Pirate Route 2

Andi slipped Tsukikage between the approaching enemy ship and Big Bear.

"Enemy ship showing signs of firing. Out of range, but it'll hit us!"

"Fine, our shields will take it!"

Even after hearing Eren's report, Andi remained calm.

The enemy ship's cannon fire was deflected by Tsukikage's energy shield on its side.

"Order from Fubuki! Authorization granted to counterattack—sinking is unavoidable, that's the directive."

"Understood! Initiating counterattack."

Andi began rapid-fire cannon fire while guarding Big Bear.

Though out of range, Andi didn't care.

The enemy ship, hit by Tsukikage's gunfire, altered course and began increasing distance.

"Enemy ship has changed course! Andi, you're not hitting them! Shouldn't we have Marks handle fire control?"

"It's fine, this is enough!"

Tsukikage's gunfire wasn't meant to sink the enemy vessel—it was to keep it from approaching Big Bear.

As a护卫 ship, it's fine if it just keeps fleeing; if it doesn't, we'll keep engaging until it's destroyed.

Andi remained extremely calm.

"Markus, what do you think of Andy and the others' judgment on their first job with Cassimura's company?"

"Nothing to worry about. They've gained experience as independent freighter guards. Of course, they're still inexperienced, but they're guards approved by the Master himself. You can trust them completely."

Markus and Merisa, listening to Andy and Ellen's conversation.

Markus judged that Andy correctly understood Shinnosuke's intentions, refraining from unnecessary interference and focusing solely on guarding the surrounding space alongside Merisa in her auxiliary chair.

Of course, he was ready to immediately back up Andy if anything went wrong.

Meanwhile, on Fubuki's bridge, Seira, on watch in the direction Shinnosuke had instructed, detected a new suspicious vessel on the radar.

"New unknown contact detected. Six vessels, no identification signal. Approaching from bearing 3 to 4, spreading within a range of +10 to -5. Fire-control radar lock confirmed on this vessel and Big Bear. Clear hostile intent. All vessels ahead, including this one, will be designated Enemy Ships A through G."

"Understood. This vessel will engage Enemy Ships B through G."

Shin nosuke moved Fubuki to the right flank of Big Bear, facing the six newly appeared enemy ships.

They all appeared to be civilian high-speed vessels that had been armed.

"Enemy Ship C is firing! Incoming barrage!"

Seira warned.

"Out of range. And the aim is sloppy too—typical of petty pirates who don't understand distance."

The enemy fire missed both Fubuki and Big Bear.

Shinnosuke aimed Fubuki's main gun at the enemy vessel.

Instead of using radar targeting, he locked onto the target displayed on the glass monitor, manually adjusting the aim.

"Shinnosuke-sama, manual targeting instead of auto?"

Shinnosuke nodded in response to Millena's question.

"Yeah. I'll teach them what a real gun battle is all about."

As he spoke, Shinnosuke pulled the trigger.

The enemy ship, targeted by Shinnosuke without its targeting radar being locked on, was struck directly by Fujibuki's main gun and sank in a massive explosion.

"Enemy ship C destroyed! The remaining enemy vessels are scattering and trying to increase distance."

"Quick response... but still too slow."

Shinnosuke continued, aiming at the next target and pulling the trigger.

Another vessel avoided being sunk, but its engine was pierced, rendering it immobile.

"Enemy ship G is immobile. The remaining enemy vessels have fled beyond the standard range of our main guns."

Shinnosuke showed no change in expression, even as Seira reported.

He halted Fubuki's movement and activated precision shooting mode.

"Millena, take over navigation. Maintain this posture. You have control."

"I have control. Leave it to me."

Shinnosuke zoomed the glass monitor to its maximum magnification.

His target: the engine of the enemy ship farthest away.

"Thinking you could escape beyond range... "

Predicting the enemy ship's maneuver, he fired the main cannon toward the point ahead of its projected path.

Although primarily a destroyer, the Fubuki's main gun can also be used as a sniper weapon. While its firepower is comparable to that of an average destroyer, its range far surpasses that of a typical destroyer, and its accuracy is exceptionally high.

The enemy ship that became a target of the Fubuki's long-range fire was rendered unable to maneuver.

"Enemy ship B silenced. The remaining three ships are increasing distance."

"Does it seem like they've given up?"

"No, they're increasing distance while attempting to surround us."

"They don't even understand proper range—can't tell when to retreat."

They're utterly pathetic.

Probably, they've never truly faced the brutal trials of being a space pirate, having instead accumulated only half-baked successes.

They've always believed they were the ones attacking and targeting, and now they can't comprehend the fact that they've suddenly become the ones being targeted.

They should just get out of here already...

Shin nosuke muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.