The Calm Before the Storm: The God Valley Incident
After the battle with Rocks D. Xebec, I took a moment to reflect. For over six days, I had fought with all my might, and in the end, we managed to push Rocks Pirates off their island. Yet, I knew this wasn't the end. The God Valley Incident loomed on the horizon, and the tension was thick in the air. Despite the victory, I had a bad feeling about what was to come. This wasn't just a battle for control—it was a battle that would shape the future of the world.
The Rocks Pirates had retreated, but their strength had not diminished. Even though Rocks was forced to flee, I knew the remnants of his crew were still a force to be reckoned with. Marshal Kong had sent reinforcements, but in my heart, I knew this was a war much bigger than any one skirmish. The rumors of the God Valley—and the news of an impending attack—only confirmed my suspicions.
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A Hero's Burden
Two days had passed since the battle, and the world's newspapers couldn't get enough of the story. They hailed me as the Marine Hero, the one who stood tall against Rocks. The report exaggerated a lot, adding their own flair to the truth, but in the end, I didn't mind. The pirates feared me, and the people respected me. But inside, I knew this was just the beginning.
The aftermath of the battle had been costly. We lost 3,000 soldiers—brave men and women who had given their lives for the cause. But we also killed over 7,000 pirates, weakening Rocks' forces significantly. Even so, it wasn't a victory without its own pain. Over 3,000 families had lost their loved ones, and their sacrifice wouldn't be forgotten. The Navy would ensure they were cared for, providing them with support for the rest of their lives.
In the midst of all this, I spent my days in my office, sifting through the battle statistics. The paperwork was endless, but it was a distraction from the unease that gnawed at me. The God Valley Incident was drawing closer, and it filled me with a sense of impending doom. I couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible was about to happen, and I wasn't sure I could stop it.
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The Unsettling Call
Just as I was about to dive into more reports, the call came. Marshal Kong had summoned me for an important meeting. I had an inkling of what it was about—the God Valley Incident was near. It was time to prepare for what lay ahead. I couldn't afford to be unprepared, especially not when Rocks and his pirates were involved.
I'd been feeling a deep unease for days, and I had begun to wonder if I might not make it out of this one. It was strange, but I felt like I needed to leave something behind. An offspring, perhaps? I couldn't think of anyone who was right for the role of my partner, though. I had never found a woman who truly matched me. Even being the handsome, powerful admiral that I was, I struggled to find someone who shared the same drive.
As I sat there, contemplating the future, I realized just how much the stakes had grown. The God Valley Incident would be the defining battle of this age. The world would change after this, and if I didn't play my cards right, it could all be over before I even had the chance to reach my ultimate goal: becoming Marshal.
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The Meeting: Preparing for the Unthinkable
The meeting room was tense when I arrived. Marshal Kong and the others were already seated, awaiting my presence. I took my seat among them, and we all waited for Kong to start the briefing. The air was thick with anticipation as we knew this would be no ordinary meeting.
Kong: "As you all know, due to the recent battle with Rocks, we lost about 3,000 of our soldiers. But we also dealt a significant blow to the Rocks Pirates, who lost more than 7,000 men. They've been weakened, but we've also received intelligence that Rocks is planning an attack on God Valley. This is a critical moment. We need to prepare for the coming battle."
I looked around the room at the faces of the other high-ranking officers. Everyone seemed to understand the weight of the situation. Rocks wasn't just a pirate—he was a world-destroying force, and if he succeeded in his attack on God Valley, the world as we knew it would be forever altered.
Gojo: "We need to be ready. This isn't just another pirate raid. Rocks won't stop until he's destroyed everything. We'll need every resource, every soldier, and every strategy to win this battle."
Kong: "Exactly. And that's why we're gathering all forces. Sengoku, Zefa, and I have already mobilized our fleets. You, Gojo, will be at the forefront. We need to strike hard, fast, and decisively. The lives of many are at stake, including your brother's."
I nodded. The situation was dire, but there was no time to waste on hesitation. God Valley would be the proving ground. And for me, this wasn't just about defending the world. It was about protecting my family—and making sure that Rocks didn't bring about the end of everything we held dear.
Kong: "The meeting is over for now. We prepare for the God Valley Incident. Make sure your teams are ready."
As the meeting ended, I stood up and made my way out of the room, the weight of the world on my shoulders. The God Valley was calling, and I had no choice but to answer. I would lead the charge—no matter the cost.