[Present Day]
The offshore Revolutionary base hidden among the jagged rock formations of Baltigo wasn't known for its comforts. Dragon preferred it that way. Comfort bred complacency, and complacency was the enemy of change.
Dragon stood at the window of his austere office, hands clasped behind his back as he stared out at the churning sea. A severe storm front was moving in, turning the water to steel and the sky to smoke. Such weather suited his mood perfectly.
"Sir," came a voice from the doorway. "The reports you requested."
Without turning, Dragon extended his hand. The folder was placed in his palm, and he heard the door close as his subordinate retreated. Only then did he move to his desk, spreading the contents across the scarred wooden surface.
First, he examined the bounty poster. The image showed a young man with a straw hat, grinning widely despite the bruises visible on his face. The text beneath read: "WANTED: MONKEY D. LUFFY. DEAD OR ALIVE. 25,000,000 BERRIES."
A faint smile ghosted across Dragon's typically impassive face. "So, you've begun," he murmured, tracing the edge of the poster with his fingertip. The boy looked so much like his mother.
Dragon set the poster aside and turned to the intelligence reports. His network had been following the emerging Straw Hat Pirates with particular interest since their first appearance. The most recent updates were compiled from multiple sources—Marine intelligence they'd intercepted, civilian witness accounts, and reports from his own operatives strategically positioned throughout the East Blue.
He flipped through the pages until he found what he was seeking—profiles of each crew member. The first several were straightforward enough:
RORONOA ZORO
Former Bounty Hunter
Origin: East Blue
Known Associate of "Pirate Hunter" Captain Morgan Incident
Combat: Three-Sword Style
Note: Defeated all bounty hunters in Shells Town; rumored to have survived encounter with Dracule Mihawk
NAMI
Navigator/Thief
Origin: Cocoyasi Village (Conomi Islands)
Former Associate of Arlong Pirates (Forced)
Skills: Exceptional navigation, meteorology, cartography, theft
Note: Operated independently before joining Straw Hats; romantic involvement with Kai D. Zarathius (approx. 6 months)
Additional: Freed village from Arlong's control with assistance from Zarathius and Luffy
USOPP
Marksman
Origin: Syrup Village
Connection: Son of Yasopp (Red-Haired Pirates)
Skills: Exceptional marksmanship, inventive weaponry, strategic deception
Note: Defended village from Black Cat Pirates with Zarathius and Nami before joining Straw Hats
It was the fourth profile that Dragon studied most intently:
KAI D. ZARATHIUS
Technical Officer/Navigator
Origin: Unknown (First appeared in Loguetown, MAR 19, 1521)
Suspected Devil Fruit User (Type Unknown)
Physical Characteristics: Metallic red hair, unusual glowing eyes, heart-shaped appendage (possible tail)
Skills: Advanced technology creation, combat proficiency, navigation, strategic planning
Anomalies:
Creates advanced technology with no observable manufacturing process
Multiple eyewitness accounts of impossible devices (teleportation, energy shields, gravity manipulation)
Never observed taking lives, but multiple dangerous pirates reported missing after encounters
Dimensional storage capabilities (confirmed by multiple sources)
Notable Activities (Last 11 Months – Feb 1521 to Jan 1522):
Mar 19, 1521: First appearance in Loguetown
Mar 23–28,1521: Traveled with fisherman Taki, repelled pirate attack, and landed on Hoko Island
Mar 25, 1521: First documented meeting with Nami during pirate raid
Apr 12–14, 1521: Expedition to Unknown Island (mystical or archaeological significance suspected)
Apr–May 1521: Multiple joint treasure hunts with Nami across East Blue
May 18, 1521: Met Monkey D. Luffy in Foosha Village
May 19, 1521: Discovered hidden treasure, temporarily joined Straw Hats
Jul 9, 1521: Participated in defeat of Arlong and liberation of Cocoyasi Village
Aug 19, 1521: Assisted in defeating Kuro at Syrup Village
Jan 6, 1522: Reunited with Luffy at Baratie
Jan 10, 1522: Preparing to enter the Grand Line with full Straw Hat crew
Witness Testimony Excerpts:
"He touched his wrist and a shield of light appeared." —Marine Witness, Loguetown
"The children's orphanage was rebuilt overnight. They say he made machines that built it." —Merchant, Unnamed Island
"Their ship shouldn't be able to outrun a Marine vessel, but it vanished like it was never there." —Lt. Smoker, Loguetown Marine Base
"He healed my daughter's fever with some kind of spray. Said it was 'just science,' but I've never seen anything like it." —Villager, Cocoyasi
Assessment: Individual demonstrates technology beyond East Blue capabilities. No known affiliation with World Government or scientific communities. Intentions appear benevolent but capabilities suggest potential strategic asset or threat. "D" initial warrants further investigation. Romantic involvement with Navigator Nami confirmed.
Dragon leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the desk. This Kai D. Zarathius was an anomaly—appearing from nowhere, wielding technology none of his operatives could identify, yet showing no signs of World Government association or sinister intent. Most curious of all was the initial "D" in his name.
He pulled another report from the stack—a detailed account of an incident from approximately six months ago.
INCIDENT REPORT: FORGOTTEN ISLAND ORPHANAGE
Date: February-March 1521
Summary: Remote island orphanage destroyed by tropical storm. Subjects Zarathius and Nami discovered location while pursuing rumors of Devil Fruit. Witnesses report rapid reconstruction of facility using "light machines" and "floating tools" created by Zarathius. Facility now includes reinforced structures, advanced amenities, and apparent guardian robot designated "Momo" by local children.
Follow-up: Orphanage continues to operate independently. Multiple attempts by slave traders to raid the facility have failed, reporting "invisible shields" and "a robot that turns into a guardian." Children remain healthy and protected. No World Government or Revolutionary involvement detected.
Dragon slid the report aside and picked up another—this one from a Marine captain stationed in Loguetown.
MARINE INTELLIGENCE REPORT: SUBJECT ZARATHIUS
From: Captain Smoker, Loguetown Marine Base
Date: February 15, 1521
Subject observed creating what appeared to be a shield of energy during confrontation with local thugs. When questioned, subject claimed to be "just passing through" and presented legitimate-appearing trading permits. No warrants existed for subject's arrest, but behavior and unexplained technology warranted surveillance In grey area as no evidence for an arrest.
Recommendation: Flag subject for future monitoring. Technology observed exceeds known East Blue capabilities and may represent security threat.
Dragon's eyes narrowed slightly. This aligned with what his operatives had reported—Zarathius possessed technology that seemed impossible by current standards, yet used it primarily to help others or defend himself. Not World Government, not pirate, not Revolutionary. An independent agent with unknown origins and mysterious abilities.
The final report was dated just two days ago:
FIELD OPERATIVE REPORT: STRAW HAT TRAJECTORY
Date: April 27, 1525
Straw Hat Pirates confirmed on course for Loguetown. ETA approximately 2 days. Marine Captain Smoker has increased patrols after receiving bounty notification for Monkey D. Luffy. Pirate Buggy the Clown also confirmed in vicinity with apparent intention to intercept.
Crew observed traveling on vessel identified as "Going Merry" – ship appears significantly larger and more advanced than standard caravel class. Modifications are consistent with previous observations of Zarathius's technological capabilities.
Recommendation: Maintain observation only. Critical juncture for subject Monkey D. Luffy approaching. Historical significance of Loguetown (execution site of Gol D. Roger) noted.
Dragon gathered the reports together and placed them in a secure drawer in his desk. He returned to the window, watching as the storm rolled in, massive waves crashing against the craggy shoreline.
His son was heading to Loguetown—the town of beginnings and endings, where Gold Roger had died and the Great Pirate Era had begun. Now Luffy would pass through that same crucible, and the outcome would set the course for his journey into the Grand Line.
More interesting still was this unknown element—this Kai D. Zarathius with his mysterious technology and enigmatic origins. Not a Revolutionary, not a Government agent, yet possibly carrying the Will of D. A factor Dragon hadn't anticipated in this grand game of world powers.
"Koala," Dragon called, knowing his trusted lieutenant would be within earshot.
The door opened immediately. "Sir?"
"Prepare a secure communication to our operative in Loguetown. Observation only, no contact. I want a full report on what happens when the Straw Hats arrive." He paused. "Pay particular attention to the one called Zarathius."
"Yes, sir. Anything else?"
Dragon was silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on the brewing storm. "The wind is changing," he said finally. "We may need to adjust our timetable."
"For the Levely operation?" Koala asked, her voice careful.
"For everything," Dragon replied. "The emergence of another D is never coincidental. History shifts around them like currents in the sea."
After Koala departed, Dragon remained at the window. The storm had fully engulfed the island now, lightning splitting the sky in jagged forks of brilliant white. In moments like these, he allowed himself to think not as a Revolutionary leader, but as a father.
His son was sailing toward a pivotal moment. Dragon had always intended to watch from afar, to let Luffy forge his own path without interference. That was still his intention. And yet…
The presence of this new variable—this Kai D. Zarathius with technology that shouldn't exist and abilities that couldn't be explained—changed the calculation. Was he a potential ally? A threat? Or something else entirely?
Dragon reached for the Den Den Mushi on his desk and made a call to his most trusted intelligence officer.
"I need everything we can find on Devilukean physiology and technology," he said without preamble. "There have been whispers in the Revolutionary network. Cross-reference with any reports of metallic red hair, glowing eyes, or heart-shaped appendages."
"Devilukean, sir? I'm not familiar with—"
"You wouldn't be. It's not from any known kingdom or island group." Dragon paused. "And one more thing—I want our observer in Loguetown to carry emergency extraction Den Den Mushi. If my son and his crew find themselves facing execution… be prepared to create a distraction."
"Understood, sir."
Dragon ended the call and returned to contemplating the storm. His plans had been laid carefully over decades, each piece positioned with precision on the global chessboard. Now an unknown piece had appeared—one that moved according to rules he didn't yet understand.
But Dragon had always been adaptable. The wind was changing, and like any good revolutionary, he would adjust his sails accordingly.
In two days, the Straw Hats would reach Loguetown. In two days, his son would stand where Gold Roger had stood. And in two days, Dragon would learn whether this Kai D. Zarathius was a force that would help or hinder the coming revolution.
Either way, the world was about to change. Dragon could feel it in the wind