Chapter 68: Chapter 63 A Threat
In the days following their departure from the G8 base, Satoru and his crew encountered several pirate crews. While the captains of these crews required Satoru's personal intervention, the rest of the pirates were left to his subordinates. Each battle not only refined the skills of the G8 navy but also toughened their resolve. These encounters forged them into a fearsome force, their confidence reinforced by their growing victories.
Despite the bloodshed, Satoru's meticulous oversight ensured that not a single member of his crew lost their life. His sharp instincts and quick action often saved his subordinates from certain death, leaving his crew in awe of his leadership.
Finally, after days of patrolling and capturing pirates, the warship's cells were packed to capacity.
"Alright, this patrol mission is officially complete. It's time to head back," Satoru announced, glancing at the overcrowded prison cells.
The crew erupted into cheers, their exhaustion momentarily overshadowed by the relief of returning home.
---
Return to Base
The G8 base appeared on the horizon within hours. Clair, ever-diligent, greeted Satoru at the docks. "Welcome back, sir," she said, her voice tinged with admiration.
The navy personnel watched Satoru with awe, fully aware of his accomplishments during this patrol. The captured pirates' combined bounties exceeded three billion berries—a staggering feat that solidified Satoru's reputation.
"Hand over the prisoners," Satoru ordered. "And don't slack on the base's construction. Not for a moment."
"Yes, sir!" Clair replied, rallying the rest of the navy to action.
Satoru's philosophy was clear—every pirate caught was a resource to be exploited. The prisoners were promptly put to work rebuilding and fortifying the base, their final acts of utility before facing justice.
---
The Navy's Grand Operation
Elsewhere, the Navy Headquarters had deployed an unparalleled force to the New World. For the first time, all three admirals—Aokiji, Kizaru, and Akainu—were dispatched simultaneously. Even the legendary Garp had been called from his vacation, much to his vocal displeasure.
This massive mobilization left Satoru marveling at the Navy's strength. "They didn't ask for my help, but it's clear their strategy is different from ours," he mused. While the admirals launched a sweeping offensive across the New World, Satoru's task was to maintain the security of the G8 base and its surrounding waters.
Despite the show of force, Satoru doubted the legitimacy of the hastily formed Pirate Alliance that aimed to resist the Navy. To him, such alliances were the desperate measures of the weak.
---
A Sudden Threat
As Satoru reviewed the base's progress, a strange unease settled over him. His right eyelid twitched violently—a foreboding sign that couldn't be ignored.
His instincts screamed of impending danger. Raising his head, Satoru peered beyond the roof of his office, his six eyes piercing through layers of stone and steel. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead.
"No… I didn't think I'd meet *him* this soon," he muttered.
Before he could react, a deafening crash resounded across the base. A massive force had obliterated one of the newly constructed buildings, leaving a plume of dust and debris in its wake.
Satoru teleported to the scene instantly, finding the base in chaos. Navy personnel scrambled to secure the area, and captured pirates fled from the rubble in a frenzy.
"What happened here?!" one of the construction overseers exclaimed, his voice trembling.
Satoru ignored the chatter, his eyes fixated on the ruins. His voice was calm but commanding. "This wasn't your fault. Evacuate the base and send a request for immediate reinforcements from the Navy Headquarters."
The crew was stunned into silence. For their commander to request help, the threat had to be extraordinary.
"Yes, sir!" The overseer saluted before rushing to carry out the order.
---
The Monster
Satoru's six eyes locked onto the source of the destruction. Buried beneath the rubble was a creature radiating immense vitality. Its life force was unlike anything he'd encountered before—overwhelmingly powerful and suffused with an aura of brutality.
"*A monster,*" Satoru thought, a mix of fear and excitement coursing through him.
He assessed the situation. The creature's sheer size and vitality indicated that it would take everything he had to even hold it off. While Satoru knew he couldn't defeat this beast alone, he was confident in his ability to delay it until reinforcements arrived.
"Alright," he muttered, cracking his knuckles. "Let's see how I measure up against you."
The ground trembled as the monster began to stir, its towering form emerging from the ruins. The stage was set for a battle that would test the limits of Satoru's power and resolve.
And though the outcome was uncertain, one thing was clear—this fight would mark the beginning of a new chapter in Satoru's journey.