" Ding! Mission triggered - Dead End Race "
" Hint: This is a rated mission, final rewards will be determined by rank! "
A system notification sounded in Hyaku's mind.
According to the system prompt, this was a rank-based mission. Mission rankings were divided into: D, C, B, A, and S.
The ranking criteria would depend on Hyaku's overall performance during the mission — number of pirates captured, strength of pirates encountered, and similar factors. Higher ranks meant more abundant rewards.
"Looks like my vacation is ending early." Hyaku said with a smile after reading the system introduction.
He decisively accepted the mission.
"Set sail! To Hannabal!" Hyaku commanded.
The battleship sailed at full speed toward their destination.
✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣✣
Afternoon.
Since they weren't far from Hannabal, Hyaku skipped his sword practice. Instead, he gathered all the Marine soldiers in the cabin.
"This mission is extremely dangerous, so I don't plan to take everyone with me. Barring any unexpected circumstances, only Coby and Helmeppo will accompany me." He announced after everyone had assembled.
"Just the three of us?!"
Coby and Helmeppo exclaimed in surprise.
The Dead End Race in Hannabal had attracted countless pirates. Even a full fleet of Marine battleships would struggle to control so many outlaws, let alone just three people.
The two young Marines inwardly groaned. They sensed their Captain was about to do something shocking — again.
"We need to first confirm whether our target is participating in the Dead End Race. Taking too many people would only attract attention. The battleship will remain in nearby waters while the three of us transfer to a different vessel." Hyaku explained.
The main target was Gasparde, a Marine deserter. As for other pirates, they'd capture them if possible, but let them go if not.
Their priority was to confirm whether Gasparde would participate in the race.
Moreover, documents from the 188th Branch indicated that Hyaku's team would serve as the vanguard. After confirming the information, the main force would come to round up the pirates.
The Dead End Race had been held for many years, so they naturally had efficient information networks. If a large Marine force appeared, the pirates would likely flee before the Marines even arrived.
Considering these risks, Hyaku decided to send only three people. A smaller group would attract less attention, and he could manage them more effectively.
"That's all well and good, but we're talking about hundreds, even thousands of pirates... Captain Hyaku, are you sure just the three of us should go? Having a few more brothers would provide some backup." While the reasoning made sense, Helmeppo couldn't hide his apprehension.
"What? Scared already? Being one of my men isn't so easy. Risk and reward are proportional — think about how Marine Headquarters would view us if just the three of us captured Gasparde. I've said my piece. If you're really afraid, you don't have to go." Hyaku 'rationally' analyzed the situation for him.
He waved his hand dismissively, leaving Helmeppo to decide for himself.
"I'm in! I joined the Marines to climb the ranks step by step! I believe in Captain Hyaku!" Coby agreed without hesitation.
"You... If you're going, I'm going too! All in!" Seeing his friend's immediate commitment, Helmeppo couldn't back down and quickly declared his participation.
"Very good." Hyaku nodded with satisfaction.
He then proceeded to arrange the operation details with everyone.
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Late night.
On the shore of a remote island in the Hannabal waters, a small battleship silently docked.
Over a dozen figures stood on the deck, with Hyaku at the front.
"We'll find another way to get to Hannabal. After we disembark, leave as soon as possible." Hyaku instructed his Marine subordinates, "Let's go!"
With one command, Hyaku was the first to jump off the battleship onto the island. Coby and Helmeppo followed closely behind.
After the three had disembarked, the battleship immediately raised anchor and sailed away.
The dark shoreline instantly returned to silence.
Back to Hyaku's side.
To better conceal their identities, the three had removed their Marine uniforms and changed into simple casual clothes.
With Hyaku in the lead, they headed deeper into the island.
✣ Kenbunshoku no Haki: Sonzai Kankaku ⭄ Observation Haki: Presence Sensing! ✣
Whoosh!
As soon as he set foot on the island, Hyaku released his Observation Haki. The powerful Haki spread quickly in a circular pattern, feeding back all surroundings to his senses.
His first task was to confirm if there were other pirates on the island. If possible, they could hitch a ride on a ship headed to Hannabal.
This directionless exploration continued for a full hour.
Whoosh!
Just when Hyaku thought the island was uninhabited, his mind suddenly received a sensation.
His Observation Haki detected human presences not far ahead!
He immediately stopped, raising his hand to signal Coby and Helmeppo to halt. Then, with hushed footsteps, he slowly approached.
As they moved forward, they saw firelight in the distance. Noisy laughter echoed from ahead.
Hyaku moved closer until he could see the scene clearly.
A large group of pirates were singing and dancing around a bonfire, completely unaware of anyone's approach.
'It's them!' Hyaku thought to himself as he recognized the pirates.
The person in the center wore loose theatrical clothing. He had inverted V-shaped eyebrows, triangular eyes, and split hair standing upright. Most distinctive was his bright red long nose.
It was the captain of the Foxy Pirates, Foxy, the "Silver Fox" — user of the Paramecia-type Devil Fruit Noro Noro no Mi (Slow-Slow Fruit). Bounty: ฿24,000,000.
Surrounding him were the members of the Foxy Pirates.
"You two stay back for now." Thinking of Foxy's character, Hyaku immediately abandoned the idea of hiding.
With a quick word to Coby and Helmeppo, he walked out confidently.
"Hic~ Hey! Where are you from? I don't think I've seen you before?" A drunk Foxy Pirates crew member noticed Hyaku and called out.
Hiccupping, he stumbled toward the newcomer.
Thud!
Just as the crew member reached for Hyaku's shoulder, Hyaku dodged with a small sidestep.
The crew member lost his balance and fell flat on his face.
The sound of the fall caught everyone's attention. In an instant, countless eyes focused on Hyaku.
✣✣✣
T/N: Favorite, comment and save to your library of best reads in the world, thank you for reading this far!
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