Marineford's Logistics Blacksmith

"Hammer, is it really okay to do business with the Florence Family like this?"

After leaving the estate, Lance asked with a hint of doubt.

In his eyes, a navy officer conducting this kind of deal with the underworld was clearly inappropriate.

"Lance, you have to understand, the essence of this world isn't just black and white. It exists in a state of chaos, filled with vast grey areas."

"What is grey? It's the combination of black and white."

"Just like pirates and the marines."

Hammer responded casually to Lance's question.

"Do you really think that Florence Linda just wants to do business with me?"

"Hmph, he's probably just trying to ride my current fame to give the Florence family a bit of an edge against the other four families."

"But so what? These mafia families, take one out and another will rise."

Lance nodded. He understood Hammer's reasoning, though he still didn't fully agree.

Seeing the conflicted look on Lance's face, Hammer didn't say more and just smiled.

Some things aren't taught by others; they need to be experienced personally.

Besides, once that short and fat Capone Bege rises, all these mafia families will be wiped clean.

Why waste effort now? Might as well profit while he can.

"Heh, and that Florence Linda… to actually give this as a gift, he's really willing, huh?"

With a chuckle, Hammer slowly opened the ornate box in his hand.

A patterned fruit was revealed to everyone.

"Devil Fruit!"

The three of them were stunned.

They didn't expect the gift to be a Devil Fruit.

"Hmm. No idea what kind, though. I'll have to ask Kong for the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia when we get back."

"If this one's a good fit, Lance, you might just become a Devil Fruit user."

Lance stared blankly at the Devil Fruit. He had now seen two of these legendary treasures.

He nodded at Hammer's words.

Although his goal was to become an excellent sniper, if the Devil Fruit were suitable, he would definitely consider it.

After all, the boost from a Devil Fruit is undeniable.

"Hey, Hina~ Want to come with me to Marineford and become a Marine~?"

Suddenly, Hammer's tone shifted, sweet, coaxing, like a candy salesman.

"Huh? Me? Really?"

Hearing about becoming a Marine, Hina was first excited, then worried.

"Of course you can. I am a Vice Admiral of Headquarters, after all. I have the authority to recruit special candidates."

"You're still young, so you'll have to wait a few years to officially join the Marines."

"But that's not an issue. Since I'm stationed at headquarters, you can come with me to Marineford and experience Marine life first."

In that moment, Hammer transformed into a master persuader.

To him, Hina was a goldmine of potential.

A Cage-Cage Fruit user, capable of creating Black Spears and her signature Black Spear Formation, this was a talent he had to recruit.

Also, the material of those Black Spears, tougher than steel, got Hammer thinking. If used in weapon forging, might they have some unique effects?

"Okay! I want to be a Marine! I want to go to Marineford!"

With Hammer's assurance, Hina was instantly hooked.

Lance and Shirley exchanged glances. While it felt a bit like Hammer was tricking a little girl, they couldn't argue; Hina's potential was undeniable.

Just as the group was chatting and laughing, a Den Den Mushi suddenly rang.

purupuru puru

Hammer frowned and took it out. If he remembered right, this Den Den Mushi was linked directly to the Warhammer.

Had something happened to his ship?

"What?!"

"THEY'RE RAIDING MY SHIP?!"

"Don't hesitate! Sail full speed around the waters of the Kingdom of Bash! Wait for my return!"

Click!

After hanging up, Hammer's eyes were blazing with fury.

"Hammer, what happened?"

"The Warhammer is under attack by the Happo Navy, led by Chinjao!"

The names Happo Navy and Chinjao shocked both Shirley and Lance.

As trainees from Marine Headquarters, they were familiar with the infamous pirates of the seas.

Chinjao, the 12th leader of the Happo Navy.

His bounty was a terrifying 542 million Berries, a true great pirate.

"Lance, Shirley, we're heading back to the Warhammer. NOW!"

"I'll carry Hina. You two keep up. If that bastard Chinjao so much as SCRATCHES my ship, I'll flatten his damn drill head!"

Seething with rage, Hammer pulled out three long swords, each with the ability to fly.

He handed two of them to Shirley and Lance.

Under Hina's confused gaze, Hammer slung her over his shoulder.

"You know how to use these, right? Every 100 meters, switch to Geppo when the effect wears off."

"Let's go!"

With that, Hammer took the lead, sword in hand, rising into the sky.

Shirley and Lance followed, and the trio flew toward the seas surrounding the Kingdom of Bash.

Meanwhile…

"Boss, that warship is Vice Admiral Hammer's. It's all silver, very distinctive."

On a pirate ship as tough as steel, a fierce man with a sharp, conical head stood menacingly. A tattoo of the number "12" was inked beside his eyebrow.

This was Chinjao, a great pirate with a bounty exceeding 500 million Berries.

Under his command, the Happo Navy ruled the West Blue with overwhelming strength.

But the Warhammer was no ordinary ship; it was a military vessel personally forged by Hammer. With unmatched speed and armor, it gave the crew some breathing room. Of course, that was only because Chinjao hadn't acted personally yet. If he had even a ship as sturdy as the Warhammer might not be able to handle it.

"Shirley, do you see the Warhammer?"

"There! Ten o'clock direction!"

"Good! Speed up!"

From midair, Hammer's group spotted the ship thanks to Shirley's sharp eyes.

Using their flight swords and Geppo in turn, they quickly returned.

Naturally, their figures were noticed by Chinjao.

"That kid is Hammer? He really does look like a blacksmith, dark as coal!"

"Hahahahaha!"

Chinjao's words made the Happo Navy erupt in laughter.

Back aboard the Warhammer, Hammer's face was cold and grim.

"Vice Admiral Hammer! Captain Lance! Lieutenant Commander Shirley! You're back!"

The returning officers gave the soldiers renewed confidence.

Hammer first glanced at the attacking Happo Navy before immediately issuing orders.

"Shirley, take Hina to my forge, it's the safest place."

"Where's the helmsman? Turn the ship toward the Calm Belt!"

"All hands, LOAD WEAPONS! Lance, unleash EVERYTHING we've got!"

"If Chinjao wants a fight, I'll GIVE him one!"

In this moment, Hammer finally showed the presence of a true Vice Admiral, commanding with charisma and determination.

Little Hina instantly admired the towering man even more.

With the ship turning hard to starboard, Hammer stood on the deck, now face-to-face with Chinjao across the water.

"Chinjao! Attacking the Marines? You've got a death wish!"

"HAHAHA! Kids like you can be Vice Admirals now? The Marines must be desperate!"

Their eyes locked, and sparks flew.

The next second, they shouted in unison:

"SINK THEM!"

With that order, the battle erupted in fullwing!

...

If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.

[email protected]/DaoistJinzu