Three years of relentless patrols and exterminating pirates had honed Sakazuki's strength to extraordinary levels. Guided training had allowed him to master Haki, leaving only refinement ahead. Now, he carried the aura of his original counterpart. His white Marine uniform, thick musculature, and the flowing cloak embroidered with the word 'Justice' struck an imposing figure. Standing before him, one could feel a weighty presence that demanded attention.
Sakazuki never left survivors. Any pirate who encountered him quickly learned that his reputation in the North Blue was more than legend. Whispers of his name had begun to seep subtly into the other seas, largely because Branch Director Jorison had a habit of bragging to his counterparts across the Four Blues.
A week later, news arrived: a Marineford warship had been dispatched to collect the elite class cadets from Branch 194. The night before departure, Jorison summoned Sakazuki to his office.
"Three years have passed in the blink of an eye," Jorison began, his tone tinged with nostalgia. "I did not realize how quickly time would fly. Sakazuki, take this."
He handed over a notebook, which Sakazuki accepted, brows slightly furrowed.
"This notebook details internal factions within Marineford that I have compiled personally, as well as personalities and preferences of key individuals. I have spent most of my life in the Marines, so I have learned much. Understanding interpersonal relationships is vital," Jorison explained.
Sakazuki's expression remained solemn as he tucked the notebook away. "Thank you, Director."
Jorison patted Sakazuki on the shoulder. "Ha! It is rare to hear you say thank you. Do not always be so serious. Come, let us take a walk."
---
The following day, after shaking hands and bidding farewell to Jorison, Sakazuki boarded the Marineford warship. It was a large vessel, and as he stepped aboard, many eyes turned toward him. Among them were standard patrolling soldiers and dozens of young Marines, the elite cadets from the Four Blues, sizing one another up.
Many whispered in awe and concern at Sakazuki's presence. His towering figure and the oppressive aura surrounding him caused some to frown, while others debated his strength.
"Is that really Sakazuki?" one muttered. "He's exactly as the rumors say."
"Tch, just bigger… I don't see why he's stronger than me."
"Do not underestimate him. Someone so famous must have skill."
"Who knows if it's true? No one has seen him in action."
"Now, we will see real strength. If we stand out, our future is limitless."
"Easier said than done. The gap to those from the Grand Line remains."
Despite their murmurs, the cadets formed ranks under the guidance of the onboard soldiers.
Over the next month, the warship collected all elite cadets recommended from the Four Blues and set sail for the Grand Line. After crossing Reverse Mountain, they expected a direct course to Marineford. Instead, the ship continued through the Grand Line. This made sense — the era of Vegapunk's Sea Stone warships had not yet arrived, and decades remained before the main storyline unfolded.
On the tenth day within the Grand Line, alarms rang. Sakazuki dressed swiftly and exited his quarters. Marine Rear Admiral Wells, responsible for escorting the vessel, barked commands.
"Form ranks!"
Although unfamiliar with each other, the elite cadets responded quickly, forming precise lines. Wells continued, "Two nautical miles ahead, a pirate ship has been spotted. Confirmed identity: Manbone Noros. All of you are exceptional soldiers recommended by your branches. A pirate with a bounty of 24 million Berries should be no match, correct?"
Some whispered nervously among themselves. Wells's glare silenced them. "Do you have any objections?" he roared. The cadets, trembling, answered in unison: "No!"
"Good," Wells said. "Accelerate. Prepare for boarding."
The Marine warship surged forward, closing in on the pirate vessel. Onboard the Manbone Noros, the lookout screamed: "A warship is approaching from behind!"
The pirate captain, clutching a massive bone still dripping with blood, laughed wildly. "Ah ha ha! What do you fear? I am the Great Pirate Manbone Noros, bounty 24 million Berries! How dare a mere warship pursue me? Charge!" His crew cheered, brandishing weapons.
Rear Admiral Wells prepared for boarding, his calm demeanor steady despite the presence of a relatively low-bounty pirate. For the cadets, the encounter was daunting.
When the vessels drew within a few hundred meters, Sakazuki walked to the bow with a cruel smile. The other cadets looked on in surprise as his right hand coalesced into a magma heart, alive with pulsing molten energy. The magma streamed endlessly into the core of the heart, yet its size remained constant, as if concentrating its deadly potential.
When the warship was merely a hundred meters from the pirate ship, Sakazuki unleashed his attack.
"Magma Flow Volcano!"
The magma heart rocketed forward like a meteor, crashing into the pirate cabin. Explosions erupted instantly, molten waves raining down. The pirate vessel transformed into a mobile volcano of destruction.
"What… is this?!" the pirates screamed. "It burns! Captain, help!"
The captain stood directly above the blast, unable to react. In an instant, he was reduced to ashes. The remaining pirates perished, bodies melting under the molten tide.
Silence fell as the cadets witnessed the spectacle, fear and awe flashing across their hearts. Sakazuki's figure loomed amidst the molten carnage — the North Blue Fiend had truly arrived.