With Erenen strengthening as a nation, it started to look outward. Its navy was ever-expanding into the surrounding Middle Sea and Cradle Bay. The current forces of those waters took notice, especially Tharkilm Tumanzan, the Pirate King of Cradle Bay. This led to increasing skirmishes between Erenen- and pirate ships starting at 368. During this time, Kebren Sinask proved himself a worthy naval commander.
The war ended with the Battle of the Bloody Waves in 375, having lasted 7 years.