"..."
Three months had passed since the world-shaking war came to an end.
The once-chaotic seas calmed at an astonishing speed, as if the ocean itself were catching its breath.
The Holy Land, Mary Geoise.
It no longer possessed even a trace of its former sanctity or glory. Pangaea Castle had been reduced to ruins under the baptism of ice and fire. The Empty Throne, the symbol of supreme authority over the world, had been ground into dust during Admiral Hawk's final confrontation with Im.
The slaves who had once been raised and treated like livestock were finally free.
And the Celestial Dragons, who had proclaimed themselves gods, all met their deserved ends.
The World Government collapsed completely.
The CP organizations that once spread across the globe were uprooted in their entirety. All surviving members were declared fugitives and relentlessly hunted down.
As for the Celestial Dragons who were stripped of their privileges and wealth, some chose despair and ended their own lives. Others were dragged into the streets by enraged civilians, where the suffering inflicted upon them was a hundredfold of what they had once imposed on others.
Many more were imprisoned at Marine Headquarters, awaiting their final execution dates.
And the ultimate outcome of the battle outside the G-5 Branch was likewise recorded in history.
After Admiral Hawk departed for the Holy Land, the two Sea Emperors who had ambushed G-5 were completely annihilated.
"Beast" Kaido and "Big Mom" Charlotte Linlin were decisively defeated under the combined assault of three Marine monsters: Kizaru, Issho, and Aramaki.
The tragic downfall of these two overlords of the old era was broadcast to the entire world through live Den Den Mushi transmission, leaving nothing hidden.
The last major pirate force, the Supernova Alliance, also failed to escape eradication.
Under the "guidance" of Marine Captain Trafalgar Law, figures such as "Captain" Eustass Kid and "Magician" Hawkins led the alliance fleet in a desperate advance toward Totto Land and Wano, while the main forces of Kaido and Big Mom were tied down elsewhere.
They clashed in a brutal firefight against the remnants of the Four Emperors.
Just as both sides bled themselves dry and marched toward mutual destruction, a Marine Corps fleet appeared behind them like ghosts, completing the final harvest.
"The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind."
The Marine Corps' meticulously planned encirclement wiped out every single member of the so-called Worst Generation in one decisive stroke.
From that moment on, there were no pirate groups left in these seas that could be called a "power."
The Great Pirate Era ended in blood, decisively and completely.
Even the scattered pirates who had narrowly escaped the purge and hidden themselves in remote corners of the world lived each day in endless terror.
They dared not sail. They dared not commit crimes. They did not even dare to speak loudly.
Like rats in the gutter, they huddled in the shadows, trembling.
Because the age of steel and blood, the great era of the Marine Corps, had arrived.
Because the most iron-fisted, most powerful, and youngest Fleet Commander in history had been born.
…
Marineford.
Inside the Fleet Commander's office at Marine Headquarters.
Towering floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the room in warm sunlight.
"..."
Admiral Hawk sat quietly behind his desk, a desk that symbolized the highest authority of the Marine Corps. There were no mountains of documents piled upon it, only a steaming cup of black tea and a burning cigar.
He had changed, yet he seemed unchanged.
His face remained young and handsome, but within his deep-set eyes lay far too many memories.
After killing Im, the Justice value on his system panel had become an astronomical number, so large that even he found it unfamiliar.
He no longer needed to kill for survival.
He had become the sole god of these seas.
Knock, knock, knock.
The office door was tapped lightly.
"Come in."
Admiral Hawk's voice was calm.
"Fleet Commander, this is the report you requested."
The adjutant to the newly appointed Marine Marshal, Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Hibari Kyoya, entered with a stack of documents in her arms.
She was still shy and reserved, speaking softly as ever, but when she looked at Admiral Hawk, there was unmistakable admiration in her eyes.
"Leave it there."
Admiral Hawk gestured toward the side table.
Hibari placed the files down, but did not leave immediately. She stood there, nervously twisting the hem of her uniform.
"Hmm? Is there something else?"
Admiral Hawk looked up at her.
"Um… big brother… Father asked me to ask you…" Her voice was barely louder than a mosquito's buzz. "His… Marine Marshal–grade special supply cigars… can he still… have them?"
"According to regulations, no."
"Oh…"
Hibari lowered her head, clearly disappointed.
Admiral Hawk glanced at her and found it a little amusing. He took out an exquisite wooden box from a drawer and set it down on the floor.
"Take this to your father. It's a personal gift from me."
"Thank you, Brother Hawk!"
Hibari's eyes lit up instantly. Hugging the wooden box, she tiptoed forward, kissed Admiral Hawk on the cheek, and then ran out happily.
"..."
Admiral Hawk watched her leave and shook his head with a faint smile.
He picked up his teacup and took a small sip.
His gaze passed through the massive window, overlooking the grand and magnificent plaza below.
On the square, elite members of the Marine Corps were conducting their daily training. Their battle cries thundered into the sky.
Their eyes burned with heat and determination.
Their faith was pure and unified.
"..."
Admiral Hawk thoroughly enjoyed this feeling of absolute control.
Power. Authority.
He was the sole ruler of this era.
Marineford.
Fleet Commander Renn Hawk.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Already drawn into the tides of this story? Share what pulled you in your words and reviews keep the fire burning. And every 300 Power Stones will unlock a bonus chapter, pushing the voyage forward even faster!
Renn Hawk's journey is only beginning, and the evolution of justice is far from over. Stay with Unbound Evolution and keep sailing ahead of the horizon!
DAILY CHAPTER check my p@treon
[email protected]/_tey
Change @ to a.