Fifty-odd airships hovered above the clouds at an altitude of ten thousand meters, advancing steadily toward Jaya Island.
"These airships are quite something," Redyat remarked as he stood on the edge of one vessel, his gaze sweeping across the fleet. His expression remained calm, already seeing through the mechanism behind them. The ships relied on special floating clouds to generate buoyancy, allowing them to rise effortlessly with the aid of propulsion systems.
For the Nightfall Pirates, replicating such technology would not be difficult. It was never a matter of capability, only a matter of intent.
Still, the Sky Pirates' approach had merit. Before witnessing it firsthand, no one within the Nightfall Pirates had considered such a design. Now that they had, it was clear that it required no advanced breakthroughs.
Plans were already underway. Unlike the Sky Pirates' constructs, their version would resemble massive hot air balloons. Once completed, orders would flood in from across the world.
Airships offered greater safety than traditional ships, along with unmatched luxury. They would surpass even the finest cruise liners and be marketed to nobles, wealthy elites, and even the Celestial Dragons. The profit potential was immense.
Around Redyat, the other pirates cast wary glances. His presence unsettled them. His eyes seemed capable of piercing through anything.
On the day of his arrival, Redyat had exposed and eliminated over a dozen spies hidden among their ranks with effortless precision. No one understood how he had uncovered them so quickly.
That single act established his authority.
Even the cadres of other pirate crews avoided him. Strength alone was not what made him dangerous. It was the unsettling impression that he could see through a person's very thoughts.
"We've arrived at Jaya Island. All personnel, prepare to disembark."
The broadcast echoed through the fleet. The airships slowed, then began a gradual descent as the island came into view below.
News of the reinforcements had already spread across Jaya Island. High-ranking pirates stepped out into the open, looking up at the sky.
Airship after airship descended, an overwhelming sight that stirred excitement throughout the island. Confidence surged among the gathered forces.
One after another, the massive vessels landed on the open ground, kicking up strong winds that sent clothing fluttering. Many shielded their faces, yet their eyes remained fixed on the arrivals.
"Is this Jaya Island? The scent of war is thick in the air," a man in a flight cap said as he stepped forward, a cigar between his lips.
Shiryu strode off the ship without hesitation. Members of the Nightfall Pirates immediately made way for him.
He had no intention of refusing Teach's orders. A war of this scale was exactly what he craved. His blade, Raiu, seemed almost restless, as if eager to drink blood once more.
Redyat had already lifted into the air. His Observation Haki expanded instantly, sweeping across the entire island. Every pirate, every hidden presence, fell within his perception.
The pirates native to Jaya Island found his actions strange, but none interfered. Those who had arrived with him, however, understood exactly what he was doing.
Spies.
There were always spies.
With the influx of reinforcements, the island had become a melting pot of factions. The likelihood of infiltration had only increased.
Pirates across the island began to release their own Haki, scanning their surroundings. Anyone hiding indoors was forced out into the open. In this tense atmosphere, even the slightest suspicious movement could lead to immediate death.
Among the crowd stood a woman with light pink hair that fell to her waist. Her leather outfit clung tightly to her figure, accentuating her presence. A whip hung at her side, and her bearing carried a commanding, queen-like aura.
She appeared to be an ordinary pirate, yet no one dared provoke her.
She had already proven herself in battle, slaughtering many enemies. She had even attracted the attention of "Black Widow" Iris and joined the Sky Pirates as a subordinate.
Outwardly, she remained composed.
Internally, she was on edge.
Her gaze flicked subtly across her surroundings, searching for an opportunity to transmit information. Every instinct told her something was wrong.
Her name was Kumadori Yamao, an agent of CP9 and a veteran assassin.
Her infiltration had been flawless. She had integrated into Jaya Island, earned trust, and successfully relayed intelligence.
Until now.
A faint chill crept down her spine.
Unseen, a gaze passed over her, paused for the briefest moment, then moved on.
Within minutes, Redyat had already identified over thirty spies. Most belonged to the World Government or Marines. A few came from other factions, though that distinction meant little. All would be eliminated.
Three among them stood out, their auras stronger than the rest. Redyat did not know their identities, but he could guess. CP9.
For now, he did nothing.
Information was more valuable than corpses.
Elsewhere, Shiryu's attention shifted. He sensed a familiar presence and turned his head.
A figure stood not far away.
A grin spread across Shiryu's face as he walked forward.
"Why is Shiryu heading toward King?"
"Are they going to fight?"
Murmurs spread among the onlookers.
"They were both from Impel Down," someone said. "They must know each other."
The two locked eyes. Their auras surged simultaneously.
In the next instant, blades were drawn.
Steel clashed.
"King. It's been a while," Shiryu said, smiling as their weapons met again and again in rapid succession.
"Shiryu. Neither of us belonged in that place," King replied, flames flickering along his body.
Their exchange was swift and intense, yet controlled. This was not a life-and-death battle, only a test.
After several dozen strikes, both men stepped back.
They understood each other well. Their time in Impel Down had forged a certain connection. Still, they now stood on different sides.
One day, they would face each other for real.
When that time came, neither would hesitate.
Shiryu turned and left. The oppressive killing intent that lingered around him slowly faded, allowing those nearby to breathe again.
His strength had grown significantly since the Sword Tournament. Having stepped into the realm of a Great Swordsman, he had reached a new level entirely.
As the newly arrived forces regrouped, the power of Jaya Island surged.
The Sky Pirates brought Alex, their First Fleet Captain, a top-tier powerhouse with a bounty exceeding one billion.
The Whitebeard Pirates sent Vista.
The Big Mom Pirates deployed Cracker.
The Beast Pirates contributed War Hammer Omen.
And the Nightfall Pirates sent Redyat and Shiryu.
Aside from the Sky Pirates, the Nightfall Pirates now held the strongest presence on the island.
Their contributions would not go unrewarded.
The war was approaching.
Both sides prepared relentlessly. The World Government gathered its forces, while Jaya Island sought every opportunity to weaken them before the decisive clash.
Confidence had grown after their recent victory. Perhaps too much.
Yet the reality supported it. With fewer high-level combatants remaining on the enemy side, Jaya Island held a clear advantage in top-tier strength.
Still, caution remained necessary.
Reports had confirmed that Garp had arrived nearby, acting as a deterrent. His presence alone was enough to halt any reckless plans.
Even combined, they could not defeat him.
For now, direct confrontation was not an option.
Redyat sat quietly among them, listening as plans were discussed. He did not interrupt. His knowledge of the World Government far exceeded theirs.
At last, he set his glass aside and stood.
"I'll deal with a few pests," he said lightly.
Before anyone could respond, his body dissolved into shadow and vanished.
Across the island, an invisible force spread.
Kumadori Yamao's expression changed instantly.
She felt it.
She had been found.
She tried to move, but her legs were seized by something unseen. Her body sank downward, dragged into darkness.
Shadow tendrils wrapped around her, binding her completely. Even her mouth was sealed, preventing any chance of suicide.
"I'm finished," she thought, panic flooding her mind.
One by one, figures vanished across Jaya Island.
Dozens of spies were erased in silence.