The entrance of the group of three into a cafe was accompanied by a panicked group of civilians fleeing past the place, many screaming about pirates on the island; to Dirk, this confirmed that he was indeed following the right group, since only they really fit the description of being somewhat pirate-like, and after a while of blending with the crowd to avoid looking like he was specifically following after the group, he promptly moved into the cafe himself, now acting as though he had no idea there were pirates in the place at all.

The place wasn't heavily occupied, it seemed. Aside from the pirate group themselves, only a few tables appeared to be occupied, and just a couple of waiters and waitresses were still working through the sirens. It was also fairly small, which meant that movement space was essentially limited to straight lines, in particular a single corridor of sorts that moved right past the pirate group. Perfect for the Divine Purpose to do its work for as long as needed - in this case, just a few more seconds. Dirk walked down this row, looking round as if to pick out a table; just as he reached the table the Red Hoods was seated at, he stopped, then smoothly slid himself into the empty seat next to one of the larger members of the group. He looked them over a couple of times, a tilted stare passing across each Red Hood in turn, before finally settling his gaze on the shortest one and greeting them all with the quieted words 'Are you pirates?', ready to shake his head in denial if they in turn asked if he was a Marine, or make an escape attempt if they decided to attack him.

@Renny @Ira @CannedBread @Tmitche23 @Uno

JACKAL VENTMAW

Location:
Archepeligo known as the Conomi Islands.

Interacting:
@Ira
@LokiLeo789
@malmshodes

My heart sank as I saw the navy already barraging us with cannon fire. "Captain you cant be serious in picking a fight with the navy!" I said as I tossed the massive sac of goods on the new ship. I looked to see Melany finally join us, we can leave now without any incident. "Lets cut our losses and get out of here before they crush us." I sighed as I watched a stray cannonball head towards us, with surprising speed I would leap in front of the group and brace my arms in front of me, the cannon ball would explode upon contact, surrounding me in debris, but as the smoke clear I appeared unharmed, though my eyes were squinted as I looked to the ship who was firing.

JACKAL VENTMAW

Location:
Archepeligo known as the Conomi Islands.

Interacting:
@Ira
@LokiLeo789
@malmshodes

I couldn't ignore the orders of my superiors, against my better judgement I would keep hold of his authority and prepared to follow his command. Without a word I leaped and scales over and across several buildings until I seated over a towering position to get a better observation of the general area. While not to far away from the ship I was far enough to not draw in too much attention towards it, yet being able to quickly get onto the ship in a last minute sprint should things go south. My intention was to attract the swarms of marine grunts and other weaker threats to me while they take care of the bigger issues, as was ordered. Drawing attention to myself also helps divide their forces. To help in showing off as a threat to the Marines my entire body would erupt in flames, my monstrous body now a black silhouette over an aura of an inferno. I'd begin breathing jets of fire down upon the city below aimlessly, burning away the streets and buildings. I'd then give off a tremendous roar one would expect from a massive and terrifying beast.

Location:

• Archepeligo known as the Conomi Islands.

Interacting:

• @dragonmancer
• @malmshodes
• @Ira
• @NachoBachoPacho

---

Xerxes frowned as he watch the oncoming barrage of cannonballs, thrown at a speed that no gun could produce. The thought of blowing them up in mid air crossed his mind, but the sheer force in which they were thrown would warrant a series of explosions that could destroy the Mental Floss. Explosion after explosion rocked the city, its inhabitants watched helplessly as the ones sent to protect them, were bombarding them. This Navy Captain wasn't on the bright side.

Luckily, his Captain was, and at once, Marxo was on the bow shouting orders. Melany, who finally decided to make an appearance, was to stay on the ship, she would a liability. Jackal was to take his big ass and deal with the grunts, while Xerxes could deal with the monkey of a Captain.

He had little qualms with this plan, the only problem was the fact that a presence seemingly much stronger then most of them had appeared, dressed an a white coat. Xerxes made no move to confront the presence, instead, Marxo took that up for himself, wasting not time to greet and chat up the presence.

All that was left was the gorilla, and the other Navy ship that seemed like reinforcements. With that in mind, Xerxes decided to make quick work of the main ship, and move on to the other. As if on que, the man ship collided with the harbor, the screeching of metal on stone and the cracking of wooden planks could be heard and felt throughout the island. That wouldn't sit well with the people. The force of the ships attack caused a gust to ruffle his high up-turned collar, rapping gently against his nose.

Once 'docked', hundreds of Marines, disembarked, mostly running towards the giant rhino that was Jackal. Xerxes went straight for the main course. Creating a spark and a small explosion on the soles of his feet, he launched him self onto the ships deck, finding himself a few yards away from its captain. It was a large man, very hairy and extremely muscular, it was almost as if he was a gorilla. In the end it didn't matter.

"Afternoon, Captain, your quick to respond to any sign of trouble with unwavering stupidity." Xerxes mocked, his eyes seemingly growing brighter by the second behind his mask.

"Well, glad one of us is excited," Freya mumbled in John's general direction. Ignoring Zepp, Freya knew full well she wasn't the best example, as so much of her Division followed suit in their overall energy.

Before she could finish her thought, it wasn't more than a few minutes after she'd hung up that her Den Den Mushi went off again. Teru wouldn't have patched it through if it wasn't important. The whole reason Freya'd made her the comms officer was so she didn't have to 'serious up' every time someone wanted her attention.

Popping her cigarette out of her mouth with one hand and taking the reciever in her other, she didn't get a word in before she got a tactical suggestion from Anaru. He'd already engaged? Freya had mixed feelings though. Her more modern side wouldn't mind not getting involved, but not at the expense of Anaru's division. Would they even be able to maneuver like that? Chomping down on her cigarette again, she muttered, "Couldn't make this easy, could you?"

Turning back to the deck, Freya demanded, "What's the ETA?"

One of the crew answered, "Twenty minutes if the winds keep up!"

Freya blinked, eyes widening as she saw a few points that were the Conomi Islands on the horizon. Looks like they'd been pretty damn close when they got the call. If they wanted to speed up...there was probably some dead weight they could shed in storage, or if some of her unique subordinates could use their abilities to help in some way...or at least John. Maybe.

Her mind was more talkative than her mouth, however. Despite her ideas, she simply ordered, "If you two can come up with any way to make the ship go a bit faster then go for it."

@Hillan@RyoRyoRyoken

It didn’t take long for Samehana to catch sight of a mobilization of Marines to follow. In the interests of attempting to go unseen, she followed alongside the company of Marines from the rooftops. Whatever they were here for, they definitely meant business. What could be so important that the World Government would need this much manpower? It was especially odd since, sirens aside, there wasn’t much disturbance besides the sudden appearance of the Navy.

Eventually, the squad stopped and began to take position surrounding a cafe. Intrigued, Samehana tried to make out the figures she could see from her position. The ones at the forefront were a big ol’ Fishman, who she almost felt that she might have recognized from back home, and a young-looking kid wearing a bright red coat. ”Well, what do we have here? The Navy’s arresting kids now?” Samehana thought, whistling as she took a cross-legged sitting position on the roof across from the cafe for the sake of a more leisurely viewing experience. Couldn’t hurt to see what would happen, right? It sure would be nice if the crew had some Den Den Mushi on hand, or else it’d be a lot easier to just let the other two know what was going on.

Then again, Sancho and Church were probably in the midst of looking for her anyway. Maybe they were gonna try and get outta Loguetown before things got too crazy. Probably a bit late for that, though.

---

Zepp sighed and shook his head, ever-present smirk never leaving his face for a moment. “I’d rather not think about all the beli I could be making off these punks’ bounties, thank you very much.” he retorted, scoffing at the “game” that Johnny took to playing. Navy wages weren’t the worst, but some of the bounties made Zeppelli a little jealous of the random bounty hunters that roamed the world. Sure, maybe nabbing a real bad mammajamma might land you a sweet promotion if you’re lucky, but Zepp was pretty content where he was. Who woulda thought being a Marine could be so annoying?

Zepp raised an eyebrow at the Captain’s hybrid order/suggestion. “I mean…. I could try blowing on the sails, but I’m afraid that won’t do much good.” he joked. Frankly, there wasn’t too much he could do about the ship’s approach. But…. “Tell you what. It’s probably a bad idea, and frankly, I don’t like it myself, but if we can get a cannonball fired at or at least over Lieutenant Gorilla’s ship, I guess I can give him a hand.” he suggested. If he could just meld onto the surface of some ammunition, he could get there in decent time, and with minimal effort on his part. The hard part would come when he actually got to the allied vessel.

accident

ANARU KAHURANGI

Location: Conomi Islands

Anaru looked as though he was about to explode, his body was tense, and a vein on his forehead looked like it was going to pop at any moment. he stares Xerxes down, his eyes filled with primal anger. "You're the one who blew up the ships, I take it?" Anaru clenches his fists, looking ready to strike.

"I might show mercy to your crewmates, but you, you're going to suffer before you reach the prison." Anaru's long hair danced behind him, as he pulls back his fist. "Dancing..Mountain.." the air seems as thick as pea soup, as Anaru brings his left arm back. "Nail..GUN!" Anaru lets loose a flurry of blows, several afterimages of his left arm appearing, as a barrage of air-shells fly at Xerxes. the blows kept coming, Anaru didn't let up, he was buying time for some of his men to get the retreating pirates in their sights, so they could fire their net guns.

"ROCK..SOLIIID!" Anaru screams, as he continues letting loose shells of air. Anaru shouts over the sound of solid air, flying like bullets. "Men! formation B!" he shouts, as the marines near Jackal lock into a formation, men with insulated riot shields were at the head of the line, spears (an unusual thing for marines to use.) pointed forward for range. directly behind them were gunners, who put their guns between the shields, to fire at Jackal, and at the sides, and back, to defend from any other attacks, were trained swordsmen.

Formation B had another use, however. it was to let the two men with net guns, hiding in the crow's nest, to fire when ready. The ninja woman, and the oddly calm man, (who Anaru had to assume was the captain, given the fact that he threw orders around so readily.) in their sights.

"You will not escape me, Pirates!" Anaru shouts, he didn't stop throwing shells of air for a single second, hoping to force the explosive man (Xerxes) to defend, instead of attack. Anaru had a big idiot grin on his face, he didn't even bother with a poker face, the pirates though he was an idiot, so they wouldn't expect a strategy from him.

@Ira @LokiLeo789 @dragonmancer @malmshodes

---

Location:

• Archepeligo known as the Conomi Islands.

Interacting:

• @NachoBachoPacho

---

Xerxes remained stoic as he examined the giant of a man that was the Marine. In a physical match, there would be little chance that he would win, but on terms of speed, Xerxes' would trump him no problem. The plan of action was simple, use his size against him, they were surrounded by the sea, the weakness off all devil fruit eaters, might as well us it.
"Spare me the monologue monkey, I have little time for your talk of righteous justice. I heard that gorillas haven't really been on the receiving end of that." Xerxes mocked. Flames licked off his elbows before elongating and forming longs scythes on the opposite side of his forearms.

Within seconds of arming himself, the gorilla took the offensive. Each punch he through created a pulse of air in which was launched at Xerxes at high speeds. This was no problem as Xerxes was faster. Creating small explosions on the soles of his feet, he launched himself all over the ship. Back flipping onto the fly before propelling himself onto the fore top. Within seconds, the air-shells ripped into the poll, causing Xerxes to cartwheel to the main top. As he flew through he air, he aimed at the gorilla, his arm pointing vertically at the beast, who stood in place fisting into the air.

With a snap of his fingers a torrent of electro-fire launched itself at the Marine. Xerxes repeated this attack multiple times, keeping the high ground and launching flames at the gorilla. Explosion after explosion rocked the ship at he jumped from the main top to the to the foremast after images following his every movement, allowing for the Marine to destroy his own ship.

ANARU KAHURANGI

Location: Conomi Islands

Interacting: @LokiLeo789

"Fast and an explosive ability, that's a dangerous combination." Anaru let out a growl, as the explosions rained down at him, he exhaled, as everything seemed to slow around him for a moment. and then, Anaru's frame suddenly shrunk, all of his bulk was gone, packed into lean muscles, this was the work of his life return ability.

"Lets see how quick, you really are." Anaru said, with a grin, his two sharp teeth caught the sun nicely. in a blur he was zipping across the deck, avoiding explosion after explosion. he ran up the collapsing mast, and leaped into the air above Xerxes. "Arrogance will be your downfall, Slim down nail gun!" Anaru let another flurry of punches rain, this time however, the afterimages were much more frequent, the air shells rained, much smaller but MUCH faster and more frequent, like a rain of insanely swift knives.

Location:

• Archepeligo known as the Conomi Islands.

Interacting:

• @NachoBachoPacho

---

Instantly, the tides of battle changed. Shrinking, the man darted around the deck, his speed impressive. Appearing behind Xerxes, he released another wave of air-shells. This was the Marines mistake, taking to the air where Xerxes had way more control, not to mention speed.

Turning his head ever so slightly, Xerxes whispered quietly, a maniacs smile plastered on his face. "Arrogance has nothing to do with it."

Within mili-seconds of the first barrages release, Xerxes' hand darted out, horizontal to his body pointing eastward. An explosions ripped through the air on he surface of his palm, throwing his body in the opposite direction forcefully. As he flew, he preformed a roundhouse kick, an arc of flames releasing off his foot at high speeds and in close quarters. Only missing the barrage by centimeters, Xerxes took the offense himself. Landing on a wall that protected the offices inside, he launched himself off it onto the opposite side of the deck before he snapped his fingers again, launching more flames at the Marine. He would have to change his strategy soon.

Just as Samehana was beginning to really get settled in, she was met with the appearance of a man who landed upon the rooftop on which she sat. Noticing the man to be a Marine, she sighed and stood up to her full height, stretching for a moment before finally crossing her arms under her chest. Giving him a quick glance over, she noticed she was a few inches taller than him. Not to mention that he had an almost youthful appearance. A playful smirk crossed the Fishwoman’s lips as she observed the man, taking in his posture. ”You might want to work on your pickup lines, but I can’t say that I don’t appreciate the compliment~.” she teased, winking at him. Frankly, it was already pretty clear that he wasn't exactly there to try and ask her on a date, but a little banter never hurt, right?

”Mind if I ask why you came to see a lil’ ol’ girl like me? I’m sure you’ve got more important things to do than try picking up girls, sweetie." she remarked, nodding her head over to the scene below. Had someone put up a bounty on her or something? Unless the Navy wasn’t big on spectators, of course.

ANARU KAHURANGI

Location: Conomi Islands.

Interacting with: @LokiLeo789

Anaru frowned, he hadn't expected this pirate to be THAT fast, his slim form wouldn't be of much use then, he thought. "I see you aren't all talk, Pirate." Anaru rapidly struck the air with his elbows, changing direction in the air, by using his 'nail gun', to narrowly avoid the flames, heating licking across his face. he continues to strike the air with his elbows, firing more air projectiles to boost him towards Xerxex.

Anaru let out a bellow, as he flew forward, changing directions to avoid the flames, until he was close to Xerxes, and struck with the flames. it seemed as though he was hit, dead on, the fire covering his body. "But you really are, arrogant." an oversized hairy fist shot out of the fire, a surprise attack, headed towards Xerxes body, heat still radiating because of the flames. Anaru's beast-like smile could be seen through the fire, as his red eyes gleamed dangerously. "Nail." he said calmly as the punch came at Xerxes, the wind funneled around the punch, it wasn't an average blow, that much was certain.

East Blue/Loguetown

---

The two captains climbed up the steel black stairs, that would enable them to get to the rooftops with little effort. "He left quick, maybe he will be back. May the almighty one bless his efforts today." He said as he carried on climbing on up the stairs with his snipers. "Captain Amadeus, sir. Do you think these pirates are worth all this man power?" One of the snipers voiced as they made it to the rooftops. Carefully crouching and moving Adrian would reply with discomfort. "Expect the unexpected my friend, that is what i have yet to learn more of, however the first lesson wasn't bad. However I am not just responsible for my own life and citizens, but all of your lives, below and here with me right now." He meant his promotion of being captain of course, a big responsibility to him. It was not about the pay, and not about the glory, but about protecting the citizens of where he was posted and his colleagues, which he felt he was failing at. He clenched his thin, small sliver cross lightly, before letting out a sigh. Adrian leaped to the next rooftop with ease, his party of 3 followed. "You all recognize this alley below us right? it leads to a cafe, if you take the next left."

The 3 marines nodded in response. "Regardless if I was a pirate, If I a sailor had just come off the sea herself, the thing i'd want is food. Though there are many cafe's here in Loguetown which i'm sure are pretty great, this one is closest to peer, out of the cafes" Deep down it was a hunch, but he wanted to look confident in front of his Marines, not to mention this was indeed his favourite cafe out of all. He enjoyed their scrambled eggs, they were the best after a hard morning workout. [color=blue]" I want you over there on the right, you should be able to have view of the right side of the building. You will also be slightly closer, probably closest out of your 2 comrades, so your job maybe stressful due to the amount of enemies you will see and fighting. I'm trusting you to keep your cool. Stay hidden. "Yes Captain, I will try my best." He said hesitantly. Adrian saw the nervousness in the marines eyes, he didn't like it one bit. "I understand you are nervous, here i lend you my courage, God bless you sir." An just like that Adrian took of his captains jacket, and placed it on the marine. "Stay in the shadows." and just like that the Marine swallowed his fear and went the direction Adrian told him to go.

Adrian and his two marines moved to another spot, a couple buildings back in front of the cafe. The jacket-less captain gave another order to one of his subordinates. "I need you here, wait, how good is your eyesight?" He asked with a hint of curiosity. "Pretty good sir."" The marine replied with obedience. "I don't believe you, and I don't have time for you to prove it to me, so i would like you to switch, your partner will be put here instead."

Now it was just Adrian and the one marine, they had made quick steps to a building face the back of the cafe. "You told me your eyesight was pretty good, I believe it is more than pretty good. I'm putting trust in you here. So don't let me down... You are furthest so snipe with care, Can't afford you hitting your own men." Holding his gun with tense hands the marine would nod which showed Adrian that the man got message loud and clear.

The tanned skin captain would be later crouching jacketless on a rooftop of random building facing the left of cafe, where down below was an ocean of white and blue. He waited to see if his hunch was right. Even if he was seen, nobody foreign would know he was captain, his name wasn't famous, and to even aid his case, he wasn't wearing his jacket. He felt a little ashamed of putting his man at risk. But it was worth it, he'd make sure he lived through it. " What is Haki?" he asked himself, remembering what Captain Ryuma Zenki said.



@Ira@BCTheEntity@Renny@Uno@Tmitche23

Location:

• Archepeligo known as the Conomi Islands.

Interacting:

• @NachoBachoPacho

---

Xerxes produced a smile that countered that of the Marines. It was funny to see how easily the simpleton bent to his will, all Xerxes wanted as a direct hit. He wanted the marine to touch him, that way the full potential of his powers could be reveled. He admired the Marines power and sense of justice, but in the end it meant nothing in battle. The man spoke so much about arrogance, when it was his arrogance that led him to to make such a crucial mistake, coming in close without knowing the extent of you opponents power. That was impossible through.

The world seemed to slow down to a snails pace, showing the sheer speed of the Crimson Reaper in action. As the marines punch flew through the air, Xerxes right arm darted out as he leaned forward. As his palm connected with his stomach, his left hand darted out to catch the punch.

"Cull the Meek."Xerxes said simply.

Two things took place simultaneously, his left hand, that he used to block the incoming attack, released an explosion strong enough to deflect the pressure of the punch, caused half the ship to be mangled from the sheer force of the explosion. The other hand, produced a torrent if flames that released with enough force to blow up the rest of the ship. In tandem, he released an explosion that was equivalent to 1.5 tons of TNT.

The resulted explosion ripped apart the ship, causing a shook wave to spew sea water into the air. The light it produced could be seen from miles away, and the smoke even farther. In the aftermath, the ship was in tatters, debris all over the surface. Xerxes found himself standing on what was left of the front end of the ship. Which was still stuck in the dock, the rest of it literally blown away.