Grand Line, Marineford, Marine Headquarters
An unusual tension had settled over Marineford. In recent days, anyone stationed at the Marine Headquarters would have noticed the influx of unfamiliar faces. Commanders and high-ranking officers from branches across the Four Blues and the Grand Line were suddenly returning to the fortress, their presence a quiet testament to a significant event looming on the horizon.
Inside the Fleet Admiral's office, Sengoku stood on the balcony, his hands clasped behind his back. He stared out at the vast Headquarters Plaza, the future stage for a war that would shake the world. The calm before the storm was always the most unnerving.
The sound of the door opening broke his concentration. Vice Admiral Tsuru, the Marines' Great Staff Officer, entered with a folder in her hand.
Without turning around, Sengoku asked, "How are the preparations coming along?"
"They're nearly complete," Tsuru reported, her voice as steady as ever. "The branch commanders and elite units will be assembled here within three days. That's a force of 100,000 of our best Marines. What's the word from the World Government?"
"The Five Elders have accepted Blackbeard's terms," Sengoku replied, his gaze still fixed on the plaza below. "All that's left is the public announcement."
"And Fire Fist Ace?" Tsuru inquired.
"I've sent Vice Admiral Onigumo to oversee the transfer. The news will go out as soon as Ace is secured in Impel Down."
Tsuru let out a soft, weary sigh. Even after decades of service, the weight of such decisions was heavy. "So it's truly happening... Are we really going to war with the Whitebeard Pirates?"
Compared to Tsuru's solemnity, Sengoku's eyes were filled with a grim resolve. "This is our chance, Tsuru. The seas are growing more chaotic by the day. By publicly executing Fire Fist, we'll send a message and crush this new wave of piracy before it can swell."
"What about Garp?" Tsuru asked, her tone softening as she mentioned their old friend.
A rare flicker of hesitation crossed Sengoku's face before his expression hardened once more. "He knows his duty. No matter what happens, he is a Marine. A hero of the Marines."
"I understand," Tsuru said, knowing there was nothing more to be said on the matter. "And the Seven Warlords?"
"The summons is going out as planned. The others should be manageable, but send Kizaru to deal with Jinbe. If he refuses, revoke his title immediately and imprison him in Impel Down, just like Crocodile. We can't have any unstable elements for this operation."
"I'll see to it," Tsuru confirmed.
Just as she turned to leave, Sengoku spoke again. "One more thing. Any word from Kaido's territory?"
Tsuru paused, considering the latest intelligence reports. "The Beasts Pirates have been quiet. It seems they're focused on securing their hold over Wano Country. The inauguration ceremony for the new Shogun is in three days. Doflamingo received an invitation, and interestingly, so did Vinsmoke Judge."
"Judge!?" Sengoku turned from the balcony, a deep frown on his face. "He's gathering the old MADS scientists. With Queen and Caesar already in his employ, he's only missing Vegapunk."
"It's a concern, but let's not overstate it," Tsuru countered calmly. "It may sound arrogant, but even with the three of them combined, their genius pales in comparison to Vegapunk's."
Sengoku nodded in agreement. In the field of science, Dr. Vegapunk was an unparalleled giant, his shadow looming over all contemporaries. The thought of him, however, brought another crucial asset to mind.
"How are the Pacifista arrangements coming along?"
"They've already been deployed from Egghead," Tsuru assured him. "Sentomaru is overseeing them personally. There won't be any issues."
"Good," Sengoku muttered. "Still... our opponent is the Whitebeard Pirates. We can't afford to be anything less than perfectly prepared."
Logically, their preparations were more than sufficient. They had mobilized their greatest forces in secret, preparing an ambush for an enemy they knew would come. Yet, for some reason, Sengoku couldn't shake the feeling that they were missing a critical piece of the puzzle. What was it?
His mind drifted to another one of the Four Emperors. "What's the latest on Kaido's daughter?"
Tsuru was slightly surprised by the abrupt change in topic but relayed the information she knew. "She's in the South Blue with Kuma's daughter, Jewelry Bonney. They've formed a new pirate crew with a few others—Red, Diaz, and Moria's old subordinate, Perona. Yamato is the captain and Bonney is her second-in-command. They've already become a nuisance that even CP9 is struggling to handle."
Sengoku's expression soured. "A collection of troublemakers."
"Indeed. Is the World Government still suppressing their bounties?"
"They have no choice," Sengoku said with a frustrated sigh. "The truth of the incident at Sabaody Archipelago cannot get out. We can't risk the fallout, especially with the Celestial Dragons involved. We'll wait for the right time to make their threat public."
"That seems to be the only way," Tsuru conceded.
Sengoku paced the room, his mind racing. "Have we learned anything about the connection between Jinbe and Kaido's daughter?"
Tsuru shook her head. "Nothing concrete. The girl appeared out of nowhere. Before this, she was a complete unknown. We know they were seen together on Fish-Man Island, but how their paths crossed remains a mystery."
"And nothing from Wano itself?"
"No. Our CP agents there are deep undercover within the Shogun's residence, a connection we only maintained through Orochi. Wano is hostile to outsiders, so they can't move freely. Onigashima is even worse; Kaido protects his daughter's privacy fiercely. We're completely in the dark."
"Damn it," Sengoku slammed his fist lightly on his desk. "What is that monster planning?"
"It's not entirely hopeless," Tsuru offered, providing a sliver of good news. "Doflamingo passed along some new intelligence. Kaido apparently plans to 'open' Wano's borders, at least to other pirate crews. He's also planning to give Doflamingo control over the Sea Stone trade."
Sengoku's head snapped up. "'Open the country'?"
"Not in the traditional sense," Tsuru clarified. "More like he's turning it into a pirate haven. The geography will still make it a fortress, but it gives us an opening. An opportunity to finally get our own people inside."
"Good. Make the arrangements. I want constant surveillance on Kaido."
"I'll see to it," Tsuru replied. As the strategic discussion wound down, the weight of their long careers seemed to settle back into the room.
Sengoku's tone softened. "You've worked hard during this time, Tsuru."
She offered a small, knowing smile. "You're the one carrying the weight of the world, Sengoku. But you don't need to carry it all yourself. Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Borsalino have grown up."
Sengoku fell silent, lost in thought. He looked at his old friend, a comrade who had stood by him for decades. "You're right, Tsuru. Perhaps it's time for us old soldiers to step aside. We've lost some of our nerve. The future belongs to them."
While the Marines and the World Government braced for the war to end all wars, another storm was brewing elsewhere.
On a massive ship sailing the turbulent waters near Wano, Kaido, the Governor-General of the Beasts Pirates, received an unexpected call. A Den Den Mushi rang, its unique chirp cutting through the sea air. He answered it.
A familiar, grating laugh echoed from the receiver. "Mamamamama! Kaido, you old beast, it's been a while..."
Kaido's face twisted into a scowl. "Linlin!!!"
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