Ohara, West Blue
Ramos was on board the Marine ship, along with Seaman and higher-ranking officers, such as Kuzan and Sakazuki. The two Vice-Admirals were feared amongst others, low-ranking Marines, but Ramos had no fear in his soul; months of Aokiji beatings hardened his will and expectations of power. Turning to his fellow cadets assigned to the mission, he noticed their anxious looks. Despite it being their first expedition as young Marines, they should've been excited but Ramos felt unease since sailing.
"Aokiji-sama, why are we on the island of scholars? Are there pirates invading?" I asked.
Aokiji didn't respond, just stared at the gigantic tree. "Kid...today you'll learn what it means to be a Marine. "He responded.
His response was flat, just like our usual conversations but my instincts told me that there was a deeper meaning behind it.
'Why do I feel like something bad is about to happen?' Ramos thought, heart hammering in anxiety at a looming threat.
Aramaki noticed his rival's nervous glances," Oi, Ramos. Don't tell me you're scared." He teased.
Ramos ignored him and focused his eyes on the Island that the Marine vessels surrounded. The ear-piercing sound roared across the battleships, and before he could process it, Sakazuki roared out an order.
"Fire!"
Canon balls blasted out, moving to the island in terrifying coordinated speeds.
Booom!
The ship shook from the force of the blast waves. Ramos held onto the railing. Gritting his teeth at the debris passing his face. His fellow cadets held onto dear life as the barrage of cannon balls continued, an orchestra of destruction. Amidst the chaos, Aokiji and Sakazuki watched it all, unaffected by the blast waves. Ramos looked at his older brother in shock at his not doing anything.
'Why are we attacking? This isn't a pirates' den–Aokiji wouldn't...why!' Ramos' thoughts assaulted him. His body urged him to move, but he was conflicted about disobeying orders. The screams of the Islanders could be heard even from this distance; the cries echoed in Ramos's ears like a dog whistle. He clutched his temple in agony.
"Aaah!" Ramos yelled in pain, falling to his knees.
"Ramos!" Hina yelled, rushing to his side."What's wrong–are you hurt?" She frantically asked.
Doll, Sonya, and Gion rushed to his side to assist him. Ramos continued cradling his head, 'HELP ME! MOM–WHERE ARE YOU?' Ramos heard a girl's cries in his mind."I-I can't stop hearing the voices." Ramos abruptly stood up and thrusting his leg in a quick motion. Activating Geppo. Propelling himself in the air to the direction of the Island.
"Ramos! Retreat now!" Aokiji ordered.
The boy continued his movements. "Damn it Ramos." Aokiji cursed.
Sakazuki saw the cadet disobeying orders, "This brat will learn his place." He stated.
[Other side of Ohara]
The island is in chaos as citizens are trying to escape the growing flames and canons raining down. Near an exit route on the island, a little girl with black-hair and cerulean blue eyes was being ushered in an emergency boat by her mother, a mom with identical facial features, except her hair is snow-white.
"M-Mom–why aren't you getting in?" The girl asked through sobs, her mother still not inside the boat.
"I can't come with you Robin. I need to save as many books as possible." She said, caressing her daughter's cheeks.
"B-But..."
"Olivia! You need to leave now !" Vice Admiral Saul barked, the giant Admiral had disobeyed his orders and decided to defend Ohara. "Get in already!" He encouraged.
"Saul! They'll –"
"Don't worry about that." The Vice Admiral smiled.
Freeze.
The air got cold, all of a sudden as Saul's body tensed at the familiar presence.
"Aokiji..."
"Saul–You know I can't let you do this." Aokiji voiced out.
WOOSH
A slash moved towards Aokiji, and he stretched out his arm to block the attack, as it neared his hand, the Admiral made no show of worry, and the second the slash touched his hand, it froze. In the shape of a crescent moon, he grabbed the frozen attack and flung it at the sky. "Annoying brat." He ticked in annoyance.
Ramos sees his attack being deflected towards him, flickers out of the way, and lands next to Saul. "Your ice ability is a hassle." He smirked.
"Whatever you're planning, don't do it or I'll be forced to freeze you." He warned, half his body turning into ice.
Ramos turned to the mother and daughter watching, "You two should go. I'll try to save as many books as possible. "
"W-Wait boy–" Olivia's worries died in her mouth as the boy moved in a blur towards Aokiji.
Boom. Bam!
The sounds of Earth exploding under the force of their attacks, pushed the boat forward.
"MOM! Get in!" Robin urged her mother to enter before the boat sails off.
Saul lifted Olivia off the ground and into the boat, pushing it to the open sea.
"Go–"
Saul's words were cut off as a fist pierced his stomach. A magma-coated fist was poking out of his body, leaving the Vice Admiral in shock.
"SAUUUL!" Robin cried out.
Sakazuki still had his fist punctured by his fellow Admiral's chest. "Pathetic, you dare betray us to save these threats Saul!" He growled. Burning the Giants' organs.
"I'll show you true justice. "