After hearing the cannon fire stop he would stop going deeper into this territory. As he also would pick up someone with his Haki, this being before the Marines docked, and would head directly to them. It was in a building about a couple from the dock. Stede would rush through it and up the stairs, until he got to the area. There was a large section of the wall missing and when he looked in he would see someone towering over a bunch of corpse, and after closer inspection those corpse were of marines. The Revolutionary, at this moment, didn't notice Stede and he would act fast. Getting the drop on him Stede would wrap his hand around his neck, from behind. His had was bigger than this guy's skull to he was able to grip that as well. Stede would then begin to apply more and more pressure with his grip, not bothered by the screams of the enemy. The pain began to get too much and he would pass out.

"So, they had Marines in these buildings." Stede would say outloud to himself as he would deactivate his haki. He would drop the guy since he wasn't a threat anymore, and get to investigating. They were tied up and left in this room, but didn't get hit by cannon fire. The Rev he had just captured had beat each and every one of them to death. Stede would shake his head in disgust, as this was wrong. He would take some of the rope that was used to tie up a Marine and use it to tie of the captured foe. He wouldn't sling him over his shoulder but dag him by another rope. The foe had his hands,wrists, and legs,ankles, tied together, whilst the rope used to drag him was tied to his legs.

Stede would drag his foe back to the dock, to meet up with the others. Or at least signal them that this port was clear, as he didn't pick up anyone within a 750m diameter, aside from this guy he was dragging. Stede would arrive back to the spot that he had ran through when he first arrived, and would see the ships coming in to dock. So, he would turn around. He had a bit more time to look around and gather a few more bits of information. He'd find himself in a building that had taken damage from the Marine Ships, looking around he'd come across around littered with bodies of Marines. And after further examination they seemed to have recently died, as the blood and bodies were still warm. "I hope they didn't." Stede would say as he clinched his hand and made a fist. He would then punch the ground. They would need to get some answers outs of the Revolutionary that he had captured. By the time Stede had made it from the building and back to the dock the other Marines would be doing the tasks assigned to them. From a distance Stede would see Ensign Young and Meji, and Stede would head over to them. When he was able to arrive near him he'd see that Young would point his weapon at another Ensign, he hear what he'd say to her but still shake his head.

"Relax! Put your weapon down, soldier! Or I will put you down! We've lost too many people already, and you doing that won't put anyone at ease. This area for about seven-hundred and fifty meters is clear of hostiles. Further than that I don't know. I was able to capture one guy though." Stede would say as he would hold tug on the string and pull the guy he was towing in front of him. He was still unconscious. "I will leave interrogating him to someone else. And the information we receive should shed some light on our present situation. I do though have more information. Since I scouted ahead I was able to find the bodies of fellow Marines within two of the buildings, and I am not sure if anymore building are like this. Also, from what I gathered is that they weren't killed and tossed in the buildings, but kept alive. And our return fire is what killed them. Our foe is dangerous. And, we shouldn't take them lightly at all.

I also agree with Ensign Young, using a Den Den mushi will be foolish behind enemy lies. Especially since we no longer have the device to keep our line untapped. Gaining information from this man is our best bet right now. " Stede would say giving his peace. He did threaten Ensign Young, and did not care that he did. Actions like that weren't something Stede was just going to allow to happen, not at all. They needed to keep cool and level headed, as they were at war. And their enemy had already made a move that almost put them in checkmate. As out of everyone here no one held a rank higher than that of Ensign, so they would need to work together. Stede though can say that he was the most qualified to take up lead, as he was a Marine in the past and was just coming out of retirement. But, he would not unless they showed they couldn't handle this. They were the new generation that needed to build up their leadership capabilities so that after this, a promotion would be only right. Even his reputation was far that of anyone here, but Stede will tell you that doesn't matter. Only thing that matters right now is that teamwork be used to come out on top of this.

They'd travel quickly through the area, stop only to catch their breathe. The location given to them by the Vice Admiral, well Freyr, weren't as close as they expected. In total it'd take them a entire hour to reach the location given to them. They'd though be hit with a large roadblock as the enemy forces that they'd see wouldn't be miniscule, and if they went at them they'd surely perish. "My god. There are so many of them, use the sniper to check out the buildings. and be careful!" One of the Men would tell his comrades as they hide within a building that didn't seem to have any enemies located inside. And they hoped that it would stay that way. As the one with his sniper checked out the area all he could see within the streets, were revolutionaries. A lot that he saw moving around were mounted on what seemed to be bulls.

"I can't believe it." The Man using the Sniper would say as he would begin to tremble at what he saw.

"What do you see?"The Man that was in charge of this recon group would ask.

"I see....I see a Vice Admiral...." The Sniper would double check before speaking but what he saw was true. There can't be any denying it at all who was on top of the building farthest from them, strung up up a cross.

"WHAT!" The Man in charge was shocked for a moment but would gather himself, he couldn't speak so loudly. They weren't in the best position to do that. Luckily, he didn't compromise their position.

The Man would reach and grab his Den Den Mushi, to report back their findings. He didn't have anything to hide his transmissions, no one did. So, he'd use code rather than blurt out everything that they had found out like a fool. Whenever someone answer he'd speak quickly. "We have made it to the location, but things are not in our favor. But we can confirm the information that we have been given is correct." He would wait for a response before  ending the call. Hopefully they would send help instead of pulling back.  

---

There would be no answer on the other end of the Den Den Mushi, but the reason would not be given unless asked.The person that didn't answer though wasn't the Fleet Admiral, but rather the other leader in charge of this campaign. They did this for many reason that will be explained if asked in person.

The Revolutionary that had been captured awoke with curses to his enemies. He didn't like them or what they stood for and let them know it, "You disgusting fucks. You caught me...now kill me. I've already done what was asked of me. Hehehe, I killed them and soon you guys are all going to die! SO KILL ME! BITCHES! KILL ME!" Information could be given out, if forced out. But, if this man got what he wanted the biggest target this group would have would get away. As even though this man spoke big he was soft, and would break under any short of pain given to him. But, that pain would have to continue to gain more information.

This information that he knew was that Bishop was in the next town, with his guards and new recruits. He didn't know about any abilities that Bishop had but he knew that his Guards were strong martial artist that were worth around fifty men each, and that those twelve have never lost a battle. There though was one more that wasn't a martial artist, but a great marksmen who could kill anyone. That much can be gained from simple injuries that weren't all that at all.  And if a grave injury was given to him he'd tell them about the other location, which was within this city. About how the three hundred men were holding around two hundred prisoners, one being a Vice Admiral. This information can be gained if the right methods are used and can be used to help the Marines greatly, but gaining this isn't guaranteed. At the end of their interrogation the call from the recon team would come in.

In the next town was Bishop, "Yes I understand. I will leave this town in a couple hours(three posts) if everything goes well and head to you Ren." There would be a pause. "No, I didn't kill the Vice Admiral I captured yet, but I will my men have been given the message to kill her. I know you don't like to torture the enemy, but I gave them this on." Bishop would, after a few minutes, hand up the Den Den Mushi, that couldn't be tapped. Why Bishop was waiting here was because he knew that the Marines had landed in the previous town and he wondered if they would make their way to him. And if they did he would gain information from them, in the most horrible way, and then kill them. But, he wouldn't wait for them forever he had things to do. One of his Guards would disagree with this as she didn't want to have him be in such danger, as they didn't know who was on those ships. Three of his Guards though had already been dispatched and were on their way to check out the ships, as Bishop still wanted those. The three he had sent out weren't his strongest, but could handle themselves.  

---

To get to the location where the Marines are captured doesn't take that long, compared to the distance to the next city, to reach. (One post). But, the resistance there would be too much to handle if they wished to head and capture Bishop as well. As it takes three times that to reach the town where Bishop is from the Marines current position; if they came from the location of the Captured Marines that time is even more. And simply reaching that town would alert you to him, and he will not leave but rather attack you. Going up against him will take extremely skill as he is the second in command for a reason. And if someone was to go alone they must be the strongest here, and if a group goes they will need to work on teamwork to take out the foe. Capturing him is possible but killing him is just as good. Though, capturing the second in command of the enemy would be the biggest accomplishment given aside from killing or capturing Ren. Those with speeds over Tier 5 will be able to reach these places in half the time.

OOC: Emil has one more time to be skipped before being ejected from the task.

"Why are you all playing Marines?" Stede didn't understand what was wrong with this generation. And this Celestial Dragon puzzled Stede, greatly. He spoke as if he didn't hear anything that Stede would tell him, as if he was untouchable. He would learn though after all of this that he was untouchable, since he wants to play Marine. Out here wasn't the type of place someone like him should be. Stede protect Celestial Dragons in his past; and would do the same now since becoming a Marine again. He didn't care for them but he did his job, but that didn't mean he'd never touch one if they crossed him too much. As anyone can die. And Stede would only have to kill everyone around him so that he wouldn't face the repercussions for his actions. That isn't saying he'd kill this Celestial Dragon, but if he reaches a point he would. His Haki was pushed back up once he would speak, as he didn't trust the Celestial Dragon. And he if he had to act, he would.

Stede didn't understand why this Ensign, Freyr, was making excuses. In his mind they didn't need to call HQ but rather quickly figure out a course of action, on their own, and act on it. Time was something that they couldn't afford to waste at this moment, there were too many things going on. And from everything said there were three clear cut options.  The first option was to go and rescue the Vice Admiral captured, along with anyone left, and then try to regroup with other Marines, preferably HQ. Second option was to go right for Bishop and deal a major blow to the Revolutionaries here. Both those options would require everyone to go. Finally, the third option was to split up and try to do both. Stede, confident in himself, knew that he could handle either course of action, saving or attacking, on his own. He had the experience, skill, and power to do anything he set his mind to. But, he didn't want to do any of the options that they had. He wanted to just get out of enemy lines and report back to HQ. There were still many hidden factors that they didn't know off, and could cause them to lose their lives. Just as Hachi had lost his.

The Celestial Dragon Youn would give his orders, as if he was in charge, and then head out. Stede wanted to burst out in laughter as the Celestial Dragon tried to order him around, as that was laughable. Stede would speak as the Celestial Dragon began to leave, "Little Dragon, you are hilarious. I will do as I please." And with that Stede would begin to walk away from this meeting, as it was pointless. He should've just gotten information from the Rev once he had captured him and sent word to them. Letting them know anything was pointless, and he prayed for their souls. If they had to fight they'd have to use teamwork but that teamwork wouldn't be possible with how they hated each other. He, once off of the docks, would begin to jog. That jog would quickly turn into a sprint after making it out of the city limit. It wouldn't take him that much time to accelerate to his max speeds. Even though his destination was to next town that Bishop was serving as a decoy wasn't his job, nor would he make it that. What he planned to do was guarantee that their target wouldn't leave but he wouldn't exert himself too much. And at this moment his right hand would seem to glow. If they can't take him out they aren't fit to be Marines, and should just head home.

Spoiler:

He'd spill the beans, from all the pain. He hated himself for doing this, and wished he'd just be killed. But, he'd simply be captured and probably thrown in jail after all of this. Well, that was if the Marines would win the entire conflict, as there still was hope for the revolunaries. Ren and Bishop were the cream of the crop when it came to revolunaries. They skill and experience would be something many couldn't match, or come close to. Ren currently was currently in a stronghold located on the Island. This location was far away from the current conflicts going on. But, if everything went well for the Marines they may see that stronghold during this campaign.  


Bishop wasn't in any of the buildings within this massive town. He was within the middle of the town, the townsquare. The area he was within was vacant of all life, only a few people were within this town currently. He had sent all of those he was training, to report somewhere else as they were needed there. So, it was only him and his bodyguards. The two he had sent to leave to the port town wouldn't make it there, as they'd get word to return. And they would. Being able to regroup with the others before the Marines had mobilized.

"Why are we back?"

"What happened to getting those ships?"

"Things have changed. He sent the rest to another area, due to the Marines. So, he wants to stay here and keep this town in his control. So, we wait here till he can move this place"

"Well, I'll go talk to him."

"I wouldn't step into that area. I just told you he is about to move the place."

This talk would be between thirteen of Bishop's guards. They weren't far from him, just in the street before entering the square. They were, as stated before, mainly martial artist. But something that put them about the other troops was that they knew both types of Haki. Being trained by Bishop himself. It would begin to rain on the minks, and most didn't like it. This wouldn't cause them to head inside though, as that'd be bad for them and anyone that goes with that. Soon things would change, so they were fine. All of these individuals shared many traits. Skilled in two types of Haki. All where Minks. And also that they were able to keep in contact with each other no matter their distance, thanks to a earpiece. But, one person here used a brand of fighting different from them. As they weren't bound to the earth like the others, but hailed in a area just above.

---

"Fuck, it is raining...and it is about to be the night time." A Revolutionary in Section B would say as he rushed inside. The only ones outside being those on mounts. Everyone else were in the many buildings in the area, putting a mark outside to let this be known. They weren't told this by Bishop. The decided that they would keep track of the buildings they were and could go in. They hoped Marines, if they came to this area, wouldn't figure this out. But they weren't that bright in all actuality. Only ones with weapons were those on mounts, others only had melee weapons.


The area they were only five total buildings that the Revs held their captives. Four of them held the lower ranks, whilst only one had the Vice Admiral. In between each building with marines were five.

Fifty Mounted Revolutionaries though would be given word to head back to the port, and they would. Their guns were ready as they planned to take out all those at the port. Who gave this order was the Bodyguard that was in charge of this group. As he was also given word on how the port was not going to be attack by the other guards, do to something happening on another part of the Island. Bishop didn't give him this order. This guard though wanted those ships so that he could show Bishop he could take care of things. His location was right next to the Vice admiral. He had five grunts with him that would just be used to run the Den Den Mushi. So that he could give orders to his troops.

"I'll let you know something. Before I kill you....I will remove the head of each Marine under your command. Right before your eyes. Oh, and that won't be all. I will have my way with you before I take your life, as i've never been with a Winged person before." This Bodyguard who went by the name of Ron. He was close to the skill level of Bishop, and he knew this. Ren and Bishop even knew this and didn't like dealing with him. As Ron was prideful and beastly, more so than anyone here. Being caught by him meant you'd be put through hell before death, if he allows you death. Bishop was the mastermind in taking down the Marines at the port. But, Ron was the one to defeat the Vice Admiral effortlessly.

It was raining, hard, and it seemed to just get worse as Stede traveled to the next town. This campaign was his come back out party, in a sense. A Retired Marine coming back due to the current status of the world. Many things played into that. Oceanus taking the Holy Land and declaring himself Pirate King was one. But, the biggest one was the death of his son, the Warlord, Black Caesar. If someone out there was able to kill his own flesh and blood, he'd have to find them. He had a few people working on finding out what actually happened, since the Marines and World Government have been hushed mouth about this. Shit, even his son's death isn't known throughout the world yet. And only thing average people would know is that he was no longer a Shichibukai. There was a lot going on about this whole situation that Stede didn't get. Part of him even though about not joining back with the Marines but do his search for answers without anyone's help. Only reason he didn't do that was because of Hachi, but he was dead now. That though doesn't mean he will leave after handling his business here, not at all. He will search for answers and follow the rules of the Marines, and move up within it's ranks. That was some of his plan for himself, and no one would hinder him. Stede held himself in high regard, now that he got some of his youth back. Yeah, he wasn't as old as he once was but he is at a age now that he can do many things that he couldn't do before.

Finally, he would make it to the opening of the town. And as he entered, as he didn't stop once he reached it, he would activate his haki. He didn't have it activated after meeting up with those Kid Marines because he wanted to rest. That resting was over now and he could would use his Haki to it's higher capabilities. It wouldn't be till he was deep within the city till he picked up on a group of individuals. But, he had to learn his haki back so he would use something else to help him in finding them. He would listen in to everything that was around him now, and pick up on their conversation He didn't care what they were talking about, but he would head to their area. He'd be on guard for anything suspicious around him. And also for anything that could come his way and do his harm.

It wouldn't take Stede long to be in their general area. Though, he would be on the opposite side of a building. If Stede knew where they were, they'd know where he was. So, Stede would look the building up and down and then forward. It was, like many of the other buildings around, like a skyscraper. Compared to other towns Stede had been at these buildings, the outer layer comprised of stone, was large than most. And though they all had wear and tear they seemed as if they were sturdy and would last maybe a hundred years. Stede wasn't a architect or anything like that but he just felt they were some of the best buildings he has ever seen within his life. If this Kingdom hadn't fallen it could've been the most advanced and powerful one there was.

Stede though would quickly hold out his right hand, "I'll spark the fire. Hopefully these 'so called' Marines can keep it going." Stede would say as his attack would seemingly surge from his hand instantly. An explosion in the area he fire it from would send anything flying back do to the sheer force of his attack. Those within the range of this ability, unless able to do something, would not be counted among the living no longer. As everything would be vaporized by this devastating attack. Also, when he had reached the town his intangibility would be ready to respond to anything, even if he didn't catch it in time. And also during the duration, and time after, his attack would be sent outward. This blast wouldn't just be fired and that would be all of it, no it would be sustained for a good five minutes. He wanted to make sure this 'spark' was a good one.


After the attack would subside Stede would stand there, looking at the carnage. The Building he had attack would be hit and fell down into the blast as it was sustained. There was smoke that blanketed the area for some time, this being one of the by products of the attack. Everything before Stede seemed to be an entirely new terrain. Only thing that didn't change was the rain that still streamed down.

Spoiler:

Bishop would begin to sink more and more, and before he would fully submerge he'd eat a pill. Why he did this so suddenly was because of his comrade who had picked up on someone, Stede, entering the city. As her abilities as Bat Mink and Observation Haki made everything within this city under her radar, even those just right outside it. Her first reaction was to fire at the intruder, but she couldn't keep up to get a clear shot from her rifle. The littered streets, rainfall, and a few collapsed building hindered her somewhat. But, if that would all vanish anyone caught in her sinks will be fired upon. And with her the range of bullets she had ranged some simply lead to even Seastone, though in real short supply of five bullets.

"UGH! Why can't we just leave?"

"Attention! There is a intruder within the city. He doesn't seem to know where you guys are, but he is close by. Stay on guard." The Bat Mink would say as she began to head over to a building, as the rain wasn't the only thing picking up. She'd land on a building not that far from the others.

"Oh yeah! Action time baby!" The Mink from before would say as he would clinched his fists in excitement. He'd also turn back to see Bishop, but he would see that their leader was gone. Though these minks were powerhouses when it came to shear strength, the rain dulled their senses just a bit.

"Fighting in a storm! Best time to fight!" Another would say as he began to get ready, as they could be attacked at anytime. But, with their haki up they were ready.

Almost in unison they'd all catch on to the haki signature of someone, and it wasn't familiar. Turning in the direction of the building to their left they knew where he was. Electricity seemed to come from their paws, and some on their feet. They would split up the majority of them planned to head straight through the building, whilst two others would break off and head toward the guy from the sides. Going around the sides would be a long path but with their speed they would make it there at the same time as the others. Tier 4 speeds being something they could easily move at, one of them able to move even faster than that. Whilst the group heading straight through held just a tier lower. They were confident and could take out almost any foe with all of them working in unison. Among the group there was the fourth in command who had been with Bishop the longest. He also was one of the Minks going through the side. Tough he wanted to make it there with everyone else, he seemed to go too fast. And was able to make it right before the attack that would transpire. He would be sent back flying and would crash into rubble behind him. And once he opened his eyes he'd see a large column of light going outward.

"...." He was unable to say anything or even move for that matter, as he was petrified in fear from what he would just witness. Though he didn't have a clear view of the scale of the attack he knew one thing for certain, he couldn't sense his comrades no longer.

"BISHOP!" The Bat Mink would yell out. The Building that she had landed on, thankfully, wasn't in the path of the blast. But, that didn't mean she didn't feel it. From where she was she could see it cleave through a portion of the city, and see nothing that was within it's path was there anylonger. With anger she'd rise back into the skies, rifle loaded and ready, and try to find the person that did this. Once the smoke cleared she'd fire, as it was easy to get something that didn't move in their sights. She would be able to deduct that the attacked used had to be from a Devil fruit, so she'd have a SeaStone bullet loaded in the chamber. When the attack, specifically, would be fired would be after her comrades attack. It being a attack that would have a better chance of hitting it's mark due to the target already coming under fire, or in this case coming under attack.

"MONSTER!" WIth his paws cladded in electricity and his wrathful will the, Panther, Mink would gather himself and lunge outward at the attacker. Using a strange technique to move at his top speed, T5, and clear the small ten meter gap between them. His attack he'd try to land wasn't something small, but the best one that he had. It, if landed, would destroy anything that was less than the durability of Titanium. This was the power of the Mink guards, but they paled in comparison to Ron and Bishop.


After the attacks of the Mink Guards, whether they landed or not, the entire city would begin to quake. Someone could say that a storm wasn't the only thing about to hit this place. What was making this place quake as it did wasn't a earthquake, but Bishop. After he had sunk deep into the city the pill he had swallowed had finally taken effect. Since it was not stated that the attack used by Stede went against the ground, Bishop was safe. Obviously, a attack of that scale would touch it but accounting for Stede's height and his angle he fired it wouldn't go deep enough to hit Bishop. If that was done right Bishop, even with sinking into the ground, would've been hit and killed. But, that error would cost Stede along with anyone even within the near vicinity of the city. He'd begin to rise, his happening just five minutes after the attack from the two Minks, from the ground. But, the amount that rose with him was substantial. As with the help of that strange pill the devil fruit abilities of Bishop had been magnified to heights it'd take years for him to reach. It took only moment for Bishop to rise to the height of 609.6 meters. He seemed to touch the very heavens.



Now, we will go back to what caused the quake. Though Bishop had used stone from the city itself to become this giant, he wouldn't stop there. Bishop would raise both of his hands and as fast as he could, T3 speeds, would bring his fists down to the ground which would sent a massive shockwave throughout the entire city. It wasn't lethal to those outside of the city, but they'd be sent back flying if they didn't have enough strength, T2, to withstand the shock wave. This attack though would be lethal to the man known as Stede, if it landed.

The Pill that Bishop had taken enhance his devil fruit abilities and also his Haki abilities. It made him nothing short of a natural disaster, but he still wasn't on the level of Ren. As this boost didn't last long at all (Three posts) and once it wore of it'd put him at his weakest state. But, in that timeframe Bishop planned to end all those here and move back to the port town, as this pill made him lose near all of the intellect he once had. The Strategist that was Bishop, at this time, was no more. Though, this would give those facing him a better chance his unnatural power was something they should be cautious of.

T5 Mode Used


ooc: Ace and Emil have one more chance before being kicked from this task. This does not mean they aren't allowed to join the one following this one.