Bai Qi, of course, did not have the problem of not stopping the ship. The problem was Bai Qi himself.
When Bai Qi landed in Rogue Town, he did so with great fanfare, docking directly at the busiest port.
His towering physique and ferocious features instantly became the focus of everyone's attention.
"Is this some kind of Sea King?"
"Idiot, have you ever seen a Sea King that can come ashore?"
"He... he's looking this way."
Rogue Town never lacked for pirates with inflated egos. Many fools here, lacking any protagonist's halo yet still believing they could conquer everything, were present.
And so, upon seeing Bai Qi, many pirates began to hatch wicked schemes.
"This must be a mutated Sea King."
"If we capture him, we'll make a fortune."
"Don't anyone else touch him, this one's mine."
In an instant, over thirty pirates from different crews, wielding swords and spears, charged at Bai Qi. Their formation suggested they were certain of victory.
"The ignorant are fearless."
After a single dragon's breath, over thirty pirates were reduced to ashes, their weapons melting into puddles of molten iron.
"A monster! It's a monster!"
"Run!"
Witnessing the power of Bai Qi's dragon's breath, these pirates dared not linger. They turned and fled.
Bai Qi showed no mercy to these pirates who harbored ill intentions. His fierce dragon's breath not only incinerated the pirates but also consumed their ships.
"What?! You're saying a Sea King is wreaking havoc at the port, spewing fire? Damn it, how could a Sea King breathe fire?"
At the Marine base, Bernal did not believe the report from his subordinate. However, since a disturbance had indeed occurred at the port, he, as a Colonel, had to investigate.
Upon arriving at the port, Bernal was speechless.
Just as the soldier had said, a Sea King had indeed landed, and it was spewing fire from its mouth.
There was a slight discrepancy, however: this Sea King's targets were exclusively pirates. Apart from the residual shockwaves that affected a few nearby ships, it did not cause significant damage to other vessels in the port.
Bernal saw Bai Qi, and Bai Qi noticed Bernal as well.
"You! Come here!"
These three simple words shocked Bernal immensely. After sailing the seas for so many years, he had seen many strange and unusual things, but a Sea King that could speak human language was a first. As if compelled by some unseen force, he walked forward.
He scrutinized Bernal, noting the Rear Admiral's insignia on his shoulder, and asked, "Where is Smoker?"
For an island like Rogue Town, despite the constant influx of people and its status as the birthplace of Pirate King Roger, the island itself was not large. Moreover, being in the East Blue, the highest-ranking officer stationed here was a Colonel.
This meant that the Marine Colonel before him was the highest authority on the island.
"Ah? Oh, Rear Admiral Smoker has been transferred back to Marine Headquarters."
Considering the timing, it made sense. After Luffy left Rogue Town, Smoker, along with Tashigi, had departed Rogue Town and embarked on the pursuit of the Straw Hat Pirates. It was now nearing the eve of the Summit War, so it was logical he would be at Marine Headquarters.
Bernal tentatively asked, "Is there something you need Rear Admiral Smoker for?"
"Nothing, just asking."
"By the way, I want to join the Marines."
"Join the Marines? Alright, I'll take you there... What did you say?"
Bernal didn't react immediately. When he came to his senses, his jaw dropped in astonishment.
The Marines did indeed have many special existences, such as giants, fish-men, minks, long-legged tribes, and long-armed tribes, but never a Sea King.
Now, a Sea King that appeared incredibly powerful not only spoke human language but also wanted to join the Marines. Bernal felt a splitting headache. Why did all the strange occurrences fall upon him?
Seeing Bernal's silence, Bai Qi used his psychic powers to lift him closer and asked, "Is there a problem?"
Bernal hadn't felt anything when they maintained a distance, but looking at Bai Qi's face up close, he felt a chill run down his spine.
He hurriedly said, "No, no problem. It's just that the Marines have no precedent for Sea Kings joining, and we..."
Before Bernal could finish, Bai Qi interrupted him, emphasizing, "I am not one of those low-class Sea Kings. I am a Dragon. You may call me Saint Lord. But if you dare to call me a Sea King again, rest assured, I will make your end a very unpleasant one."
"Yes, yes, Lord Saint Lord..."
Bernal, filled with terror, even resorted to using honorifics.
Even without having fought him, years of intuition told Bernal that he was absolutely no match for this monster. To fight him, one would likely need the strength of an Admiral.
"That... Lord Saint Lord..."
Bernal said, "Look, Rogue Town is such a small place. How can it accommodate a venerable figure like yourself? If you truly wish to join the Marines and realize your ambitions, then Marine Headquarters is where you should go."
Bernal's intention was simple: to get rid of this fellow quickly.
Bernal was originally a Colonel at Marine Headquarters, and his strength was not weak. He had come to this small place in the East Blue seeking peace and quiet. If he didn't send this fellow away, would he still be able to enjoy his peaceful days? Absolutely not.
Therefore, Bernal offered Marine Headquarters as a destination, intending to offload this troublesome individual there and then continue his own leisurely life.
Unfortunately, Bai Qi was indeed planning to leave, but not in the way Bernal imagined.
Bai Qi was quite pleased with Bernal's suggestion. He intended to participate in the Summit War and bring about change. Since Bernal was a former Colonel at Headquarters, how could he possibly let such a valuable resource go to waste?
"Alright, you take me to Marine Headquarters."
"Huh?"
Bernal was completely dumbfounded. He never expected the other party to ask him to lead the way. This was a joke. The journey to Marine Headquarters was several days long, and it involved passing through the Calm Belt. Life on land was far more comfortable than on a ship.
More importantly, not long ago, the Marines had captured Portgas D. Ace, the second commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. Now, a large number of Marines were converging on Headquarters, and it was obvious to anyone with eyes that a major plan was being hatched.
Bernal had specifically inquired through a friend at Headquarters, and had heard that they were preparing to use Ace as bait to lure the Whitebeard Pirates into a trap.
At that time, Marineford would become a battlefield, and the Marines would engage in a world-shattering battle with the Four Emperors and Whitebeard.
Wasn't going there now equivalent to courting death?
"No, you see, I'm the person in charge here and can't leave. You know, Marine discipline is very strict. If I abandon my post, I'll..."
Before Bernal could finish, Bai Qi used his psychic powers to grip his throat, saying, "Either you take me to Marine Headquarters, or you die."