Marine Headquarters, Naval Science Unit — Marineford.
The restricted research facility that normally housed classified projects from the Marines had been placed under unprecedented security.
Vice Admirals Onigumo, Strawberry, Dalmatian, and Vergo stood inside the outer compound, their justice coats fluttering in the sea breeze as they discussed the strange emergency order issued from the Fleet Admiral himself.
"Did you all receive Fleet Admiral Sengoku's personal directive?" Vergo asked in his usual calm tone, a strip of food still stuck to his cheek.
"I did," Strawberry replied, adjusting his hat. "We are to rotate guard duty here. Four Vice Admirals at all times. Anyone who approaches without clearance is to be detained immediately."
Dalmatian frowned. "Four Vice Admirals protecting a scientist? Even the research projects under Dr. Vegapunk never required this much visible force."
Onigumo's expression remained cold. "Unless it is Vegapunk."
Strawberry shook his head. "Impossible. Vegapunk resides on Karakuri Island and is under direct government supervision. He rarely leaves his own facilities."
The name alone carried weight.
Vegapunk — the greatest mind in the world. The scientist who deciphered Devil Fruit lineage factors. The creator of the Pacifista project. The man said to be 500 years ahead of his time.
If even he wasn't the reason for this mobilization, then who could be?
Four Vice Admirals stationed as bodyguards within Marineford itself.
Even World Nobles did not receive this kind of military formation unless they were traveling.
Before their discussion could continue, a warship bearing the symbol of the Fleet Admiral docked at the harbor.
"He's here."
The Vice Admirals straightened instantly.
From the gangplank descended the Fleet Admiral of the Marines, Sengoku, followed by Admiral Kizaru — his yellow-striped suit immaculate as always.
They saluted sharply.
"Fleet Admiral!"
"Admiral!"
Yet as they scanned the deck behind them… they saw no scientist. No elderly genius. No research team.
Only an eight-year-old boy walking lazily behind Kizaru.
The Vice Admirals froze.
Strawberry blinked once.
Dalmatian blinked twice.
Onigumo narrowed his eyes.
Vergo tilted his head.
"Fleet Admiral… the scientist we are to protect… has not arrived yet?" Strawberry finally asked cautiously.
Sengoku adjusted his glasses.
"Kizaru. Explain."
Kizaru scratched his head with exaggerated laziness.
"Ahh~ everyone, this is my younger brother, Natsume. He'll be working in the Naval Science Unit from today onward."
Silence.
An eight-year-old.
Working in the highest-level research division of the Marines.
The same division responsible for the Pacifista prototypes modeled after Bartholomew Kuma.
The same division that handled classified research on lineage factors and weaponized technologies.
The Vice Admirals exchanged looks.
This had to be nepotism.
Even for Kizaru, this was excessive.
Natsume stepped forward and bowed politely.
"Hello everyone. I'm Natsume. I'll be troubling you from now on. Please protect me well."
The tone was childish — but the confidence was not.
The Vice Admirals felt something… off.
Sengoku would never joke about military mobilization. Not with his sense of responsibility.
Before anyone could question further, Natsume spoke again.
"Oh, and I brought a friend."
The temperature in the courtyard shifted.
A small figure stepped forward.
Black wings.
Dark skin.
White hair.
A perpetual flame burning along its back.
The Vice Admirals stiffened instantly.
"That flame…!"
"That appearance…!"
"Those are the traits of the Lunarians!"
The Lunarian tribe — a race once said to be gods who lived atop the Red Line. A race capable of surviving extreme environments. Nearly extinct.
Only one confirmed survivor was known in modern times — King of the Beasts Pirates.
And now a child stood before them bearing those same racial traits.
Natsume spoke calmly.
"This is Seraphim Bear. He is a machine I created."
Machine?
The Vice Admirals' observation Haki activated instinctively.
They sensed no ordinary heartbeat.
No natural biological rhythm.
The body moved with mechanical precision — yet the aura was real.
A fusion of science and living weapon.
Sengoku's gaze darkened slightly.
"This model was created using lineage factor technology. Its durability and adaptability surpass the current Pacifista prototypes."
The Vice Admirals' breathing grew heavier.
Pacifistas were already considered human weapons rivaling elite combatants. Even pre-timeskip, it required the combined effort of Supernovas to defeat one.
And those were merely based on Kuma's physiology.
This one… incorporated Lunarian traits.
Natsume patted Seraphim Bear's shoulder.
"Say hello."
The Seraphim raised its hand silently.
No words.
Only quiet, contained power.
Kizaru added lazily,
"Don't underestimate him~ His combat capability has already reached the level of a Shichibukai."
The courtyard fell into absolute silence.
The Seven Warlords of the Sea.
Pirates sanctioned by the World Government. Individuals like Dracule Mihawk. Boa Hancock. Jinbe. Crocodile.
Each one a powerhouse recognized across the seas.
Even Vice Admirals could not confidently claim superiority over all of them.
Dalmatian's voice cracked slightly. "You're saying… this machine… rivals the Shichibukai?"
Onigumo's grip tightened on his sword.
Strawberry's eyes widened.
Even Vergo stopped chewing.
Sengoku did not smile.
"It is not a claim. We have already conducted internal testing."
Internal testing.
That meant the machine had sparred against high-ranking officers.
And survived.
"Most of you," Sengoku continued, "have not reached the upper threshold of Shichibukai combat power. That is not an insult. It is reality."
No one protested.
Because it was true.
Vice Admirals varied greatly in strength. Only a handful stood close to Admiral-tier combatants.
But to say a machine created by an eight-year-old surpassed most of them…
It was absurd.
And yet Sengoku was not a man who exaggerated.
Fire Mountain swallowed hard.
"Fleet Admiral… is Admiral Kizaru telling the truth? That this Seraphim truly possesses power on that level?"
All eyes focused on Sengoku.
The wind carried the scent of salt and iron.