OP: Sovereign of Blood and Seas

The tension in the private room of the Kaijo tavern was palpable, even after Eric's successful raid on the merchant ship. Aran Blacktongue leaned back in his chair, swirling a glass of rum in one hand, his sharp eyes fixed on Eric like a predator sizing up its prey.

Eric sat across from him, his posture relaxed, though his senses remained on high alert. He had proven himself in the raid, but trust wasn't something that came easily in this world—especially not among pirates.

Aran broke the silence first, his crooked grin widening. "I have to admit, Blood Shadow, you've got a knack for making an impression. My men haven't stopped talking about what you pulled off tonight."

Eric smirked. "Glad to hear they're paying attention."

Aran chuckled, taking a sip of his drink. "You've got skill, I'll give you that. But skill alone doesn't get you far in this world. You've got to have ambition. A vision."

Eric leaned forward, his eyes gleaming. "I've got plenty of both. The question is, do you?"

Aran raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Bold words, considering you're the one asking for my help."

"I'm not asking," Eric said, his tone firm. "I'm offering. You've been playing it small, sticking to backwater ports and low-risk raids. That's fine if you're content with scraps, but I'm aiming higher. A real crew, a real ship, and the kind of power that makes the Marines think twice before coming after us."

The room fell silent again, the weight of Eric's words settling between them. Aran's expression darkened, though his eyes gleamed with a mix of curiosity and respect.

"And how exactly do you plan to make that happen?" Aran asked, his voice low.

Eric grinned, leaning back in his chair. "By doing what I've been doing—fighting, winning, and building a reputation. But I can't do it alone. That's where you come in."

Aran tilted his head, studying Eric like a gambler trying to read his opponent's hand. "You're serious about this, aren't you?"

"Dead serious," Eric said.

Aran's grin returned, though there was a sharp edge to it. "Alright, Blood Shadow. You've got my attention. But if I'm going to throw in with you, I need to know what kind of captain you are. So tell me—what's your plan for the next move?"

Eric leaned forward, his mind racing. He knew this was his moment to solidify Aran's loyalty, and he couldn't afford to miss it.

"The Marines are the biggest obstacle in the East Blue," Eric began. "Their patrols keep most pirate crews in check, and their presence at key ports makes it harder for anyone to gain traction."

Aran nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Go on."

"We need to hit them where it hurts," Eric continued. "Take out one of their patrol ships—preferably one that's part of a high-profile route. It'll send a message and give us a chance to secure better resources. Supplies, weapons, maybe even a ship worth keeping."

Aran stroked his chin, a crooked grin spreading across his face. "You're not just aiming to survive. You're looking to make a statement."

"Exactly," Eric said. "The bigger the impact, the stronger our position becomes. And with the bounty on my head, every victory we pull off will add to the legend."

Aran laughed, a deep, genuine sound. "I'll admit, I like the way you think. But taking on a Marine patrol ship isn't exactly a walk in the park. Do you have a specific target in mind?"

Eric pulled out the map he had taken from the merchant ship's cabin, spreading it across the table. He pointed to a marked route near Loguetown.

"This patrol route sees heavy traffic," he said. "It's where they escort high-value shipments from the Grand Line to the East Blue. If we time it right, we can intercept one of their supply ships before it reaches Loguetown."

Aran's eyes narrowed as he studied the map. "You're playing a dangerous game, Blood Shadow. But I have to admit, it's tempting."

"Danger is part of the job," Eric said, his grin sharp. "The question is, are you in?"

Aran leaned back in his chair, swirling his drink as he considered the proposal. Finally, he raised his glass, a crooked grin spreading across his face.

"I'm in," he said. "But don't make me regret it."

Eric raised his own glass in response. "You won't."

The next morning, preparations for the raid began. Aran's crew worked quickly, restocking the ship and coordinating with Eric to plan the attack. Nami, who had been watching the proceedings with a mix of skepticism and amusement, finally pulled Eric aside.

"You're really doing this?" she asked, her arms crossed.

"Of course," Eric said, his tone casual. "Why wouldn't I?"

"Because it's insane," she said. "Taking on a Marine patrol ship is one thing, but doing it with a crew you just met? That's asking for trouble."

Eric smirked. "You're worried about me again, aren't you?"

She rolled her eyes. "Don't flatter yourself. I just don't want to end up in the middle of a disaster because of your reckless ideas."

Eric's grin softened, and he stepped closer. "I've got this, Nami. Trust me."

She hesitated, her eyes searching his face. Finally, she sighed, shaking her head. "I don't know why I bother."

"Because you know I'm right," he said, his grin widening.

"Or maybe I'm just as crazy as you are," she muttered.

By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, the ship was ready to set sail. Eric stood at the helm, his blood dagger at his side, while Aran barked orders to the crew. Nami leaned against the railing, her gaze fixed on the open sea.

"This is your first real test as a captain," Aran said, joining Eric at the helm. "Don't screw it up."

Eric grinned. "I wouldn't dream of it."

As the ship cut through the waves, the tension on board was palpable. Every member of the crew knew the risks, but there was also a sense of excitement—a feeling that this raid could mark the beginning of something bigger.

Eric felt it too. The hunger stirred within him, sharper than ever, and he welcomed it.

"Let's make some history," he said, his voice steady.

The attack unfolded under the cover of darkness. The Marine patrol ship was larger than Eric's stolen vessel, its sails trimmed and its deck bristling with armed guards. But the element of surprise was on their side.

Eric led the charge, his blood dagger flashing as he leaped onto the Marine ship's deck. The guards were caught off guard, their shouts of alarm quickly drowned out by the clash of steel.

"Blood Puppeteer," Eric muttered, focusing on a fallen guard.

The connection snapped into place, and the lifeless body jerked upright, its movements controlled by Eric's will. He sent it charging into the fray, its sudden resurrection sowing chaos among the Marines.

Aran's crew followed close behind, their blades gleaming in the moonlight as they cut through the enemy ranks. Nami stayed back, her knife at the ready, her sharp eyes scanning for opportunities to strike.

The fight was brutal, the deck slick with blood and littered with bodies. But Eric's powers turned the tide in their favor. He created blood weapons on the fly, using them to disarm and dispatch his opponents with precision and ferocity.

By the time the last Marine fell, the ship was theirs.

As the crew celebrated their victory, Eric stood at the helm, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Aran joined him, his expression a mix of pride and respect.

"You pulled it off," Aran said, clapping him on the shoulder. "I'll admit, I wasn't sure you had it in you. But you've proven me wrong."

Eric grinned, though his eyes remained sharp. "This is just the beginning."

Aran chuckled. "I hope you're right, Blood Shadow. Because if you're wrong, we're all screwed."

Eric smirked, the hunger stirring within him. "Then I guess I'll just have to make sure we're not."