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Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
A gentle breeze swept through as the gathered officers felt a surge of excitement and anticipation at the sight of the towering figure before them. Ten years ago, they believed his era was about to reach its peak.
Yet, in an instant, everything changed—a sudden and unexpected incident led him to Impel Down, where he vanished from the world, until today, when he finally appeared before them once more.
"Arashi!"
Among the crowd, an officer whose face had aged considerably, with strands of white now visible in his hair, called out in excitement.
Arashi's gaze shifted towards the man, momentarily dazed before he recognized him. His expression revealed both surprise and delight.
"Shinbu!"
This officer, carrying the rank of Rear Admiral, was none other than the highly respected legendary Marine Rear Admiral Shinbu.
Though his strength and natural talent had limited him to this rank, his status remained significant, earning him the respect of many younger Marines.
"Rear Admiral Shinbu!" At that moment, Kuina, who had just disembarked from the warship, called out joyfully.
"You're… Kuina?" Shinbu looked at her, momentarily stunned, before recognition dawned upon him.
"Yes, and thank you for guiding me back then. Because of you, I found my teacher!" Kuina expressed her gratitude.
"Hahaha!" Shinbu laughed heartily.
"I have been friends with Admiral Arashi for many years; it was only natural to help!"
Then, with a sigh, he added, "It's good to have you back! There are so many people at Headquarters who have been waiting for your return."
Arashi's gaze flickered as he grasped the deeper meaning behind those words. He gave a slight nod.
The Marines were a massive and complex organization with intricate factions and allegiances—an inevitable reality for any well-established institution.
Among them, there existed a group that revered Arashi, believing in his ideals of equality and justice.
However, with their leader absent for so long, this faction had faded into near obscurity.
Many longed for Arashi's return, hoping he would lead them once more in pursuit of true justice.
One after another, figures stepped off the ship—Crocodile, Rosinante, Smoker, Fisher Tiger, Buggy, and others.
Vice Admirals Stainless and Doberman fixed their gazes upon these individuals, their eyes narrowing slightly.
"Crocodile!"
"An ex-Warlord of the Sea, now a Marine Rear Admiral?"
"No… Perhaps he's been a Marine all along. Let's not forget—this man was once under Admiral Arashi's command."
"He and Bullet, the current West Blue Supreme Commander, were known as Arashi's left and right hands."
"A Logia-type Sand-Sand Fruit user… He's a formidable one, no doubt."
The murmurs among the crowd continued as they observed the rest of the arrivals. Soon, many of the Vice Admirals adopted serious expressions.
"They're all strong…It's terrifying how much these young ones under Admiral Arashi have grown." Doberman muttered under his breath.
At the very back of the group, a CP9 squad stood in silence, their Marine caps pulled low over their faces.
Kaku and the others appeared visibly tense—standing within the world's most fortified Marine stronghold, surrounded by Marine officers who were the backbone of the organization.
The sheer scale of the force assembled here was intimidating. Even a Buster Call might pale in comparison to the lineup before them.
"Lucci!" Jabra whispered anxiously.
"Stay calm. Don't forget who we are now." Lucci's voice was steady, his expression unreadable as he stood firm.
Jabra took a deep breath. Despite Lucci's words, being under the scrutiny of so many Vice Admirals was nerve-wracking.
No matter how audacious CP9 had been in the past, this was the heart of Marine authority—where elite warriors gathered.
A moment later, Arashi took the lead, and the others followed behind him as they made their way toward the Marine Headquarters building.
"The Headquarters has been discreetly mobilizing forces and summoning elite troops from across the world and it's all for the Whitebeard Pirates." Bastille's voice was low as he spoke.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku is already making preparations?" Arashi raised an eyebrow.
"The Fleet Admiral has never lacked decisiveness or courage. Now that you've returned, Admiral, he will be even more resolute in his decisions," Doberman said in a deep voice.
At those words, Arashi nodded. Sengoku's image flashed through his mind.
Though known as a brilliant strategist, he was also a warrior who had fought his way through countless battlefields. Throughout his tenure, he had upheld his role as Fleet Admiral without fault.
"Recently, preparations have been underway for the Warlord meeting. The next candidate for the position has yet to be determined," Gumir added in a hushed tone.
The Vice Admirals were well aware of every shift in Headquarters and took this moment to inform Arashi.
Everyone understood that Arashi's return meant his inevitable involvement in Marine affairs. Given his strength and personality, his influence would surely surpass that of the other three Admirals.
"The Warlord meeting, huh?" Arashi narrowed his eyes.
In his memory, the first Marine Headquarters Warlord meeting had been incomplete, and it was also the time when the Blackbeard Pirates made their move.
This meant that Ace's capture was drawing near. With a group of Vice Admirals escorting him, Arashi stepped into the Headquarters building.
"I'll be heading to the Fleet Admiral's office. You're all dismissed—go back to your respective duties."
Arashi glanced at those around him and smiled. His arrival had already drawn enough attention. By now, the entire Headquarters likely knew of his return.
After all, aside from the Admirals, only the Fleet Admiral himself could command such a grand reception from the Vice Admirals.
The officers nodded, gave slight bows, and then dispersed. Meanwhile, Arashi strode toward the Fleet Admiral's office. It had been ten years since he last set foot here, and it now felt unfamiliar.
Fortunately, a young officer guided him. Before long, they reached the highest level of Marine Headquarters.
The door to the Fleet Admiral's office was slightly ajar. The young officer accompanying him seemed nervous, bowing deeply before Arashi without making a sound, then retreating quietly.
Arashi found his exaggerated display of respect somewhat excessive and frowned slightly. Then, he slowly pushed open the office door.
Two familiar figures immediately came into view. At the same time, behind the desk, Sengoku looked up.
"Arashi!" Draped in his Fleet Admiral's coat, Sengoku's face lit up with a smile.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku!" Arashi grinned in return. It had been a long time since they had seen each other.
Compared to ten years ago, Sengoku appeared thinner. Though his braided hair was concealed beneath his hat, it had turned completely white.
His Haki allowed Arashi to sense the diminished vitality within him—his blood flow and internal energy had weakened significantly.
This signified a decline in his combat ability. While his explosive power might remain unchanged, his endurance and stamina had inevitably deteriorated.
"Sit. It seems we finally meet face to face again," Sengoku said with a smile.
Arashi nodded and sat naturally in the chair across from him.
Unlike Borsalino beside him, his posture was upright, sitting with his back straight. Only his arms appeared slightly relaxed.
He turned his head slightly and looked at Kizaru next to him. "Long time no see, Borsalino."
Kizaru withdrew his legs, sat up slightly, and squinted with a smile. "Seeing you again really makes me happy, Arashi!"
"I feel the same way," Arashi said with a smile. As his eyes scanned the office, taking in everything around him, a wave of emotions stirred within him.
After all, he had grown up within the Marines. This headquarters, Marineford, held a unique place in his heart.
Even after so many years, returning here felt strangely nostalgic, almost like coming home.
"I still remember the last time we sat face to face, discussing how to carry out true justice," Sengoku said, shaking his head with a sigh.
At this moment, he no longer carried the usual majesty of a Fleet Admiral but instead seemed to be speaking casually.
"But ten years have passed, and the vision we once shared, or the understanding we reached, still remains difficult to achieve. In the end, I just wasn't capable enough!" He let out a self-deprecating chuckle.
"You've already worked hard! And you've done well," Arashi said earnestly. A person's worldview, beliefs, and values are constantly learning, growing, and evolving.
Even on an individual level, this process of change and refinement is already incredibly difficult. Let alone trying to reform an entire system, an entire institution—even the world itself. Some things are simply beyond human capability.
"Hahahaha!" Hearing this, Sengoku burst into laughter. Then, his smile gradually faded, and his expression turned serious.
"So, what do you plan to do next? Regarding the Whitebeard Pirates and the rulers of the New World…"
"How do you intend to change this world and bring peace to this era of chaos?" This sudden question made Arashi fall into silence. After a long pause, he smiled.
"First, I will assist Fleet Admiral Sengoku and finish the task at hand." He hesitated for a moment before continuing.
"After all, this era needs an old ending… and a new beginning." As he said this, a hint of emotion flickered across Arashi's face. He had already ended one era. Shortly, he would end another.
"I've already begun mobilizing the elite forces across the four seas," he said. "At the same time, I've heard that forces from the West Blue are already on their way to Marine Headquarters?"
Sengoku's expression turned solemn. "That's right. Bullet will lead the forces from the West Blue and take part in this unprecedented battle!"
Arashi nodded. A glimmer of determination flashed in Sengoku's eyes, while Kizaru's expression grew slightly more serious.
"Then, what about the breakthrough point? How do we ensure that the old man Whitebeard willingly steps into this grand event, a stage prepared just for him?"
At these words, Arashi fell silent once again. After a long moment, he finally sighed. "Ace… he is the key."
-Banaro Island-
The wind swept through the streets, kicking up dust as a group of figures walked forward at a steady pace.
Leading the group was a burly man with a rugged face, his exposed body covered in thick hair. A long, ghastly scar ran from his shoulder down to his abdomen, making him appear even more menacing.
Beside and behind him were a sniper carrying a rifle, a strange man with a cane, a towering martial artist, and lastly, a frail-looking man slouched over a donkey.
This was the Blackbeard Pirates, led by Marshall D. Teach. After encountering Arashi in the waters around Mock Town, they drifted from island to island, finally arriving at Banaro Island.
By now, their wounds had mostly healed, and they were preparing to leave in search of their next target. The group was unusually silent, with little to no conversation between them.
None of them noticed that atop a nearby rooftop, a young man wearing a cowboy hat and bearing a cold expression sat crouched, watching them intently.
Suddenly, the freckled young man spoke. "Oi, Teach!" His voice shattered the silence.
The Blackbeard Pirates instantly looked up. At the front, Marshall D. Teach's expression first showed surprise before breaking into a wide grin.
"Ace! It's great to see you here! Are you here to join us? With your power added to ours, we could change the entire world!"
Ace's expression remained emotionless as he stared at him.
He couldn't comprehend Teach's twisted logic. This man had murdered a crewmate and fled, yet upon seeing his commander, his first thought was to extend an invitation.
And this was the man someone had told him he wasn't strong enough to defeat? After spending years in the same crew, Ace believed he understood Marshall D. Teach quite well—especially when it came to his strength.
"We're planning to capture Straw Hat Luffy next," Teach said, laughing loudly. "Handing him over to the World Government will bring us enormous power and status!"
"Luffy? You must be joking, Teach! That's my beloved little brother!" Ace slowly stood up, flames beginning to flicker on his shoulders and arms.
"Looks like I can't let you go, Teach!" His voice was cold.
The moment Luffy was brought into this, Ace had already decided—this group of people before him was as good as dead.
At that moment, Van Augur raised his rifle without hesitation and pulled the trigger.
"Bang!"
Flames flickered across Ace's body, and the coldness in his eyes deepened. At the same time, Jesus Burgess leaped high into the air, launching a sudden attack.
But in an instant, flames surged from Ace's body, engulfing Burgess. "Just like him… this guy is a Logia-type as well!" Van Augur muttered.
Having witnessed the overwhelming power of Logia users before, he couldn't help but feel an instinctive sense of dread.
"Stop fighting!" Marshall D. Teach suddenly snapped out of his daze and shouted. Then, he turned to Ace, his expression tense.
"Ace, we can join forces! We've fought side by side before! If we work together, we can turn the world upside down!"
Ace's gaze remained cold as he stared down at Teach. How could he ever trust a man who had mercilessly killed a crewmate?
"Teach. Do you really think you can just act like nothing happened? I came here to take you back myself. Kneeling before Pops and repenting… that is the last mercy I can offer you!"
Teach's expression stiffened for a moment before he forced out a strained laugh. "Is that so? What a shame…We could have ruled the world together—maybe even surpassed Whitebeard!"
But Ace had no interest in talking anymore. He raised both hands, forming them into the shape of guns, and aimed downward.
"Fire Gun!" Fiery bullets shot forward in an instant, forcing the Blackbeard Pirates to dodge. At this moment, the battle had begun.
Marshall D. Teach no longer concealed his power. Dark smoke began to swirl around him, and a sinister grin spread across his face.
"Ace!"
"If that's the case, then I'll have to change my plan and capture you instead! Although this isn't what I originally intended, it should still serve the same purpose!"
Ace let out a cold laugh. "If you think you can do it, then go ahead and try!"
In the next instant, he shot forward, leaping high into the air as flames erupted from his arm, transforming into a blazing fist that came crashing down.
Marshall D. Teach's expression darkened. Spreading his fingers wide, a pitch-black vortex materialized and violently pulled Ace, who was in mid-air, toward him.
"Dark Water!"
A strange hum rippled through the air. Ace's body trembled as an invisible force yanked him forward, his expression shifting slightly.
He struggled to resist, but it was nearly impossible. The pull was overwhelming—almost inescapable.
Bang!
In an instant, Teach's hand clamped onto Ace's shoulder.
"Zehahaha!" Teach burst into laughter. "Ace, do you know why I went through so much trouble to stay hidden in the Whitebeard Pirates?"
"It was all for this—the most fearsome Devil Fruit power in history! This fruit is the natural enemy of all Devil Fruit users!"
Still laughing, Teach clenched his other fist and drove it straight into Ace's chest.
Boom!
The sheer force of the blow sent Ace flying, his ribs audibly cracking under the impact. In just one exchange, he was already injured, and more than that, he was shaken by Teach's abilities.
The moment Teach had grabbed him, he found himself completely unable to use his powers. Ace wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his expression turning serious.
Then, his gaze fell upon the long scar running across Teach's body. "Heh… The most fearsome ability in history, huh? If your power is really so invincible, then tell me—who was it that left you with that wound?"
His sudden question made Teach's grin vanish instantly. For a brief moment, fear and anger flickered across his face. But just as quickly, he regained his composure and laughed once more.
"Zehahaha! Ace, the world you see is different from mine! To stand before that man and survive with just this one scar—it's the highest honor! This wound… is a mark of my strength!"
Rather than feeling ashamed of the injury, Teach seemed to take pride in it. "Oh? Then, can you tell me that man's name?" Ace sneered.
"Arashi!" Teach declared. "That man fought Whitebeard in his prime to a draw!"
"And to be perfectly honest… Arashi is probably even stronger than Whitebeard now. He's undoubtedly the strongest in the world!"
"The fact that I only received a single wound and still lived…That proves my power!"
Ace's body stiffened, his eyes narrowing sharply. Silently, his assessment of Teach's strength rose to an entirely new level.
"Is that so? Looks like you were hiding more power than I thought." Ace leaned forward slightly, his expression growing even more serious.
Teach blinked in surprise. "Wait… You actually know that man?"
"Him?" Ace muttered, a strange emotion flickering in his voice. Then, without another word, he lunged at Teach once again. The two clashed fiercely, their battle engulfing all of Banaro Island.
By the end, Ace lay on the ground, barely conscious, while Teach erupted into triumphant laughter.
"Zehahaha! Ace, you underestimated my power! From this day forward, you will be my stepping stone to greatness! You'll be my gift to the World Government—the key to my rise!"
Ace's eyes burned with fury, but his body refused to move. At that moment, Arashi's warning resurfaced in his mind. So, in the end… Teach was stronger than him.
Had that man already foreseen this future? Unfortunately, Ace refused to believe him.
He had no idea what would happen next—no idea what kind of massive upheaval he was about to cause. But deep down, an ominous feeling stirred.
His consciousness faded into darkness, and the last thing he heard was Teach's crazed laughter, sharp and mocking.
At that moment, fate began to turn. A storm that would shake the world had begun to stir.
...
-Marineford-
"You need a batch of promotions to Vice Admiral?" Sengoku looked at Arashi, curiosity flashing in his eyes.
"Yes," Arashi nodded.
"You do realize that Vice Admirals are the backbone of Marine Headquarters? Every single one holds a crucial position." Sengoku chuckled as he spoke.
"Of course! And I can assure you—they are all more than qualified for the rank." Arashi's tone was filled with confidence.
Sengoku smiled. "That sure sounds like confidence."
"Naturally! They've all mastered Armament and Observation Haki. And some of them… have even awakened their Devil Fruit abilities."
"If we're truly preparing for war, then we can't afford to hold back on promotions. Strong individuals should be given positions that match their power."
Arashi's words were calm, but he had no idea how much they shook Sengoku. The Fleet Admiral's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Awakened? Are you saying… their Devil Fruits have awakened? And they've all mastered both Armament and Observation Haki?"
Arashi simply nodded. "That's right. Buggy and Rosinante's fruits have already awakened. Kuina's swordsmanship has reached the level of a true master. And as for Crocodile… if he goes all out, he's no weaker than an Admiral." Silence filled the room.
For a long moment, Sengoku simply sat there, processing what he had just heard. Finally, he took a deep breath.
"Give me a second… I think I need to process this." He admitted, rubbing his temples. "This news is almost too good to be true."
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