"The deployment of the Marine Science Unit is approved," Admiral Rosen stated, his voice cutting through the tension in the War Room. "This battle will serve as the proof of concept for our new era."
The chamber at Marine HQ G-1 was filled with the Marines' greatest minds and fighters. Fleet Admiral Sengoku sat at the head of the table, with Vice Admirals Garp and Tsuru flanking him. The three Admirals—Akainu, Kizaru, and Aokiji—were present, alongside the former Admiral Zephyr and the formidable Douglas Bullet. Rosen stood at the central tactical display, a holographic map of the New World projected before them.
"If we succeed," Rosen continued, "the Marines will revolutionize naval warfare. We will transition from a manpower-intensive force to a technologically superior one. Logistics, deployment speed, and overall combat efficiency will increase exponentially while resource consumption decreases."
Kizaru stroked his chin, his usual lazy demeanor replaced by professional interest. "Vegapunk's research has been most enlightening. The potential is... quite significant."
"However," Rosen's gaze swept across the room, "we cannot commit our full strength. The New World is a powder keg. Revolutionary Army activity has increased, and the World Government remains... unpredictable."
Sengoku nodded gravely. "Every major engagement requires留下 a garrison. We cannot leave our key facilities vulnerable."
"Precisely." Rosen tapped the map, highlighting two critical locations. "Marine Headquarters G-1 must remain fortified. Additionally, the Judge Forbidden Zone—our primary research facility—requires absolute security. Both demand Admiral-level protection."
Garp slammed his fist on the table, causing the reinforced wood to groan. "Then stop beating around the bush, Rosen! Who gets the honor of cracking Whitebeard's skull?"
"Sir," Rosen addressed Garp with respect, "your presence is vital, but not on the front lines."
The room fell silent. Garp's eyes widened, while Sengoku leaned forward with concern.
"Rosen?" Sengoku began, "What are you planning?"
"Vice Admiral Garp will command the defense of the Judge Forbidden Zone," Rosen declared. "Fleet Admiral Sengoku, you will hold Marine Headquarters G-1 alongside Vice Admirals Tsuru and Tokikake."
Both legendary veterans started to protest, but Rosen raised a hand.
"You have both carried the weight of the Marines for decades," Rosen's voice softened slightly. "From the God Valley incident through the Roger era, you've never faltered. But the Marines have grown beyond needing you to fight every battle personally."
He gestured to the younger Admirals and officers. "We are your legacy. Let us prove that the Marines grow stronger with each generation. Your role now is to secure our foundation—the scientific future and the heart of our organization—so we can fight without hesitation."
Garp and Sengoku exchanged a look. Slowly, a grudging pride spread across their faces.
"Hmph." Garp crossed his arms, a small smirk breaking through. "Fine. But if those research geeks get so much as a scratch..."
"Under your command, they'll be safer than Mary Geoise itself," Rosen assured him.
"And Mary Geoise?" Sengoku's expression darkened. "The Celestial Dragons won't sit idle while we mobilize."
"Let them watch." Rosen's eyes glinted coldly. "They need to see what true justice looks like. The Five Elders understand power dynamics. They'll wait for the results before making their move."
Tsuru, who had been listening silently, spoke up. "There are reports of increased contact between the Whitebeard Pirates and Big Mom's crew. An alliance isn't out of the question."
"Let them come." Akainu's fist clenched, magma beginning to drip from his knuckles. "Absolute Justice brooks no exceptions."
"An alliance between two Yonko would be problematic," Aokiji admitted, stretching lazily despite the gravity of the discussion. "Even for us."
Rosen smiled—a rare expression that held no warmth. "If Big Mom wishes to share Whitebeard's fate, we'll accommodate her. In the Marines' new era, there is no ship large enough to carry two Yonko."
The confidence in his voice was absolute, and everyone in the room knew it was justified. Rosen had never been wrong.
"Zephyr," Rosen addressed his mentor, who had remained silent at the corner of the room. "The Science Unit's deployment will be your command. Are your preparations complete?"
Zephyr's weathered face tightened at the mention of pirates. His family's death at their hands had forged his iron will. "Every unit is equipped and ready. We've been waiting for this day."
"Good." Rosen turned to the three Admirals. "Akainu, Kizaru, Aokiji. You three will form the vanguard. Demonstrate the power of the new Marines. Show the world what happens when pirates face the wrath of absolute justice."
Kizaru stood, his movements fluid as light. "Understood."
Akainu rose with barely contained fury, his body radiating heat that warped the air. "The pirates will burn."
Aokiji cracked his neck, ice crystals forming briefly around him. "Let's get this over with."
Finally, Rosen looked to Douglas Bullet—the "Giant" whose power could rival any Emperor. "Barrett, you'll coordinate with the Admiral squad. Your heavy firepower will be our hammer."
Bullet grinned, cracking his massive knuckles. "Just give me something to break, Admiral."
Rosen's gaze swept the room one final time. "Make no mistake—this isn't just about defeating one pirate crew. This is the opening salvo of the Marines' independence. We serve justice, not the whims of Celestial Dragons. Today, we show the world the true meaning of order."
He drew his blade—not a normal sword, but something that shimmered with impossible energy. The weapon seemed to exist between states of matter, a manifestation of his Arms-Arms Fruit power.
"Dismissed. Move out in one hour."
As the officers filed out, Sengoku approached Rosen. "You truly believe in this, don't you?"
"The world is changing," Rosen replied, his gaze fixed on the horizon beyond the window. "Pirates have had their era. Now it's time for the Marines to stand on our own. Not as the World Government's enforcers, but as the guardians of true order."
"And the cost?"
"Whatever it takes." Rosen's voice was steel. "For those who've sacrificed everything—Zephyr's family, the countless Marines who've fallen to pirates—we will build a world where no one suffers as they did."
Sengoku placed a hand on Rosen's shoulder. "Then go. The Marines are in your hands now."
Rosen nodded once, then turned to leave. As he walked through the corridors of Marine Headquarters, his presence commanded respect from every marine he passed. They didn't just see an Admiral—they saw the future.
The mission was clear: eliminate the Whitebeard Pirates, establish Marine supremacy, and prove that technology and determination could overcome any obstacle. But beneath the surface, a larger game was unfolding. The World Government watched, the Revolutionary Army moved in the shadows, and the Five Elders calculated their next move.
Rosen's path was set. He would carve a new age into history, one where the Marines answered to justice alone.
---
At the Judge Forbidden Zone, one hour later:
Garp stood on the observation deck, watching the Science Unit's ships depart. Beside him, a young officer—Gion, Rosen's trusted adjutant—stood at attention.
"Vice Admiral," she asked hesitantly, "do you really think this will work?"
Garp chuckled, his voice carrying the weight of thirty years of battle. "Kid, you're asking the wrong question. Rosen doesn't do things that 'might' work. He does things that will work."
"And if the World Government makes a move?"
"Then they'll learn why the Marines have Rosen." Garp's eyes hardened. "And why they have me."
Behind them, the fortress's defenses hummed to life—advanced energy cannons, automated defenses, and the fruits of Vegapunk's genius. The future of the Marines was secure.
Above, the sky was clear. But across the New World, storm clouds were gathering.##
—-