MARINES - A ONE PIECE story (ENGLISH) - Part I

CHAPTER VII - The best shipwright

Zell took off his cape and threw it on the paved road. It hat been pierced by bullets and blackened by the ashes, and would not have protected him from any threat. His provocative smile was matching Francis Fog's contemptuous grin.

- A shipwright, huh ? And what are you going to do on land, away from your ship?

- If I can work on raw wood, your sluggish body will be nothing for me, fat boy.

- What slug are you talking about ? I'm only muscle and might ! cried the pirate while throwing himself at his opponent.

His huge fist shattered the ground where Zell had stood a few seconds earlier, but the shipwright had leapt high into the air. He swung his rope, which tangled around his enemy's throat.

- Corda : Pendurado !  he exclaimed, pulling the tall guy towards him, crushing his face with a violent kick.

Fog seemed to choke and uttered a guttural cry as he struggled. As Zell ran over him, his sharp chisels in one hand, the younger brother intervened and struck him with his sword. The violence of the impact shook both men. The elder quickly got up and swooped on Zell, but Arthur deflected his attack with a quick parry.

- I had forgotten you, boy ! chuckled Joseph.

Zell cast a bad look at Arthur.

- You should go to help the civilians, I can take care of these two.

- Don't forget I'm vice-admiral's second. You're officially under my responsibility today. I won't let you fight them alone !

The other sighed loudly.

- My ass... I don't give a shit about hierarchy.

Cooperation was going to be difficult. Arthur admired Zell's willingness to face danger head-on, but he did not seem determined to ally himself with him. Yet, if something bad were to happen, Arthur would not forgive himself, and would feel responsible for all his life. Sergio, finally back on his feet, rushed towards them. Arthur blocked him with his sword.

- Sergio, you're coming at the right time ! Take Beru and retreat, he needs to see a doctor as soon as possible. Joseph was on the enemy's side from the beginning.

As the young soldier was about to respond, Arthur asserted his position.

- From now on, as vice-admiral Myr's second-in-command, I am leading this operation. We'll take care of the Fog brothers with Zell. I'm counting on you to save Beru !

Sergio nodded slowly and executed. Once he was gone, his badly wounded comrade on his back, Arthur brandished his sword again and stood next to his comrade. Before he could give his instructions, Zell lunged at the enemy, and Arthur had to follow him against his will.

In this battle of pairs, the blades of all clashed and twirled quickly. Only Francis Fog, larger and heavier, wielded his blade like a mass, but with enough power to crush the young soldiers. The lack of coordination of the recruits allowed the two brothers to gain the upper hand : whenever one of them could deal a blow to the opponents, the other hindered and unwittingly destabilized him. Both were injured and pushed back without much difficulty.

- What are you playing at ? yelled Zell. I told you I could take care of it on my own !

- They will sweep you without hesitation, it's completely stupid ! We have to get to ...

Before he could finish his sentence, Zell charged the enemy again. He easily countered Joseph's move with his chisels, but his brother's sudden attack overthrew him. The two pirates then raised their blades :