"Fufufu…"
Devilish laughter echoed inside a lavishly decorated room.
Donquixote Doflamingo, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, twirled the summoning order he had just received from Marine Headquarters between his fingers, his grin widening.
"Mundo… that guy's nothing less than a lunatic, desperate enough to spit in the face of the world."
His officers exchanged glances, nodding in agreement. Since the rise of the so-called Creator, no one had dared to challenge the Celestial Dragons openly, much less slaughter them without restraint.
"Doffy," Trebol rasped, his nasal voice breaking the silence. "Are you actually planning to answer this summons from the Navy?"
Doflamingo chuckled darkly. "Why not? Construction on the island has been going too smoothly—life's been boring. A lunatic like Mundo might just be the entertainment I need."
—--
Far out on the sea, a lone raft drifted across the waves.
Upon it stood a man whose eyes gleamed like a hawk's.
Dracule Mihawk.
The man known as "Hawkeye." The strongest swordsman in the world. Another of the Seven Warlords.
"Mundo…" Mihawk muttered, glancing at the Navy's compulsory order. Without a second thought, he flicked it away, letting the paper drift into the sea.
He had always walked his own path. The Navy's orders meant nothing to him. Unless it was about the sword, he cared little for such affairs. And Mundo—Mundo was no swordsman.
—--
In a small, rowdy town, Samsara Players disguised as pirates bantered while reading the latest paper.
"Holy sh*t! Shura actually defeated an admiral!"
"No way… seriously!?"
"Look at this! Today's paper!"
"Hiss… he captured Admiral Kizaru? Unreal!"
"I heard every Navy Admiral is considered at least top A-rank in overall power, ranking among the world's top hundred fighters. Shura God really is a monster!"
"This is the fourteenth floor! The Great Shura God is too broken!"
"And now he's challenging Marineford itself!? That's insane!"
"Maybe it's tied to his mission. Otherwise, why go this far?"
"Could be. Should we jump in? Might get a chance to loot something big…"
"Forget it! When gods clash, mortals die. Whether it's Shura or the admirals, one stray move could erase us. We're better off staying out of this."
"That… makes sense."
—--
The world itself stirred.
Across every sea, from kingdoms to pirate crews, major powers turned their eyes toward the Sabaody Archipelago.
Everyone wanted to see how this storm would unfold.
It was exactly why Marine Headquarters had issued a mandatory call to the Seven Shichibukai—this time, the Navy couldn't afford to lose.
But most doubted Mundo would make it out alive.
The Navy's power was simply overwhelming. With Akainu, Garp, Aokiji, Fujitora, and countless other top-tier fighters gathered, Marineford was unmatched.
Even the combined might of the Four Emperors or the Shichibukai couldn't rival the Marine Headquarters' full strength.
And Mundo? Alone? To challenge all that? It was nothing short of suicide.
Still, his name had entered the awareness of every faction. Countless undercurrents began to surge, each waiting to seize opportunity from the chaos.
—--
Fishman Island
Within the halls of the palace, Whitebeard sat surrounded by his sons. After heavy discussion, the old man came to a decision—he would rescue Ace.
Ace was family. No father abandoned his child.
And if Mundo's rampage really tied up the Navy's forces, then it would be the perfect chance to strike.
"Father," Diamond Jozu protested, scowling. "Of course Ace must be saved—but what's with Mundo? Does he expect us to stall Aokiji for him? Some rookie thinks he can order us around?"
"Gurararara!" Whitebeard's booming laughter filled the hall. "This Mundo brat isn't simple. Let's just watch what he does. If it's Kuzan he fears, then we'll lend him a hand."
He raised his Murakumogiri, his grin fierce. "Spread the word—the Whitebeard Pirates will march on Impel Down!"
At that very prison, Fire Fist Ace awaited his execution.
Meanwhile, on a distant island, Luffy—fresh from parting with his crew—had just learned of Ace's imprisonment. His resolve hardened instantly. Plans of training abandoned, he set his heart on saving his brother.
Ace couldn't die.
But for now, Sabaody was strangely calm.
In a small bar tucked away from the bustle, Fenric sat across from Silvers Rayleigh at a wooden table.
Behind them, Admiral Kizaru remained shackled in seastone restraints, locked away in another room. As a prisoner, Fenric had no intention of granting him luxury.
"Miss Shakky, thank you for your hospitality," Fenric said after finishing his meal.
The bar's owner—Shakuyaku—smiled as she cleared the table. On the surface she was only a barkeep, but in truth, she was an informant. Known to some as "Shakky," she lived here alongside Rayleigh. Their true relationship? Husband and Wife.
As expected of the 'MVP' of God Valley.
"No need for such politeness," Shakky replied with a faint smile. "It's an honor to serve someone like you."
After setting down drinks for them, she slipped away tactfully, leaving the space to the two men.
"Mundo," Rayleigh asked, leaning back with his cup, "what are your plans now?"
Fenric smiled faintly. "My plans haven't changed."
Rayleigh frowned. "I've heard the Navy is gathering every power they can, even recalling their strongest and issuing compulsory summons to the Shichibukai. If you intend to fight them head-on, the outlook isn't good."
"Thank you for the concern, Mr. Rayleigh," Fenric replied calmly. "But I've already made my preparations."
He had considered every possibility long before taking action. His strategy was set.
So long as Whitebeard cooperated and kept Aokiji at bay, Fenric had no intention of retreating.
Armed with the Trident, it didn't matter how many forces the Navy sent—he would drown them all.
Even against Kizaru, Fenric hadn't drawn the weapon. That restraint had been deliberate.
A blade kept sheathed was sharper when revealed. And soon, the Navy would taste his surprise.