Chapter 86 – Clash with CP9 (Team B)
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The streets of Cleaica were still smoldering from the chaos that the Silverhair Pirates had unleashed. Market stalls had collapsed under stray attacks; carts spilled their goods across the cobblestones, and the faint smell of smoke hung thick in the air. Citizens peeked nervously from the shadows of narrow alleys, some daring to whisper prayers to whichever gods they believed could spare them from the wrath of the Celestial Dragon's law—or the fury of pirates.
Amid the ruin, Team B moved like a phantom strike force. Surv's electric aura lit up darkened alleys as she moved, fingers crackling with static energy. Lisa's daggers glimmered in her hands, every movement precise. Rio crouched on rooftops, sniper rifle ready, eyes scanning for any potential threat. Clover, ever the strategist, directed their movements, while Rus—silent and massive—followed, a mountain of muscle and determination.
The situation had escalated quickly. CP9 agents, numbering far more than the crew had initially anticipated, were attempting to enforce fear through hostage-taking. Children were being dragged from their homes, their cries piercing through the tense night air, amplifying the stakes.
"Everyone, stay sharp!" Surv shouted, electricity dancing across her arms. "If they touch a child, I swear… I'll fry this entire street!"
Lisa's lips curled into a sharp smile. "I like the way you think, Surv. Let's make them regret underestimating us."
Clover's glasses reflected the faint moonlight as he spoke calmly, though his mind was racing at full speed. "Multiple hostages… at least twenty CP9 operatives positioned across the city's north and east blocks. If we split too thin, they can create a human shield pattern. Coordinate your attacks precisely—every move counts."
Rio's gaze narrowed through his rifle scope. "I can cover the rooftops. Give me target coordinates, and I'll disable anyone attempting a retreat or reinforcement. They won't know what hit them."
Rus simply nodded, shadowed by the alleys, muscles tensed and ready. "I'll handle anything that gets too close. Nothing moves past me."
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The first skirmish began in a narrow alley where a group of CP9 agents attempted to corral two terrified children. Surv stepped forward, crackling sparks arcing along her arms. "Let them go," she commanded, voice low but electrified with menace.
The agents sneered, assuming their intimidation would work. One of them lunged with an electrified baton—a weapon imbued with a minor Logia-based technique—but Surv was faster. Her arm shot out, static arcing like a whip, and the baton shattered mid-swing, sending sparks onto the cobblestones. "Try again," she said coolly. In a blink, she stepped forward, punching the nearest agent squarely in the chest. Haki-infused force sent him crashing into the wall, unconscious.
The other CP9 agents, realizing they were outmatched, attempted to retreat—but that was when Lisa struck. She leapt from the shadows, dagger slicing through the air with uncanny precision, disarming an agent mid-evade. "You really thought you could escape?" she hissed, her movements fluid, lethal, and elegant. The agent's hand went numb from the Haki-infused dagger, forcing him to drop his weapon.
From the rooftops, Rio provided sniper cover. A soft pop and a flash of movement—a stun shot hitting a CP9 agent who was attempting to flank Surv also neutralized the threat without collateral damage. "Keep moving," Rio whispered into his comm. "I've got your six covered."
Clover observed the battlefield, predicting the next moves of the enemy with cold, calculated precision. "Rus, intercept the north corridor. Surv, push forward two meters. Lisa, cover her right flank. Rio, five degrees left for sniper adjustment—now!"
Rus charged, a living battering ram. A CP9 agent rushed to intercept, but Rus caught him mid-step, lifting him effortlessly and hurling him through a stack of crates. The crash echoed down the alleyway, and the agent groaned, incapacitated. "Not today," Rus muttered, walking forward unflinchingly.
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Meanwhile, the CP9 leader, an unnervingly calm man with piercing eyes, observed from a raised balcony. His black cloak flapped lightly in the wind as he tapped his fingers on the railing. "So… these are the Silverhair Pirates' minions," he murmured to his subordinate. "Underestimating them would be… unwise."
He snapped his fingers, and a small group of elite agents descended into the streets below. These were no ordinary operatives—they wielded Devil Fruit abilities, specialized hand-to-hand combat skills, and intricate mastery of Rokushiki techniques.
"Form defensive positions!" the leader ordered. "We're not just containing them but we're sending a message."
The message, unfortunately for him, was about to backfire spectacularly.
Surv's eyes narrowed as she felt the subtle shift in the enemy's ki—or rather, Haki. "They're trying something," she warned, stepping into the center of the alley. "Lisa, cover my left. Rio, on my right. Rus, intercept anyone coming straight at me."
Lisa nodded, slashing a knife across the neck of an advancing agent before pivoting to intercept another. Rio's bullets zipped silently through the night air, each one disabling an enemy in a silent whisper of death. Rus moved like a colossus, nothing bypassing his defense.
The CP9 agents advanced cautiously. One stepped forward, activating a minor electric Logia power. "You should not interfere, girl," he hissed, his body shimmering with sparks.
Surv's grin widened, teeth glinting in the dim light. "Oh, I will interfere."
Her entire body erupted in electric arcs, charging forward. She moved like a living storm, Haki amplifying her power. The first agent's attack met hers and was instantly neutralized—her observation and armament Haki guiding each move. Sparks lit the alley, casting long, chaotic shadows as the CP9 operatives fell back in shock.
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Meanwhile, Leo watched the northern flank. He had been given several of Clover's experimental Haki-enhancement pills earlier—small vials meant to temporarily increase reaction speed and strength without overtaxing the user. He had hesitated at first, unsure of the morality of altering his body artificially, but seeing the children in danger solidified his choice. He popped one of the pills and felt a surge of clarity and power course through him.
"Focus… precise movements," he whispered, testing the increased reflexes. His axe swung, each strike a devastating combination of raw strength and enhanced precision. One agent attempted to flank him, but Leo's eyes, sharpened by the pill, tracked him like a predator. The axe moved almost on its own, severing the agent's weapon and sending him sprawling.
A younger child hiding in a corner gasped, watching in awe as the silver-haired pirate before them—Leo—became something of a force of nature. "Is… is he… alive?" the child whispered.
"Yes," the boy's sister said, clutching her brother's hand. "And he's fighting for us."
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The battle raged across the streets. Sparks flew, metal clashed, and civilians screamed and ducked for cover. CP9's agents were relentless, but the Silverhair Pirates' teamwork proved superior. Each movement was coordinated, each action calculated, and every member's ability amplified by trust and experience.
Lisa ducked under an incoming blade, rolling gracefully before planting a dagger in the neck of the assailant. "You will not harm these people!" she shouted, adrenaline and rage lacing her voice.
Surv's electricity arced through the air in massive surges, felling three enemies at once. She leapt into the air, a streak of blue lightning, and slammed into the ground, sending a shockwave down the cobblestones. The civilians nearby stumbled, awe-struck, but safe from harm.
Rio's sniper fire continued, each shot calculated to avoid hitting anything but CP9 agents. "Move left… now… good. Target acquired." A soft pop, and the agent attempting to intercept a fleeing family froze mid-step.
Clover moved among them like a chess master, orchestrating the chaos. "Rus, block the east alley. Surv, push forward—angle adjusted twenty degrees. Lisa, intercept northeast—coordinate with Rio. Everyone, now!"
Rus let out a deep, resonant grunt as he planted himself at the alley entrance, fists glowing with Haki. Two CP9 agents attempted to rush him, only to be flung back into a cart with incredible force.
Even in the midst of chaos, Team B never lost sight of their ultimate goal: protecting the innocent.
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The final showdown came when the CP9 leader himself entered the fray. Using a combination of electric abilities and advanced martial arts, he moved with lethal grace. Surv and Lisa engaged him simultaneously, forcing him to split focus.
"You… think you can stop me?" he hissed, lightning crackling around his body.
"I know we can," Surv replied, eyes glowing as Haki met Haki in a blinding clash. She ducked under a lightning strike, countering with a palm strike amplified by Haki that sent him skidding across the street.
Lisa stepped in immediately, dagger slicing through his guard. The leader staggered back, shocked by their coordination.
"Impossible…" he muttered, just before Leo swung his enhanced axe, the pill's effects sharpening his reflexes and strength to superhuman levels. The blade connected with the CP9 leader's chest, knocking the wind out of him, sending him sprawling into the cobblestones.
Surv landed beside him, electricity dancing across her skin. "Message delivered," she said coldly. "Do not threaten children again."
Authur stepped forward, adjusting his Sword.
"System Use Team Boost Card "
Ding~
[Host and his allies gain , Team coordination +5. Individual combat efficiency +7. Morale boost for civilian resistance +10."]
A faint blue glow radiated briefly around each crew member, the tiny, mysterious bonuses a testament to their teamwork and strategic execution.
The streets fell silent. The CP9 agents had been defeated, civilians were protected, and the city breathed a tentative sigh of relief. For the first time in years, hope had begun to flourish in Cleaica.
Leo knelt beside the children, helping them to their feet. Tears streamed down his face as he finally exhaled. "You're safe… you're finally safe."
Surv clapped him on the shoulder. "Good work, rookie. You might just be our loudest, scariest ally yet."
Lisa smirked, sheathing her daggers. "Don't get too cocky. This was easy… next round won't be."
Rio adjusted his sniper rifle, eyes scanning for any last threats. "Easy, yes. But fun. I like fun."
Rus simply flexed, cracking his knuckles.
"Let anyone else try. Not a single soul passes this street again."
Clover, ever the tactician, took a deep breath, letting the calm return. "Team B… excellent work. But remember, this is only the beginning. The palace still holds the king, his elites, and the Celestial Dragon's representatives. Team A must succeed, or all this—" He gestured at the streets around them,
"its means nothing."
Surv's eyes sparkled with determination. "Then let's make sure they do succeed. Time to turn the page for Cleaica."
And above it all, the faint glint of moonlight reflected off the Silverhair Pirates' weapons and eyes—warriors of freedom, unstoppable, and determined to rewrite the destiny of a kingdom.
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