The Grand Line – A Brewing Storm
The Night Guild Pirates sailed steadily, their ship cutting through the unpredictable waters of the New World. Dark clouds loomed on the horizon, a sign of an impending storm. Yet, the tension on board wasn't from the weather.
Hiro sat in the captain's quarters, arms crossed, deep in thought. The latest news about Luffy had shaken something in him, but he couldn't afford to act recklessly. He had his own journey, his own goals. Still, his instincts told him that the seas were about to change.
A knock on his door broke his thoughts.
"Captain, something's up."
It was Soruto Feng, the crew's sniper. His voice was sharp, alert. Hiro raised an eyebrow but got up, opening the door. "What is it?"
"You might wanna see this for yourself."
---
The Main Deck
As Hiro stepped onto the deck, his eyes immediately caught sight of the disturbance. Ahead, a large marine warship was closing in fast. It wasn't just any marine ship—it bore the insignia of an Admiral's fleet.
The crew was already mobilizing. Hikari Hikaru stood at the front, her Bright Bright no Mi powers causing faint golden light to flicker around her. Demetrius had his sword ready, a serious look on his face. Celeste Hikaru, their navigator, was gripping the wheel, tension in her posture.
"Tch. They don't waste time, do they?" Hiro muttered, walking up to Hikari.
"This isn't a normal patrol fleet," Hikari said. "It's a response unit."
Hiro's eyes narrowed. "Response to what?"
"To us."
The warship drew closer, and from its deck, a figure stepped forward. His uniform was crisp, his coat billowing in the wind. His piercing gaze locked onto Hiro.
Admiral Zephyr.
---
A Dangerous Opponent
The crew tensed. Zephyr was a name feared even by some Yonko commanders. Though he was an older-generation Admiral, his reputation as an unshakable force still held strong.
"Monkey D. Hiro," Zephyr's voice boomed across the water. "You've been growing too bold. The World Government cannot allow your crew to roam unchecked."
Hiro smirked, though his mind was already calculating. "Oh? Didn't know I was such a big deal."
Zephyr's eyes were cold. "Your actions, your power… they threaten the balance of this world. We cannot permit another D. to run free."
"Another D.?" Celeste whispered.
Demetrius clicked his tongue. "They're treating him like Luffy."
Hikari's expression turned grim. "No, worse. They're treating him like a Yonko candidate."
Hiro chuckled, stepping forward. "Well, if you're here to stop me, you'd better be ready to fight, old man."
Zephyr didn't hesitate. In a flash, the warship's cannons roared, and the battle began.
The Grand Line
The moment the first cannon fired, the Night Guild Pirates sprang into action. The sea rumbled as cannonballs soared through the air, but before they could reach the ship, a streak of golden light shot past them.
"Bright Wall."
Hikari raised her hand, and a translucent barrier of light formed mid-air. The cannonballs crashed into it, exploding harmlessly. But before anyone could breathe, Zephyr had already moved.
With a single leap, the Admiral launched himself off his warship, landing directly on the deck of the Night Guild's ship. The force of his landing cracked the wood beneath his feet.
Hiro's eyes locked onto the man. His instincts screamed at him—this wasn't an enemy to take lightly.
"He's fast." Soruto muttered, gripping his rifle.
Zephyr wasted no time. His massive mechanical arm, the Battle Smasher, whirred to life as he lunged at Hiro. The air itself seemed to crack from the sheer force of his punch.
BOOM!
Hiro barely sidestepped, the attack shattering part of the deck. But Zephyr wasn't done. In an instant, he pivoted, swinging his arm like a club. Hiro blocked with Armament Haki, but the impact sent him skidding backward.
"Tch." Hiro flexed his fingers, shaking off the numbing sensation.
"Your haki's not bad," Zephyr stated. "But you're still undisciplined."
"And you're still old." Hiro shot back, grinning.
Zephyr's expression didn't change. "You think because you're strong, you can challenge an Admiral? Boy, I trained Kizaru, Akainu, and Aokiji. You're nothing new to me."
Hiro's smirk faltered slightly. This guy… really was a monster.
---
The Crew
As Hiro clashed with Zephyr, the marines on the warship began boarding. Night Guild Pirates rushed to engage.
Demetrius met a marine commander head-on, his sword clashing against a Seastone blade. Sparks flew as he pushed forward, his eyes sharp.
Celeste maneuvered the ship, dodging cannon fire with precise turns.
Soruto perched himself on the mast, picking off marines one by one with his sniper rifle.
Hikari moved in flashes of light, overwhelming her opponents with speed. But even she hesitated when she saw Hiro struggling.
"Captain…" she muttered.
---
Hiro ducked under another swing, retaliating with a powerful haki-infused punch. His fist connected with Zephyr's chest, sending a shockwave through the air.
But Zephyr barely moved.
"Not bad," the Admiral said, before slamming his fist into Hiro's gut.
Hiro coughed, feeling the air leave his lungs. "Shit—"
Zephyr grabbed him by the collar and hurled him across the deck. Hiro crashed into the railing, nearly flipping overboard.
"You're no Yonko," Zephyr said coldly. "You're just another arrogant pirate who thinks strength is enough."
Hiro wiped the blood from his mouth, eyes narrowing. "Yeah?" He stood up, rolling his shoulders. "Then let me show you what a 'D.' can really do."
His aura surged. Night Night no Mi – Shadow Dominion.
Darkness crept around him, tendrils of shadow rising. His crew had never seen him use this form in full. Even Zephyr raised an eyebrow.
The battle had only just begun.