As the Bluma Jackson approached the eye of the storm, Lina's voice grew firmer: "This is the most critical moment—everyone must stay calm!"
Moriah's shadow struggled against the raging winds, but he kept his cool. "Heyhihihihi... No problem, leave it to me!"
The closer they got to the storm's eye, the more Lina's personality seemed to shift.
Her voice became bold and commanding, each order carrying undeniable authority.
"Moriah, you slacker! If you don't stabilize the hull right now, Perona might start worshipping Enel instead—after all, his control is rock-solid." Lina's tone held a subtle threat.
Moriah's shadow immediately redoubled its efforts, clinging tightly to the ship's frame to ensure smooth sailing.
Enel, listening nearby, preened at the praise.
"Enel, your lightning control is decent, but far from perfect! Step it up, or I'll let Laboon take over. Honestly, Laboon might do a better job."
Lina's casual tone belied the sting of her words—she wasn't cursing, but every sentence hit like a dagger.
Enel: ????
The chuunibyou teen bristled, channeling even more lightning in a frenzy of effort. The surrounding air currents stabilized further under his intensified control.
Tesoro watched Lina's performance with quiet admiration. She didn't just command—she knew exactly how to push each crewmember to their limits.
Her leadership was unyielding, yet her flawless judgment earned everyone's trust. Getting these two to obey so readily in such a short time was no small feat.
"Listen to my commands in the storm's eye, Captain! No slacking off—thank you."
Stella couldn't help but laugh at Lina's words. The navigator now resembled a strict head of household, one who brooked no nonsense.
Rhett chuckled wryly, crimson mist swirling at his fingertips. "Lina, you little brat... you've really got some chops, huh?"
Lina smiled, but her eyes remained steely. "I'm not joking, Captain. If we want to survive these seas, we need someone who truly understands navigation."
Rhett nodded, entirely unbothered. In fact, he found it refreshing—what use was a navigator without authority?
The more confidence a navigator had, the heavier their word carried. That was the mark of a true professional.
When the Bluma Jackson finally emerged from the storm's eye into calm waters, the atmosphere aboard lightened considerably. As the Dawn Phoenix broke free, Lina reverted to her usual self—a girl fidgeting with her skirt, head bowed.
The crew now understood just how vital an exceptional navigator was.
During previous storms without one, Moriah, Enel, and Tesoro had been left exhausted—practically collapsing like stray dogs.
This time, they emerged laughing and relaxed, barely breaking a sweat.
Tesoro leaned against the railing, gazing at the distant island silhouette with quiet emotion.
"Lina," he approached her softly, "you were incredible."
Rhett teased from beside her, "Now, about that request of yours. Just so we're clear—if it's about becoming captain, my answer's no."
"Can you tell us now?" Rhett crouched to meet her eyes. "Who do you want us to kill?"
To be blunt, whoever she named wouldn't survive. He slaughtered Celestial Dragons like livestock.
Lina's voice was nearly inaudible: "G-44 Branch Commander, 'Bloodshark' Horn."
Though fragile, her words carried icy venom. "My little sister... on her fourteenth birthday..."
"Horn said she... would make a good substitute for a mermaid slave." Lina's nails dug into her palms. "They used branding irons... to test her cries... said it'd fetch a higher price..."
The deck's temperature plummeted.
Stella embraced Lina, sensing her trembling fury. She didn't use her Devil Fruit powers to calm her—both she and Tesoro understood this pain too well.
Rhett's smile vanished. Celestial Dragons were despicable, but the dogs beneath them were just as vile.
"Tesoro."
"Here."
"Find Horn's fleet."
Half a day later:
"Located." Golden rings reflected an Eternal Pose's coordinates. "Still curled up in his kennel."
Rhett slid Lina's rapier back into her belt, the blood mist coalescing into a crimson rose on the hilt. "Lead the way, Navigator."
"This time..." Rhett clasped her hand around the grip, "you'll chart the course for revenge yourself."
Tesoro watched Rhett—this was the charisma of a true captain.
When the Bluma Jackson entered G-44 Branch waters, the sky darkened into blood-red hues.
Rhett stepped aside as Lina strode forward.
No longer the skirt-fidgeting girl, she stood now as the true "Queen of the Storm's Eye."
Her hair whipped wildly in the wind, rapier "Stellar Trajectory" gleaming coldly. Her voice, low and clear, carried across the waves:
"Horn. Come out and die."
G-44 Branch left Rhett genuinely astonished. He'd considered his Bluma Jackson imposing, yet they'd practically reached the doorstep before being noticed.
What kind of Marines were these? Clearly, corrupt officers like Nezumi weren't exceptions.
"Report! Crimson Dawn pirates sighted!"
"Panicking already?" Horn kicked the messenger, face pale with terror. "Why would that madman come here? I—"
His words cut off abruptly.
The entire base drowned under overwhelming blood mist. Every Marine felt their stamina draining rapidly.
Rhett shook his head at these pathetic excuses for soldiers. He'd only deployed his mist instinctively—had he been slower, they'd have dissolved entirely.
For Lina to make such a solemn request, and for Horn to have Celestial Dragon connections, Rhett had expected someone formidable.
This?
Rhett could erase this base with a wave of his hand. But that wouldn't be satisfying. He'd let his navigator take the lead.
He had no intention of sparing anyone in this branch. Rhett controlled the mist to a level that caused pain but didn't kill them yet.
Perched atop thunderclouds, Enel crackled with radiant lightning: "Mortals. Are you prepared for divine judgment?"