Clang!
The axe's handle snapped with a sharp crack, and the heavy weapon was flung into the air, tumbling to the ground with a metallic thud.
"Sixth Form!"
At the same time, Bai Yu's sword arc had yet to lose momentum.
The sixth slash—quicker than lightning—carved through the air in a brutal diagonal path, aiming straight at the front of Sentomaru's chest.
Pfft!
Sentomaru, disarmed and unguarded, had no chance of reacting. He hadn't even adjusted into a defensive stance before—
Slash!
Bai Yu's Ryūjin Jakka tore through flesh and muscle.
Blood gushed from the deep cut on Sentomaru's chest like a burst pipe.
"So... fast..."
Those were Sentomaru's final shocked words before his body collapsed backward, unconscious before he even hit the ground.
"Captain Sentomaru!"
Seeing their commander fall, the science division marines from HQ rushed in frantically. Medics sprang into action, applying pressure and bandages to stop the bleeding.
No one had expected this.
Sentomaru—the powerhouse of the science division, considered one of the strongest "tanks" in HQ—had been utterly defeated.
And in just a few moves.
Even his prized weapon had been shattered by Bai Yu.
Clack.
Bai Yu calmly flicked his blade. Blood droplets scattered across the ground in a crimson arc before he gracefully sheathed it.
He turned away without a word.
Despite the victory, Bai Yu held no personal grudge against Sentomaru.
The man was only here on orders, perhaps even acting out of his own misguided sense of justice.
There was no need to end his life.
Still, the wound would keep him off the battlefield for a while—and hopefully teach him some humility.
[Ding! The host has completed 2,000 sword swings. Reward: Azure Dragon Sword Intent +5% proficiency; Haki (all types) +1% proficiency]
["Ju-Rokuren" Technique +5% proficiency]
The system notification echoed in Bai Yu's mind, confirming the successful accumulation of strikes against a high-level opponent like Sentomaru.
The rate of proficiency gain was far faster in real combat.
2000 swings in one battle. Not bad.
Bai Yu smirked to himself.
"You're the last of them."
He gestured toward the unconscious Sentomaru and turned to the science marines.
"Take your commander—and Gasparde—with you when you leave."
The marines froze at Bai Yu's words, clearly stunned, but dared not speak out.
Instead, they silently lifted Sentomaru onto a stretcher and boarded the warship, not forgetting their original objective. They received Gasparde from the 188th Branch and quickly set sail.
They left with more shame than triumph.
"Hahaha!"
"Let HQ learn that we're not pushovers!"
"Colonel Bai Yu, you're our pride!"
Behind them, the soldiers of the 188th Branch erupted in cheers and laughter. For once, it was HQ that was humbled.
They were used to being looked down on by the "main force" navy, often treated like second-class marines.
Today was different.
Today, they struck back.
Bai Yu's methods may have been blunt, but they were satisfying—and justified.
Sentomaru came asking for trouble and had no choice but to swallow the bitter result.
With that, the final pirate of the Hannabar Operation was successfully handed over.
[Ding! Host has completed main mission: "Dead Sea Pursuit."]
[Final Evaluation: S-Rank]
The system chimed again, triggering Bai Yu's anticipation.
With all primary pirates captured, the mission score had reached the highest rank possible—S.
Bai Yu rubbed his hands together in expectation.
"Let's see the good stuff..."
[Mission Rewards: Azure Dragon Sword Intent +5%, Three-Color Haki Proficiency +5%]
["Ju-Rokuren" Technique +10% Proficiency]
His techniques all surged forward in mastery.
Azure Dragon Sword Intent hit 100%—fully mastered.
"Ju-Rokuren" climbed to 60%.
All three types of Haki—Observation, Armament, and Conqueror's—now stood at 41%.
Once any reached 50%, they'd unlock new branches of power.
Like Sentomaru's armament Haki defensive shell.
But the system wasn't done yet.
[Additional Reward Unlocked: Dragon Power (10 units)]
[Note: "Dragon Power" is an active technique. When activated, it multiplies physical strength. The multiplier increases with proficiency.]
Bai Yu's pupils glinted.
"Dragon Power…"
He repeated the name mentally, savoring the sound.
"If I had activated that during the fight…"
"Even Sentomaru's full-body Haki wouldn't save him from six consecutive strikes."
He couldn't help but grin.
This new move pushed his limits again.
Afterward, Bai Yu issued orders to clean and restock the ship, preparing to return to the 188th Branch early the next morning.
---
Meanwhile, Navy Headquarters — Admiral's War Room
Inside the room of Fleet Admiral Sengoku, the atmosphere was tense.
Seated around the table were the three Admirals—Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru—along with Vice Admiral Garp.
On closer inspection, faint bruises could be seen around Kizaru's face and jaw.
Apparently, Garp had delivered some "justice" on behalf of Bai Yu earlier.
Sengoku was at his desk, holding a Den Den Mushi as a report came in.
"I see."
He closed the line and turned to the room.
His eyes locked with Garp's.
"What is it? About Bai Yu?"
Garp asked, noticing Sengoku's strange gaze.
The Fleet Admiral nodded slowly.
"The latest update just came in. Bai Yu engaged in combat with… Sentomaru."
The room fell silent for a moment.
Kizaru shifted uncomfortably.
Everyone knew that Sentomaru was Kizaru's right-hand man.
Smack!
Garp slammed his hand on the table and stood up, glaring directly at Kizaru.
"Don't look at me like that! I didn't send him!"
Kizaru raised both hands quickly, stepping back in alarm.
"He applied on his own to escort Gasparde!"
No trace of his usual laid-back attitude remained.
"Karp. Relax," Sengoku said, raising a hand.
"It's confirmed. Sentomaru initiated contact. He did battle with Bai Yu."
"But…"
Sengoku hesitated.
"He was knocked out cold in just a few exchanges."
Gasps filled the room.
Even the usually stoic Akainu narrowed his eyes.
Sentomaru wasn't a pushover.
He was trained in advanced Haki, a defense specialist trusted by Vegapunk and protected the most classified projects.
And he still lost to Bai Yu—in a matter of moves.
Even after Kizaru had already failed due to underestimation, Sentomaru had the upper hand in information—and was still defeated.
A chilling silence settled in.
Bai Yu's growth wasn't just remarkable.
It was dangerous.