The General's Mask

Behind the small stone mountain

Hua Heng's letter was received by Shu Wei and others.

The salt-laced wind whipped Shu Wei's hair across his face as he reread Rou Shufen's (Hua Heng) letter, the parchment crackling in the breeze. The small, secluded cove offered a perfect hiding place, the jagged rocks shielding Wade's pirate ship from view. Around him, his comrades and the unexpected allies huddled, their faces illuminated by the flickering lamplight.

"So, the Governor's been up to his old tricks," Shu Wei stated, his voice carrying over the sound of the waves. "Illegal weapons trading, bribery, human trafficking. He's using the Chameleon Gang to do his dirty work-the smuggling, the intimidation, and... the silencing of anyone who gets in his way." He tapped the letter.

" More like that Agur guy is using the foolish governor for his benefits" Wade shrugs as he nonchalantly said his opinion

" He is the brain of most of Balto Hakkin's heinous activities. " Casspian added

"Rou Shufen confirms it. Balto Hakkin's ship, loaded with illegal arms, kidnapped people and, several innocent passengers. Currently they're sailing directly in this location"- Shu Wei

Tao Tong, ever the optimist, grinned, a flash of surprisingly sharp teeth. "Then this operation will start at Midnight, huh? Perfect time for a surprise visit! Think they'll appreciate the confetti cannons?"

Mo Qing snorted, leaning against his chair with a devilish glint in his eyes. "Confetti cannons? This isn't a birthday bash. This is a raid." He stroked a wicked-looking dagger tucked into his belt. "I'm thinking more along the lines of... strategic distractions."

Wade, his silhouette dark and imposing against the firelight, finally spoke. His voice, low and gravelly, cut through the banter. "The Chameleon Gang is slippery. They're more than just thugs; they're organized, and they're ruthless. Well also I'm proud to tell you how many times we successfully distracted them especially Agur's elite men hahaha! "

Caspian, ever stoic beside Wade, nodded curtly. "Their leader is elusive, and so are his companions. We need a plan to neutralize them quickly and efficiently, before they slip."

Shu Wei nodded. "We attack at midnight. We'll split into two teams. Tao Tong and Mo Qing , you'll create a diversion to distract the mercenaries (eliminate if a must) along Wade's people while me , Rou Shufen and Wen Ping will help deal with the Chameleon Gang. You two will join after, Wade, you and your crew will secure the ship and apprehend Balto Hakkins."

"If we apprehend early we will join you and the rest" Wade agreed

Tao Tong raised his hand and waves. "Diversion? You mean like... a really loud, really annoying distraction?" He mimicked blowing a ridiculously large horn. "Perhaps a parade of trained seagulls wearing tiny pirate hats?"

Mo Qing chuckled. "Seagulls? Amateur. I've got something far more... persuasive in mind." He winked, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Think... synchronized fireworks display... positioned strategically near this ship's gunpowder storage."

Caspian's eyebrow twitched. "Your idea of persuasion involves potentially blowing up the entire ship?"

"Hey, a little chaos never hurt anyone," Mo Qing shrugged. "Besides, it's significantly more memorable than seagulls."

Casspian just rolled his eyes at the sly suggestion of the general.

Wade simply raised an eyebrow, a rare display of emotion. "As long as the ship doesn't go boom before we get our hands on Balto Hakkins, I'm fine with it."

Shu Wei sighed. "Alright, let's stick to the plan. Caspian, you and others will go through the ship's cargo storage. Most of the illegal weapons and the kidnapped people are there. If you cannot transport the people to this ship . Highly suggest to delegate people guard them and focus on capturing the target individuals . I already sent a back up ship and people from the port ."