The Marine clerk recruiting new members gasped. As someone versed in Marine affairs, he immediately grasped the gravity of the situation — a user of the Magma‑Magma Fruit, widely regarded as the strongest offensive Logia Devil Fruit, standing before him. Without hesitation, he hurriedly guided Sakazuki into the Branch building and toward the Branch Director's office.
"Report," ordered the clerk.
"Enter," came the response from inside.
Inside the office, Branch Director Jorison looked up from his desk. His gaze fell on Sakazuki: strong‑built, resolute, composed. Then his eyes flicked to the excited clerk, Sergeant York.
"What is it? Why are you so agitated?" asked Jorison calmly.
"As a soldier, you should learn to control your emotions, Sergeant York," Jorison said with mild reproach. York, still trembling with excitement, replied: "Director, this young man seeking enlistment is a Logia–type Devil Fruit user. He wields the Magma‑Magma Fruit!"
Jorison rose to his feet in disbelief. "What!" His astonishment mirrored York's. Sakazuki took the moment to study Jorison — a man perhaps in his forties, his face etched with crisscrossing scars, missing his left arm. Those marks spoke of battles fought and victories earned.
Jorison strode forward, laughter in his eyes and genuine warmth in his tone. He clasped Sakazuki's shoulder with palpable enthusiasm. "Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!"
Sakazuki allowed himself the faintest of smiles. Jorison, still scrutinizing the young applicant, spoke in a trembling voice: "Pardon me, please pardon me, but this is extraordinary… truly extraordinary." His laughter faded and he invited Sakazuki to sit.
He took the registration form from York, glanced over the details, then gestured toward the sofa. "Sakazuki, age twelve… hmmm, reason..." Once seated, he leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "Welcome to the Marines," he said warmly. "I am Jorison, Branch Director of Marine Branch 194."
Sakazuki nodded slightly. "Greetings, Director."
Jorison beamed broadly. "A Logia–type Devil Fruit user is far too valuable for us to ignore. And you possess the Magma‑Magma Fruit. I must report this to Marineford before I assign your post. Sergeant York will give you a tour of the Branch, and then we'll arrange quarters for you."
Sakazuki knew the stir his enlistment would cause. Even without magma powers, a Logia alone would eventually become someone of strategic importance. With disaster‑level magma abilities, he could change the balance of power.
After a brief conversation with Jorison, Sakazuki followed York out. As York departed, Jorison lifted his personal den den mushi and dialed.
---
Grand Line — Marineford
In the communications room of Marineford, an operator answered. "Moshi moshi, this is Marineford." Jorison's voice crackled from the den den mushi: "This is Jorison, Branch Director of North Blue Branch 194. Connect me to Fleet Admiral Kong. This concerns a Logia–type ability user who wishes to join the Marines."
The operator scarcely hesitated before transferring the call to Fleet Admiral Kong's den den mushi.
In the Admiral's office, Kong was reviewing documents when the den den mushi rang. He answered. After hearing the report, he ordered to connect through to Jorison: "This is Kong. What is the situation?"
Jorison's voice came through crisply over the line: "Fleet Admiral, the young man stands before me…"
---
North Blue — Windflower Island Marine Base
Sakazuki followed York on a tour around the base. Across the grounds, disciplined formations of Marine soldiers moved in rhythm, while others trained with fierce intensity — proof of Jorison's capable leadership. Over the course of the morning, York briefed Sakazuki about the Marines, the notorious pirates of North Blue, and the current distribution of power in the seas.
Then a messenger called for him. His appointment had arrived. Entering the designated room, Sakazuki faced Jorison once more.
"Sakazuki, your assignment has been finalized," Jorison announced with a smile. "You are granted the rank of Marine Captain." He handed over a set of documents. "You will begin with basic training here at the Branch, then proceed to the Headquarters Academy — Elite Class — for further instruction."
Sakazuki nodded, acknowledging the promotion coolly. "Captain, huh? I expected Ensign."
Jorison chuckled heartily. "Ha, only ordinary ability users start as Ensigns." He waved the paperwork. "Putting aside your Magma‑Magma Fruit for a moment, I did not expect you to be the North Blue Fiend causing such a stir. You've done well — those pirates deserve no mercy."
---
Three years passed.
At the entrance to the Reverse Mountain's canal, an alarm blared, urgent and unrelenting. A Marine warship surged forward and smashed into a pirate vessel, cleaving it clean in two.
"Kill!" barked a cold voice from the warship. Without hesitation, dozens of Marine soldiers leapt onto the pirate ship, initiating a brutal boarding action. In moments, the battle was over — a massacre concluded in grim silence.
The Marines collected the spoils, then assembled on deck, weapons dripping and faces grim.
Suddenly the den den mushi rang. A Marine answered, and Jorison's familiar voice crackled over: "Sakazuki, return at once. Your enrollment in this year's Elite Class has arrived. Report to Marineford immediately."
Sakazuki's lips curved into a faint, knowing grin. "Understood," he said, ending the call. His gaze drifted to the silent pirate ship before him.
His right arm glowed red and golden magma surged outward, cloaking his fist in blazing heat.
"Great Eruption!"
Boom!