed down the corridor. A marine soldier entered the office briskly and saluted.

Morgan narrowed his eyes.

“What is it?”

The soldier shouted:

“The patrol ships just reported in via Den Den Mushi! They spotted an unfamiliar black ship approaching the island — possibly a pirate vessel!”

A pirate ship?

Daring to sail directly into a Marine base’s waters?

Morgan scoffed.

“The state of the world… even pirates think they can waltz into my territory.

Ripper! Assemble the troops! I’ll lead the charge myself and wipe them out!”

“Yes, sir!”

Ripper saluted and rushed out.

Helmeppo, realizing his father would be preoccupied, decided to excuse himself and return to the square to keep mocking the green-haired bounty hunter.

Fifteen minutes later, Captain Morgan led two full Marine ships from the port, setting sail into the open sea.

They quickly rendezvoused with the patrol ship and formed a three-ship fleet, heading toward the reported location.

Strangely, as they entered open waters, the drizzle turned into torrential rain, and the sky darkened ominously.

It was as though something dreadful was about to occur.

Morgan stood at the bow, expression cold. A marine soldier struggled to hold an umbrella over him, terrified of letting a single raindrop touch the captain.

Ripper, meanwhile, coordinated communication between the ships.

Soon, they spotted it.

A lone, black ship drifting through the mist.

> Just one?

They dared come here with only one ship?

Morgan raised his telescope and peered at it. The vessel was old, tattered — no flag.

“Sink it. Open fire!”

Ripper hesitated.

“Sir, should we confirm it’s a pirate ship first? There’s no Jolly Roger—”

“Tch.” Morgan sneered. “Do you think a pirate would raise their flag in my waters? If I say they’re pirates, they’re pirates.

Use your brain, Ripper.”

Ripper’s heart sank.

Even if that ship turned out to be a merchant vessel, Morgan would cover it up and claim another victory over pirates.

That was Morgan’s way.

And the higher-ups in the Navy still idolized him as the man who brought down Captain Kuro — they’d never question him.

They’d brand Ripper as the traitor, accusing him of conspiring with pirates.

He clenched his fists and swallowed his pride.

“Prepare the cannons! Fire at the pirate ship!”

The marine soldiers followed orders immediately.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Cannon after cannon roared across the waves, shells streaking through the rain — aimed straight at the black ship.

But just as the volley was about to hit—

The black ship suddenly swerved, pulling off an impossible maneuver that sent the cannonballs crashing harmlessly into the sea.

The ship didn’t slow.

It surged forward even faster.

Gasps erupted across the fleet.

“How did it dodge?!”

The gunners stared in disbelief.

How could a ship that size move so sharply — like it was alive?

Like a shark, it twisted through the sea with terrifying precision.

Even Morgan was stunned, but he quickly recovered and barked:

“Keep firing! Don’t stop!”

Firepower will prevail eventually! he thought. They can’t dodge forever!

Ripper relayed the command, and the cannons roared again.

But the same thing happened — over and over.

The ship evaded every shot, weaving through the barrage like it was dancing with death.

The Marines were shaken. This couldn’t be real.

A ship — dodging every shell? It was inhuman.

Morgan snapped.

He shoved the umbrella-wielding soldier aside and slammed his axe-hand into the railing with a crack.

“Useless fools! Can’t hit a single ship?! What do I pay you for?!”

Worse yet — Ripper ran over and reported:

“Captain Morgan… we’re out of ammunition.”

Out of ammo?

Morgan stared at the ghost ship in the distance. It hadn’t fled. It was just drifting… watching.

If that ship escaped, Morgan’s reputation — the Axe-Hand who defeated Kuro — would be in ruins.

“Advance!” he roared.

“All ships — full speed ahead! Prepare for boarding!”

Ripper understood at once — this was a call for close combat, even if it meant heavy casualties.

He frowned, but followed orders:

“Aye, sir!

All hands, prepare to board!”

The fleet turned and charged toward the ghost ship at full speed.

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep