"Hum—"
With a low, powerful rumble, an extravagantly decorated, massive ship sailed slowly into the docks of Marineford.
It came to a steady halt, and a heavy gangplank was lowered from its hull, connecting with the pier with a dull, solid THUD.
Tap, tap, tap—
The sound of steady, confident footsteps echoed as three figures descended.
"Hawk-Eyes" Mihawk led the way, his presence as sharp and imposing as the black blade on his back.
Flanking him were Donquixote Doflamingo, a predatory grin plastered on his face, and Sir Crocodile, a cloud of cigar smoke perpetually obscuring his features.
Three of the Seven Warlords of the Sea had arrived at Marine Headquarters simultaneously.
The Marine soldiers stationed on the pier instinctively straightened their backs, their hands tightening on their rifles.
Their eyes were filled with a mixture of vigilance and wary respect.
The relationship between the Marines and the Warlords had always been a delicate, often tense, affair.
The Marines feared their monstrous strength but were forced to rely on them to maintain the fragile balance of the seas.
Normally, whenever Warlords visited, they were subjected to strict surveillance, with Marine escorts assigned to "protect" them—a polite term for keeping them on a tight leash.
"Th-three Warlords at once?!" a young Marine stammered.
"Quick! Get word to the highest-ranking officer on duty—Admiral Kizaru!" his captain barked.
"Dracule Mihawk, Donquixote Doflamingo, and Sir Crocodile have arrived! Awaiting the Admiral's instructions!"
"Yes, sir!" A messenger sprinted away, not daring to delay for a second.
Before long, the messenger returned, panting for breath.
"Admiral Kizaru's orders are… the three Warlords are free to move about Headquarters as they please. They do not need to report to anyone, and no escort will be assigned!"
"Huh?!" The captain guarding the pier couldn't believe his ears.
"What does the Admiral mean by that?"
Letting these three notoriously dangerous figures roam freely within the most secure fortress in the world? It was unheard of.
But an order was an order.
"Gentlemen," the captain said, taking a deep breath and gesturing for his men to stand down.
"You are free to proceed."
"Hmm? Fufufufufu, so no one's 'protecting' us this time?" Doflamingo asked with a laugh, finding the situation highly unusual.
Mihawk's sharp, hawk-like eyes scanned the surroundings for a moment before he uttered two cool words.
"Let's go."
Just as the trio stepped beyond the pier's perimeter, a silent figure in an immaculate black suit blocked their path.
"Gentlemen. The Captain requests your presence," Kuro said, bowing slightly.
"Please, follow me."
The three Warlords exchanged a look.
'So, Captain Mike sent someone to greet us.'
"Very well," they nodded in unison.
Kuro led them deep into Marine Headquarters, toward the luxurious Hot Springs Pavilion.
After changing into lightweight yukatas, they passed through winding, secluded corridors, finally arriving at a spacious open-air hot spring.
Amidst lush greenery, steam rose in swirling tendrils, and in the distance, the sea shimmered under the moonlight.
There, reclining lazily on a comfortable lounge chair, was Mike.
He wore a loose bathrobe draped casually over his shoulders, a steaming drink in one hand.
Spotting their arrival, he raised his hand in a casual greeting.
"Yo. Mihawk, Doflamingo, Croc—you made it."
"You brat," Mihawk said, a rare hint of amusement in his voice as he took in the opulent surroundings.
"You really know how to indulge. Isn't this the most high-end resort at Marine Headquarters?"
"It's been a while," Mike grinned. "Of course, I had to treat you all properly. My treat today!" He gestured to Kuro.
"Arrange it—the finest ladies, the most luxurious services!"
With the admirals, he'd kept things professional.
But with these three former pirates? There was no need to be so reserved.
A little "colorful" entertainment was in order.
Doflamingo and Crocodile were men who understood the world.
Since joining Mike's side, Doflamingo had voluntarily dismantled his human trafficking operations, and Crocodile had been working diligently to rebuild Alabasta.
They had earned a reward.
"Yes, Captain," Kuro bowed gracefully before stepping away.
"Fufufufufu," Doflamingo laughed heartily, clearly looking forward to the evening.
"Captain, you truly understand the art of balancing work and pleasure. Then I won't hold back."
"Guhahaha," Crocodile chuckled, offering Mike a fresh cigar.
"You're too generous, Captain."
"And you, Mihawk?" Mike asked, an amused look on his face. "Don't tell me you're still…"
"Hmph—" A smirk touched Mihawk's lips. "Get me a woman who knows swordsmanship. We'll be… discussing the blade all night long."
.....
As Mike and the Warlords settled in for their indulgent evening, the new recruit training camp was unusually quiet.
The grounds, usually echoing with shouts and the clash of steel, were now enveloped in darkness.
The only light came from the Chief Instructor's office.
Former Admiral "Black Arm" Zephyr sat rigidly behind his desk, meticulously reviewing stacks of new recruit files.
Suddenly, a faint knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
With a creak, the door slowly opened.
The three figures standing in the doorway made Zephyr's stern expression freeze, replaced by one of deep, unmistakable astonishment.
"Zephyr-sensei…"
"Borsalino? Sakazuki? Kuzan? What are you three doing here?"