Above Marineford, the new Marine Headquarters, an intelligence officer urgently delivered the latest report on the movements of the Whitebeard Pirates to Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
Sengoku's expression darkened as he read the secret intelligence file.
"A new war is about to begin," he muttered grimly. "Hawkeye Mihawk, Doflamingo, Empress Hancock... those troublesome individuals—did they already receive word and join the Whitebeard Pirates?"
His tone was filled with frustration. It seemed Marine intelligence had been compromised once again. Sengoku had originally intended to settle old scores with those same people, but now they were aligning with his enemies.
"Reporting, Fleet Admiral Sengoku!" the officer continued, "Besides those individuals, Golden Lion Shiki and former Admiral Zephyr have also been in contact with them!"
Sengoku's eyes glinted sharply behind his glasses, the reflection flashing like cold steel.
"Golden Lion and Zephyr as well...?" he muttered, his face growing heavier by the second. The combined might of those two alone was enough to shake the seas. "It seems I'll have to report to the Gorosei immediately. I can't afford another failure like the last Marineford War."
---
Moments later, in the Room of Authority at Mariejois, the Five Elders sat in silence as the report was read aloud. Their eyes narrowed, cold intent radiating from each of them.
"We cannot allow anyone else to continue associating with Ashveil," one of the Elders said in a low, dangerous tone.
"Douglas Bullet, Byrnndi World, the Red Count—those who participated in the previous Marineford conflict—we can overlook their past crimes. If they agree to ally with us, they will be pardoned."
"Golden Lion and Zephyr are the same," another Elder added. "Recruit them if possible. If not, capture them—alive or dead. Execute them on the spot if necessary."
"Before Thorne Ashveil is eliminated, no one is to interfere. We will tolerate no further distractions."
Sengoku wiped the sweat from his brow, his face tight with unease. Even as Fleet Admiral, he didn't dare underestimate the power of the men they were discussing. Most of them were living legends—pirates he and Garp had only managed to capture when working together.
The Gorosei seemed to notice Sengoku's hesitation.
"Hmph. Take them down one by one," the bald Elder said coldly. "We'll contact Commander-in-Chief Kong and have the CP Organization and the Science Division assist you."
---
After the transmission ended, Sengoku immediately reached out to Garp. He knew that even with CP agents and scientists backing them, success wasn't guaranteed. Against monsters like Bullet and World, he needed someone of equal strength.
Upon hearing the plan, Garp's carefree demeanor vanished. His eyes sharpened.
"Arresting that many dangerous men at once, huh? Tricky mission," he said, clenching his fist. "But don't worry, Sengoku. I'll see it through."
"I'm counting on you, Garp," Sengoku replied firmly. "This time, there can't be any mistakes. Another betrayal from within our own ranks would destroy Marineford completely."
---
Soon after, Kong, Garp, one hundred elite Science Division members, and a CP0 agent wearing a painted mask and a turban-like hat departed on their mission—to hunt the legends of the old era.
Three days later, after sending off the special operation team, Sengoku began preparations for a large-scale military review.
"I've heard some exceptional new recruits joined us this time, Tsuru," Sengoku said as he stood on the grand parade grounds of Marineford, his eyes scanning the ranks of soldiers assembled before him.
Vice Admiral Tsuru smiled knowingly. "You'll see for yourself soon enough, Sengoku. This conscription brought in monsters unlike any we've seen before."
Sengoku looked across the thirty thousand new Marines gathered before him, his expression solemn.
"I hope these men can contribute to the plan to kill Ashveil," he murmured. Even as Fleet Admiral, he couldn't hide the trace of fear that name invoked. Against someone of Thorne Ashveil's level, ordinary Vice Admirals were no more than cannon fodder.
"Don't worry," Tsuru assured him. "Among them are true beasts. Some have already reached Admiral-level strength. Unfortunately, the current Admiral positions are filled, so they can only serve as candidates for now."
Sengoku's eyes widened in disbelief. "Admiral-level recruits? You're serious?"
"Of course," Tsuru replied, pride flickering in her gaze. "Ever since the Pirate King's final words, fewer people have been willing to serve the Marines—but every so often, true monsters appear."
---
As the parade began, thirty thousand soldiers marched in unison across the square. Two men led the formation, their very presence commanding silence.
The first was a tall, blind swordsman with an "X"-shaped scar stretching from his left eye. He wore a light purple kimono tied with a dark violet obi, his cane sword resting at his side. As he drew the blade slightly, black energy pulsed from the edge—Haki so dense it distorted the air.
He sheathed the weapon with a calm motion.
A moment later, a massive circular shadow appeared above Marineford. The sky darkened—and then they saw it: a meteor, wreathed in blazing flames, descending from the heavens.
Even Sengoku couldn't hide his astonishment. "That power... he can control meteors!?"
Vice Admiral Tsuru smiled faintly. "His name is Issho. A rare and powerful man recruited through the World Conscription."
"Sheesh... another monster," Sengoku murmured, watching as the meteor vanished just before impact. "What kind of ability is that?"
"The Gravity-Gravity Fruit," Tsuru explained proudly. "He can manipulate gravitational force freely—control its strength and direction, even pull down celestial bodies from the sky. With someone like him in our ranks, the Marines gain another ace against Ashveil."
Sengoku nodded slowly, his expression a mix of relief and determination. "With talents like these... maybe this time, justice will prevail."
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