Chapter 3: Barbarian NorthDuring the three years of continuous campaigns across the North Blue to eliminate pirates, Sakazuki's strength had advanced at a terrifying rate.
Through relentless combat, discipline, and structured Marine training, he had already grasped the basics of Haki
The power known in the world as Busoshoku Haki and Kenbunshoku Haki.
What remained was refinement.
Polishing.
Endless battle experience.
At this point
Sakazuki already bore the unmistakable presence seen in the future Fleet Admiral.
A pristine white Marine uniform.
A heavy coat draped over his shoulders, emblazoned with the word Justice (正義) a symbol carried by all high-ranking officers of the Marines.
His physique was massive.
His expression cold.
His very presence
Oppressive.
More terrifying than anything else
He never left survivors.
Not a single pirate escaped his judgment.
Within the North Blue, his name had become synonymous with death.
"Akainu."
Though not yet his official codename, whispers had already begun to circulate.
Among pirates
The fear was absolute.
His reputation spread beyond the North Blue, reaching even other seas.
Of course, a large part of that "spread" was thanks to Jorison, who when bored would enthusiastically share stories of Sakazuki's exploits with fellow officers across different branches.
One Week LaterA Marine warship dispatched from headquarters would arrive at Branch 194 the next day to collect elite recruits.
The night before departure
Jorison summoned Sakazuki.
Inside the office
Jorison leaned back slightly.
"It's already been three years."
"Time really flies…"
He paused.
Then reached into his desk and pulled out a folded document.
"Sakazuki take this."
Sakazuki accepted it, his gaze steady but questioning.
Jorison smiled.
"I compiled this myself."
"Information on the factions within Marine Headquarters."
"Key officers. Personalities. Preferences."
He exhaled.
"I've spent most of my life in the Navy."
"I know how it works."
Then, more seriously:
"Strength alone isn't everything."
"Understanding people matters too."
Sakazuki nodded.
He carefully stored the document.
"Thank you, Commander."
Jorison froze for a moment.
Then laughed loudly.
"Haha! Hearing you say thanks is rare!"
He slapped Sakazuki on the shoulder.
"Don't walk around with that stiff face all the time."
"Come have a drink with me tonight!"
The Next DayAfter a firm handshake and brief farewell with Jorison
Sakazuki boarded the headquarters warship.
This was no ordinary vessel.
A large-scale Marine battleship, far superior to branch ships in both structure and firepower.
The moment Sakazuki stepped onto the deck
Eyes turned.
Aside from the regular Marine crew
There were dozens of young Marines gathered.
All quiet.
All observing.
These were elite soldiers recommended from across the Four Seas.
Each one
A top-tier talent in their respective regions.
Yet
When Sakazuki appeared
Many frowned instinctively.
His reputation had arrived before him.
"The North Blue Demon."
Among ambitious young Marines, comparison was inevitable.
But standing before him
They felt it.
The gap.
His build alone dwarfed most of them.
But more than that
It was the pressure.
The killing intent.
Under a crewman's guidance, Sakazuki selected a room and entered alone.
Only after he disappeared
Did whispers begin.
"Hiss… that's Sakazuki?"
"He really does feel like the rumors…"
"Cheh. He's just big."
"I don't see what makes him stronger than me."
"Don't be stupid."
"You think someone gets that reputation without results?"
"I haven't seen anything yet."
"How do we know it's not exaggerated?"
"This time, it's about real strength."
"If we stand out our future is guaranteed."
"Afraid already?"
"Easy for you to say."
"There's still a gap between us and those from the Grand Line."
"Then we fight."
"You want to stay in the Four Seas forever?"
"…."
One Month LaterAfter collecting recruits from all four seas
The warship finally approached the entrance to the Grand Line.
They crossed Reverse Mountain.
The violent currents.
The roaring ascent.
The drop
Into the most dangerous sea in the world.
Sakazuki had assumed they would pass through the Calm Belt directly toward Marine Headquarters.
But that wasn't possible.
At this point in time
Vegapunk had not yet developed warships coated with Seastone.
The Calm Belt remained a death zone filled with Sea Kings.
Thus
They proceeded through the Grand Line.
Day Ten Grand Line.
A siren suddenly blared.
Sakazuki immediately exited his quarters.
Fully dressed.
Composed.
On deck
Rear Admiral Wells stood at the front.
Expression stern.
Voice sharp.
"Form ranks!"
Despite their unfamiliarity with one another
These were elite soldiers.
Formation was completed quickly.
Wells spoke:
"Two nautical miles ahead enemy vessel detected."
"Confirmed identity pirate crew led by 'Barbarian Bone' Mangunos."
"A bounty of 24 million Berries."
He scanned them coldly.
"You are all elite soldiers recommended by your branches."
"A pirate of this level should not pose a problem."
Whispers broke out
"Silence!"
Wells roared.
"I ask again any problems?!"
"No!!!"
They answered in unison, though tension lingered beneath their voices.
Wells nodded.
"Good."
"Helm full speed."
"Prepare for boarding battle."
The warship surged forward.
On the Pirate Ship"Captain!!!"
"A warship is chasing us!"
Mangunos laughed wildly.
He held a massive bone weapon, still dripping with blood from a recently looted merchant ship.
"Ahahaha!"
"What are you afraid of?!"
"Turn the ship around!"
"I am Mangunos!"
"A pirate worth 24 million Berries!"
"A mere warship dares chase me?!"
His crew erupted in cheers.
"Boss is invincible!"
"Kill the Marines!"
"My blade's starving!"
"Charge!!!"
Back on the WarshipWatching the pirate ship turn toward them
Wells sneered internally.
Fools.
Still
He prepared himself.
Ready to intervene if necessary.
Because
Even a 24 million pirate
Could be deadly to untested recruits.
The distance closed.
Five hundred meters.
Three hundred.
Tension peaked.
Then
A figure stepped forward.
Sakazuki.
Ignoring every gaze
He walked to the bow.
A cruel smile formed.
His right arm transformed.
Magma condensed
Not wildly
But precisely.
Forming
A pulsing sphere.
Like a beating volcanic heart.
Magma continuously flowed into it
Yet it did not expand.
Compressed.
Contained.
Deadly.
One hundred meters.
Sakazuki threw it.
"Ryūsei Kazan."
(流星火山 Meteor Volcano, a technique later used in canon during the Marineford War.)
Like a falling star
It crashed into the pirate ship.
Boom!!!
Eruption.
Magma exploded outward
From within.
From below.
From everywhere.
The ship
Became a volcano.
"WHAT IS THIS?!"
"I'M BURNING!!!"
"CAPTAIN SAVE ME !"
Screams filled the sea.
But no one could escape.
Mangunos himself
Had been standing at the point of impact.
He didn't even have time to react.
Reduced to ash instantly.
When the warship finally drew alongside
Silence fell.
The pirate ship
Half-sunken.
Consumed.
Bodies melted.
Limbs scattered.
Despair frozen on every face.
All eyes turned
Toward Sakazuki.
Fear crept silently into their hearts.
Because in that moment
They understood.
This man
Was not just strong.
He was
Absolute Justice incarnate.