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Marineford – Training Grounds
Kanos Atlas and Sakazuki stood face to face, their Justice cloaks removed. The surrounding area was silent—no Marines had come to watch.
Only Sengoku and Gaji sat in the nearby stands. Earlier, in Sengoku's office, Akainu had suggested testing Atlas's strength, and everyone had agreed.
Sengoku wanted to gauge how far Atlas had progressed, while Gaji was simply there for the entertainment.
After all, one was the fearsome Marine Vice Admiral renowned as a monster, and the other was a rising star whom Zephyr-sensei had once said could surpass the "three monsters" of the previous generation.
"You're a swordsman?" Akainu asked in a deep voice, his gaze fixed on the Sandai Kitetsu at Atlas's waist.
"Eh~ you could say that," Atlas replied casually with a shrug.
"Good. I dabble in swordsmanship myself. Seems like a fair match."
"But…" Atlas's eyes scanned Akainu's form, a faint frown crossing his face. "You don't have a weapon?"
Akainu's expression didn't change. "A blade doesn't have to be inconvenient."
Thick smoke billowed from his hand as molten magma dripped onto the training ground, scorching the stone. A massive greatsword nearly two meters long materialised in his grasp—entirely forged from magma, its intense heat warping the air around it.
Damn it, he's pulling out all the stops! Atlas gritted his teeth. That sword looked downright menacing in Akainu's hands.
Shing!
Atlas slowly drew the Sandai Kitetsu, the cursed blade instantly wreathed in black and red Haki. Its presence grew even more sinister, like a predator baring its fangs.
"Admiral Sengoku! You'd better be ready to rebuild the training ground!" Atlas called toward the stands, making Sengoku—who was just about to bite into a rice cracker—nearly choke in irritation.
Before Atlas could even take his stance, Akainu had already charged in, magma sword swinging.
What the hell?! No fair! Atlas barely managed to block.
Bang!
The blades met—not with the sharp clang of steel, but with a muffled, crushing thud.
"Good strength," Akainu commented.
They locked weapons for a moment before Atlas was forced back several steps.
"Dragon Tail!" Atlas roared, slashing forward as he retreated.
A crimson arc burst from his blade, cutting across Akainu's chest and splitting his form apart, molten magma splattering to the ground. But within seconds, the upper half of Akainu's body reformed.
"Impressive slash," Akainu said coolly, unfazed.
Atlas had always wondered how Logia users could elementalize their clothes. No wonder during the Paramount War, Kizaru's uniform had been only slightly dusty.
"Thank you, Vice Admiral Akainu!" Atlas replied.
Even as he spoke, Akainu's hands transformed into massive magma fists. A violent surge of power erupted as he hurled them straight toward Atlas.
Great Eruption!
Oh, come on! Weren't we having a sword fight?! Atlas countered with a rising slash.
"One-Sword Style: Sword Rain—Ascending Steps!"
A barrage of slashes tore into the twin magma fists.
Boom!
The fists exploded under the assault, volcanic bombs raining down across the field. Akainu had clearly held back—he hadn't unleashed a full-body magma strike.
He was probably being considerate of Sengoku, who would be footing the repair bill. Atlas exhaled, then sheathed his sword.
Black and red Haki surged across his body, coating his torso, shoulders, back, arms, and legs.
Two black lines extended from the corners of his eyes down to his neck, and a dense, intimidating aura enveloped him.
"Good!" Atlas shouted, stepping back, tightening his core, and swinging his fist.
His back muscles shifted like a rat darting beneath his skin, and his fist flushed red-hot.
"Iron Fist Technique – War God Arm: Shatter!"
His strikes ripped through the air, hitting each falling volcanic bomb with pinpoint accuracy, guided by Observation Haki.
But Akainu's assault didn't relent—the heat from the magma seeped past Atlas's Haki, scorching his arms.
As Atlas focused on destroying the bombs, Akainu charged. His speed and strength were monstrous.
He had seamlessly integrated the Magma-Magma Fruit into his hand-to-hand combat—every punch carried the destructive force of an erupting volcano.
"Speed is power. Tell me—have you ever been kicked by me?" Akainu said coldly.
Atlas abandoned his guard, raised his leg, and kicked at the oncoming Akainu.
His legs were his greatest weapons, strengthened by the Ox Talisman and further enhanced by the Rabbit Talisman. Unlike most powerhouse Marines who prioritised upper body strength, Atlas's lower body was equally, if not more, developed—making his physique exceptionally balanced.
Boom!
Leg and fist collided, and Atlas only staggered slightly.
Bang! Bang bang! Bang bang bang!
They exchanged rapid blows, each impact shaking the ground. Atlas could feel the pressure mounting. Even with his hardened Armament Haki, Akainu's sheer force was overwhelming.
Akainu's mastery of Haki and raw strength far outclassed his own. At 38, Akainu was in his prime, with decades of combat experience.
Atlas had only recently awakened his Haki. The fact that he was holding his own at all was an achievement in itself.
He also knew his greatest weakness—he lacked the devastating finishers and large-scale attacks that Logia users could unleash.
"Iron Fist – War God Arm: Hundred Pierce!"
Atlas stepped back, twisted his waist, and launched a punch. A strange penetrative force rippled through his strike.
Boom!
Their Haki-clad fists collided once again. Akainu felt Atlas's blow bypass his Haki guard, landing like bare steel against flesh.
Atlas was driven back, his boots carving deep tracks in the ground. His sleeves tore under the strain.
"Not bad," Akainu said, shaking out his fist. Praise from him was rare, and this was the third time.
Hellhound!
Akainu's attack came without warning. His arms transformed into magma, stretching forward in a vicious strike.
Atlas tensed—he remembered how this move had torn half of Whitebeard's face apart in the original story.
Even if Akainu wasn't yet at that level, the attack was still deadly.
Iron Body – War God Arm: Cross Hunt!
Atlas crossed his arms over his chest, expanded them with Life Return, and condensed all his Haki into them, forming massive black-and-red limbs like those of a Giant.
Boom!
The searing magma slammed into his arms. Lava splattered in all directions, scorching the ground and filling the air with smoke.
The impact nearly knocked Atlas off his feet, sending him skidding backward.
"Hey, hey, hey! That's enough, Vice Admiral Akainu!"
Seeing Akainu preparing another attack, Atlas quickly called out. If this continued, the damage bill for Marineford would be astronomical. Even Atlas felt bad for Sengoku's wallet.
He had to admit—he was struggling. Not only was he outmatched in raw strength and Haki, but Akainu's Logia powers were also a nightmare to deal with.
The Magma-Magma Fruit truly lived up to its reputation as a top-tier Logia. Akainu's ingenious use of volcanic pressure to amplify his attacks was nothing short of terrifying.
"I acknowledge your strength, Kanos Atlas. Very impressive," Akainu said at last, withdrawing his power.
Though rarely expressive, his eyes shone with approval. Atlas had impressed him—not only with his strength, but also with his ruthless efficiency against pirates.
With more polish, this rising star might well become the next monster among the Marines.
Marineford – Early Morning
The red sun rose over the horizon, casting golden light through the morning mist. The sky stretched endlessly overhead—clear and bright, much like Kanos Atlas's mood.
He stepped out of the dormitory building, calm and composed.
After returning from his mission, he'd gone back to the recruit barracks. Smoker and the others had already departed with Zephyr-sensei on another assignment, leaving him with the place to himself.
As expected, Rosinante had also applied for early graduation after Atlas's departure.
Though not yet strong enough for it, he had likely volunteered after learning of Doflamingo's crimes—most likely at Sengoku's request to infiltrate as an undercover agent.
The award ceremony would take place at the plaza in front of Marineford's main headquarters, directly across from the crescent-shaped harbour.
It was the very heart of Marineford—the future battleground of the legendary Marineford War, and the same place the Golden Lion had once stormed before being defeated by Sengoku and Garp and locked away in Impel Down.
Marineford – Plaza
The Golden Lion had been a ruthless man indeed. To escape captivity, he had severed both legs—shackled in Seastone—shattering the myth that Impel Down was inescapable.
By now, a large crowd had gathered in the plaza, most drawn simply by the spectacle.
After all, Marineford was not only home to countless stationed Marines—it also housed the families of officers in the residential quarters behind headquarters. It was considered one of the safest places in the entire world.
Atlas wasn't the only one receiving honours today.
Still, since he didn't know most of the other awardees, there was no reason for small talk. He headed straight for the podium.
Under countless watchful eyes, Kanos Atlas walked through the crowd and stepped onto the platform.
Today, he wore a pure white suit—sharp and clean—his cloak of Justice billowing in the wind behind him.
Marine captains and above weren't bound to standard uniforms and could wear civilian attire paired with the Justice cloak. Atlas had this suit specially tailored to fit him perfectly.
The fabric was unbelievably comfortable—he couldn't even tell what it was made from, only that it felt almost weightless.
It had cost a small fortune, but since Marineford was footing the bill, he had no regrets about spending lavishly.
After three minutes on stage, Sengoku and Akainu arrived, one after the other.
As expected, Sengoku would preside over the ceremony. Akainu was likely here simply out of interest.
The once-noisy plaza fell silent at once. All eyes turned to the stage, many locking on the young man named Atlas.
He wasn't traditionally handsome, but his sharp, rugged features carried an unmistakable aura of iron-blooded discipline—the kind unique to seasoned soldiers.
What truly caught everyone's attention, however, was that Atlas, at such a young age, was about to stand among the ranks of Commodores.
Today, he would officially become a proud Commodore of Marine Headquarters.
Sengoku opened a folder and began reading from the list of honorees.
"Pimentel! Physical evaluation: pass! Combat assessment: pass! Approved for graduation! Promoted to Marine Lieutenant!"
A tall, broad-shouldered man jogged forward from the back to receive his rank.
"Pelasa! Physical evaluation: excellent. Combat assessment: satisfactory! Approved for graduation! Promoted to Marine Lieutenant Colonel!"
"Darius!"
"Leo Gago!"
"Belding!"
To Atlas's mild surprise, some recipients weren't from outside the program but were recruits from the previous elite training camp class. He was graduating alongside them.
The ceremony flowed smoothly. Most promotions were to major or lieutenant colonel, with a few veteran officers advancing to full colonel.
Then Sengoku turned toward Atlas with a smile. In a loud, clear voice, he announced:
"Kanos Atlas! Physical evaluation: excellent! Combat assessment: outstanding! Approved for graduation! Promoted to Commodore!"
Boom!
The announcement sent a ripple of shock through the crowd. While many had already guessed it, hearing it confirmed by Sengoku still left them stunned.
Even though Marineford's recruit camp was famed as an "elite training camp"—a cradle for future officers—no one had ever heard of someone graduating in just two years and being promoted directly to Commodore.
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