Sea Circle Calendar Year 1514
Two years had passed since Ginny and Bonney were delivered safely home. Two years of quiet seas, of growing shadows, of the world shifting under the surface like a massive creature rolling in its sleep.
The world moved on, but the sea remembered.
And so did Ada.
—————————
The Oro Jackson cut through the waves like a shadow, its black-and-gold sails unfurled against a quiet, pale sky. The New World was gentler today — rare, fleeting, almost respectful.
Ada stood at the bow, cloak brushing against her ankles, her crimson eyes scanning the horizon with the calm of a woman who had crossed storms and gods and walked away unshaken.
Her hair was still short, with vibrant dark hair. She was forty-four now, but she wore the years like armor — sharpened, refined, unstoppable.
Behind her, the crew was gathered, murmuring among themselves until Tesoro cleared his throat loudly.
"Captain," he began, smoothing his coat as if preparing for a business pitch. "There's something we want to propose."
Ada didn't turn, but they knew she was listening.
Tesoro continued, "We've gotten stronger — all of us. Our bounties, our influence, our reach. Half of the New World won't move without checking if our ship is nearby."
Enel grinned from atop a barrel. "Tremble before god Enel, yes."
Bullet scoffed. "You're not a god, thunder-ears."
Fisher Tiger stepped forward then, voice steady and serious. "He's right about one thing, Captain. Not the god part," he added, glaring at Enel. "The strength."
Ada turned slightly now, her gaze meeting Tiger's.
"We're at a point," he said, "where we can't stay as a single ship. Not if we want to protect the territories under us. Not if we want to face what's coming."
Lilith tapped her mechanical lens. "He means a fleet. Divisions, like Whitebeard's or Big Mom's."
Okiku nodded. "A network. Allies across the seas."
Perona smirked. "Finally, some minions I can boss around."
"Absolutely not," Ada said.
Perona pouted.
Ada let the beat of silence stretch, then added, "We don't create fleets for ego. Power means responsibility. If we expand… it must be deliberate. Clean. Controlled."
Mihawk closed his book, golden eyes lifting. "You're not rejecting the idea. You're weighing it."
Ada's lips curved faintly. "Of course."
Bullet cracked his knuckles. "We're ready, Captain. You know we are."
Ada walked toward them, cloak trailing behind her.
"Why," she asked quietly, "do you want a fleet?"
Tesoro answered first. "To secure our reach. If we grow, so does our influence. You've changed the world — but we can push farther."
Enel crossed his arms, sparks flickering. "More chances to 'smite' Marines."
Fisher Tiger stepped forward once more, expression soft but determined. "For my people," he said simply. "The Fishmen need a shield. You saved us once.
"If you approve… I want to form a division of my own. Not separate," he added quickly, "but under your flag. Under your command."
Ada studied him. "What kind of division?"
Tiger closed his eyes briefly.
"…The Sun Pirates."
Everyone fell quiet.
Tiger continued, voice deep.
"There are fishmen scattered in slavery, in hiding, in fear. You gave them hope. If we build a fleet… they'll come. They'll follow. And they'll be safe."
He opened his eyes again.
"But I cannot build it anywhere else. I need to go home. To Fishman Island."
Ada's gaze softened — only a fraction.
"Tiger…"
He stepped closer.
"Let the Sun Pirates rise under your crescent moon. Let us be your arm beneath the sea."
There was a small pause.
Then Ada nodded, slow, decisive.
"A fleet is useful. And you are the only one who can lead such a force."
Tiger exhaled — relief, gratitude, resolve.
Tiger then bowed his head, overwhelmed.
Ada straightened, voice sharp again. "Then it's decided. We will build a fleet — slow, clean, and loyal."
Lilith smirked. "Starting with Tiger's Sun Pirates?"
Ada nodded. "Yes."
Before she could continue, a loud fluttering interrupted them — a News Coo landed on the railing, dropping a newspaper into Mihawk's hand.
He scanned the headline.
Then stopped.
Ada raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
Mihawk handed her the paper.
"THE NEW KING OF DRESSROSA. DONQUIXOTE DOFLAMINGO — APPOINTED SEVEN WARLORD OF THE SEA."
The crew tensed.
Tesoro spat. "Doflamingo? That lunatic?"
Enel hissed. "That guy is trouble."
Bullet growled. "And the government gave him a throne?"
Ada rolled the newspaper slowly. "They always reward monsters who behave."
Mihawk's voice was cool. "He will be a problem."
Ada sighed quietly. "Everything becomes a problem eventually."
Lilith swiveled in her chair, mechanical eye focusing as she scrolled through digital notes projected from her wrist. "Doflamingo's last name is the part you're all missing."
Ada glanced her way. "What about it?"
Lilith smirked, tapping her screen. "Donquixote. That family name? They're one of the original twenty kings who founded the World Government."
The crew froze.
"…What?" Tesoro's expression twisted with disbelief. "You mean he's a—"
"A Celestial Dragon," Lilith finished. "A fallen one, but still a member of the bloodline."
Fisher Tiger's jaw clenched hard. Pain flashed through him — old, raw, carved into bone. "A Celestial Dragon… ruling a kingdom of common people."
Enel cackled. "HAHA! So he's a god who got kicked out of heaven? Pathetic!"
Tesoro clicked his tongue. "A Celestial Dragon dropout becomes a king? Tch. The world has terrible taste."
"More like rotten taste," Fisher Tiger muttered.
Mihawk stood with his arms crossed, unreadable as always. "Another Warlord… though a foolish choice."
Enel hovered lazily above them, sparks crackling across his shoulders. "Heh. Humans letting a scumbag rule a kingdom. Not shocking."
Mihawk's gaze then sharpened just a fraction. "This makes his appointment far more dangerous."
"Dangerous," Ada repeated softly, rolling the word over her tongue like a blade. "No… predictable."
The newspaper crinkled in her hand.
"Bloodlines like that," she said quietly, "don't fall far from the throne. They just find new ones."
Lilith nodded. "If he's really back in power… the world's about to get uglier."
Ada's eyes darkened, sharp and thoughtful.
"Then we'll just have to be sharper."
She then looked out over the horizon, thoughtful.
"…Fishman Island," she murmured.
Tiger blinked. "Captain?"
Ada turned to him. "If we're expanding, Fishman Island is our backbone. Our territory — and the gateway to the New World."
Okiku's eyes brightened. "So we're going there?"
Ada nodded. "We should check on them. Make sure no one's dared to threaten them while we were away."
Tiger smiled — a rare, deep smile. "They'll be overjoyed to see you."
Ada's expression softened slightly. "Then let's not keep them waiting."
——————
Hours later, the Oro Jackson approached the Summit Current, where bubbles glimmered and the water began its downward spiral.
The ship was coated in a fresh layer of Yarukiman bubble resin, shimmering around them like a second skin.
Tesoro whistled. "Ah, I missed this view."
Enel pressed his face to the bubble. "Pretty. But I could break it with a single spark."
"Don't," everyone said at once.
Ada stood at the helm, Fisher Tiger beside her. The descent was smooth, gentle — as if the ocean recognized them.
When the ship drifted into the light of the underwater world, the crew fell silent.
Lights shimmered across coral homes, giant fish swam with lantern-glow scales, and in the distance stood the grand silhouette of Ryugu Kingdom.
Okiku took a sharp breath. "It's beautiful."
Perona floated, entranced. "It's like a dream…"
Tiger's voice softened. "It's home."
As they approached the outer gates, guards glanced toward the approaching ship. Their eyes widened, jaws dropping.
The silver crescent of Nyx caught the fluorescent light.
One guard stammered, "I–Is that—?"
"The Nyx Pirates!"
"The Emperor Ada—she's back?!"
But instead of panic… excitement surged through the ranks.
"She returned!"
"Quick, open the gates! Inform King Neptune at once!"
The bubble parted, ushering the ship inside with reverence.
"Lady Ada has returned!"
"Fisher Tiger—he's with them!"
"Tell King Neptune quickly!"
Ada stepped forward on deck as they approached the port.
The moment her heels touched the coral platform, Fishmen surrounded her — not with fear, but joy.
"Our saviors!"
"Nyx-sama!"
"Our protector is back!"
Ada lifted a hand, not to silence them but to greet them gently. "It's good to see you all well."
Her tone was soft, warm — the way she spoke only to those she'd freed.
Tiger moved to reunite with old friends, his smile the widest the crew had ever seen.
Then Neptune arrived.
Towering, trident in hand, beard flowing — but his eyes were kind, brightening when they found Ada.
"Ada!" he boomed with joy. "It's been too long!"
Ada smirked faintly. "Neptune, you're still loud."
"And you," Neptune laughed, "are still alive. That's a miracle in itself!"
Ada chuckled. "The sea hasn't claimed me yet."
He then welcomed the entire crew warmly, leading them into the palace where lanterns glowed like stars.
Inside the grand hall, Queen Otohime approached — small, graceful, luminous with gentle energy. Her eyes brightened the moment she saw Ada.
"Ada!" she exclaimed, clasping her hands. "It warms my heart to see you safe."
Ada tilted her head slightly and smiled. "It's good to see you, Otohime."
Otohime clasped her hands, overwhelmed. "Your presence alone eases the hearts of many here."
"Your work does more," Ada replied.
Otohime blushed lightly.
Neptune added, "We owe much to you, Ada. Fishman Island is safer because of your shadow over it."
Ada shrugged. "I don't cast shadows. I just make sure the wrong people don't."
Fisher Tiger chuckled. "She's being humble."
Tesoro leaned to Enel. "Since when?"
She looked past Ada to the crew. "You've all grown stronger. I can feel it."
Tiger then bowed respectfully. "Queen Otohime."
She clasped his hands warmly. "Tiger… thank you for visiting."
Ada glanced around. "Where are your children? It has been years."
Otohime beamed. "Ah. Then perhaps it's time you meet the youngest."
From behind a curtain of coral swam a small figure — no more than six years old. Huge blue eyes. Long pink hair. Timid, hiding behind her mother's tail.
Shirahoshi.
Even at that age, she radiated something ancient. Something vast.
Ada froze, just for a breath.
The sea seemed to shift around them.
Mihawk noticed her stillness. Enel whispered, "What's up with her?"
But Ada stepped forward slowly, standing tall and looked at Shirahoshi's eye.
The child peeked out nervously.
"…Hello," Ada said softly — far softer than she had spoken all day.
"You're safe here. No need to fear me."
Shirahoshi hesitated… then drifted closer.
A single fin touched Ada's hand.
Otohime smiled warmly. "She's shy, but she can sense hearts. She knows yours is kind."
Ada didn't look away.
She was studying Shirahoshi carefully… deeply.
Poseidon.
The Ancient Weapon.
The child who would one day command the Sea Kings.
Shirahoshi giggled softly, bubbles floating upward. "You feel warm…"
Ada exhaled slowly. "So do you."
Only Neptune saw the flicker of recognition in Ada's eyes — and it made him swallow a little.
She knew.
Of course she knew.
———————-
Later, with Shirahoshi safely returned to her caretakers, Ada walked alongside Neptune and Otohime through the palace gardens — a coral courtyard glowing with floating lantern fish, their warm light drifting like embers through the water.
The soft glow reflected in Ada's eyes.
Otohime spoke first, hands clasped nervously. "I worry for her sometimes… Shirahoshi's heart is fragile. She is easily frightened."
Ada's answer came calm, steady, and almost tender.
"Her strength will come from you."
Otohime blinked, touched. "I pray so."
Neptune's footsteps slowed, his great frame casting a long shadow across the coral path. His voice dropped into something more serious.
"You came because of the news, didn't you? About Doflamingo."
Ada gave a single nod. "The world is shifting. Fast. I need to know if our allies stand steady."
Neptune straightened, placing a hand over his chest. "You'll always have our trust. That will never change."
"And you have ours," Ada replied. No hesitation, no doubt — like stating a law of the sea itself.
A short distance behind them, Okiku leaned close to whisper to Hiyori.
"They speak like old friends."
"Because they are," Hiyori said softly, pride warming her smile.
Otohime paused at the edge of the lantern-lit pond, her reflection shimmering beside the drifting coral petals. "I must continue my campaign tomorrow… at the plaza."
Neptune frowned. "Otohime…"
Ada studied the two — husband and wife, ruler and queen — and tilted her head slightly. "Plaza?"
Otohime nodded, a soft fire in her eyes.
"To gather signatures. To show our people — and the world — that coexistence is possible. That we are not enemies to the surface."
Ada was silent for a moment, the lantern fish flickering around her like small stars.
When she finally spoke, her voice was quiet, sharp, and gentle at once.
"Your voice carries farther than you think."
Otohime's breath caught. "You… believe in my dream?"
"Yes."
One word — simple, firm, and unwavering.
Otohime's tail fluttered lightly, relief shining in her expression. "Then I will continue. Tomorrow, at Gyoncorde Plaza. I cannot rest while fear blinds our people."
Ada stepped aside, letting her pass with a respectful tilt of her head.
"Go. The sea listens when you speak."
Otohime's grateful smile seemed to brighten the entire hall as she swam off, radiant and determined.
When she was gone, Neptune exhaled heavily, rubbing the back of his neck. "She has a fire in her I cannot extinguish… even when danger rises."
Ada watched the corridor Otohime disappeared into, then turned to Neptune.
"There's something I need to tell you."
Neptune straightened immediately — instinctively sensing the weight behind her tone. "What is it?"
Ada glanced behind her at her own crew — Enel hovering idly, Tesoro polishing gold dust from his gloves, Fisher Tiger talking quietly with Lilith, Mihawk standing still and unreadable.
"We're expanding," Ada said plainly. "Our strength has grown — but the world is growing darker faster. So we're creating divisions… fleets."
Neptune raised a brow. "Fleets?"
"Not subordinates," Ada clarified. "Allies. Wings of the same sea."
Her eyes shifted to Fisher Tiger.
"And Tiger… wants to lead one."
Neptune looked at Fisher Tiger, surprised but not shocked. The fishman stood tall, pride and resolve in every line of his posture.
Ada continued, tone firm.
"A fleet under the Nyx Pirates. The Sun Pirates — his division."
Fisher Tiger stepped forward, placing a hand on his chest. "Not as conquerors. As protectors. For fishmen who want freedom… and a future."
Neptune exhaled deeply — a long, thoughtful rumble.
"So you came not only to check your territory… but to recruit."
Ada didn't deny it.
"Fishman Island is important. To the world — and to us. If there are those who want to stand with Tiger… they'll be welcome."
Neptune slowly nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes.
"You want to build a force that can survive whatever storm the world government stirs next."
Ada's gaze sharpened. "Exactly."
For a moment, they stood in the quiet glow of drifting lantern fish, surrounded by coral and faint music from deeper in the palace.
"You will always have my support," Neptune said. "And if my people wish to follow Tiger, I won't stand in their way."
Ada gave a small, appreciative tilt of her head — not a bow, just acknowledgment between equals.
"Thank you, Neptune."
He smiled — wide, warm, and grateful.
"No, Ada. Thank you for treating my people as equals… when so few do."
The lantern fish flitted between them, glowing soft and warm as the sea held its breath.
And somewhere in the halls, Otohime's voice echoed faintly — full of hope, carrying toward the plaza where the future waited.