Marine Headquarters—Marineford.
The morning sun pierced through the mist, casting a gentle golden glow over the docks.
A salty breeze carried away the lingering chill in the air.
One by one, colossal warships docked like giant birds returning to their nests.
The Marine insignia—seagull flags—fluttered proudly in the wind, snapping crisply.
Most of the Marine officers disembarking sported dark circles under their eyes, their bloodshot gazes betraying sleepless nights.
Yet their spirits were oddly high, their strides confident, their postures upright.
Clearly, something joyous had occurred.
"Well, well, Vice Admiral Doberman. Rough night?"
A teasing voice came from the side.
Doberman turned to see Vice Admiral Onigumo, another hardliner from the Hawk faction.
The man also bore panda-like dark circles—evidently, he hadn't slept either.
But what was truly unusual was that this typically stern and frosty colleague was cracking jokes today.
A sure sign of Onigumo's excellent mood.
"Likewise." Doberman replied with an involuntary smirk tugging at his lips.
The two exchanged a glance, understanding passing wordlessly between them.
Onigumo gave a slight nod, excitement flickering in his eyes.
Lowering his voice to a whisper, he murmured, "For Justice."
"For... Justice."
Doberman echoed, his tone quiet but resolute.
Side by side, they strode toward the Headquarters building.
Behind them, more and more Marine officers gathered.
Some shared knowing smiles, others exchanged nods or hushed conversations—the atmosphere was peculiar yet brimming with unspoken camaraderie.
...
Inside an elegant room at the Hot Springs resort.
Mike slowly opened his eyes amidst the soft silk bedding.
His hand instinctively reached out, brushing against warm, smooth skin that carried a faint, sweet fragrance.
"Mmm..."
A faint, almost imperceptible moan sounded by his ear.
The beauty in his arms seemed disturbed, turning over to reveal half of her snow-white shoulder and delicate collarbone.
Mike blinked, fully awake now.
He wondered if Mihawk and the others had enjoyed themselves last night.
He had been "exercising" for most of the night, thoroughly satisfied.
So much so that he was feeling a bit hungry now.
As he thought this, the beauty in his arms stirred again, her jet-black silky hair spilling across the pillow like fine satin.
Unable to resist, he reached out to play with the smooth strands, a tingling sensation running through his fingertips.
"Mmm... annoying..."
The beauty murmured sleepily, snuggling closer into his embrace like a lazy kitten.
"Good girl..."
Mike's lips curled slightly with a hint of indulgence.
Gently, he pulled the blanket up to cover her exposed shoulder, lest she catch a chill.
Carefully, he withdrew his arm, preparing to get up.
But the moment he moved, the beauty in his arms let out a soft whimper, as if reluctant to let him go.
"Be good, sleep a little longer..." Mike whispered tenderly.
He leaned down to press a light kiss on her smooth forehead, and only then did she obediently release him, sinking back into slumber.
Mike cautiously got up, dressed, and left the room, heading toward the private booth reserved for him.
As soon as he stepped inside, he saw Mihawk, Doflamingo, and Crocodile already seated neatly at the table.
The spread before them was a lavish feast, its aroma tantalizing and mouthwatering.
Yet, Mihawk and the others hadn't touched their chopsticks.
"Yo, good morning, you three!"
Mike greeted them cheerfully, plopping down in the seat of honor.
"Morning."
"Good morning, boss."
"Good morning, Captain."
"Did you rest well last night? Was the service at Marine Headquarters satisfactory?"
"Hmph—"
"Fufufufufu!"
"Guhahaha!"
"Hahahaha!"
The four men, having all enjoyed the "colorful services" the night before, exchanged knowing smiles.
The atmosphere in the room instantly became exceptionally harmonious.
After finishing the sumptuous breakfast, the four sipped fragrant tea and chatted idly.
Just then, Kuro pushed the door open, holding a Den Den Mushi that was ringing incessantly.
"Captain, your call."
Mike took the Den Den Mushi and casually held it to his ear.
"Yeah?"
"Mike, kid..."
Kuzan's weary voice came through the receiver.
"Instructor Zephyr has given his approval!"
"The Suspension Plan is also proceeding smoothly. The officers who were already mobilized are speeding toward Headquarters."
"A mid-to-high-level meeting is expected to be held at noon. Once it's over..."
"We'll confront Fleet Admiral Sengoku directly!"
"Good."
Mike chuckled lightly. "I'll wait for your call then."
"Right." Kuzan acknowledged and hung up.
Mihawk, Doflamingo, and Crocodile, who had been listening to the exchange, exchanged stunned glances.
This was happening way too fast!
The three of them had just spent a night at the hot springs with Mike, experiencing what it meant to be treated like royalty, and now Marine Headquarters was undergoing a complete upheaval?!
With the three Admirals working together, plus Marine Chief Instructor Admiral Zephyr...
This efficiency...
Was downright terrifying!
Mike handed the Den Den Mushi back to Kuro and turned to Mihawk and the other two.
"You'll accompany me to the Headquarters later."
Mihawk gave a slight nod. "Understood."
Crocodile ran a finger along his golden hook, grinning widely.
"With pleasure, boss."
Doflamingo adjusted his sunglasses. "Fufufufufu! Of course, Captain!"
"Captain, Jinbei has arrived as well," Kuro reminded at the opportune moment.
Mike waved his hand, signaling Kuro to bring Jinbei in.
Jinbei strode into the room, first greeting Mike respectfully.
"Captain."
Then his gaze swept over Mihawk, Doflamingo, and Crocodile, his pupils contracting slightly.
Shichibukai members... Captain Mike has nearly gathered them all!
...
Meanwhile, at Sabaody Archipelago.
The sun shone brightly, and colorful bubbles drifted through the air.
Behind this dreamlike scenery lurked a revolting darkness.
Human trafficking was conducted openly here—humans, merfolk, and fishmen all had price tags, bought and sold at will.
The Thousand Sunny lay quietly at the dock, the Straw Hat Pirates' flag fluttering in the wind.
"Wow! So this is Sabaody Archipelago?!" Luffy leaped off the ship first, eyes sparkling, drool nearly dripping.
"Meat! I want meat! Sabaody meat!"
"Hey, Luffy, wait for us!" Nami called out helplessly, hurrying after him.
"These bubbles are so pretty!" Chopper exclaimed, hopping excitedly as he followed.
Just as the Straw Hat crew noisily entered Sabaody Archipelago...
Not far away, a massive Marine warship slowly docked, the word "Justice" emblazoned on its hull gleaming coldly under the sunlight.
Vice Admiral Strawberry of Marine Headquarters stood expressionless on the deck, watching the Straw Hat crew.
His elongated cranium and twin swords were striking.
He was one of Zephyr's students, Kizaru's former subordinate.
Now, he was a member of the New Marine.
"'Straw Hat' crew, huh?" Strawberry muttered to himself. "Never mind, Admiral Kizaru's mission takes priority."
He had come to Sabaody Archipelago to retrieve Kuma's daughter, Bonney.
According to intel, Bonney was currently on the island.
Strawberry checked his watch—time was running short.
With a wave of his hand, the elite Marines behind him filed out, swiftly disembarking.
"Stay sharp!" Strawberry hissed, his tone severe.
"As Admiral Kizaru said, this concerns the complete loyalty of one of the New Marine's Overwhelming combat powers!"
"This mission must not fail!"
"Yes, sir!" The soldiers responded in unison, voices booming.
"Hmph—" Strawberry scanned the surroundings, disgust flashing in his eyes.
This corruption would soon be eradicated completely!
The New Marine's Justice would spread to every corner of these seas!
"Move out!"
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