Marine Headquarters, waters near Marineford.
The warship cut through the white waves, speeding into one of the most heavily guarded seas in the world.
On deck, Renn Hawk leaned against the railing, a cigar between his lips, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. After a full day of sailing, they were almost there. With Admiral Akainu and an escort of Marine elites accompanying them, the journey had been uneventful.
Instead, Hawk had spent the trip marveling at the strange weather of the Grand Line and its unpredictable currents.
Truth be told, if not for the endless pirates plaguing the seas, this world would be breathtaking unique cultures, fascinating islands, each with its own story.
If only someone could also sweep away those arrogant Celestial Dragons, then the ocean would be close to perfect.
"Hawk, we're here."
Akainu's deep voice pulled him back from his thoughts.
Hawk nodded, flicked away his cigar, and looked up. His eyes locked instantly on the colossal silhouette rising in the distance.
Marine Headquarters Marineford.
The massive crescent-shaped bay resembled the open jaws of a beast, ready to devour intruders whole. Cannons lined every angle, their black muzzles exuding a chilling menace. Towering fortresses stacked one after another, a silent declaration of the Navy's unrivaled dominance.
At the center stood a colossal tower, stabbing straight into the clouds. Across its front, the word "MARINE" was carved in characters so vast and heavy they seemed to radiate an oppressive weight.
High above, flags whipped furiously in the sea breeze.
Hawk exhaled slowly. Marineford in reality was even more imposing, solemn, and awe-inspiring than anything he remembered from stories.
In his mind, flashes of the original scene surfaced: countless Marine officers, cloaks of "Justice" billowing behind them, standing proud beneath the banner of absolute justice.
As long as evil persists on these seas… we Marines will drive it out in the name of Absolute Justice!
The echo of that oath seemed to vibrate in the skies above him.
Hawk steadied his breath, suppressing the surge of excitement, and continued studying the fortress with sharp eyes.
Akainu glanced sideways. "Well? What do you think?"
"Magnificent," Hawk replied in a low voice. "Compared to the East Blue branches, this is a true war machine."
"As it should be," Akainu nodded. "Marineford is the heart of justice."
The warship's horn blared as it slowed into the crescent bay. On the docks, countless Marines bustled in perfect order, a level of discipline far beyond any branch Hawk had ever seen.
Akainu was the first to step ashore, Hawk following closely. They were heading straight for the Fleet Admiral's office when
A blinding flash of yellow light burst in front of them.
The glow faded, revealing a tall figure in a suit and sunglasses.
Admiral Kizaru—Borsalino.
"Well now…" Kizaru drawled, waving lazily.
"Hm?" Akainu frowned. "Borsalino?"
The man notorious for slacking off wasn't in his office pretending to work what was he doing here on the docks? Odd.
"Welcome back, Sakazuki," Kizaru said politely, though his eyes immediately flicked toward the man beside him Renn Hawk.
Finally.
He had gone to the trouble of tracking Hawk's arrival time just to intercept him here. Because once Hawk officially accepted the G-3 branch command, his position would be locked. And Kizaru's dream of finding the perfect vice-admiral to dump all his troublesome missions on would vanish.
A young Marine officer, strong, capable, ruthless, and not afraid to act? That was far too rare to let slip away.
Kizaru's wrinkled face stretched into an almost disturbingly cheerful smile as he leaned closer.
"Well well… this must be the rising star I've heard so much about. Rear Admiral Renn Hawk, the man who turned the East Blue upside down all on his own."
"Admiral Kizaru!" Hawk snapped to attention, giving a crisp salute.
He hadn't expected to run into another Admiral the moment he arrived, and certainly not one this… eager.
The way Kizaru's smile twisted his features was unsettling, like watching an old man grin far too wide, eyes twinkling behind his glasses.
Hawk suppressed the discomfort, keeping his posture rigid and formal.
Just as Kizaru leaned in to continue, a massive hand, scarred and radiating heat, suddenly barred his way.
Akainu loomed between them like a mountain.
"Borsalino. If you think you're taking Hawk from me, forget it."
East Blue, near Cocoyasi Village.
A small, weathered boat drifted onto the beach.
A girl with short orange hair and striking features jumped lightly ashore, seawater lapping at her ankles.
Nami exhaled deeply. "Cocoyasi Village… I'm finally home."
Her brow furrowed as she scanned the quiet shore. Something felt wrong.
The seas had been too calm lately. Not a single pirate ship had crossed her path for weeks. Normally she couldn't go a day without bumping into them, but now… nothing.
Shaking it off, she clenched the rolled charts in her arms. "Forget it. First I need to go back to that hellhole Arlong Park."
At the thought of Arlong's face, nausea and hatred twisted her chest. But she forced herself to breathe.
Just a little longer. Just a little more, and she'd save one hundred million Beli. Then she could buy her village's freedom from Arlong's grip. Her sister Nojiko, the villagers everyone would finally be free.
Nami's eyes hardened with determination as she walked toward the familiar path.
But when she arrived… she froze.
Her beautiful eyes went wide, her mouth falling open in shock.
She had expected the looming, hideous fortress of her nightmares. The cruel symbol of Arlong's reign of terror.
Instead—
There was nothing.
Only an empty, barren patch of land where Arlong Park should have stood.
Nami rubbed her eyes furiously, then pinched herself.
"No way… where is it? Where's the entire Arlong Park?!"
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