It had been a quiet few weeks at the Laughing Archipelago. Only every now and then did any ship leave or arrive at the island. Several ships were docked at the port with a decent chunk of the Silver Vampirates' fighting force currently occupying the Silver Refuge. Since the small island was one of their most compact and easily defended territory of the pirate crew located in Paradise, it was often used as a barracks and strategic mobilizing forward base. Because of this, they had yet to be attacked at this location, but any day that could change.
Musashi had been stationed here for several months, only having been sent out on a few missions in this time frame. So he made sure to keep his skills up to par, leading sparring sessions with the crew at least once per day. Today he stood in the tall grass, a sword in each hand as five crew members circled him, their own blades drawn. The sun shone straight down on them from above, reflected in the shiny metal that they held, and gave their sweaty bodies a glistening sheen. Already they had been going at it for over an hour, as had the several other groups spread across the field they stood in. The sound of metal on metal repeatedly broke the tranquil silence, yet Musashi wasn't deterred, nor was his five adversaries.
As if on command they charged Musashi, swords raised high and ready to strike. Only a couple meters from him now, they tried to box him in and prevent a counter attack. His eyes darted to either side, and stealing a gaze behind. None of them were advancing faster. Good. With that the senior swordsman jumped into action, dashing forward inbetween the to that approached from the front. Their swords descended, but clanged against his own as he positioned himself directly between them. Twisting his body around and pushing outwards, he also pushed against the swords, briefly knocking the two of them off balance.
Now faced with the other three momentarily, Musashi grinned, kicked himself off the ground again, dashing at the woman to the left, meeting her head on. With great force he slapped her sword aside with his left sword, ripping it free from her grasp, before whipping the blade around and dragging it across her neck, leaving a red mark. With that, she dropped to the ground. One dead. The other two were already moving in, swords bearing down on him. Stepping backwards, he let the two weapons simply cut air in front of them, before stepping forward and onto the left blade, holding it down. Striking across his foe's chest, he left a red mark diagonally across his torso and he fell to the ground too. Two dead.
By now the first two had regained their footing, and to not be surrounded again Musashi stepped to the left, facing all three of them at once. For a few moments they tested one another, striking and parrying. Then Musashi struck again, swiping across the wrist of the middle, drawing red again. His main hand useless, the other man dropped it down, holding the sword with one hand, though he was not as good at it as Musashi himself. The man on the left tried to use the opening and stepped forward, stabbing forward to try and take him out. Alas Musashi stepped aside then forward, hearing the grunt and he struck the side of the other man and felt him collapse to the ground. Three dead. His right sword rose quickly, blocking the strike of the woman to the right, only inches from his neck. Their eyes met and both grinned at each other, while Musashi repelled a strike from the now one handed man. Moving swiftly on his feet, Musashi stepped around the man, slashing across his back before he could ever react. Four down.
The woman was his last foe, and the closest to actually striking him. Going on the offensive Musashi switched to Ittoryu, dropping his left sword to the ground and grabbing his sword with both hands. For a few seconds all that existed was their blades dancing through the air, the sound of metal on metal. Then, as if out of nowhere the woman's sword fell to the ground, with Musashi's placed on her neck. Good try, he said before sheathing his sword. You almost had me at one point. The rest of you need to be more careful! He turned towards the other swordsmen who were getting back on their feet now that the sparring match was over, some of them trying to clean off the red paint. They still had several other marks from previous sessions, though Musashi had a few of his own. They weren't completely hopeless. He wiped the red from his practice swords before sheathing them. Around them, others also finished up their session and started heading back.
Moments later he joined the group walking back to the Silver Refuge. It was only a few minutes walk, and soon they'd reach the crossroad that either led them to the right to the Retreat or forward to the Green Hair. Taking left they headed back to town, cresting the hill so the settlement and bay lay before them. Musashi was joking and laughing with someone when his eyes fell on the sea, and he froze in place mid sentence. Approaching rapidly towards the docks was a large marine warship, of the same grade manned by at least Vice Admirals. Only for a moment he stood there before springing into action, shouting orders. Get your real swords and report down at the docks, right now!
With that he leapt into the streets, rushing down among the buildings, seeking his own home. On his way he saw several other pirates rushing about, preparing to get into position. Bursting into his own home he dropped his practice swords onto the floor, grabbing his three usual swords off the peg just inside the door. Not even making sure his door shut properly he was dashing down towards the docks only moments later. As he ran, other pirates fell in behind him, wearing whatever they had happened to be wearing, carrying their weapons. In the distance ahead he could hear a familiar voice shouting orders.
Breaking free from the throng of the buildings Musashi and his retinue came upon Sarge, standing on the rise just above the docks, directing pirates to their positions. I want guns at the ready, but don't shoot till I give the order! The other man turned to face Musashi, relief visible for a second, before his stern look took over again. Good, I need your men to be ready here at the docks, I'll take the high ground. You good to parlay in case they're not trying to pick a fight? Musashi nodded quickly, stepping forward to the edge. Good. With that the other man started to move off, only to stop as another voice from behind broke them off. Don't engage them, wait!
Musashi and Sarge both turned to see Koujiro rushing out into the open, carrying his long range rifle in his hands, almost slipping and falling on the cobblestones. Catching himself in the last second, he looked at the two of them, shock and joy apparent on his face. Breathless, he simply moved on past them, rushing onto the docks below. Musashi tried to grab the other man, but he was too fast. Cursing under his breath, Musashi followed him, catching up to the marksman as he stood at the edge of the dock, rifle slung across his back. In his hand he held the scope that had been attached to the weapon. What are you doin- Koujiro simply held the scope up to Musashi, who grabbed it and looked at the oncoming ship. It was definitely a ship for a Vice Admiral, but something seemed off. At the prow stood a single figure, far too big to be a normal human. Long hair and tattered clothing adorned the small giant, with metal links hanging from his wrists. Musashi barely noticed that his mouth was open as Sarge reached them. What the hell are you guys doing? He pulled the scope from Musashi's grip. Looking towards the ship he too quickly fell silent. I couldn't believe it...