New Recruit Training Camp, Marine Headquarters. Chief Instructor's Office.
Under the dim, solitary lamplight, Kizaru, Akainu, and Kuzan sat side-by-side on the sofa, uncharacteristically proper, looking for all the world like three students awaiting a lecture.
"Don't forget," Zephyr's voice was a low, powerful rumble as he tapped the desk for emphasis.
"Sengoku is known as the 'Resourceful General.' If we make too much noise or drag this out, he will notice. At this critical juncture, even the slightest anomaly will catch his attention. We must strike swiftly and unexpectedly. Only then can we guarantee success."
He leaned forward, his eyes burning with a renewed fire.
"So, we settle everything tonight. Once the groundwork is laid, I'll join you in persuading Sengoku and the others. By then, I'm confident I can make them see reason."
His gaze moved from one man to the next, issuing orders with the precision of a master strategist.
"Sakazuki, Doberman and Onigumo are your top men. When you call, I will assist in persuading them. Borsalino, the Marine Science Unit is crucial; we need Dr. Vegapunk. Kuzan…"
As Zephyr called their names, each admiral instinctively straightened their backs, listening with rapt attention.
In that moment, it was as if they had all been transported back in time to their days as rookies in this very camp.
'He's back,' they all thought.
'The real Zephyr-sensei has returned.'
"Yes!" they responded in perfect unison.
With Zephyr's brilliant tactical mind now leading the charge, the "Old Marine Subversion Plan" was rapidly refined.
They analyzed the personalities, inclinations, and even the personal aspirations of key officers across their factions, devising tailored recruitment strategies for each.
"Then let's proceed immediately!" Zephyr's words were final.
"Yes!" The three men stood, snapped a perfect military salute to their old teacher, and turned to leave, their steps swift and full of purpose.
The colossal machinery of the Marine organization was about to be pivoted on its axis in a single night.
The office door closed softly, leaving Zephyr alone behind his desk.
He murmured to the empty room, "Old friends… I hope you'll understand my choice. This sea… it truly needs a revolution."
He shook his head, a wry smile on his face.
"At worst, I'll punish myself with drinks with you the next time we meet."
He picked up a Den Den Mushi and dialed.
"Ain, it's me. Compile a list of all the officers outside the three main factions who've sent me holiday gifts over the years, sorted by frequency. And I need it quickly."
...
Soon after, Ain entered and handed him a neatly compiled list.
Zephyr scanned the densely packed names.
These were his former students who had chosen to remain independent, disillusioned with the current system but still burning with their own unique sense of Justice.
They were all potential recruits for the New Marine.
"It's my responsibility," he whispered, tracing a finger over the names, "to bring these little brats back to the right path. For the future of these seas. For Justice!"
He took a deep breath and dialed the first number on the list.
"Brr Brr… Brr Brr…"
"Hello, Zephyr-sensei—"
Under the tranquil, moonlit sky of Marineford, a revolution was quietly unfolding.
By the time the sun rose, the Marines would be a completely different organization.
.....
Meanwhile, inside the hot springs resort.
Four distinguished guests were indulging in the ultimate relaxation.
Mihawk, Doflamingo, and Crocodile lay side-by-side on massage beds, skilled masseuses expertly soothing their muscles.
On a separate, even more luxurious bed, Mike reclined as a stunningly beautiful woman knelt by his feet, meticulously massaging them.
"Kid," Mihawk's voice cut through the quiet, his head tilted slightly.
"The three of us haven't been under any surveillance this time. Does that have something to do with you?"
The Marines' behavior was highly unusual.
The only connection they had on the inside was the young man before them.
"Mhm," Mike responded without opening his eyes, savoring the soft touch of the masseuse's hands.
"The old man knows you're my people, so he's turning a blind eye."
"?!"
The three Warlords' eyes snapped open in unison.
They knew Kizaru and Kuzan were close to Mike, but this?
To let them, three of the most dangerous pirates in the world, roam freely in the heart of Marine Headquarters?
Weren't they afraid Sengoku would find out?
Weren't they afraid of the notoriously unforgiving Akainu?
"Fufufu… Captain," Doflamingo couldn't help but say, "this 'blind eye' of yours… is a bit too generous, don't you think? If Sengoku finds out…"
"No worries," Mike waved a dismissive hand. "If Fleet Admiral Sengoku has any objections, then he'll be retiring soon."
"?! Retiring?! What do you mean?!" Doflamingo sputtered.
"You kid…" Mihawk gave Mike a long, deep look. "Just how much of the Marines do you control now…?"
"..."
"Not all of it yet," Mike said calmly, as if discussing the weather.
"So far, only the three Admirals are confirmed to be my people."
"?!"
"'Not all of it yet'?!"
"The three Admirals are your people?!"
"Tsk— So Marine Headquarters is basically your backyard now?!"